The Glorious Evolution

Hearing this, Selma, Mantis, and the others raised an eyebrow in surprise. They didn’t expect Sir Alaric to take responsibility for this mission’s failure.

”You have succeeded in stealing the artifact while outnumbered. If it wasn’t for the intervention of that boy, you would have completed your mission against all odds.” Sir Alaric waved his hand dismissively, ”You are free to go, I will handle the rest.”

Selma and her squadmates glanced at each other for a moment before bowing their heads in appreciation to Sir Alaric. Then, they left the office, their faces brimming with relief.

”Not you, Davidson.”

Mantis halted and returned to his place.

”Your orders, Sir?”

”You told me you are certain about the identity of the stranger who stole the artifact.” Sir Alaric asked calmly, ”Do I know him?”

”I believe everyone does.” Mantis snitched, ”He is Levi Larson, this year’s assembly champion. A blind goofball, who somehow managed to get contracted despite his disability.”

”Oh? So that’s him...”

Sir Alaric recalled Levi’s battle against Dary’s party and couldn’t help but show a fascinated look.

”He is supposed to be at a Rookie rank and blind. Yet, he took down a party with multiple Pathfinders.” Sir Alaric questioned calmly, ”How can you refer to him as a goofball?”

”They... They were exhausted and weak. He also had the help of a Tier 2 aerowyvern.” Mantis tried to defend his statement, ”Any Rookie Daywalker can do the same. In fact, I bet my little brother could have won against them without needing the nightmount.”

”Little brother... You mean the boy who has been tied up like a shrimp by the same ’Goofball’?”

”...” Mantis was left silenced, his cheeks turning slightly red in embarrassment.

This was the reason he hated what Levi had done to his brother, as even their vice leader remembered that scene quite vividly.

”The boy might be blind, but he has a bright future... To be daring enough to snatch an artifact under the noses of two parties with Pathfinders involved, his boldness and intelligence are well needed in our agency.” Sir Alaric smiled.

”Huh.. What do you mean, Sir?” Mantis felt his heart chill at the implication.

”I want you to reach out to him and invite him over to the Agency. Use this benefit package as an incentive.” Sir Alaric ordered while forwarding a holographic screen.

The moment Mantis glanced at the benefits written on the screen, his mouth widened and refused to close in disbelief.

’Five thousand coins, two grade E artifacts, and a secured spot at third division Raiding Squad the moment he hits a Pathfinder rank?!’

’What the f*ck is going on! Aren’t we supposed to hunt him down to retrieve the artifact? Why are we spending this craziness on a blind mongrel!’

While Mantis tried his very best to hide his confusion and disgruntlement from this development, Sir Alaric still figured out his true emotions.

”David, don’t mix the personal with business if you want to retain your focus on what truly matters.” Sir Alaric advised with a gentle smile.

”But... How can stealing an artifact from our people’s hands not be personal...” Mantis murmured, unable to understand the wisdom behind Sir Alaric’s words.

”They were in the wastelands, they signed a contract, he saved them, and he didn’t harm or steal their possessions.” Sir Alaric said calmly, ”They were weak, and he took advantage. It’s the law of the wastelands.”

”I understand...” Mantis nodded.

”Good, now go invite him over and don’t forget to retrieve the Sensebound Pearl.” Sir Alaric said, ”You can offer up to ten thousand coins for it.”

’That’s fifteen thousand coins at once if he decided to sell... Arghhh!’

While Mantis was screaming inwardly at how unfair this situation was, he still bowed his head in understanding.

”What about the Blood Hunters Agency? They have sponsored him, which gives them a priority pick to have him join their agency.” Mantis suddenly recalled that Levi was already sponsored.

”Hmmm, while the government is on their side on this matter, it is still primarily the decision of the Daywalker to pick his preferred agency.” Sir Alaric said calmly, ”Give him the offer. Once he graduates, he can then choose to honor his sponsor or jump ship.”

”As you command.” Mantis bowed his head one last time and walked to the door. Just as he was about to leave, he recalled something.

”Sir, what if he rejects both offers?”

He asked as he gazed at the back of the leather chair after Sir Alaric turned around.

”Oh, that would be very foolish...” Sir Alaric’s gentle tone switched to a chilling melody, ”If he doesn’t want to join us, so be it. But, bring me the artifact regardless of the cost.”

”I understand,” Mantis smirked coldly.

With this much effort put into obtaining the Sensebound Pearl, Mantis knew that Sir Alaric would never give it up that easily. Mantis had no idea why such a low-grade artifact was important to him, and to be honest, he didn’t care.

At the moment, he wished for nothing than to have Levi reject their offers.

...

Sometime later...

Levi was seen exiting the Solar Aegis Sanctuary with a wide smile on his face. He had just gotten the artifact registered under his name, paying a small fee of twenty coins.

Now, this artifact belonged to Levi in papers, and if it had been stolen or something similar, it would be tough to sell it to others without removing the name first.

That’s because the registered name ensured that only Levi would be able to utilize the artifact’s powers. If the others wanted to use it, they had to erase his name first, which wasn’t a simple procedure in the slightest.

’I can’t wait to test it out.’

Levi smiled eagerly as he headed back to the training center. He chose to ride a bus since he was already close to the station.

However, the moment he sat down on the waiting bench, a familiar spiritual green aura sat next to him.

”The bus will be here in three minutes.” Levi smiled serenely.

”I only need one,” Mantis uttered indifferently.

”What can I help you with?”

”My vice leader has become fond of you after your latest stunt.” Mantis disclosed, ”He wants you to join our agency after your graduation.”

Before Levi could respond, Mantis told him about the stacked benefits package. When Levi heard them, he was quite surprised.

’Even a secured spot at a Raiding team? They are quite generous... Still.’

”The benefits are quite tempting, but please send my apologies to your vice leader.” Levi rejected the offer calmly, ”I have already made up my mind to join the Blood Hunters Agency.”

”Fine by me.”

Mantis didn’t bother convincing or negotiating with him. His rejection was his desire. He moved to the real crucial task and told Levi that his vice leader was offering seven thousand coins to purchase his Sensebound Pearl.

”Sensebound Pearl? What are you talking about?” Levi acted ignorant with an innocent smile.