Chapter 446 Underground Maze IX (1/2)

Rhode finally got his answer after hearing Metzel's explanation. Although Delno was a Battle Angel in-training and the undead creatures by the entrance didn't pose a problem to them, this led these people into a dungeon which was out of their reach. Perhaps they would've retreated at the entrance if they didn't have a Battle Angel with them.

Rhode didn't doubt Metzel too much because when Rhode's group battled with the Necromancer BOSS previously, the Necromancer BOSS did summon a group of mercenary spirits and an Angel spirit against him. Yes… It seemed that they might be the captured ones…

”So then, what plans do you have next?” Rhode asked.

”I…” Metzel bit his lips.

Logically speaking, since he was lucky enough to survive the ordeal, the best choice would be to return home safely. However, humans were greedy creatures, so Metzel hesitated after meeting Rhode's group. After all, he was a young man who just started his adventures and his honor and responsibilities hadn't been ground with harsh life experiences. If a seasoned mercenary were in his shoes, perhaps he might have left immediately after expressing his gratitude. After all, the one and only life important was his and there was no need to risk it for someone else. Furthermore, he wouldn't be dumb enough to not escape from this dangerous place now that he had the chance.

However, Metzel didn't choose to do so. He knew what the best choice was, but his companions were drained and they had nothing more to offer in this place. But what about the companions that the Necromancer had captured? Those companions listened to his order to visit Castel Plateau and he was responsible for their dire situation. So was it right for him to give up?

An irresponsible leader was indeed a headache for most. However, a leader with a strong sense of responsibilities wasn't that good either. Rhode remained silent as he read Metzel's mind through his hesitant expression. After all, Metzel's decision wouldn't matter to Rhode.

After a few moments, Metzel seemed to have decided. He shut his eyes and took in a deep breath before lifting his head. ”Pardon my rudeness, Mr. Rhode. May I know why you are here?”

”I guess perhaps you guys aren't aware that this is the Castel Plateau Ruins, which is a dedicated 5 Star Mission for guilds. We're here to complete this mission in the name of Starlight,” Rhode answered.

”5 Star Mission…!” Metzel was flabbergasted and color drained out of his face. Although he was just a leader of a small group of mercenaries, he was still aware of the mercenary missions and a 5 Star Mission was a presence out of his reach. Initially, he felt that this underground ruins wasn't that simple and now it seemed that it was tougher than he had imagined.

Metzel gnashed his teeth and gazed at Rhode. ”Mr. Rhode, I have a request…”

”I know what you are going to ask.” Rhode interrupted Metzel's words without hesitation. ”But this isn't my problem. You can do whatever you want as long as you don't hinder us. We won't take special care of you and we definitely won't stop you from throwing your lives away.”

Metzel's eyes glinted as he bowed to Rhode respectfully and turned around. ”Shirley.”

”Metzel?” A young lady treating her companion's wounds stood up hurriedly. ”What's the matter?”

She was clad in a light leather armor with a wide bow behind her back and an exquisite dagger in her belt. She seemed to be a proper Ranger. The young lady named Shirley arrived at Metzel's side and gazed curiously.

Metzel pondered for a moment before retrieving a coin pouch from the fold of his clothes and placing it on Shirley's hand. The young lady accepted the coin pouch in confustion as she gazed curiously at Metzel. ”Shirley, I will continue our task by myself, so bring the others back to the city. This coin pouch has all the money that we have accumulated to date. I initially planned to expand our team and apply as an official mercenary group. However, it is all meaningless now. Bring the guys back and split the money with them. Then disband our team… As for our fallen companions, I will need to trouble you to compensate their families… This is all that I can do for them.”

”What are you talking about?” The young lady widened her eyes in shock as she couldn't believe her ears. ”Metzel, are you crazy? You want to stay here? Didn't we suffer enough!?”

”But…” Metzel paused.

”I know what you are going to say, but Metzel, this isn't your responsibility. No one knew that there would be this powerful Necromancer that even Battle Angel Sir couldn't defeat. So, what's the point of you staying in this place? I understand that you have a strong sense of responsibility, but not only do you need to think of our captured companions, you must think about us too! Initially, everyone agreed to your calling and gathered for adventures together as a mercenary team. And we promised and made it very clear that we wouldn't repent if any of us were to die. But now… you choose to abandon us?” Shirley exclaimed.

Woah… This sounds like a good 8 p.m. soap opera.

Rhode was so engrossed in their argument that he had leaned against the wall to admire the show. At this moment, Anne hopped her way to Rhode's side and tilted her head as she gazed curiously at the two of them. ”Leader, what are they doing? Are they quarreling?”

”Shhh… Shut up and watch the show. This is quite interesting.” Rhode feigned ignorance as he placed a finger by his lips.

Anne piqued her curiosity and nodded with her mouth sealed. She began to concentrate on the TV drama.

This was a true blue soap opera and a third-rate one at best. There was nothing to describe the dispute between the two of them. Although the young lady named Shirley objected violently, the bullet-headed Metzel didn't seem willing to give up on those captured companions. According to Metzel, he wouldn't give up regardless of if his companions were alive or dead. Even if they had been transformed into monsters by the Necromancer, he needed to see it to believe it. To Rhode, their debate was really boring. However, since there was a live romantic soap opera before them, it would be a waste not to watch it. On the other hand, Anne watched eagerly and it went to show that as long as one was a female, some things would never change no matter the place or time.

”This is the duty of a leader.” Metzel said righteously.

”Idiot!” The young lady snarled and slapped Metzel on his cheek.

Pow! Rhode and Anne couldn't help but shrink their heads as the clear, crisp slap echoed throughout the space. Shirley turned around and stomped off to her other companions while Metzel stood red-faced as this tight slap seemed to have left a deeper wound than the Undead Army had managed to. He awkwardly stroked his cheek as he gazed rather reluctantly at Shirley's back .

Today's episode has ended. Please watch the preview for more information on the next episode.

Rhode lifted his shoulder in a half shrug and decided to leave. As he turned around, a tall figure blocked his path: the Battle Angel who was previously with Metzel's group. Rhode had heard from Metzel that this Battle Angel trainee was named Delno .Although Delno was still a trainee, he felt that this Battle Angel was much more experienced than Celia, an official Battle Angel. If Rhode were to compare a Battle Angel's age with a human's age, perhaps Delno would be in his middle years. Delno placed his right hand on his chest and bowed respectfully.