Chapter 10 Mercenaries and the Three Serpents Society

“Then I'll accept the task for you.”
The receptionist wanted to say something more, but seeing the resolute look in Lin Han's eyes, she swallowed her words.
If he were a warrior, there might be a real chance he could clear it.
But unfortunately, he was merely a Life Sacrificer.
“All right.”
She began operating the terminal in front of her, entering Lin Han’s details. Soon, the task assignment prompt appeared on the display screens in the entire Job Change Hall.

[Task Name]: Abyss Apostle
[Task Requirements]: Proceed to the dungeon, seek out and hunt the Abyss Apostle, and retrieve the Heart of the Abyss.
[Task Difficulty]: S-Rank
[Recipient]: Lin Han
[Class]: Life Sacrificer
[Level]: Level 10, First Advancement

“Who is this kid, so reckless to take on such a dangerous quest?”
“I’ve never heard of someone like this in Huiyue City.”
“Life Sacrificer? Never heard of that class before. Could it be a new hidden priest type?”

At that moment, the crowd gathered in the Job Change Hall all turned to the screen.

“Hmph, hidden or not, it’s still just a priest. A healer taking on an S-rank job change task? He’s out of his mind!”
“Young people, always overestimating themselves. He’ll learn soon enough how vast the world truly is when he faces setbacks.”
“Setbacks? I worry he’ll pay with his life.”

Soon, laughter erupted throughout the hall.
Everyone was skeptical of Lin Han taking on an S-rank quest.
For a healer class, attempting such a challenge was no different from courting death.

“It’s all right. Don’t mind their words. Who knows, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to succeed?”
The receptionist comforted him hastily.
Lin Han paid no mind to the crowd.
Let them say whatever they please.

“Well, I’ll be going now.”
With that, Lin Han bid farewell to the receptionist and walked out of the Job Change Hall amidst the ridicule.

The receptionist watched Lin Han’s departing figure, feeling uneasy.
But thinking it over, this young man had reached level ten in just a day!
Maybe his powerful family could find a way to help him clear the quest.
...
Before Lin Han could leave the hall, a group of people suddenly blocked his path.

“Who are you?”
Lin Han examined their attire.
Each wore a badge with a snake emblem on the left chest.

“We’re from the Three Serpents Society.”
The bald man leading the group spoke with cold authority.
Lin Han knew of the Three Serpents Society—it was one of Huiyue City’s three major guilds.
Aside from the official forces, many such guilds maintained order throughout the city.
In times of crisis, these guilds would step up to fulfill their duties.
Thus, guilds held crucial positions in the city.
Many resources and places for cultivation were run by these guilds, including trial grounds.
They even had mercenary teams, available for hire with materials or currency to accomplish any task.
This was a primary income source for the guilds.

Knowing their identity, Lin Han still didn’t understand why they had stopped him.

“Since you know us, things are easier.”
The bald man spoke brashly.
He liked dealing with naive newcomers, easy to intimidate and manipulate.

“We’re not here for anything else. We plan to join your quest as companions.”
“You’re just a healer. Soloing a quest of this level is extremely dangerous. But with us, you’ll be guaranteed success.”
“How about it? I’m a level twenty-six warrior—surely you feel safe with us.”

The group grew increasingly arrogant.
The weakest among them was already at their second advancement.
More than enough to overwhelm Lin Han.
As well-known mercenaries in the Three Serpents Society, they had come to help a first-advancement healer obtain the Heart of the Abyss.
But upon arriving, they saw Lin Han had already claimed the quest.

So their plan now was to accompany him, defeat the Abyss Apostle, and snatch the Heart of the Abyss.
Lin Han snorted inwardly.
He could see through their intentions; they simply coveted the Heart of the Abyss.
Yet, there was only one Heart per Abyss Apostle, and currently, Huiyue City had only this quest available. Whoever obtained it would be able to advance to the second tier.
With that in mind, Lin Han had no intention of giving it up.
He had worked painstakingly to gather two elemental sources; to abandon his job change now was out of the question.

“Sorry, I have no interest. I prefer to work alone.”
Lin Han refused decisively and strode toward the exit.

“Kid, don’t refuse a toast only to drink in humiliation. Do you know how strong the Three Serpents Society is in Huiyue City? If you offend us, your days will be tough.”
The bald man stepped forward, threatening him.

“Trying to scare me?”
Lin Han was all too familiar with this routine.
They always tried to show off in front of newcomers.
Did these small fry really believe they represented the whole guild? The guild leader probably didn’t even know they existed.

“You...”
Lin Han’s words stunned the bald man. Usually, this tactic worked well on rookies.
Yet this young man showed no fear, which surprised him.

“All right, step aside. This is official territory. If you want to start trouble here, you’d better think twice.”
Lin Han waved dismissively, with the air of a seasoned veteran.

“Good kid, you’ve surprised me, but I’ll tell you this—you’ve thoroughly angered me. You know what that means.”
“Move!”
With the bald man’s furious shout, the mercenaries parted to give Lin Han a path.
Indeed, as Lin Han said, the Job Change Hall was official ground.
They couldn’t make a move here and had no choice but to let him go.

Lin Han ignored them and strode out.

“Captain, are we just going to let him go?”
The bald man snorted coldly.
“Let him go? If we did, how could we survive in the guild? Who would ever hire us again?”
“We must regain face today!”
“If we can’t do it openly, we’ll play dirty. That kid will regret crossing us!”

Watching Lin Han’s departing figure, the bald man’s eyes narrowed with malicious intent.