Chapter 4 – The Guild, The Party, and… That Awkward Question

The inside of the Adventurer’s Guild was far more lively than Leonix had expected. The large hall was filled with bustling adventurers, laughing, chatting, and arguing over mission boards. Wooden counters lined the sides of the room, and behind them, staff members assisted various quests and paperwork.

“Here it is—the Adventurer’s Guild,” Seraphine said with a bright smile, spreading her arms as if welcoming Leonix to his new life.

Leonix nodded slightly, eyes scanning the place. A place where warriors and mages gather, huh? Seems like a decent front for a power structure... Might be useful.

Layla leaned on the wall next to him with a smirk. “Careful, Mr. Hero. This is where people who actually work hang out. You sure you won’t break a nail?”

Leonix didn’t bother replying. He simply smiled like a clueless tourist.

They approached the front desk where a petite girl with short, silver-gray hair was scribbling something in a large book. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up and saw them.

“Ah! Seraaa!” she called cheerfully. “You’re back!”

“Karin!” Seraphine smiled and gave the girl a quick hug. “This is Leon. He’s the new adventurer I’m guiding.”

Karin blinked, then looked up at Leonix with wide eyes. She tilted her head.

“Hmm… Is he your boyfriend? Or… your husband?”

Seraphine instantly turned red. “W-What!? No! I-I mean, that’s not—!”

Leonix calmly glanced away, pretending to be engrossed in a poster on the wall.

Layla burst into laughter. “Pfft—nice, kid. You hit her where it hurts.”

“I-It doesn’t hurt!” Seraphine huffed, her face still flushed. “Karin, don’t say strange things!”

“But he’s so cool-looking!” Karin said innocently. “Like a prince from a book!”

Leonix turned around with a perfect, fake innocent smile. “Thank you, Karin. That’s very kind of you.”

Seraphine looked like she was about to sink into the floor.

After recovering from the awkward moment, the group moved toward a side room where guild staff explained the basics: party formations, ranking systems, available quests, and how rewards were calculated. Leonix listened attentively—at least on the surface. Deep down, he was already analyzing how the system could be exploited.

“So, we need at least three members for an official party,” Seraphine said as they left the room. “With you, me, and Layla, we qualify.”

“Yay,” Layla said flatly. “Can’t wait to babysit our charming new hero.”

Leonix didn’t react. He simply smiled.

And thus, the so-called “party” was officially formed—an angelic priestess, a fiery swordfighter, and a former Demon King in disguise.

What could possibly go wrong?