After reaching an agreement, Damian finally left. He rushed back to the Greenwood Kingdom to discuss this matter with his king.
Meanwhile, Dimitri looked at Noel and raised a finger. "Master. It doesn't seem that you're planning to back down from this. So, I'm thinking about bringing another person."
"Who is it? Rose?" Noel tilted his head in confusion.
Anna glanced at them. She might have told Noel about the plan and given some suggestions, but Noel and Dimitri were far more useful compared to her. In other words, Anna didn't have any real contribution once they went on a trip.
So, Anna opened her mouth, asking, "Is the person you are planning to recruit a scout?"
"Yeah." Dimitri nodded. "This mission carries a lot of risks, especially from the demons. So, it's better to have a good scout in order to avoid a lot of problems."
Anna asked, "In that case, can you leave it to me? I can use my connection to recruit a person for us. This person has a Spirit that can heal with Light Element and she is also good at scouting."
"Hmm? That person…" He furrowed his eyebrows. "You're not planning to invite that person, right?"
"Yeah." Anna nodded. "Don't you think she is perfect for this trip? Besides, I will be the only woman on this trip. So, it's better to have another one."
"Who is that person?" Noel asked, not knowing who they were talking about.
Dimitri pointed at Anna and said, "She is related to her father. In fact, that person is Marquis Stargaze's disciple. She is known as Healer Maniac. She is good at fighting, healing, and scouting. Her name is Nicole. If I remember correctly, she has become a Spirit Grandmaster and become one of the highest-ranked inquisitors."
"Yes. Your information is correct. My father had told me I could rely on her when I became an inquisitor, but I never talked to her previously. This time, it seems that I have to rely on my father's connection to ask this ridiculous request. That's the least I can do so that I don't look like I'm leeching off you. Besides, having a scout and a healer is good for this party."
Noel thought for a moment. "In that case, doesn't that mean we'll have three Spirit Grandmasters with us?"
"You're so sure that Damian will go with us, huh?" Anna chuckled. "Well, you're not wrong. Although a big group will carry a risk of being spotted, we're a group of elites. So, the risk is reduced exponentially."
"As for both of us, who are only a Spirit Master, I think it'll be a good experience for us." Anna pointed at herself. "I mean, I can at least learn from these people."
Noel looked down. "Well, I don't really have a problem about having three Spirit Grandmasters with us. But I prefer to be on the frontline instead of being protected the whole time. This is a far better option to stimulate my growth."
Noel remembered a few missions from the system and added inwardly, 'Well, I want to finish some of them.'
When he thought about the mission, he received another mission from Ardagan.
[Mission: Meeting the Hermit]
[Description: Meeting the Hermit and finding a way to learn from him.]
[Reward: Fighter Medal and three random runes of Rune Body.]
[Penalty: ???]
Noel furrowed his eyebrows. He could see the penalty being hidden. If there was no penalty, he would be sure that he wouldn't die. But with the '???' becoming the penalty, there was no telling anymore. Even Ardagan didn't know what kind of fate I would receive if he ever failed this mission.
Dimitri, on the other hand, thought that frown was for something else. Dimitri couldn't help but ask, "I'm not sure about this, but if possible, I want you to be honest with me. Is this hermit… someone not from our kingdom, no… I don't think the other kingdoms have this kind of hermit. In that case…"
Noel glanced at Anna, who nodded her head.
"Yes. The hermit is not a human." Anna confirmed it without hesitation.
"…" Dimitri was completely stunned, not knowing what to say. There were rarely any records of meeting another race besides humans. So, Dimitri didn't know whether they were hostiles or not.
However, there was some history about those races' creation. So, Dimitri asked, "Are you sure they won't be hostile to us?"
Anna shook her head helplessly. "I'm not sure about it yet. But this person is not related to their kingdom as well. I mean, his location is still too far from their kingdom. So, I think he is more rational with humans."
"Do you know about his strength?" Dimitri asked.
Anna shook her head. "All I know is that this person is strong. I don't have any details about that person's strength."
Only the previous life Noel would know the details. However, Anna knew that Noel wouldn't have learned from them if the other party was not strong. He even brought the Sword Saint's successor back with him even though he wasn't a human.
So, she concluded that this hermit was extremely strong.
After a while, Dimitri let out a long sigh and said, "Since you've made your decision, I'll follow you even if it means risking my life. However, you should remember that I'm ready to sacrifice my life anytime. If you're doing something reckless, you can consider me dead."
This was a threat and a warning from Dimitri. He wanted to let Noel know that if this reckless decision endangered his life, Dimitri would be the one to help him, even if it meant exchanging Noel's life for his. In other words, Noel might kill Dimitri because of this decision.
Then, Dimitri turned to Anna and said, "I have to tell you this. If I have to choose whether I should save my master or you, I won't hesitate to save him even if he asks me otherwise."
Anna nodded without hesitation. "Don't worry. I'm aware of it. I'm prepared to die as well."
