Chương 5: Fire and Interest

The first city was called Oakhaven. Stone walls. The smell of smoke and cheap ale. Ren had no coins, but he possessed something far better: an exceptional capacity for observation. He headed straight for the most logical place. The Adventurers' Guild. Where there are quests, there is money. And where there is danger, there are desperate people. Ren sat in a dark corner of the guild's tavern. Just watching. Strong men with greatswords: slow and expensive, Ren thought. Archers: dependent on ammunition and terrain.

Mages: rare, but destructive. I need raw power to start with. The ambient noise of the guild was suddenly cut short by an explosion of a voice." I am not sharing the reward with cowards!" a girl shouted. Ren turned his eyes slowly. Hair as red as fire. Expressive eyes, full of pride and anger. A worn mage's cloak, but a high-quality staff. Selene. The man standing before her, a veteran warrior, spat on the floor." You almost blew us both up with that fire magic, you spoiled brat! Nobody wants you in a party.

You're too unstable." Selene slammed her staff against the ground, sparks flying upward." You lot were just too slow to get out of the way!" The warrior laughed and turned his back on her. Selene was left alone at the counter, huffing in rage. Nobody in the guild seemed willing to approach her. An offensive mage, Ren analyzed. Impulsive. Proud. Partyless, which means she is out of money. Perfect. Ren stood up. He adjusted his posture. He put on his best friendly smile—a light, confident expression.

His very first social mask in this world. He walked over to the counter and sat right next to her." It seems they don't quite grasp the concept of 'collateral damage,'" Ren said, his voice soft and calm. Selene looked at him sideways. Her gaze was sharp." Who are you? Another idiot looking to give me a lecture?" Ren let out a light chuckle." No. I am simply someone who appreciates raw firepower. But I also know that a cannon needs someone to aim it." Selene furrowed her brow, confused by the analogy."

What do you want?"" I have a mid-level hunting quest in mind that pays exceptionally well," Ren lied smoothly, gesturing toward the bulletin board.

"But I lack destructive magic. You have power to spare, but you lack someone to create the strategic openings for you to shine."Selene crossed her arms, her pride stung but her interest thoroughly piqued."You think you can control me, newbie?""Control you? No." Ren leaned in slightly, his gaze intense and focused.

"I want to make you rich. And, of course, have the privilege of watching up close as you burn your enemies. What do you say? A partnership?" Selene stared at his smile. Then, she looked down at Ren's hands, which bore absolutely no combat scars. She scoffed, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward." If you waste my time, I'll burn you first." Ren extended his hand." Deal." Piece number one on the chessboard: acquired, Ren smiled internally. Initial objective: underway.

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