Published at 16th of July 2026 6:19 am

Chapter 1851: One Step at a Time

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Adventurers’ Guild.

After setting foot inside the city, Adam parted ways with Esmond and his men. Needless to say, the old man was immensely grateful to him.

As for the matter of remuneration, Esmond said that he would soon find Adam. There were some urgent things he needed to take care of first. Moreover, he even said that the next time they met, he would come bearing an exciting opportunity.

Adam could only reluctantly agree. He didn’t care about the so-called exciting opportunity. Just the mission’s bonus money would be enough for him. For now.

He arrived at the guildhall’s broad stone steps. There was still a steady flow of adventurers moving in and out through the giant doors.

Watching the adventurers of all kinds of races moving about in shiny armor and expensive gear, Adam’s eyes flickered with yearning.

One step at a time, he thought to himself.

After getting citizenship and membership in the Guild, he would look to rent a house in the city. Then, he would go on a few more missions and earn more money to buy all kinds of gear. Maybe even form a party in the near future and explore ancient ruins.

Hannibal said I’m still too weak to visit the Mountain Down Under, Adam mused as he entered the guildhall.

He said I should, at the very least, be at the Mana Seed Rank to enter the dungeons.

I should visit him soon after I’m done here.

He weaved through the crowd and made his way to the Records Office. Fortunately, the clerk who had issued the mission to him was still present.

Adam walked up to him and handed over the mission-briefing parchment.

"There you go," he said. "Signed by the client and everything."

The gnome first glanced at the paper and then at Adam. He yelped in surprise, "Ah, lad, it’s you! I thought you died already."

Adam’s lips twitched. He then complained, "The Trade Road was full of bandits and orcs, by the way. The men from the Free City Alliance aren’t patrolling regularly, it seems."

"Is that so?" the gnome frowned as he inspected the parchment. "That’s strange."

"I was attacked thrice on my way to Marbleford," Adam grumbled.

He didn’t say anything about the return trip, though. He knew the cause of those attacks was the vampire brothers.

"Very well," the gnome said solemnly. "I shall take it up with my superiors."

Adam nodded, satisfied with the response. He extended his hand forward with an expectant smile.

The gnome’s brows creased together. "What?"

"What do you mean what?" Adam blurted out. "My reward. That’s what!"

The gnome stared at Adam for a few seconds, then cackled. "You really are a newbie."

Adam frowned. "What’s the meaning of this?"

"Silly boy," the gnome said teasingly. "You’ll only get the reward after we’ve confirmed with the client. Don’t you think we need some kind of proof of confirmation?"

Adam was dumbfounded. "The signature is the proof!"

The gnome made a face that said: really?

Adam’s lips twitched. Of course, anyone could forge a signature.

"So should I come back tomorrow?"

"Patience, lad." The gnome put away the parchment. "We’ll call for you soon."

Seeing Adam’s sullen expression, the gnome added gently. "Don’t worry, it should be done by tomorrow evening. We will begin the paperwork for your citizenship in the meantime."

He paused, then asked, "You’re still at the Rabbit Hole, yes?"

"That’s right."

"Okay, then." The gnome nodded. "Go now, and rest. We’ll call you tomorrow."

Adam inhaled deeply, then nodded. "Alright, thanks."

He turned around and prepared to leave.

The gnome’s words sounded once again behind him. "Oh, and send regards to Hannibal."

Adam’s brows arched in surprise. "You know him?" he turned around and asked.

"Who doesn’t?" the gnome scoffed. "And I meant, send him the Guild’s regards."

This time, Adam was truly surprised. He knew Hannibal was influential, but he didn’t know he was that popular.

***

The Rabbit Hole.

The establishment was crowded as ever. Adventurers constantly descended into the Hole while others climbed back out, battered, bruised, and desperate for a drink.

Laughter, shouting, and the clatter of mugs filled the tavern as patrons packed the tables from wall to wall.

It was loud, chaotic, and very much alive.

Adam stepped through the entrance as he greeted the half-orc bouncers standing guard. When his gaze landed on the chaos inside, he couldn’t help but smile.

I missed this...

He turned his gaze toward the bar counter, and there he saw the brawny tavern owner calmly wiping a mug as he served customers.

As if sensing the youth’s gaze, Hannibal looked up. Then he smiled and gave a calm nod.

Adam walked toward the bar with a happy smile on his face and took the newly vacated seat. He retrieved a small pouch and placed it on the table.

"That’s everything I owe you, Boss."

Hannibal arched an eyebrow.

"It would seem your journey was fruitful," he said as he put away the pouch without even glancing at its contents.

"Yeah, something like that." Adam leaned back in his chair and, for the first time in days, allowed himself to relax.

"Drink?"

"Yes, please!" Adam’s eyes lit up.

As Hannibal poured the youth a pitcher of ale straight from the tap, he casually asked, "So how was it?"

"It was great!" Adam grinned. "No casualties at all. Hell, my client and his men didn’t so much as get a scratch. I even managed to convince him to give me a big bonus. Well, I hope it’s big."

He laughed at the prospect of all that money coming to him.

Hannibal shook his head, smiling. He offered the glass to Adam and advised, "Make sure you maintain a good track record. That’s what determines how many clients the Guild sends your way in the future."

"Yes, Boss." Adam nodded thoughtfully.

He took a large mouthful of the black ale, then wiped his lips before saying, "By the way, a clerk at the Records Office told me to tell you this: the Guild sends its regards."

Hannibal looked amused. "Do they now?"

Adam wanted to ask the man more about his relationship with the Guild. It seemed to run deeper than he had initially thought.

Before he could, however, a curious voice echoed from beside him.

"Is this the otherworlder you’ve been telling me about, Hannibal?"

The speaker looked like a middle-aged man dressed in rich, ostentatious robes embroidered with silver thread. The hair at his temples had greyed, lending him an air of maturity. A neatly groomed curly mustache sat beneath his nose.

His eyes were sharp and intelligent, yet carried a hint of intrigue as they settled on Adam.

"Leto, meet Adam Constantine." Hannibal smiled.

He then turned to the raven-haired youth and introduced his old friend.

"Adam, this is Leto Morgan. Explorer, author, and Magus."

Leto’s lips curled into a charming grin.

"Well, hello, Constantine."

"Ah, hello, sir." Adam rose to his feet and offered a handshake. "Pleasure to meet you."

While he shook the enigmatic man’s hand, he couldn’t help but wonder:

Leto Morgan...

Why does that name sound so familiar?

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