An hour has passed since Melissa and her team arrived at the City Lord Mansion. Due to the request of both Grand Commander and Esnoz City Lord Felice. They decide to stay and rested in the mansion for a while, instead of quickly departing for the border.

Additionally, the team is waiting for the last member who has yet to join. But Commander Reizen has assured them that he already sends someone to bring him to the mansion. Hence, the team is patiently waiting.

A pleasant atmosphere shrouded the mansion office room where the team was entertained by Felice and Reizen. The team female members are heartily chatting with Felice on the sofa. They were laughing, teasing and sometimes whispering to each other intimately as if they were a long time, friends.

Alfred along with Zohar and Reizen's adjutants gathered merrily near the room mini bar for a small drinking session. Although technically the adjutants are still on duty, Reizen gives them an exception today, as it's still counted as a task for them to accompanying the guest. They undoubtedly have a favourable impression of Zohar and Alfred. The reason is just like them, Alfred is a legionnaire and has extensive deployment and combat records during his short enrollment with the 5th Legion, which makes him an experienced veteran and greatly impressed the adjutants. While Zohar is an elite member of SAD. The SAD always supported the Legion with their intelligence network and information gathering which really helped them in the military campaign in the past, that is why the relationship between the members of these 2 factions is always good.

Simultaneously, Arno can be seen talking with Reizen near the room desk. Earlier, both of them engross in a cordial conversation as they get to appreciate each other, which eventually disperse the unpleasant feelings between them. They casually talk about things such the continent political situation, military and other topics which man likes the most. Overall Arno really enjoyed conversing with Reizen.

Arno had a feeling that Reizen seems secretly knew about his 'fake' identity as the Regios Clan member. It appears Melissa already inform her agencies about him and somehow Reizen had access to this information. Arno is amazed by Astoria SAD capability in circulating sensitive intel. Not even 1 day has passed but his identity already leaked everywhere.

Not long, knocking sound came from the room door. Two soldier in their full legion armor entering the room and walking towards Reizen direction.

the soldiers start saluting Reizen "Report Grand Commander. I have brought Captain Meazza as ordered." and one of them is reporting to him.

Reizen nod "Good. You're dismissed." he dismissed the soldier who just presented a report.

After that soldier leaves. Arno, who standing beside Reizen began sizing up the other soldier left behind in the room. This soldier is not really tall, his body also slender but still a bit muscular. With short dis helved hair and faint beard. This soldier overall appearance is rather average without anything unique.

"Captain Lucio Meazza of the 5th Legion recon squadron reporting for duty, Grand Commander." The soldier introducing himself to Reizen. Surprisingly this soldier, whose name is Lucio Meazza possesses a deep overbearing voice which totally didn't match his average looking appearance.

Reizen nod again as he satisfied with Luccio introduction "Hmm. You should know the reason you were brought here right?" Reizen asked Luccio.

"Affirmative, Commander." Luccio replies straightly.

"Very well." Reizen began pointing his finger at Melissa direction "That lady over there is Lady Melissa Dreyfuss, you've been assigned under her command. As a result from now on, you are no longer with the 5th, go and report to her."

"Yes, Commander." Luccio then walking towards the large sofa where Melissa at.

Although in the surface, Luccio complexion still looks normal, actually he was a bit anxious inside. Because every people inside the room is focusing their attention on him. He knew these people were important people in the Empire military and political stratum.

Especially the beautiful lady in purple mage battle dress who's standing near the sofa surrounded by a group of beautiful women. She is exactly the famous Melissa Dreyfuss, one of the most powerful noble in the Empire and the youngest known Grand Mage in the entire realm.

Luccio is looking straight at her, he began to think that just like the rumor. This Lady Melissa is extremely lovely and elegant. There is no doubt that she is one of the most attractive women Luccio ever saw.

Melissa also sizes up Luccio. She can easily measure his strength, which is Level 1 Super Warrior, same as Alfred before his breakthrough.

"You were Alfred's colleague in the legion, correct?" Melissa began directly interviewing Luccio.

Luccio is saluting Melissa before he replies "Yes Lady Dreyfuss. My name is Luccio Meazza. I'm legionnaire in the 5th Legion...well ehem... but it's former now, though..." and he speaks awkwardly.

Melissa nods slightly "Before i officially invite you to the team, i'm gonna ask you something first." her voice become more serious "Did you knew exactly the team primary objective is?"

