The inn was a lively, bustling establishment, its walls steeped in the chatter and energy of the many MES agents who considered it a second home. With its hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere, the inn also drew in ordinary citizens eager to enjoy its renowned cuisine, creating a dynamic mix of hardened agents and townsfolk sharing the space. Amidst this blend of patrons, the low hum of conversations often turned to boisterous laughter or tense exchanges. At one table, two MES agents leaned in close, their voices dripping with mockery and malice as they discussed a scandalous rumor about a well-known individual. Their crude words, laced with innuendo, carried just far enough to reach Breeze’s ears, sparking a quiet storm of anger within him.

"Did you hear the rumors?"

"What rumors?"

"It's about that bulky girl, the Boss's favorite chef. Pretending to be pure and every time a guy approached her she beat the shit out of him, but it turned out she was living with a pretty boy. Or so I heard."

"Are you certain about this?"

"One hundred percent! I heard the old ladies on her street talking about it. And here I thought she was as virtuous as she seemed. I bet that sissy boy enjoys her every night."

"Now that her reputation’s in the gutter, no one can save her or speak for her. We can make our move first. I was looking forward to tasting that bit—"

SLASH! SPLASH!

Before the man could finish, Breeze struck. The sharp sound of his blade was followed by a flood of blood. Their cheeks and tongues were cut clean, silencing them instantly.

"AAAARRRGGGHHH!"

The inn fell into stunned silence. Every eye turned to Breeze, who stood over the fallen men, his breath heavy, his gaze cold. Seconds later, chaos erupted.

"Murderer!" someone screamed. Ordinary patrons scrambled, abandoning their breakfasts to flee the inn. The two injured men writhed on the floor, unable to lift their heads, drowning in pain and blood.

Sayah entered, Sighing and rubbing her hair. She sighed at the scene.

"Do you have to ruin a good breakfast? It’s too early for shedding blood. That aside, I didn’t know you had such a ruthless streak, my little apprentice. What’s got you so furious?"

Breeze didn’t answer. He stared at the men with icy determination, debating whether to torture or kill them. Sayah smacked him on the head, snapping him out of his trance.

"Alright, I’ll let that slide (Ignoring her), but answer me: what is going on?"

Breeze took a deep breath. "Sorry, Master. I didn’t mean to ignore you. I… I lost control for the first time. Thank you for that slap. I might have killed them otherwise. They were trash-talking my soon-to-be wife. I couldn’t hold myself back."

"What?! Soon-to-be wife? Why didn’t you tell me about this? Am I not your good master anymore? Sigh, never mind. Who is she? Given that they were insulting her, I’m assuming she’s someone of considerable importance."

Hesitating, Breeze asked, "You won’t do anything bad to her, right?"

"Really?! Who do you think I am? I only chase handsome men and hunt ugly trash."

"Her name is Samar. She works at the Boss’s restaurant."

"Huh? Samar? That hot Samar? Did you actually win her heart?"

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Blushing, Breeze nodded. Sayah grinned.

"Atta boy. That girl’s personality is as strong as her punches, but in terms of looks, she’s second only to me. Her well-developed physique and abnormal strength are impressive for someone so young. I like her. Those trashy dogs wouldn’t dare approach her; they’re afraid she’d humiliate them. Luckily, the Boss is her backer. Otherwise, they might gang up on her out of shame."

Sayah coughed theatrically. "Now that you’ve claimed her as your wife, it’s my duty to uphold your honor and free you from the chains of revenge."

Unsheathing her sword, she approached the crawling men. With a swift strike, their heads rolled. She jumped onto a nearby table and shouted, "Silence! Do you see these corpses? That’s the fate of anyone who dares approach or slander Samar. She is the wife of my apprentice. If I hear another rumor about her, prepare to live the rest of your life as a mute."

The crowd of MES agents resumed their meals, accustomed to the brutality. Despite their familiarity with violence, many were shocked by Breeze’s actions. He was still a newbie, just 2 days since he joined the MES, yet his wrath against insults to someone he cherished was unparalleled. Tossed around by disdain and rejection most of his life, Breeze had become generous in ignoring slights against himself. But insults to his loved ones? That was his breaking point.

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After the chaotic morning, and after cleaning up the mess, Breeze accompanied Sayah to the MES to take a new quest. This time, it would be his first solo mission. Sayah advised him to find a cohort, but the morning’s incident, combined with her notorious reputation, made it a daunting task.

As Breeze scanned the quest board, a fat mercenary approached him.

"Hey, young lad. How about joining our escort mission?"

Before he could elaborate, Sayah’s blade was at his throat.

"Did my warning this morning not sink in, fatty? Do I need to kill a few more people before you take me seriously? For a wicked person such as you, what’s your real reason for approaching my apprentice?"

The man raised his hands defensively. "Believe me, big sister, I have no bad intentions this time. I just need strong people to deliver supplies to the knights at a nearby camp. It’s a simple eight-hour round trip. If anything happens to your apprentice, I’ll offer my head on a silver plate."

Sayah studied him for a moment before withdrawing her sword. "It’s up to you, Breeze."

Breeze eyed the mercenary carefully before replying. "Even if you seem honest, I won’t join you. What I’ve learned in my short life is to never trust a wicked person, even if the mission is easy and profitable."

The mercenary’s face darkened. "Why do you think I’m wicked? I’m one of the least shady agents here."

"I trust my master’s judgment. That’s reason enough."

The man spat in frustration. "Tsk. Whatever. Your loss."

He stormed off, his expression murderous.

Sayah chuckled. "I thought you’d accept. It was a steal, which is why I left it to you."

"When you called him wicked, I decided not to risk it. No one can predict how such a trip might go. I tried to provoke him to check his reaction, to see if I could take the gamble or not, but he showed his hostility. Gambling, after all, is the son of avarice and the father of despair. If anything goes wrong, I'm not confident in my skills against experienced veterans. Even if I'm stronger, I can't take unnecessary risks. As they say, even a lion can be overwhelmed by a hundred sheep."

Sayah smiled warmly and ruffled his hair. "My little cub trusts me so much he turned down easy money. While I’m alive, I’ll make sure you become a dragon, not just a lion. For now, take an easy quest and keep an eye out for trustworthy companions. I’ll be heading out on a mission myself."

"Take care, Master."

Breeze watched her leave, silently resolving, 'Sorry, Master, but I can’t search for a cohort. My family’s mission is my top priority. Trusting people isn’t an option.'

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Breeze approached the receptionist. "Hey, Brother Oak. Any easy quests for a newbie like me?"

Oak greeted him warmly. "There is one, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort. The pay is two silver, but it’s not a hunter’s job. I’m recommending it out of ethics, not enthusiasm."

"Two silver is a lot. Why wouldn’t it be worth it?"

Oak scratched his head. "A lot of agents have tried and returned cursing. The client’s an old woman asking for help taking care of a child. No one’s taken the quest in six months. I’m not even sure if she’s still alive."

Breeze sighed. "Sounds like a headache. Are there other options?"

"Everything else is on the board."

"Fine. Give me the quest. Maybe good deeds will pay back."

Oak handed over the details, and Breeze headed out, curious about the task ahead.