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.
[Mission: Undying Fire.]
[Description: You have become the owner of the Undying Fire. Choose the path you wish to take by yourself and strive for it. Becomes the true ruler of the Undying Fire.]
[Reward: ???]
[Mission: Survive an Attack.]
[Description: The Supreme Devil Organization will launch an attack. Survive for one day.]
[Reward: 5 Random Rune Scrolls and Ardagan Swordsmanship +2 Levels.]
[Penalty: Death.]
[Mission: Peerless (2)]
[Description: To prove your might, one has to fight a few enemies of the same level. Defeat five Peak Level Demons by yourself in a single battle.]
[Reward: Union of Sword, Spiritual Step, and Elite Medal.]
[Mission: Meeting the Representative from the Greenwood Kingdom.]
[Description: You have become the center of attention of the four kingdoms. The Greenwood Kingdom has sent their representative to observe you. Determine the best outcome that you want from them.]
[Reward: Damian's cooperation.]
Noel looked at the completed missions such as the 'Survive an Attack' mission and the 'Representative' mission.
He had gotten 5 Random Rune Scrolls: Floating Rune, Rune Spear, Rune Strike, Rune Blast, and Arm Guard Rune. He also had received the two levels for the Ardagan Swordsmanship. That was why his swordsmanship was advancing by leaps and bounds during their break.
Just like the mission 'Survive an Attack' said, the penalty for failing the mission was death. Of course, it was death. There was no way Laufey wouldn't kill him.
Noel understood that if he ever received a mission with the death penalty, it meant that the mission would be extremely dangerous. There would at least be a person or demon that would kill him.
However, he was wondering what he should do with a mission that didn't have a penalty. It was more ambiguous, but he couldn't ask Ardagan for a penalty.
In the end, Noel chose to focus on the other two missions.
'There is the continuation of the Peerless Mission. The reward is extremely good, but I haven't had the chance to fight against five Peak Level Demons by myself. Maybe if there is an opportunity, I will fight them even if I have to ask the others. Last but not least, the mission about the Undying Fire. This mission has an unknown reward, but I'm still far from mastering the Undying Fire. I guess this mission will last for a long time.'
Noel furrowed his eyebrows. After looking at the mission, there didn't seem to be any clue hidden in those missions. At least the one that would be connected to the current mission.
"Well, I still have to be careful. And since there is a mission like this… It means I'm going to cooperate with Anna again. I don't know if I can ask for others' help. In any case, I will be able to fight with Anna again."
Noel couldn't help but imagine Anna's face in his mind. There was a feeling of annoyance, rivalry, and happiness mixed in his heart. He harrumphed, "You have confused me with that kiss. I'm going to pay you back. Just you wait."
Noel had an evil grin as though he had just come up with a devilish plan that would defeat Anna. Of course, he didn't forget to add, "And I will surely watch how strong Anna is. What if we fight again? Can I defeat Anna this time?"
That was just a question filled with curiosity. Whether he would do it or not was a different question.
After checking everything, Noel finally stood up and returned to the house as he had to discuss the mission with everyone else.
Since Rose had told them about Noel's stance in this mission, everyone's expression mellowed a bit. It seemed that they were still worried that he would take on everything without them realizing it.
So, they felt a bit happy that everything Noel said would have nothing hidden. Of course, except for Anna's matter.
Noel had changed during the break. He became a bit more open with the rest of the group. He had begun to trust them like that of a family.
The others also understood why Noel was scared. The Ardagan Family was strong, but it was destroyed in a single night. He must think there was no way he could rely on others. He wouldn't trust anyone other than his subordinates again.
Noel never admitted or thought about it. But that was what trauma meant. Sometimes, they didn't realize it was the trauma that caused it.
And Noel cured that trauma without him realizing its existence. This never happened in his previous life. This might also be the reason why he never had a woman in his previous life. He simply couldn't trust anyone anymore, especially women. Even though his past life might have known about the scheme between his father and the Stargaze Family, he would still hate them because of the hidden trauma.
Gradually but surely, Noel changed from his previous life. He could even make a joke about how his message could be interpreted as a proposal to Anna. That wouldn't happen in his previous life.
Of course, even Anna didn't know about Noel that much. Only the previous Noel knew what he thought and the reason behind his action.
As for the current Noel, he could trust others again and become the foundation of his future.
Finally, they were set for their journey. Just like before, Clara saw them off personally.
She gave them one last message. "Remember. You are to meet with the other groups immediately. Because Septa is focusing on the investigation of the Plant Lord and I'm focusing on another project, we can't join you in this mission."
"However, Captain Faust and Captain Igor are going to be there. With those two big dudes with you, you should feel safe, right?" Clara chuckled before turning to Noel. "That's it, Kid. Don't forget to trust the Demon Banner Army."
Noel nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Captain."
"Then, we're off."
…
In a town near Creek Village called Wendell. Anna was sitting on her bed while reading a paper containing her mission.
Suddenly, she stopped reading while having a playful smile. "Ah, Noel is going to surprise me soon, right? I wonder what he has prepared for me… Let's see who surprises who. Though, you might be so surprised that you tell me about your secret. Hehehe."
