Noel was sitting in a lotus pose in the backyard. A black flame was circling around him at a constant speed. Though, sometimes, the speed changed as though Noel was controlling it.
However, Noel was in the middle of his control training. He had to maintain a constant speed of his flame in order to master it.
Once in a while, he changed the form of his flame into a small bird and made it fly up and down before turning back to its original form and maintaining the same speed.
Rose had just returned after the meeting and chose to inform Noel about the result.
Since there was no one around, she called Noel by his name. "Noel. We have discussed it. We will be going on a mission again. It might be dangerous, but I want to hear your thoughts."
Noel gradually opened his eyes as the flame disappeared. "Is it the Creek Village?"
Rose widened her eyes and nodded. "How do you know?"
"Well, I have predicted it and I have asked Captain Clara. However, this time, I'm not influencing her decision or anything. So, I don't have any plans about it." Noel raised both hands, indirectly telling her not to worry since there was no hidden scheme from him.
"Hmm… Then, why do you know about the location?" Rose asked. She was his vassal. Questioning her lord might be overstepping her bound, but Noel knew she asked this because she was worried about him.
So, he said, "Because Anna's advancement mission is also in that village."
"Anna? Anna Stargaze?" Rose gasped.
"Yeah." Noel nodded. "I have been preparing for it this whole time. You should know about the brothel, right? I have tasked them to gather information about the village. And I have two Spirit Grandmasters that are as strong as Shale with me."
Noel told her about the preparation. It felt like he was opening all his cards, but he would only do it to Rose. He knew Rose was smart enough to know which one she could tell the others and which one should be kept secret. This was also a small test for Rose if she truly wanted to become his secretary.
"Then, the information has to wait until we reach the village?"
"Specifically, the town that is located not far from the village." Noel nodded.
"I understand." Rose was planning to tell a few pieces of information to the others without revealing Noel's secret. Though, she didn't forget to give Noel the details about the mission. She handed the paper. "Then."
She nodded to Noel before leaving. Noel took a glance at the paper to learn more about the mission.
Mission: Creek Village
Description: The village was attacked by demons a few months ago and when the knights arrived at that place, it was too late. All the villagers should have died. But right now, there are new villagers filling the area. It's suspicious as there is no trace of migration happening. Even the city near the village doesn't have a record of it. There is a possibility that this place is used by the Supreme Devil Organization.
Groups: Demon Relief Squad, Demon Hunting Squad, Demon Barrier Squad, Demon Beholder Squad.
'Oh, wow. It's a joint mission.' Noel frowned. On the one hand, it felt like this joint mission was an easy mission since there was a Demon Beholder Squad, Septa's group. On the other hand, the fact that four groups were involved, the Creek Village's threat level should be extremely high.
'Hmm… A joint mission, huh. And with how they want us to investigate this village that is suspected to be the dent of the Supreme Devil Organization, it seems that the Demon Banner Army has finally taken a serious approach to fight the Supreme Devil Organization.'
Noel thought for a moment. As expected, the Demon Relief Squad would be a higher priority to the Supreme Devil Organization. The Demon Beholder Squad would be more suited to a covert mission like this and the Demon Hunting Squad would be their spear. Meanwhile, the Demon Barrier Squad would become their shield.
Just from this, Noel realized that they were the bait in this mission. If they came, the Creek Village would show their true nature.
"I see…" Noel thought for a moment, wondering what he should do. He had made a lot of -preparation this time. In fact, all the past preparation couldn't be compared to this one. Even so, he didn't become confident. He kept being careful and considered everything before making his decision. He had learned from the last defeat after all.
"I have become stronger, but I don't think this is enough. After all, I also have a mission that will involve Anna. The reward is Force Control."
[Mission: Repaying One's Kindness.]
[Description: Anna has helped you a lot, it's time to repay her. A Rune Swordsman has always been clear with debt and gratitude. Help her finish her advancement mission in Creek Village six months from now.]
[Reward: Force Control.]
Noel furrowed his eyebrows after taking another look at the mission.
"Now that I think about it, why does the system reward me with Force Control? Right now, I am also training my own control… Don't tell me. Ardagan has predicted my defeat and what I will do?"
Noel couldn't help but feel chills down his spine. If this was correct, he could do something more about the system. In fact, he might be able to predict his own defeat and make more preparations to prevent it.
He was scared by Ardagan's clairvoyance ability, but it also motivated him to understand it better so that he wouldn't lose anymore.
Noel clenched his fists and said, "In that case, I have to become even more careful. I'm afraid this mission is going to be extremely dangerous."
Since he realized that there might be some clues within the missions Ardagan gave him. He opened the system and checked all the recent missions he got.
