After entering the "Antara," the escort mission for the "Guard" team was finally completed. Next, they had to go to the Adventurers Guild to submit the mission and collect their reward.
However...
Under Saelran's healing magic, Captain Dalron, who had completely recovered, exchanged glances with the rest of his team. Their faces showed a hint of embarrassment as they walked toward the carriage.
"Master Kalaleal!"
"Thank you for your care along the way. We barely contributed at all, so we will not accept the reward for this mission."
Captain Dalron bowed deeply to Grandpa Maray to express his gratitude.
If he had not dealt with the two Orcs, considering their situation, the entire team would likely have died there.
Grandpa Maray glanced at Captain Dalron, and for the first time, a smile appeared on his wrinkled face as he looked at the "Guard" team. "Very well, I understand."
Clearly, saving money put Maray in a good mood.
Captain Dalron also thanked Eidar, who was sitting in the Wagon, before returning to his group.
"Sael, remember to come see me."
As the Wagon rolled away, Eidar waved at Saelran.
Saelran's deliberate interactions along the journey had made Eidar regard him as a good friend.
"I will." Saelran smiled and waved back, though his gaze remained completely calm.
In truth, Saelran felt deeply grateful to Eidar.
He had not only obtained the general class "Genius" from him, but also the Alchemist and Potion Crafting skills.
Because of that, the longer Saelran stayed with Eidar, the greater the chance Eidar might reveal something about him in the future.
If that happened...
Saelran's hand unconsciously touched the short sword at his waist, lightly pressing on the hilt.
A moment later, the cold sensation of the metal snapped him back to reality. Was he... too tense?
"Phew."
Saelran exhaled softly, then turned toward the nearby "Guard" adventurer team.
"Everyone, I should get going now."
"Hahaha!"
"Thank you so much, Sael. If you ever need anything, just let us know." One of the twins, Rann, patted his chest and spoke cheerfully.
Saelran quickly waved his hand. "I should be the one thanking all of you. I learned a lot."
Clink, clink.
"This is for you." Captain Dalron suddenly took out a small black cloth pouch from his pocket, the sound of metal ringing inside as he shook it.
Before Saelran could react, Captain Dalron had already placed the pouch into his hand.
Feeling the familiar texture within, Saelran immediately knew the pouch was filled with gold coins.
"This..." Saelran looked confused and raised his hand to give it back.
"I do not have much money, so do not think it is too little, and do not be embarrassed."
"If not for you, this leg of mine might never work again." Captain Dalron spoke seriously as he lifted and stomped his foot firmly onto the ground.
Considering how his leg had been completely crushed by the Orc, the healing potions they carried were useless for injuries of that severity.
They were in the wilderness, far from the nearest city.
Even if they could go back in time and find a faith-based magic caster capable of healing magic, at best the leg would recover with long-term aftereffects.
If not for Saelran's timely treatment, Captain Dalron felt he would have had to say farewell to his adventuring career.
Seeing Captain Dalron's earnestness, Saelran paused for a moment, then nodded and accepted politely.
"Alright, I will take it."
Saelran nodded to the members of the "Guard" team before turning to leave.
Watching Saelran's figure gradually disappear into the crowd, Captain Dalron's cheerful expression turned into one of bitter regret.
"What a shame, this mission ended up amounting to nothing," the archer Belnar sighed.
Rann and Leron exchanged looks and sighed at the same time.
They had treated Saelran kindly throughout the journey, hoping to invite him afterward.
But then, just as they neared the "Antara," the incident occurred. They were nearly killed and then saved by Saelran.
In circumstances like that, the members of the "Guard" team felt far too ashamed to invite him again.
"Why are you all hanging your heads like that?"
"Even if we cannot invite Sael now, we already know him. There will always be chances in the future."
"Keep working hard. Strive to reach the Gold-ranked adventurer team as soon as possible!" Captain Dalron slapped his cheeks, regaining his bright smile, and shouted.
"Yes, Captain!"
"Yes, Captain!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Rann and the others echoed with smiles.
Elsewhere, the Kalaleal grandpa and grandson continued forward in their horse-drawn carriage.
Grandpa Maray glanced at Eidar, who looked slightly dazed after their farewell, and shook his head almost imperceptibly.
Because of Eidar's personality, his grandson rarely had friends.
The boy named Sael seemed only slightly older than him, around the same age, and he was also a faith-based magic caster with some talent.
It would not be bad for the two of them to be friends.
However...
"Eidar." Grandfather Maray spoke quietly as he drove the carriage.
"Yes, Grandfather?" Eidar looked up.
"In the future, try to keep your interactions with that boy, Sael, to a minimum unless necessary," Maray said.
Eidar froze, ready to protest.
"I know what you want to say, but this old man still has decent judgment when it comes to people, and I would never harm you."
Grandpa Maray continued, aware that at Eidar's age, once he set his mind on something, he tended to be stubborn.
"That boy appears gentle and easy to approach, but in truth, he is the opposite. What I mean is, he keeps a distance from others."
"His friendliness toward you might just be an act."
"And with the level of wariness he shows toward outsiders, someone like that either has a complicated background or is in serious trouble."
Eidar straightened instinctively, his cheeks flushing slightly as he tried to argue. "But, Grandpa..."
"Hmph."
Grandpa Maray sighed, snapping the reins to cut him off.
"Eidar, did you notice the attitude of the 'Guard' adventurer team after this old man handled the two Orcs?"
Eidar was startled.
He had indeed noticed. Or rather, it had been obvious. The "Guard" team held deep respect for his grandfather.
Eidar was not stupid. He knew Maray was not referring to the adventurer team, but to Saelran.
Unconsciously, he recalled Saelran's behavior.
Saelran had been respectful too.
However, Eidar now realized that Saelran's respect felt different from that of the "Guard" team, although he could not clearly explain how.
"Poor acting."
"He looks down on this old man deep in his heart," Grandpa Maray said calmly.
Eidar opened his mouth, but no words came out.