After finishing the registration process, it was time for the next step.

“We’d like to choose a mission,” Liam said.

A forced smile appeared on Laya’s face. “I would be glad to assist you, but” —she deliberately shuffled their forms— “I think it’s going to be difficult. What kind of a mission are you looking for?”

“We aren’t here to browse. There’s a mission we’d like to register at the association.”

Her brows furrowed. “Unless the condition is stipulated, registration is not mandatory.”

Her forthcoming attitude surprised Liam, but he didn’t show it on his face. “It’s for information.”

Before she could ask what he meant, he displayed the token Anya gave him. For a brief moment, a look of panic spread on her face.

“You’re here for the Ternac killer.” She tried to smile but wasn’t entirely successful. “Finding him is of the highest priority. We’ve been tasked with assisting any mercenary undertaking the mission to the best of our abilities. Feel free to ask for anything you need.”

“Three sets of information on everything you have.”

She passed three pieces of paper. “If you’re evolved, you can use mana to browse through the information.”

Liam accepted them and chose a secluded spot to go through the details. The more he went through the report, the graver his face became. The mission’s objective was to deal with someone dubbed the Ternac killer.

It started five months ago when the first victim was found dead inside his house with large parts of his body missing. Traces of light and dark elemental spells were present on him. Even after extensive examination, the original spells couldn't be identified.

The second victim was found the very next day with similar injuries. For the following two weeks, authorities discovered a new body every day. Apart from the victims being evolved, nothing tied them together. Initially, the news was kept under wraps, but the disappearance of fifteen evolved couldn’t be hidden for long.

When news got out, panic erupted within the town, forcing the local church to request reinforcements. The holy city dispatched a group of ten evolved consisting of members from the famed Ternac family. Ian Ternac, a person well-known for his combat prowess and a veteran of many battles, led the team. For a time, their presence restored peace. After one month of no killings, everyone thought the killer escaped.

The criminal announced his reappearance by destroying one of the strongest mercenary squads present in the town.

Ian and his team went on the prowl, trying to find traces of the murderer to no avail. The killings rampantly spread, eventually included normal people, and caused mass hysteria. The people’s hope resided on the Ternac family’s evolved.

It turned into fear once the bodies of Ian and his team were recovered from the town square. Following the event, lots of people, especially the evolved and the merchants moved out. Crime rates in the town skyrocketed. The authorities declared martial law and transferred the power to the army.

Alisha arrived in person to deal with the situation. Within a month, she found the killer’s hideout and destroyed it. The news caused the people to celebrate, and the town went back to normal. What most people were unaware of was the hideout was empty when Alisha destroyed it. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t find any trace of the criminal.

The mission was declared as completed to the public, but it was open in the army’s channels. The killings never stopped, but they happened in a low-key fashion and weren’t widespread, making the declaration believable.

By the time he finished reading the report, flames of fury burned in Liam’s heart.

Jade slammed the tiles, shattering them. “Fuck! I don’t believe this! Does she think we are stupid?”

Dunn stared at Liam, waiting for his response. Even a brain-dead person would understand Anya’s intent.

Liam sneered. “Let’s go along with the plan.”

They waited for him to elaborate.

“First, let me gather some information.” He got up and walked towards the counter.

“He doesn’t have any money, does he?” Dunn asked.

Jade shrugged. “Let’s watch.”

Liam waited until Laya’s counter was free and walked up to her. “The report doesn’t contain details of the victims. How do I get them?”

She gave an apologetic smile. “You’ll have to approach the local authorities for that. I don’t have the power to release the information.”

“Not even to soldiers?”

She shook her head.

“Before coming here, I tried the authorities. Instead of helping me, they stalled me at every turn.” Frustration crept into his voice. “I didn’t travel all the way from the holy city to deal with bureaucrats. The people are suffering and the only thing they are concerned about is petty politics.”

“Afterwards, I turned to the public, but they turned me away with glares and curses.” He slammed the table, startling Laya. “I’m sorry. It’s just…...”

“I can understand.” She sympathized with his plight. “You aren’t part of the commander’s camp, are you?”

“Does it matter?”

“No wonder.” She glanced around making sure no one was present. “Be careful about everything you do. There are rumors that the mission is related to the power struggle between powerful families.”

“Really?” His narrowed eyes and questioning tone irritated her.

“When the commander arrived here, she investigated the people working against the theocracy. She used …… extreme measures in finding and dealing with them.”

“She did it without proof?”

“She had proof, but many people believe she fabricated it. Trust me when I tell you a lot of people died.” She shuddered. “It was horrifying.”

“That’s why the people hate the soldiers?”

“Not just that. Some say the killer is retaliation from the people opposing the commander. The residents blame the army for creating the mess.” Staring at the disapproving face of the young kid, she decided to speak her mind. “You're far too young to face that murderer. Drop the mission and go back.”

Liam thumped his chest. “I grew up with the blessings of the divine lady. There’s no way I'll lose to evil,” he righteously uttered.

Gazing at his bright face, she sighed. He’s such an innocent child.

Biting her lip, she hesitated. After wrestling with herself, she said, “Go to the black market tonight and find some called the Black Trusk. He’ll be able to help you.”

Jackpot. Liam thought, inwardly smiling to himself.

“Thank you! I’ll forever remember this debt of gratitude! May the divine lady protect you.” He bowed and left.

His friends were waiting for him.

“Nice acting. Forget the lady, even I was willing to buy into your innocent kid performance,” Dunn said.

“Thanks for the compliment.”

“It does sound like a compliment, doesn’t it?”

Liam ignored the comment. “Let’s go.”