Chapter 70: First Comission
The evening air carried a crisp coolness, a stark contrast to the warmth of the sun that had lingered throughout the day. A faint breeze rustled the leaves lining the academy pathways, carrying with it the scent of freshly cut grass and distant chimney smoke. The distant murmur of students winding down for the night filled the atmosphere with a quiet liveliness—small groups lingering around the dormitories, some engaged in last-minute discussions about their studies, while others simply enjoyed idle conversation.
Velren stood before the academy’s commission board, its surface illuminated by a series of soft, enchanted lights that kept the postings visible even after sundown. He wasn’t alone—several other students had gathered around, scanning the available requests with varying degrees of interest.
Some discussed potential missions in hushed voices, forming teams on the spot. Others simply examined the listings in quiet contemplation, perhaps debating whether they were up for the challenge.
Velren paid them little mind.
His gaze drifted over the numerous commissions, carefully browsing through the details. His preference? Simple.
Whichever one offered the best payout.
***
Velren’s eyes moved swiftly across the parchment postings, analyzing each request with practiced efficiency. Some were basic—item retrievals, assisting researchers, or minor escort tasks—while others leaned towards the more dangerous spectrum, like tracking rogue magical creatures or dealing with unstable mana anomalies.
But for him, the deciding factor wasn’t necessarily the level of risk. It was the reward.
This was the real reason he had declined Eterna’s offer earlier. While working with her and Raine would have certainly made things easier, it also meant splitting the reward. Given his current circumstances, that wasn’t something he could afford to do.
His monthly allowance from Gramps wasn’t exactly small, but it also wasn’t something he could completely depend on. Not to mention, the old man was carefree—too carefree—and there was always the off chance that he would simply forget to send it.