"Well then, Crowley, since you''re on official business, I won''t impose on you any longer. Let''s meetter tonight at Brebav''s Seafood Restaurant."


    Temporarily parting ways after a surprising meeting with his former instructor, Shye''s mood tremendously improved.


    However, upon remembering what her instructor did inside the system upgrade''s dreamworld, Shye''s little brother uncontrobly stood up, causing him to breathe a little heavily.


    He wanted to gobble up his instructor…


    ''Sh*t! What am I even thinking?!'' Shye inwardly reprimanded himself.


    Unfortunately, his manhood was a little too vigorous, causing him to temporarily leave the city hall''s premises to take a few deep breaths and calm down.


    He couldn''t just walk around inside the city hall with a boner, could he?


    Only after he was sure that his thoughts were once again pure did Shye walk towards the city hall.


    "Hello, I''ve been summoned by the city lord. Here''s my letter."


    This specific guard was a friend of Adrian, and since the guy had seen the two of them together earlier, he didn''t make things difficult for Shye.


    It turned out to be the right decision, as after verifying the letter''s authenticity, the guard realized it was genuine and that a significant opportunityy before him.


    He would be stupid not to grab it with both hands!


    "Hello, Shye Crowley, this year''s top rookie, correct?"


    "Yes, may I know this guard''s name?"


    Hearing Shye''s words, the guard was on cloud nine.


    After all, Shye''s words suggested he was looking for someone to assist him whenever he went to the city hall for official business, and that he had chosen him.''


    ''Hahaha! Brother Adrian sure is a lucky star!''


    "Ahh, yes, my name''s Jed. If you need anything inside the city hall, feel free to reach out to me anytime."


    "That would be preferable, brother Jed. Tomemorate our friendship, please receive this small token." Shye said, discreetly retrieving a pouch of silver coins and handing it over to Guard Jed.


    "A-Ahh, ha... hahaha! Brother Crowley is quite straightforward, it seems. I''ll ept it this time. But please, there''s no need to do this again in the future. As long as you would hear me out if I ever have a problem, that will be enough."


    "Ahh, I see. I understand, Brother Jed. Don''t worry, if you ever face a problem you can''t handle, feel free toe to me. If it''s within my ability to solve, I''ll dly assist without hesitation."


    To mere retired average-ranked adventurers like Jed, a promise from a promising rookie meant a lot.


    Naturally, he didn''t intend to trouble Shye unless necessary.


    However, in a world where strength often prevails, having a few backers was a valuable contingency n.


    After all, the future is unpredictable, and knowing he could rely on Shye, a promising adventurer if faced with an insurmountable challenge, was aforting thought.


    All he needed to do for Shye was make sure he didn''t have to queue every time he arrived, anyway.


    "Thank you, Brother Crowley! Your words reassure me."


    Beaming brightly, Jed led Shye towards the city lord''s office, saving him a considerable amount of time.@@novelbin@@


    Entering the city hall, Shye was bbergasted.


    He once visited the city halls of Colzen City and Balkrow City.


    However, despite their majestic appearance, they seemed like mere carriage garagespared to the Valenzia City Hall which had a ceiling height of a hundred-and-twenty meters.


    Its wide hallways, adorned with red carpets, were bathed in the warm rays of the sun streaming through vast, premium ss windows.


    Moreover, there were hundreds of rooms bustling with a mix of ordinary workers and adventurers going about their business, each seemingly upied with their own agendas.


    It was a vibrant scene.


    ''D-Damn, it would probably have been difficult to locate the city lord''s office without Brother Jed,'' Shye mused, realizing befriending one of the guards had been a great decision.


    After walking for about twenty minutes, they finally arrived in front of thergest indoor doors Shye had ever seen.


    The massive door before him, crafted from ckwood and adorned with intricate carvings of various insignias, stood at a height of approximately ten meters.


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    Mind-bogglingly gigantic.


    *KNOCK!* *KNOCK!* *KNOCK!*


    "City Lord, Shye Crowley has responded to your summons."


    "You may enter, Crowley."


    "Yes, city lord."


    Entering the office that seemed like an entire great hall of a kingdom from story books, Shye was mesmerized.


    However, upon recalling that he was in the presence of one of the most powerful authorities in the region, he quicklyposed himself and respectfully gazed at the city lord.


    Shye was familiar with the middle-aged man''s stern yet handsome and sharply defined face, having seen him on multiple asions in the past and of course, because the man appeared charismatic, dignified, and morally upright, Shye held a high opinion of the city lord.


    Moreover, the man decisively enforced the rules of the tournaments he had participated in, demonstrating impartiality.


    He was simply the perfect city lord in Shye''s eyes.


    "I greet the city lord," Shye said with the utmost respect, bowing toward s.


    "The name''s s. We finally meet face to face, Crowley," s replied with a smile. "First of all, I would like to congratte you forpleting the regional special quest that no one has everpleted."


    "My gratitude, City Lord s."


    Nodding, the city lord spoke again, finally revealing the reason for Shye''s summons.


    "I''ve called you here to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of bing a regional champion. If you feel it would be disadvantageous to assume the position, you have the option to remain a hero candidate. You will still be appointed as a hero three yearster regardless of your decision."


    Hearing s'' words, Shye''s face turned even more serious.


    ''I can decline? It seems that being a champion isn''t all that great, huh?''


    "I understand, Lord s. I will carefully consider our discussion and give you my decision afterward."


    Observing Shye''s wise and patient reactions, the city lord inwardly smiled.


    ''Heh, it seems this kid is truly exceptional, showing intelligence and wisdom beyond his years. A typical twenty-one-year-old youngster would be eager to ept the position.''


    "Alright, listen…"