Mercenary groups and squads of all sizes were currently mobilizing, plunging into the Cloud Mist Forest to slay monsters and harvest Mana Cores. Even for beasts below the Brave-rank, their pelts, fangs, and claws could be sold for a tidy profit.

  The Cloud Mist City Guard had also dispatched several detachments into the forest. This was done not only to alleviate the pressure of the upcoming Great Beast Tide but also to serve as a live-combat drill for the troops. At the end of the day, the Mercenary Guild was unreliable as a primary defense; the City Guard was the true backbone that would stand against the tide.

  By dividing the Guard into small squads and rotating them through the forest, the commanders could improve coordination between soldiers and ensure they were "warmed up" so they wouldn't panic when the real horde arrived.

  On the outskirts of the forest, a small squad of City Guards sat around a campfire, roasting meat. Despite the heavy armor weighing them down, they sat slumped on the ground in exhaustion.

  The captain of this squad was a young man named He Xiao—rumored to have been named so because it was said to bring him good luck. However, luck had been thin on this mission. His squad had been ambushed by several Brave-rank monsters, and his ten-man unit had been nearly wiped out.

  At the critical moment, a student—rumored to be a freshman out on a field trial—had appeared from nowhere and held off two of the Brave-rank beasts, allowing He Xiao and his remaining men to survive.

  "Brother Chi, we owe you our lives. If not for you, we wouldn't have made it out of that clearing," He Xiao said, gnawing on a piece of meat as he offered his thanks.

  In the City Guard, ordinary soldiers were usually below Level 20. Even those who reached Level 20 didn't necessarily possess a Trial Crystal to unlock their Potential Space. Generally speaking, any soldier who bore the Mark of the Brave was at least a Centurion.

  "Think nothing of it. I was just heading back to the city when I heard the commotion," Chi Yongqiu replied, resting his [Ice-Crystal Knight Sword] beside him. Without this blade, he knew he never could have stalled two Brave-rank monsters simultaneously.

  Chi Yongqiu’s trip to the forest had been quite fruitful. He had finally hit Level 20. Once he returned to Glory Academy, he could start grinding academy points to exchange for a Trial Crystal. Plus, he had harvested several Brave-rank Mana Cores—more than enough to cover his living expenses.

  "If you're heading back to Cloud Mist City, why not join us? It’s time we reported back anyway," He Xiao said, glancing at his five remaining comrades. Though casualties were expected in their line of work, losing half his brothers in one go left him with a heavy sense of "the fox mourning the death of the hare." Having Chi Yongqiu with them would make the trek through the outskirts much safer.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  "Safety in numbers. Let's head out together," Chi Yongqiu nodded.

  "Still, Brother Chi... I can't believe you don't even have the Mark of the Brave yet, and you can already go toe-to-toe with Brave-rank monsters. Your future is limitless," He Xiao complimented, wiping grease from his chin.

  Chi Yongqiu chuckled. "You flatter me, Captain. I only have this kind of strength because of this sword." He patted the hilt of the Ice-Crystal blade.

  "No need for such modesty. A man's strength can't possibly rely solely on a weapon," He Xiao laughed, assuming the boy was just being humble.

  "I figured you wouldn't believe me. Once we're back in the city, I'll take you somewhere, and you'll see for yourself." Chi Yongqiu didn't mind. He was just eager to get back and have a rematch with Ying Feng. He had lost last time due to his equipment; this time, he wouldn't be so careless.

  "Deal. I'll find you as soon as I've reported to my superiors," He Xiao agreed.

  After four hours of absolute psychological torture, Blood Wolf left the Training Room in silence, his spirit thoroughly battered.

  Kael lay in his lounge chair behind the counter, yawning. He had snuck out to buy meat buns for lunch while Blood Wolf was too dazed to notice.

  System, I want to hire a shop assistant. Are there any quests for that? Kael bit into a bun, doodling on a piece of paper as he asked internally.

  [System: Please focus on running the shop. Do not indulge in idle fantasies.]

  "So there's no quest, then?" Kael muttered lazily. "Guess I can't fleece you for any rewards this time."

  [System: Is the Host implying a need to hire staff?]

  "Your reaction time is getting slow, System. Are you busy generating a mission or something?"

  [System: Apologies, Host. Due to your low level, you are currently prohibited from hiring shop assistants.]

  Kael froze. The bun in his mouth rolled out past his lips and landed on the floor. He watched it sit there for three seconds—well past the safety limit.

  "System, I need an explanation! Why can't I hire help?" Kael stood up abruptly, his appetite gone. He slammed his paper onto the counter. He had only just finished writing the header for his "Help Wanted" ad.

  [System: Current detection shows that the shop’s popularity and foot traffic can be managed by one person. An assistant is unnecessary. Please work harder to increase the shop’s prestige and customer volume.]

  "Why didn't you mention this before?" Kael growled, scanning the empty shop. He had to admit the System had a point, but it still rankled.

  [System: You never asked.]

  Fine. The System was the boss. If it said no staff, then no staff. But Kael’s mind quickly whirred as he cooked up another scheme.

  "System, if I can't hire help, can you at least put labels on the weapons and armor to show their attributes?" Kael suggested. If he didn't have to explain the stats to every single person, he could live without an assistant.

  [System: Detection shows that the shop's popularity and foot traffic do not yet meet the requirements for 'Auto-Annotation.' Please keep trying, Host.]

  Kael suddenly felt that life was meaningless. He flopped back into his chair. Popularity and traffic again. The System had clearly learned how to play him—or rather, it was using these restrictions to bait him into expanding the business.

  "Hey, Manager Kael! Are you hiring?"

  A clear, feminine voice rang through the shop. Kael sat up to see the seven girls of the Blue Leaf Squad walking in. Blue Leaf, leading the group, had caught sight of the half-finished advertisement on the counter.

  "Not anymore," Kael said smoothly, swiping the paper off the counter and tucking it away. He regained his mask of indifference. "What can I get for you?"