"Indeed, my lady. Alfred already informs me through the letter which i received this morning. The team main objective is to investigate a Mana Disruption that happens inside the Gobi Deadlands innermost region."

"That's right. Since you know, are you sure you want to join the team? i'm warning you, the journey will be perilous and dangerous. You might lose your life." Melissa strongly warns Luccio. The Deadlands is no joke and Melissa didn't need someone who is reluctant.

Luccio gulped a little "Yes my lady, i'm sure. I really want to join the team into the Deadlands." and he replies energetically and with superb confidence.

Luccio knows the journey will be extremely hard and arduous. Actually, when he read the letter Alfred's send before, he was somehow a bit hesitate. Because the team main objective is located at The Deadlands innermost region, which was filled with fearsome Demon Beasts and other treacherous unknown things. But because Alfred mentioned that the team leader, Lady Melissa Dreyfuss herself guarantee that no matter the mission is a success or not there will be a immense reward and commendation for them when they return.

Luccio is not someone who is greedy for money, but who doesn't want a bit of wealth or rising their own social status. Although the mission is obviously perilous, that can be resulting in losing his life. This would be a huge opportunity for him. Getting a huge monetary reward plus maybe a noble title and a small bit of land is really not bad at all. Therefore, he decides to accept the team invitation.

Moreover he's a legionnaire, after all, he already experiencing how dangerous the Deadlands with the Legions before. Although he operates mostly near the Empire border which is still secure compared to the innermost region but he confident that his experiences would be a great help in the journey later.

Melissa saw Luccio enthusiastic reply and she was convinced "Good. i can see you were determined. But one last thing, can you tell what your ability is or what fighting style you proficient at? Alfred already mentioned it to me and i already know some of your information from the legion dossier but i want to hear it from you directly." Melissa wants to know about Luccio ability is, so that she can utilize him in a suitable position inside the team tactical situation and formation.

"I'm most proficient in a bow or any kind of long-range weapons. My combat awareness is also top notches, and i have extensive knowledge of many types of Demon Beast or their strength and characteristic. I will follow any of your assignment, my lady." Luccio described his ability confidently.

Melissa began to ponder after hearing Luccio's combat capabilities. She's already envisioning Luccio as the team main scout while positioning him in the front of the formation.

"Hmm... a long-range fighter, as expected from a recon squadron leader. This is marvelous." Melissa nodding heavily satisfied, because the team will gain another scout. Actually, the team already had Dina as she also possesses a great scouting ability and Melissa rely on her, but the team still require someone who is experienced after all.

Dina is very proficient in tracking and scouting. Additionally, she has high cultivation rank, but Melissa thought Dina still can't be compared to Luccio who is more experienced in combat. Melissa conjecture is according to Alfred who's speaks highly of Luccio. She's also having investigated Luccio's background and his combat record with the legion before. She found this Luccio Meazza is, in fact, one of the most talented scouts in the entire Astoria military.

"You flatter me my lady, but thank you for the compliment." Luccio humbly thanked Melissa.

Alfred begins walking towards Melissa and Luccio "Luccio is one of finest legionnaire in the 5th, Lady Melissa. his expertise in bow and tracking is high grade, i can assure you that." and he vouches for Luccio.

Luccio nod to Alfred "What up Al?..." he greets him with a grin.

"Great...nice to see you again buddy." Alfred also smiles broadly as he returns the greetings.

"Heh." Both of them talked to each other casually.

Although Alfred's rank is the same as Luccio, both of them are a Captain. Alfred had better social status because not only he's a noble descendant but also he's a Knight. While Luccio is neither one. That is why there is supposed to be a formal etiquette when they greet each other, but it seems because of their relationship that has been forged through many battles together, there is no need for any of that. Hence, they say hello in casual and leisure manners.

Melissa, who sees both of these man relaxing interactions also smiling convincingly as she was assured that Luccio is credible and can be trusted. Next she opens her mouth again "Alright, from now on you are my subordinate and you will follow my order, is that clear?" and she suggesting Luccio while looking straight at him.

Luccio became serious after he had heard Melissa "Affirmative my lady."

Melissa nods again "Good. i expect nothing less from you." she stops for a second "And welcomes to the team."

"Thank you, Lady Dreyfuss. I definitely will not disappoint you." Luccio thanked Melissa once again.

Melissa began wandering her eyes around the room to look at each team member "I'm gonna allow you getting know each other, but for now, we gotta go back to business and can't be delayed anymore." and she beckons them.

The members start to nod in agreement and prepare to leave. Arno who looked extremely bored also began to prepare.

