Millis Holy Country-its capital, Milishion, the Adventurers' Guild headquarters.
As Cui Ciyou slowly withdrew his invisible mental pressure, the oppressive atmosphere throughout the hall eased.
The adventurers who had been harboring ulterior motives had long since scattered. The once crowded, noisy hall was now deserted.
Only the purple-haired receptionist remained behind the counter in the vast guild hall, her body weak with fear.
"Wow! Ciyou, you're incredible!" Alice exclaimed excitedly.
Sylphy's eyes were positively sparkling.
Cui Ciyou ignored the two girls' reactions beside him. He turned, directing his penetrating gaze back toward the counter.
His handsome but aloof face betrayed not the slightest ripple of emotion, as though that overwhelming display of intimidation had been nothing more than a casual flick to brush away some dust.
"All right..."
He looked again at the curvaceous, purple-haired receptionist, who was leaning weakly against the counter.
"Now we can discuss business," he said evenly.
"Y-yes! Lord... Ciyou!"
The receptionist shuddered at his abruptly calm tone. She hurriedly straightened up and forced a professional smile, her voice trembling slightly with nerves.
"H-how may I help you?"
Cui Ciyou simply pointed toward the quest board and got straight to the point:
"About that SS-Rank commission, 'The Hero Who Saved the Fitoia Territory.'"
He paused, then continued in a matter-of-fact tone, as though it were only natural:
"Since I've appeared here safe and sound, that 'search-and-rescue mission' is obviously complete.
"So please give me the bounty."
Cui Ciyou figured this would save them the time they would otherwise spend completing quests to earn money.
At those words, even the air seemed to freeze.
"Huh...?"
His remark left the receptionist stunned, her eyes widening into circles.
She could barely believe her ears. Her mind went blank, and she instinctively uttered a meaningless sound.
"Also..."
Cui Ciyou ignored