Chapter 307: 307 Gejiev’s Request (Please Subscribe! Please Vote Monthly!)
Although hailed as the strongest warrior by the kingdom and neighboring countries, even Gejiev, faced with dozens of experts proficient in tier-three Magic, was in grave danger.
Those capable of using tier-three Magic were by no means weak, minimally at Platinum or Mithril level among adventurers, just one rank below the highest, Steel level. The gap, although not small, was also not vast.
Mithril level adventurers, even compared to Gejiev, could hold their ground without much disparity, and someone like the leader of "Cerulean Rose" had fully stepped into the Heroic Domain, even more outstanding than an unarmed Gejiev.
In such a situation, besieged by dozens equivalent to Mithril level adventurers, even those who had stepped into the Heroic Domain faced a significant chance of defeat, Gejiev was no exception.
If he were fully equipped with the Four Great Treasures allowed by the kingdom, then Gejiev would have been confident in winning.
Among the Four Great Treasures permitted by the kingdom, there was the Razor Blade that could slice through Magic-enforced armor like cream, the Guardian Armor made of Steel that could dodge fatal blows, the Vitality Gauntlets that kept the wearer from tiring and always performing at full capacity, and the Immortal Talisman that provided continual healing.
If he had these Four Great Treasures, even amidst thousands of troops, Gejiev could move freely, forcefully breaking through even if faced by dozens of high-level Magic Singers, and possibly slaying each one.
However, during this military campaign, Gejiev did not bring the Four Great Treasures approved by the kingdom.
It was those scheming nobles who prevented Gejiev from bringing the Four Great Treasures out, using the excuse "It’s only a reconnaissance, we shouldn’t carelessly take the kingdom’s treasures to such a border area."
Now, thinking about it, it’s clear that they intended to weaken him in coordination with the actions of the Slyen Teaching Country.
Hence, this time, Gejiev only brought his basic gear and a magical artifact that could push him into the Heroic Domain, leaving everything else behind.
Originally, even so, Gejiev was an invincible warrior on the battlefield, unmatched by anyone outside the Heroic Domain, but the opponent was one of the Slyen Teaching Country’s proudest artifacts, the Six-Colored Scriptures. Even if it wasn’t the most fearsome Dark Scripture, it was still not a force that a single person could counter.
Looking at the warriors Gejiev brought...
It could be said that, in front of a large force composed of human elites capable of using tier-three Magic, their combat power was nearly negligible.
"..."
Gejiev was suddenly at a loss for words.
It seems now is not the time to worry about trivial matters.
"Warrior Leader."
His subordinates, too, were starting to realize the severity of the situation and couldn’t help but speak to Gejiev.
"Let’s retreat, Warrior Leader."
"Yes, the impostor Imperial Knights have been defeated, our mission is considered complete, we can go back now."
"The people of the Sunlight Scripture seem unaware of the situation here; now is the best time to retreat."
"Once they realize, it will be troublesome."
The Sunlight Scripture specialized in exterminating demi-human tribes and were not adept at stealth or field operations.
Therefore, they might not have fully realized the situation in Kain Village yet.
Once they do, it would be easy for a force proficient in Magic to surround the entire Kain Village.
By then, even if they wanted to leave, they would not be able to.
Gejiev was clearly aware of the severity of the situation, but he couldn’t just walk away.
"If I leave, the village will surely..."
Gejiev furrowed his brows deeply at this thought.
At that moment, Reiger spoke up.
"If you’re worried about this village coming to harm, you needn’t be," Reiger said calmly, "I’ve already promised the people of this village that I will keep them alive."
Hearing this, Gejiev felt both relieved and worried.
It was delightful that Reiger was willing to protect Kain Village.
But facing one of the Slyen Teaching Country’s Six-Colored Scriptures, the Sunlight Scripture, which even he thought he had no chance against, how could Reiger, despite being in the Heroic Domain, stand a chance alone against such a magical elite force?
If his departure led to the demise of this benevolent hero willing to save ordinary villagers here, it would not only be a sin but also a tremendous loss.
A colossal loss for all of humanity.
After all, someone who has achieved the Heroic Domain at such a young age could potentially bear the future of the entire human race.
Unlike the world where humans are considered the spirit of all creatures, in this world, humans are one of the lowest races.
They lack the superior physical conditions of the non-human races and do not possess special abilities like night vision. In a world dominated by powerful races, they are incredibly weak, only able to live clustered in the northwestern corner of the continent, in primarily flat terrains.
