Chapter 316: Lucy's Luck vs. Natsu's Destructive Power
Chapter 316: Lucy's Luck vs. Natsu's Destructive Power
"The second mission is a bizarre jewelry theft case. There's a small town where numerous pieces of jewelry have been stolen, but there's no sign of forced entry, and no traces of outsiders at the scene."
"So, it's suspected to be the work of a Mage. If you catch the thief, you'll receive... a reward of 150,000 Jewels."
Lucy's eyes sparkled at the mention of the reward. With that amount, she could solve most of her rent problems in one go! Moreover, the prospect of investigating such an intriguing case felt like the perfect material for her novel.
"I want this one!" Lucy exclaimed eagerly.
"Don't be hasty," Rod said. "You can take on both missions together since the town and the village from the previous mission are not far from each other. And I suspect the thief's hideout is likely in the same forest where the ferocious beast is located. You can search for both targets simultaneously."
"Natsu, what do you think?" Lucy asked, her heart stirring.
Natsu was full of enthusiasm, feeling like he had waited a long time for Lucy to choose a mission: "No problem! Let's complete both missions at once, and Lucy's rent will be covered in one go!"
"Yay! We'll have money for fish again, and as long as Lucy pays her rent, we can continue causing mischief at her place."
"Why do we have to go to my house?!" Lucy grabbed Happy's face. "And did you just say 'mischief'?"
"So, it's decided then—the missions are to hunt the ferocious beast and capture the jewelry thief?" Mira asked. "If we've made up our minds, let's go and get the mission requests."
This approach was slightly against the rules, as multitasking during a mission showed a lack of focus. However, with three of them and the missions not being overly dangerous, and considering the newcomers' financial situation, it was acceptable to make this exception.
Lucy quickly found the corresponding mission requests at the notice board.
"The procedure is simple: first, ask for the location, then tear off the mission request, efficient and straightforward."
Mira helped Lucy with the registration, while Rod was busy writing something at a rapid pace. "Give me a few minutes."
Natsu seemed to guess what Rod was up to. "I think we don't need to wait. Let's set off now."
"Huh? But Mr. Rod seems to be writing something important."
Happy raised a hand. "I think we should wait."
The minority had to yield to the majority, so Natsu had no choice but to listen to them.
Rod folded the paper he had written, then retrieved several documents from under the counter and handed them to Lucy. "These are the basic mission details. You can read them on the way. And this one is the 'Guide to Mission Completion' I prepared for you. Happy knows what this is for."
"Yay! Lucy, even if you lose your skirt, you must take good care of this."
"Who would lose their skirt?" Lucy asked curiously. "What's the 'Guide to Mission Completion'?"
"In simple terms, if you enjoy adventure and want to complete the mission on your own, just refer to the basic details. But if you want to be efficient and aim for a complete reward, then carefully read what I've written."
Rod had optimized his working method, allowing everyone to choose whether to follow his advice or even know about it.
"It's all unnecessary chatter. Burn it! We should complete the mission ourselves!" Natsu's hands ignited with flames.
"No!" Lucy hugged the papers to her chest.
Rod had put in so much effort, so it must be something valuable. Even Happy emphasized its importance, so they couldn't heed Natsu's suggestion.
She immediately set her itinerary, "First, let's go home and pack our bags. We'll depart in half an hour!"
Natsu reluctantly agreed, "Rod, can I borrow your River Crab?"
Rod feigned ignorance, "Why?"
Natsu, unaware of the gravity of the situation, replied, "Because I don't want to ride in a carriage."
Rod nodded, "Oh, but you said the mission should be accomplished on your own. I'm just being a nag, so I can't lend it to you."
"Retribution!" Natsu exclaimed, pointing at Rod in shock.
"Pfft..." Happy covered his mouth to stifle a laugh.
Mira and Happy both enjoyed Natsu's misfortune as they watched him stagger out.
"Do you think Lucy will get her reward this time?" Mira asked.
Mira pondered for a moment before replying, "She probably will. Lucy's quite lucky."
Rod couldn't argue with Mira about Lucy's luck.
He had only learned today that Lucy was so fortunate that on her very first mission after joining the guild, she had obtained a Golden Key.
Although she didn't receive a reward, the Zodiac Keys were not something that money could buy.
Virgo Belluga was originally the Contract Spirit of Earl Aubar, but after Lucy and Natsu helped investigate the evidence of his crimes, Earl Aubar was arrested.
Following the rules of the Celestial Spirit contract, Belluga's contract was dissolved when her contractor was arrested.
She then took the initiative to seek out Lucy and signed a contract with her.
According to Mira's account, Belluga seemed to have played a significant role in the Lala Bay incident.
Who would have thought that someone would directly obtain an ultra-rare mission reward, of which there are only twelve in the entire world, on their very first mission after joining a guild?
As for Rod's first mission... well, let's just say his gains were somewhat more important than a Golden Key.
Lucy's incredible luck had even made Rod question whether she or Natsu was the true protagonist.
But this time, regarding the mission...
Rod proposed, "How about a bet? I wager Lucy will get no more than half the reward."
Mira asked, "What are we betting?"
"I haven't decided yet. How about the winner gets to make a reasonable request?"
Mira agreed, "Alright, then. As long as Lucy gets more than half, I win."
The two high-fived to seal the bet.
After the bet was made, Mira reminded him, "You've already made a detailed plan for Lucy. Do you still think she won't be able to complete it?"
"I just have faith in Natsu's destructive power," Rod replied, feeling that it would be challenging for Lucy to stop Natsu when he was in a rage.
Although Natsu had learned to restrain himself from time to time.
"Mira, the wine we ordered yesterday has arrived. Come and help me," Lachi called from the doorway, "And that includes the lazy guy slacking off next to Mira!"
"Coming!" Mira replied, patting Rod on the shoulder, "Let's go, you slacker."
"Slander! When have I ever slacked off during work!" Rod protested.
Lachi thought for a moment and said, "Last week, there were two tables to clean, but you insisted on cleaning the same one as Mira.
The week before that, when taking inventory, Mira counted one, and you counted the same one, like an echo. And last month..."
"Enough, enough, enough..." Rod interrupted her.
"How do you remember all that so clearly? Do you write down my mistakes in a diary and review them before bed every night?"
"Who would do such a thing? Only someone with a grudge or a secret admirer would do that," Lachi retorted, "And I don't keep a diary!"
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Synopsis: A modern university graduate stumbles upon a celestial gateway, stealing an Immortal Dao opportunity that wasn't meant for him. And this Immortal Art... well, it's not exactly known for its chivalry...
(End of Chapter)
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