Venting Emotions

In Bernal's secret base, Dago sat across from him on a genuine leather sofa. In the distance, Selena was diligently practicing the new spell she had learned, sweating away the vigor of her youth.

"Chaplin was once an old rival of mine. He lost to me several times during the Ranking War."

Bernal held a silver goblet in one hand as he spoke to Dago.

Dago watched Bernal's elegant bearing, his expression turning grave.

"So they've joined forces? Jarliden and Chaplin, two Third-Rank Ratings?!"

"No."

Bernal shook his head and calmly corrected him. "Chaplin should have advanced to Fourth-Rank Rating by now."

Dago's face immediately darkened.

"Just how many enemies do you have?"

"Not as many as you think."

Bernal set down his silver goblet and spoke with a serious expression.

"Other than Chaplin, there are only a few Third-Rank Ratings. But in terms of strength and methods, Chaplin is still the most formidable."

Dago took a deep breath, doing his best to calm himself.

"If several Third- and Fourth-Rank figures join forces, there's no way I'll be able to complete even a single mission normally within the Ring of Law. They have the backing and means to make my missions fail."

"It doesn't matter. At worst, you can temporarily give up the Ring of Law as a source of resources."

Bernal looked unconcerned. "I know of several magical beast nests that may contain materials we need. I'll write them down for you later."

"This isn't a matter of resources."

Dago frowned slightly, his eyes cold as he said in a low voice, "Their real goal isn't simply to restrict my growth."

Official members of the Ring of Law had to complete at least one mission every month. If they failed to do so more than three times, they would