Team Quest

A few days later, Lin Qin accepted a D-rank mission at the Mercenary Guild: to clear out a nest of Burrowing Badgers in the mountains north of Black Stone City. These level-two Magic Beasts were adept at digging and frequently destroyed farmland, while their claws and fur were decent crafting materials. The mission recommended a team of at least two people.

Just as Lin Qin was preparing to look for teammates, a familiar voice rang out from behind him.

"Lin Qin?"

He turned around and saw Aileen standing not far away, wearing a well-fitted light blue leather armor with a short magic staff tucked at her waist. She looked a bit nervous, but her eyes were firm.

"You're here to take a mission too?" Lin Qin was somewhat surprised.

"Yeah," Aileen nodded and walked up to him. "I... I've broken through to a level-three mage. I wanted to take a mission to get some practice." She saw the mission scroll in Lin Qin's hand. "Burrowing Badgers? This mission... can I join you? I'm a water-element mage, I should be able to help."

Lin Qin looked at her. He knew Aileen's strength; a level-three water-element mage with decent control abilities. Although Burrowing Badgers were troublesome, they weren't very dangerous, making them suitable for a novice's training. After a moment of consideration, he nodded. "Alright."

Aileen let out a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her face.

The two teamed up to accept the mission. After preparing some necessities, they set off for the mountains north of Black Stone City.

On the way, Lin Qin didn't say much, spending most of his time observing the environment. Aileen followed by his side, occasionally asking questions about mercenary missions and precautions in the wild, which Lin Qin answered concisely.

Finding the Burrowing Badgers' den wasn't difficult. Lin Qin formulated a simple plan: he would enter the main cave to attract the badgers' attention, while Aileen would use magic outside to seal the other exits and attack when the opportunity arose.

The plan was executed smoothly. Lin Qin rushed into the cave, his broadsword swinging, easily parrying and slaying several Burrowing Badgers that charged out. Outside, Aileen accurately cast Water Bind to entangle the badgers attempting to escape through side tunnels, following up with Water Arrow to attack. Her magic control was indeed precise, effectively restricting the movement of the Burrowing Badgers.

The battle ended quickly. The two worked with tacit understanding, clearing out the entire pack.

While cleaning up the battlefield, Aileen watched Lin Qin skillfully processing the badger claws and fur and couldn't help but ask, "Lin Qin, will you... continue being a mercenary in the future?"

"No." Lin Qin didn't look up. "Mercenary missions are for training. My goal is to become stronger."

"And after you become stronger?" Aileen pressed.

Lin Qin stopped what he was doing and thought for a moment. "To see the wider world and understand the essence of power."

This answer was very much in line with Lin Qin's style. Aileen was silent for a moment before saying softly, "That's an amazing goal."

She hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage and said, "Then... if I work hard to become stronger, can I... go with you to see it in the future?"

Lin Qin looked up at her. Aileen's cheeks were slightly flushed, but her gaze didn't waver, filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness.

Lin Qin was not a dull person; he understood the meaning behind those words. He looked at Aileen, this girl who was hardworking, earnest, and would act a bit shy in front of him. He remembered their discussions in the library and her focus when casting magic.

He didn't dislike being around her. In fact, having someone to walk alongside seemed quite nice.

"You can." He gave a definitive answer, his tone as calm as ever, but very sincere.

Aileen's eyes lit up instantly, and the smile on her face was like a blooming flower. "Mm!" She nodded vigorously.

On the way back, the atmosphere was much more relaxed. The two occasionally chatted about cultivation, the academy, and some vague thoughts about the future.

After turning in the mission and splitting the reward, they parted ways at the academy gate. Aileen said, "Next time... if there's another suitable mission, can you call me again?"

"Sure." Lin Qin agreed.

Watching Aileen walk away with a light step, Lin Qin stood where he was and thought for a moment. Relationships were a new subject for him, and he wasn't sure how to handle them yet, but this feeling was something to look forward to.