"Guild Master."

Rayne turned toward the voice and greeted Makarov casually.

The others chimed in one after another.

"Hmm."

With a nod, Makarov descended the stairs, hands clasped behind his back.

After pinning the request sheets to the job board, he announced:

"Alright, pick your missions."

The moment the words left his mouth, the guild members stampeded toward the board like a pack of starving wolves.

"Is this a lunch rush or what?"

Even though he'd seen this spectacle before, Rayne couldn't help but吐槽 (tsukkomi) internally.

That said, he still joined the charge, tossing a quick remark over his shoulder:

"Konan, wait here for a bit."

Thanks to the intimidating presence of the greatsword strapped to his back, no one dared block his path.

Rayne reached the board effortlessly, his eyes scanning the postings rapidly.

Right now, he had only one criterion: reward amount.

Anything below his expected pay range was mentally noted and skipped.

Soon, one request caught his attention:

Title: Investigate Mysterious Thefts

Rank: C-Class

Details: In Hill Town (eastern region), objects have been vanishing inexplicably—from laundry left drying to pottery in shops. All disappear without witnesses. Request guild assistance in identifying the thief.

Reward: 50,000J

"Eastern region… Investigation mission…"

Rayne's brow furrowed. The location alone suggested a long trip, and tracking missing items?

That could take ages.

But with Konan around, pinpointing the culprit would be trivial.

Worst-case scenario, he'd treat it as sightseeing.

"This one!"

Decision made, Rayne snatched the sheet before anyone else could—then shouldered his way out of the crowd.

The guildmates wisely dodged, not keen on bumping into a blade taller than they were.

"Huh. Never knew my sword doubled as a crowd-control tool."

Glancing back at the chaotic scramble, Rayne patted the greatsword appreciatively.

"Guild Master, I'm taking this job."

He slid the request across the counter.

"Hill Town's pottery merchants must be rolling in Jewels. Lucky grab."

Makarov scanned the sheet while logging it.

He remembered this one—a 50,000J reward just to find a thief? Rare generosity.

"Here."

The request was pushed back toward Rayne moments later.

This time, Makarov offered no warnings.

Not because he was still miffed about the magic lesson—but because Rayne had already completed two missions.

He no longer saw him as a rookie.

Overbearing advice now would only insult Rayne's competence as a wizard.

"See you later, Guild Master. I'll bring back souvenirs if I find any."

Tucking the sheet away, Rayne waved and headed for Konan.

"Save your Jewels. That town's prices are brutal."

Makarov had traveled enough in his youth to know.

Rayne didn't reply, just waved again as he led Konan out.

This trip would be far longer than the last, so Rayne didn't leave immediately.

Back at the apartment, he packed spare clothes and seasonings.

Even though the job was urban, he wasn't taking chances.

Hours later, a deep train whistle echoed through the station.

The black steam engine roared to life, chugging eastward.

"Maji yabakunai~!" (This is amazing!)

Konan knelt by the window, her chubby cheeks squished against the glass.

Eyes sparkling, she marveled at this new mode of travel—nothing like horse-drawn carriages.

Beside her, Rayne leaned back, his greatsword propped nearby.

Passengers spoke in hushed tones; parents silenced rowdy children with warnings.

Their carriage became the quietest on the train.

Rayne didn't mind. Peace was welcome.

"Rayne, that's where Porlyusica lives!"

Konan suddenly tugged his sleeve, pointing at a dense forest in the distance.

"Do you think she can see us?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Porlyusica wouldn't care even if she did."

Rayne chuckled, imagining the cranky old woman grumbling about the train's noise.

"Oh."

Konan blinked, then pressed her face back to the window.

Rayne's gaze drifted past her, watching the scenery blur by.

For a moment, it almost felt like his past life.

Hours Later – Hill Town Station

Rayne stepped off the train, guiding a drowsy Konan.

Even the most exciting novelty fades after hours of repetition—especially for a dragon.

After the initial excitement, she'd dozed against him.

"Let's find an inn and eat first."

The sky had darkened completely, forcing Rayne to postpone meeting the client.

"What are we eating?"

Konan perked up instantly at the magic word.

"Of course that wakes you up."

Rayne poked her forehead but relented:

"No idea. We'll look around."

As they left the station, Hill Town's streets unfolded—lined with pottery shops and ceramic-themed architecture.

Even the air smelled of clay and glaze.

Near the station (as if universal law dictated it), an inn-and-tavern combo stood.

Rayne paused outside, light and raucous laughter spilling from within.

The ambiance rivaled Fairy Tail on a rowdy night.

"This'll do."

Since the request mentioned stolen goods, a busy tavern seemed ideal for gathering rumors.

Pushing the door open, Rayne stepped inside with Konan in tow.