The odd group of eight stood facing a majestic scarlet-coloured gate. Its surface stood there, gleaming with a distinct radiance. Even the piercing rays of sunlight bounced off its solid covering, and the ends of the gate reached high into the sky. If faced with an assault, even a charging stampede of giants would be rendered into a pile of broken bones and twisted faces if they ever hoped to break into the city. This sort of craftsmanship was not unusual in dwarven city's. This one seemed to be slightly inferior compared to more infamous cities in the dwarven kingdom, such as the capital city, Nidavellir. After their brief moment of awe, the group regained its initial composition. William, the group leader of the Stellar Circle adventuring team, took the lead. He placed a foot before the other and marched towards the border patrol. The security was bustling in this area.

Dwarves with full plate armour and giant axes as tall as themselves stood in position. Their eyebrows were hung low, and their staring eyes announced the passionate hate they had for these new 'visiting' humans. This hate of the dwarfs was with a reason, of course. Every time the humans came for a visit, it brought trouble to the dwarfs. However, they endured because they couldn't risk a full-out war with humans. The casualties would be innumerable. William arrived at the check-in and announced their purpose for coming here. The mayor of White Shore city had prepared a cover-up for their real intentions. He also arranged a residence for the entire group. Soon after, the eight adventurers passed the screening without issue and arrived at their lodgings. They prepared a plan for tomorrow and quickly headed to bed afterwards. The following day, they awoke, had breakfast and split into two groups. The search for the monster would be twice as efficient if they made two teams. Since they already had all the equipment required for the mission, there was no need to head out and grab some.

With everything set, the two four-people groups headed out. On team number one, we had the Stellar Circle leader, William. Gob and Tog were also a part of the first team. In this way, William could keep an eye on them and ensure that they didn't do anything odd that might mess everything up. The weakest member of the Stellar Circle was also a part of this unit. In the other group, there was the staring SilverOx. The vice-leader of Stellar Circle, Ayla Duras, was also a member of the second team. The last two members of that team were a male cleric and another male warrior. Williams' team soon departed. They were responsible for searching the north and west end of the forest, while Aylas' team would take the south and east sides. This method was the most efficient to find the Red-hared Snee as quickly as possible. Both teams promised to meet back at their lodgings in three days.

The team that found the Red-haired Snee would have to send out three mana pulses. Every adventurer knew this as the standard signal. It was quick, simple, and efficient. In case any one of the teams went missing for more than two days of the preconceived meeting time. It became the duty of the other team to seek them out. As soon as this was arranged, both teams began their mission. The grand Ivory forest of Alaxa city was towards the outskirts. Its borders were vast, and parents told their kids not to go near them. It was only inhabited by powerful monsters and mighty individuals, after all. It was where their target resided. On the first day of their search, both teams were unsuccessful. Of course, this was within expectation. However, on the second day, the second team stumbled upon something. It wasn't a part of their mission. But if one were well informed enough, they would find that it was equally valuable.

Standing right smack dab in the middle of the forest stood a cottage. It seemed to be constructed by the same oak trees surrounding it. How to put this, well... the exterior was very bland, devoid of the usual amount of windows or even the simple architectural designs of beauty were missing from this cottage. The only thing worth mentioning was its size. One would describe it as spacious and cozy. However, all of these things were not the things that caught my eye. It was instead the person, no persons, inside the home that surprised me. Through one of the few scarce windows, I, Ayla Duras, witnessed an unbelievable scene. This face was unforgettable to me. I'd seen it throughout my childhood every single day for fifteen whole years. This seemingly average woman standing in the middle of the kitchen with an aloof smile on her face had one of the most prestigious backgrounds.

Her name, Irene Bridgefield, daughter of mayor Diggory R. Bridgefield. Also known as the scarlet empress. She's the most talented mage to have ever existed in the history of White Shore City. I'd spent my entire childhood despising this same person.

Haha, this was a phenomenal day. 'Who would have thought that the hundreds of soldiers or the thousands of adventurers the mayor had sent out to search for you would all fail, but I, the lowest of low, would find you in the end!'. I was aware of the eery grin that had spread across my face and the crazed gleam in my eyes, but at the moment, I did not give a damn about it! My thoughts rampaged on, and my heart palpitated at an extreme speed. There is also a dark elf in there. If I can find a decent buyer and sell him, we might be able to rack up a fortune that could surpass even what the mayor was paying us at the moment. Plus, if I can capture that disgusting so-called empress and return her to the mayor, our pay will most definitely be bumped up a notch. In this way, I will have enough to finally leave town and live comfortably. Haha, he, hehe! My hands rose, and I motioned for my team to stop. It was time for Ayla Duras to receive what she deserved.

Before the group decided to enter, they called for support from the other team. At least, if things got bad, they'd have some backup now. However, they had to finish whatever they were doing before the mayors' two other units arrived, or else everything would be for naught. The group of four entered the house as stealthily as they could. The ensuing battle resulted in the death of Ayla Dures and two other male teammates of hers. The only remaining individual in the original four-person group was the supposedly crazy SilverOx. Irene and Konza stood back to back, ready to face any incoming enemy. SilverOx, the crazed warrior of White Shore City took massive steps and appeared before them. With a swift but deadly motion, he lifted his greatsword.