https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-50-Incomplete-Mastery-Forced-to-Leave-the-Mountains/12810265/
Chapter 51: A Strategic Analysis as Fierce as a Tiger
Chapter 51: A Strategic Analysis as Fierce as a Tiger
Mira had just registered a job for Macao when she heard the Guild Master explain the situation: "So, the Guild Master took advantage of Rod's financial difficulties and persuaded him to take on a job?"
"Not like I'm trying to push him away, but that's pretty much what happened," Makarov said. "Help him pick a suitable one."
Mira turned to Rod, "Rod, what kind of job are you looking for?"
"Preferably something safe, not too far from home, won't take too long, and with decent pay..."
Rod paused, "Hmm, am I asking for too much?"
"You do realize that, don't you!" Makarov sighed, nimbly jumping down from the counter. "Forget it, you decide for yourself."
Rod felt like a first-time job seeker, nervous and uncertain. What seemed like a routine task to the Guild Master made him feel anxious, unsure of what he was getting into and what he needed to do. What if he failed?
"Actually, you don't need to take the Guild Master's words too seriously," Mira said, not wanting to pressure Rod. "More training wouldn't hurt anyone."
"Everyone in the guild is free to make their own choices. Even someone like Laxus, the Guild Master wouldn't force him to take on jobs."
"I don't want to end up like that, and I can't keep living on borrowed money," Rod replied. "Can you help me pick something within my capabilities? I should be able to prepare well enough."
"Sure thing," Mira said, having seen Rod train daily and knowing his strengths well.
For his first job, it would be best to familiarize him with the process and provide some practical experience. Yes, a little consideration for the new guy wouldn't hurt.
Mira pulled out a job sheet: "How about this one?"
Rod looked at it. The sheet read "WANTED" at the top, but the rest was blank.
"Blank?"
"Yeah, because there's a job from today that hasn't been written down yet," Mira explained, picking up a pen and starting to write on the counter.
Today's job? It must have been posted while he and the Guild Master were out.
Rod's eyes followed the tip of her pen as neat lines of text appeared.
Guard Duty: Escort the client to the capital of Fiore, Crocus, and ensure a safe return.
Reward: 20,000 J
Scheduled Departure: August 23, 8:00 AM
Date of Commission: August 22
"Going to Crocus?"
Crocus, the capital of Fiore, also known as the City of Flowers, was the most bustling city in the kingdom. Rod had certainly done his homework on such important facts.
To get to Crocus, one could take a carriage west from Magnolia and arrive the same day. Traveling by canal would be even faster.
The key was that, whether by land or water, the most frequently used routes were akin to national highways, safe enough for even civilians to travel without worry.
In other words, if someone needed to hire a mage for protection, it meant they were being targeted. Either their life or their possessions were at risk, which would add many unpredictable dangers to the journey.
Rod thought it over. He needed to know why the client was being targeted before deciding whether to take the job.
However, just as he was about to make a well-reasoned decision, Mira's pen moved one last time, writing the final line:
Client: Mirajane Strauss
Rod looked up, "Huh?"
Mira smiled at him, "What's the matter?"
"Mira, this..." Rod didn't know what to say.
“Do you just create a task when there isn’t a suitable one?” Mira asked.
Mira continued, “I’m actually heading to the City of Flowers tomorrow and was looking for someone to accompany me.”
“Just say the word, and you’ll have a line of volunteers from the counter to the door,” Rod joked.
“Ah, you’re quite the flatterer,” Mira smiled. “So, Rod, are you one of those volunteers?”
“Of course. I’ve always been grateful for your help,” Rod replied. “There’s no need to post a mission for this.”
Mira raised a finger and gently waved it. “Don’t worry about it. Usually, for new mages without experience, the guild assigns a seasoned Magic Warrior to accompany them on their first job. This helps them get familiar with the workflow and handle any unexpected situations. I’m a seasoned Magic Warrior, even if I can’t fight. You can ask me any questions during the mission. So, Magic Warrior Rod of Fairy Tail, will you accept this mission?”
“...I accept.” Rod smiled, not wanting to turn down her kindness, even if it felt a bit like freeloading.
“Then, in my capacity as the Guild Master’s assistant, I hereby approve your acceptance of this mission,” Mira said, adopting a formal tone.
She took out a stamp and sealed the mission request, then filled out some information in the registry. This formalized the mission and officially assigned it to Rod.
Mira handed the stamped mission request to Rod. “Alright, you can now take this to your client, Miss Mirajane Strauss, and finalize the details.”
“...” Rod took the mission request, his eyes lingering on the red stamp for a second before looking up at his ‘client.’
Mira’s gaze met his, and she immediately switched to a very girlish demeanor and tone. “Ah, you must be the Magic Warrior from Fairy Tail responsible for handling my mission. I apologize, but to confirm your identity, could you show me the mission request and your guild emblem?”
Why is she using such formal language? Is she really that into it? Rod mechanically nodded, handing back the mission request and rolling up his left sleeve to reveal his guild emblem.
“Indeed, you are a Magic Warrior from Fairy Tail! I apologize for the earlier misunderstanding!” Mira clasped her hands together and bowed slightly, her voice filled with ‘apology.’
Hesitating for a moment, Rod decided to play along. “No need to be so formal, Mira... Miss Mirajane. You’re heading to the City of Flowers, Crocus, correct? Do you have a specific itinerary planned?”
Mira, acting like a typical young girl, spoke carefully. “Yes, the original plan is to leave by boat tomorrow morning and arrive in the afternoon. We’ll spend the night in Crocus and return by carriage the following morning, arriving back in Magnolia by evening. Do you have any suggestions, sir?”
Rod winced at the pitiful “sir” and replied, “Please don’t call me that. I have no objections to the schedule, but I’d like to understand why you’re hiring a bodyguard. Is someone after you?”
Mira shook her head. “No, not at all. I just feel it’s unsafe for a girl to travel alone, so I’m entrusting my safety to you!”
“Alright, I accept.” Rod gave her a questioning look, hoping she would stop with the act.
Mira returned to her usual smile and held out her palm. “50 points, failing grade.”
“What?”
Mira cleared her throat. “Now, it’s time for a lesson from Senior Magic Warrior Mirajane.”
(End of Chapter)
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