Manager! Jenny sobbed.

Manager? Joshuas brow wrinkled.

A huge man stood before Joshuaas big as Viper. Unlike Viper, he had plain brown hair and a shaggy beard youd expect to find on your neighbor. That wasnt what Joshua was thinking about, however.

Id never imagined such a powerful man would be a branch manager. And this sensation is familiar

Greetings. The man bowed his head. I am Haiburi Castles mercenary guild manager, Aiden.

Despite his introduction, Joshua remained tight-lipped. He noted that Aiden was actively hiding his strength, but it was difficult to hide from someone equally as strong.

A-Class, at minimum. Hes a branch manager?

A branch manager was not a particularly high position within the mercenary guild. It was called the honey sucking position because it was assigned by participation, not ability. The guild tended to offer branch manager positions to seasoned mercenaries looking to retire. A branch manager could not be sweeping through the battlefield, even if he tried.

Theres only two mercenaries that are this strong: the mercenary king, Barbarian, the pinnacle of mercenaries and first of the Twelve Superhumans; and the sole mercenary participating in the Master Battle, the formidable Akshuler.

But this branch manager was not either of them. Joshua would knowbefore he joined up with Kaiser, hed spent most of his life as a mercenary.

They have the same physique, but Joshua hesitated. No way

You were asking about a position?

Yes, Joshua said, eyes sparkling. I am.

Aiden couldnt get a read on the robed man sitting in front of him, calmly sipping his tea. He felt his heart flutter nervously but he tamped it down.

I cant feel anything coming from him.

People like this fell into three categories.

One, an average citizen who has never learned the swordbut hed seen this man wield aura on his blade with his own two eyes.

Second, he had mastered a technique for concealing his energy. Aiden dismissed the idea after only a moment of thoughtonly assassins learned these kinds of skills, and this man moved far too openly to be an assassin.

That left one option.

This young gentleman is stronger than me. Aiden swallowed nervously.

As if on cue, Joshua quietly set his teacup down.

I believe we understand each other better now that were face-to-face.

What do you mean

Shapeshifting. Im astonished that Laypones artifact is already working so well

Identify yourself. Aidens eyes sharpened. I dont believe that someone who knows a secret like that came just to get a Silver Card. He glared at Joshua with cold anticipation. What happens next depends on your answer.

Im not a nobleman yet, Joshua replied with a chuckle, but I will be.

He pulled his robe away.

Youre! Even Aiden was momentarily stunned by Joshuas appearance. More beautiful than an elf, more powerful than he was.

I believe that Akshuler, the commander of a million mercenaries, would surely recognize me.

Yes I suppose youre right. Aidens eyes remained glued to Joshuas face. The monster of Reinhardt; a genius among geniuses. Baron Joshua Sanders, the star He sighed.

Of course he knew the rumors. He always thought that, no matter how talented Joshua was, the boy was only 15 years old. He figured that Joshua was a naive boy and that if they ran into each other at the Master Battle, Aiden would just stomp him.

Aiden couldnt smile now.

There are two requirements for earning a Silver card immediately, Joshua stated. One, being able to use a bare minimum of mana; two, finishing a 4-Star quest to prove youre not bluffing. Is that correct?

That is true, but youre an aristocrat. I cant give you a card so easily.

Anyone who cares to look would say Ive already finished the task.

If they believe the rumors. With you sitting in front of me now, its going to be even harderthats why I cant give you the card.

Joshua snorted and laughed.

Since when did the cards have so much meaning?

What?

Mercenaries offer their talents to customers. Customers pay mercenaries for their services. Thats how its always been, even since the days of Desu Dembaba, the first mercenary king.

You

Mercenaries are loyal to money, and nothing but. Its very simple. Joshua leaned in. Ill ask you again: all I want is to offer my talents and be paid for my services. What else do you need?

Aiden sighed. Just as he said, mercenaries care for nothing but money. What does it matter if other people talk?

I understand Ill issue a request.

Joshua smiled.

However, Aiden continued, theres something I need to verify first. He narrowed his eyes at Joshua. This is a personal matterunrelated to the mercenary guild.

Ask away.

If possible, I want you to tell me everything you know.

Joshua examined Aiden for a moment.

If I can.

Laypones artifact. Im absolutely certain that it remains secret. I cant not believe it, because the name was decided only recently. So, Aiden said, his eyes gleaming, How on earth do you know its name and capabilities?

Laypone, a body-altering artifact named after the creators familyspecifically her father, Joshua recited from his past lifes memory. She made it to evade capture. Im sure you can deduce the connection with my birthplace.

Duke Agnus, Aiden mumbled.

Let me meet her. Then youll understand.

Aidens head drooped thoughtfully for a long moment.

Ill let you meet herafter youre recognized in the guild.

However you like.

Additionally, your assigned mission will be He paused, giving Joshua a stern look. Five stars.