"I'll be straight with you—I need Ivy's help."

"Huh? Uh... okay..."

After returning to town with the three from Lapis Lazuli, we divided the reward money into five parts (one part for Ivy), and then Moose called me aside.

She led me to the reception room, where Andre was waiting in the exact same spot as last time, as if playing a spot-the-difference game.

And the first thing he asked was for our help.

"Meep..."

"She says you need to give a bit more detail first. Just because you're the Guild Master doesn’t mean you get to keep us in the dark."

"...Incredible. You can get all that from one little sound?"

Ivy and I understand each other well. I usually know what she’s feeling.

Though I’m not sure why... maybe because we’re like family?

"Ah, sorry about that. I'm a bit flustered. Let me explain now."

Andre explained the situation.

Apparently, a monster has appeared on the road that connects Akoup to the town of Jinbow, under Count Torhen to the east.

This monster is a significant threat—one that even Akoup’s seasoned adventurers aren't prepared to handle, despite the fact that Ivy recently defeated the Guild Master.

The monster’s name is—

"A griffon. Ranked as a top-tier Class-One... the highest there is. Our adventurers would have to use sheer numbers just to have a chance."

Just like adventurers, monsters are classified by rank. A Class-One monster like the griffon has strength equal to that of a top-ranked adventurer team.

Class-One adventurers represent the Guild’s elite forces.

Andre's request is for us to remove this griffon that’s blocking the road. We don’t have to kill it, just drive it off.

He wants Ivy and me to join the team for this mission.

Class-One... but I just recently became Class Four.

Isn’t this a bit too much?

"So this special griffon squad... um, who else is on it?"

"Ah, most are Class-Two, with one Class-One adventurer. You’re the only Class-Four, Bruno. This is quite an honor!"

His flattery doesn’t cheer me up at all.

...Damn it.

Listening to Andre, I felt a pang of regret, wondering if I could have handled things differently.

Jennifer had advised me to stand out so the Guild Master and Marquis would notice us.

But maybe we took his advice too literally.

Jennifer wouldn’t have known about Ivy’s skill in healing and magic.

She likely caught Andre’s eye a bit too much.

Because I didn’t handle things well, Ivy and I are now facing a perilous mission when we haven’t even settled down properly.

It’s flattering to be noticed, but blindly following orders isn’t good, either.

"Andre, about this..."

"Meep!"

Just as I was about to respond, Ivy interrupted me.

"Meep! Meep!"

"...But still..."

I realized she was gently scolding me—not to say that.

But rushing into such danger is too soon.

It’s dangerous for me, and for Ivy, too.

Even though she managed to defeat a former Class-Two adventurer like Andre, I have no idea if she can take on a Class-One monster.

"Meep."

I retorted, but Ivy turned away, ignoring my words.

"Meep-meep."

I can do it.

After saying that, Ivy looked back at me.

She expressed her opinion, but not arrogantly.

She wasn’t pushing or insisting, simply waiting quietly for me to decide.

...What should I do?

I don’t know if Ivy’s strength is enough against a Class-One.

She says she’s fine, but...

If she returned to her original size and went all out, it might just work.

...It looks like I have no choice but to trust her.

Even if things go south, we should be able to escape.

If we lose, it’ll still be a valuable experience for her, or so I decided.

"Alright, we’ll join the mission."

"Meep!"

And that’s how, convinced by Ivy, I accepted the special task of dealing with the griffon.