On the dirt road leading to Dogle Town, a wooden cart rattled forward, pulled by a strange blue-skinned boar-like beast. The wheels creaked as it bumped along the uneven path.
Inside the carriage, Ultear took out a thermos from her bag, poured some tea, and handed it to Arlen, who was studying a map.
"Lord Arlen, have some tea."
"Thank you, Ultear."
Arlen took the cup and drank it in one go before speaking calmly:
"This mission is different from the ones before. The difficulty and danger are much higher. Stay close to me at all times."
Normally, someone Ultear's age wouldn't be allowed to take on such dangerous missions—let alone an S-Class one. Even Erza and Cana were limited to relatively safe jobs around Magnolia.
But Ultear had already made up her mind—no matter what, she would stay by Arlen's side. No one could persuade her otherwise.
Given Arlen's strength—and Ultear's own abilities—Makarov ultimately chose to turn a blind eye and allowed it.
Needless to say, Erza and the others were incredibly envious.
—
The cart finally entered Dogle Town and stopped in front of a heavily damaged government building—one entire corner had collapsed.
"A government office building…? Why is it so badly damaged?" Ultear frowned. "Lord Arlen, this doesn't match the Council's report."
Arlen's brows furrowed slightly.
"Let's gather information first."
The Magic Council's intel made no mention of the building being attacked.
If this had happened, it should've been reported—if not to the Council, then at least to the Kingdom.
Was it deliberately omitted… or never reported?
Regardless, since they were already here, Arlen intended to complete the mission.
The truth would come out soon enough.
—
"Lord Arlen, welcome."
Outside the building, Mayor Bagu greeted them warmly and respectfully led them into his office. After personally serving tea, he sat across from them.
"Mayor Bagu," Arlen began directly, "explain the situation. The Council's report didn't mention an attack on this building."
The mayor quickly explained:
"I did not report that incident to the Council—but I did report it to the Kingdom. That may be why the Council omitted it."
Arlen nodded. That wasn't unheard of—after all, the Magic Council and the Kingdom operated separately.
"But why would a dark guild attack a government building?" Ultear asked. "Even they don't act without reason."
"…For an armor set and a spear," the mayor said.
Both Arlen and Ultear were intrigued.
"What kind of equipment would cause that?" Arlen asked.
The mayor began explaining from the beginning.
They had discovered an ancient ruin deep in the mountains outside the town. The ruin was empty—except for two items:
A fire-attribute spear named "Burst", and a crimson fire-attribute armor set.
When used together, they significantly enhanced the user's power—
A B-Class mage could reach A-Class strength.
An A-Class mage could reach S-Class levels.
They also granted fire-based attacks and strong defensive capabilities.
The only drawback—
Massive magic consumption.
Still, for those lacking talent, this was nothing short of a treasure.
It was no surprise the dark guild Corroders would risk everything to seize it.
After hearing the explanation, Arlen spoke:
"I'll take this mission. As for the reward—I want that armor set."
The mayor hesitated.
It wasn't that he didn't want to give it—but he had already reported it to the Kingdom. It was no longer entirely his decision.
Refuse—and risk offending Arlen.
Agree—and risk trouble with the Kingdom.
Seeing his dilemma, Arlen said calmly:
"Don't worry. I'll inform my father."
The mayor visibly relaxed.
"In that case… we'll proceed as you wish."
In truth, he didn't dare keep such an item anyway—it would only bring more danger.
"Provide all the intelligence you've gathered," Arlen continued. "And the last known location of the Corroders."
—
An hour later, the mayor personally escorted them out.
"Should we check the ruins now?" Ultear asked.
Arlen glanced at the street vendors.
"…No. It's late. Let's eat first. We'll start tomorrow."
No matter what—
Eating came first.
"…As expected," Ultear smiled.
"I already asked around earlier. There's a good restaurant nearby."
"You're always thoughtful," Arlen said, gently patting her head.
Ultear blushed slightly, lowering her head with a shy smile.
—
After a satisfying meal, the two checked into a hotel.
Before resting, Arlen contacted Duke As, informing him about the armor.
The duke's response was immediate:
Take it.
In his mind, this was something for his future daughter-in-law.
(Though Arlen had only said it suited Erza…)
—
The next morning, after breakfast, they headed toward the ruins deep in the forest.
Arlen planned to investigate first—then eliminate the Corroders.
Inside the ruins—
The place was empty.
Completely barren.
Not even a mouse would bother visiting.
After a thorough search turned up nothing, Arlen stood up.
"Let's go. Time to carry out the mission."
Whether they found clues or not didn't matter.
The real target—
Was the dark guild.
—------------------------------
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