Were it not for the mutual hostility among the more developed, more civilized races, and the historical events that heavily decimated those powerful races, such fragile beings as humans would likely have been eliminated long ago.
Thus, a young, potential-filled individual like Reiger is undoubtedly one of humanity’s most valuable warriors and talents.
In short, we cannot allow him to come to harm.
"Lord Brilliant," Gejiev suddenly said, "you just mentioned you’re an adventurer, right?"
Reiger slightly raised an eyebrow.
He understood somewhat the implication behind these words.
However, Reiger still nodded in acknowledgment.
"Yes, I am an adventurer, though I’ve only just become one."
As he spoke, Reiger took out the copper badge he had kept away and placed it in front of Gejiev.
This was the proof of being an adventurer.
"In that case, could I ask you to accept my request?"
Gejiev revealed his plans.
Indeed, he planned to join forces with Reiger.
If there were two people from the Heroic Domain, they should be able to repel the ’Sunshine Scripture,’ right?
Moreover, one of them was a warrior and the other a Magic Singer, perfect for one to be the vanguard and the other the rear guard.
If he could withstand the enemy’s attacks and let Reiger freely unleash fifth-tier magic from the back, defeating several dozen human elites seemed entirely feasible.
Reiger responded with a smile that was not quite a smile.
"Adventurers are not supposed to intervene in conflicts between nations, Knight Commander, are you asking me to breach the regulations?"
As an unofficial armed group, adventurers, in the eyes of those in power, were often troublesome.
Armed forces not controlled by any state, and not a minor force at that, it is understandable how those who covet power would view them.
To avoid targeting by nation-states and suspicion, the adventurer guild had rules that adventurers must not involve themselves in any international incidents, strictly forbidding participation in national politics and military actions.
Gejiev’s affair had already involved national policy, being the strategy by Srien to target Re·Yestijie Kingdom—it was a clash between two nations.
Thus, to someone who was an adventurer, Gejiev’s request seemed quite unreasonable.
Of course, Reiger was well aware that such regulations were unwritten.
"There are exemptions for high-ranking adventurers in the adventurer guild’s regulations,"
Gejiev said with a smile.
"Just like the ’Steel Rose’ type of elite adventurer teams, who have participated in national operations to combat evil, many high-ranking adventurers do accept employment from national or private institutions and work for them over the long term."
In other words, as long as there is a prior commission, then this matter could be overlooked.
Of course, this is a privilege only for high-ranking adventurers—you don’t even have to speak of the highest Steel rank; at least those of the Platinum rank or Mithril rank adventurers can wander into the guild’s gray areas and tread the line of regulations.
"I’m still of the lowest Copper rank, you know?"
Reiger reminded Gejiev somewhat.
Gejiev then lifted his eyes, gazing directly at Reiger with an upfront look.
"In my view, a person like Lord Brilliant is by no means matched by the Copper rank."
"You are undoubtedly at the highest tier of Steel rank adventurers."
"So, for the village, for the kingdom, I earnestly ask that you accept my unreasonable request."
As he said this, Gejiev stood up and bowed deeply to Reiger.
"Please, I implore you!"
The warriors standing behind Gejiev also bowed in unison to Reiger, sincerely pleading.
Reiger looked at this group of sturdy men, his eyes twinkling slightly.
He knew that neither Gejiev nor these warriors were pleading out of fear for their own lives.
Gejiev was concerned for the safety of this village, for Reiger’s well-being, and also worried that he might no longer be able to serve his kingdom, hence his actions.
The warriors were concerned for the safety of Gejiev, their Knight Commander, worried that the kingdom might not withstand the powerful empire and theocratic states after losing its strongest warrior.
Although there were many unsatisfactory aspects in the kingdom and many corrupt nobles, they still wanted to serve their country loyally and strive for the common folk.
That made the corners of Reiger’s mouth lift imperceptibly.
"Since I’ve come to this world, I’ve finally met some people I find agreeable."
With that, Reiger stood up.
"Alright," Reiger looked at Gejiev and said, "you spar with me once."
"Let me see your strength and how strong the kingdom’s finest warrior is."
"Afterward, I’ll decide whether or not to accept your commission."
"What do you say?"
Upon hearing this, Gejiev was initially startled, then promptly displayed a resolute smile.
"I’d be delighted."