Melissa then looks at both Reizen and Felice who already standing side by side since earlier.

"Commander Reizen and Lady Felice, it is time for us to leave. I thank you both for the hospitality and support." she thanked both of them while bowing.

Since the team is completely assembled now. She really wants to get into action immediately.

Reizen and Felice moreover know with Melissa stubborn and determined personality, there is no way for them to delay her any longer. They can merely support her and allow her to leave.

"It is alright Lady Melissa, it's my pleasure to receive you in my house. Since you already decide subsequently i won't delay you no more. I pray for you and the team safety." Felice sincerely encourages Melissa.

"That's right. Since this is also a mission that sanctioned by the Kaiser himself. It is my honor to provide you with my supports. By the way, are you leaving straight to the border?." Reizen asked Melissa.

"Yes, but we must go to the agencies local branch first to procure our supplies and discussing our strategy, then we will leave the city after that. Is there something wrong, Commander?" Melissa instantly replies him, but she's rather confused.

Reizen shakes his head "No no. but...it's like this. There is a cavalry squadron in the city south gate, they also prepares to leave for the border and will depart in 1 hour. Since i already imposed a no-fly zone covering the entire southern border this morning. Then you cannot use a Wyvern. Thus, you can be attached to that squadron, and they will escort you to the border."

Melissa was disturbed because of Reizen's word. Originally the team will fly with Wyvern again provide by the legion to get to the border. But now it becomes problematic as Reizen already imposed a no-fly zone in the border. Since the area around the border is now rather chaotic because of Demon Beasts roaming around. If the team use land route then they will have an encounter with the beasts. It will be inconvenient and troublesome as it is unwise to be unnecessarily distracted before the team barely entering the Deadlands.

Fortunately, Reizen provides another solution to that. The team can just tag along with the cavalry squadron as those cavalries that would handle the Beasts.

"I see.... since it's like that, very well, we will take your offer. Much appreciated, Commander."

"No problem. listen, young lady. Astoria military will unconditionally support you in this endeavor. Every legion in the border already informed about your mission, so feel free to implore them if there is something you need and good luck in the mission." Reizen assures Melissa that the military will provide her their ultimate support.

Thus, Melissa and her team thanking and saying goodbye towards Felice and Reizen. At long last, all of them start leaving the City Lord Mansion and heading to SAD Esnoz branch which located near the city south gate.

-------------------------------

Meanwhile, inside the inn several hundred meters from the City Lord Mansion.

A man garbed in unimpressive light brown cloak filled with patches concealing his entire body is walking upstairs towards the 2nd floor.

People inside the inn who saw him, know this man doesn't want his identity to be known. Since there is a lot of people like him and they were uninterested barging in someone else matters, then they didn't mind much about him. Therefore, the man proceeds scaling the stairs uninterrupted.

He finally arrives in front of the room near the inn hallway corners.

At that point he knocks the room's door gently several times before the door is opened from inside.

Inside the room, there are three other people that dressing with a cloak similar like the man, which also covers their body too, these people appearance is shrouded by their dress and can't be identified.

One of the people who stand near the window looking outside began to rotate his body.

"Any news?" the man near the window asking his colleague.

"Yes, they are leaving the mansion." the man who just entered answering.

"Hmmm.... we will follow them now." a person who sits on top of the bed nod and spoke. From the person high pitch tone, it appears this person is a female.

"Is it alright, milady? This place is crawled by soldiers, and those people are surely still being monitored by them right?" the man who just entered is replying again worriedly.

"It's fine... we just want to chat with them instead of looking for trouble." the female on top of bed chuckled.

"Then if it's like that, what are we waiting for?" this time, which spoke, is the man sitting near the room small table.

"Well let's go, don't waste any more time." the man in the window began walking towards the door and the other 2 men also following him.

"Wait!" the female rising her voice little bit as she restraint her comrades. Then she began to smile as she is looking silly at the three men.

"What is it, lady? Something wrong?" one of the men asked, the other 2 also confused.

"We can go out like this right? i mean, just look at our dress, we simply looked suspicious in these cloaks, hahaha." the female began laughing heartily at her colleagues.

"Ah!" "Hehe." "Ehem." the three men suddenly realized that they were in fact rather looked suspicious because of their enshrouded dress.

Thus, all of them began to remove the cloaks and reveal their white silverish armors while the female revealed her magnificent white unblemished robe.

After that, the 4 start to leaving the room one by one and eventually left the inn.