The conquest raid.
It was one of the large-scale raid contents in the game of <Blackout>. It ranked even above the usual field boss events.
Usually, it was an event that followed the end of a field boss event. Didn’t many adventurers knock on the fortress gates when the Goblin Lord appeared recently?
They said it was the Azure Cloud party who would lead the conquest raid, right? But you need to be at least level 2 to participate here.
Jun hadn’t expected to encounter this so soon.
A letter of recommendation from the commander.
Since there had never been such an event in the game, Jun realized how unusual the current situation was.
What should I do?
Various pros and cons flashed through his mind, but he knew there was no need to think about it now.
It was thanks to Ginovan’s consideration.
“How you use this is up to you. You can sell it, or you can use it yourself.”
So Jun was briefly touched by his genuine kindness and gratefully accepted it.
“Thank you for taking care of me like this.”
***
“A conquest raid?!”
Back in Chloe’s office.
“You’re still level 1, aren’t you? How can he give a letter of recommendation to someone who isn’t even level 2?”
Typically, each tier’s conquest raid was organized around players who were at least one level higher than that tier.
For instance, in a level 1 conquest raid, it was the level 2 people who took the lead.
Moreover, the team of the conquest raid leader which was the core of the conquest raid had to be at least level 3.
Naturally, it was expected that there wouldn’t be any place for a level 1 player.
So Chloe’s reaction wasn’t all that strange.
“But senior, what exactly is a conquest raid?”
Meanwhile, Aiden still didn’t grasp the situation and asked Jun with a puzzled expression on his face, which made Chloe look at him in shock.
“You came down to Blackout without knowing that?”
“Oh… haha.”
“Why are you putting him down like that? It’s possible he might not know.”
After all, how much could a sheltered flower from the imperial palace really understand?
Jun naturally began explaining what a conquest raid was.
“To put it simply, it’s a large-scale dungeon raid.”
“A dungeon raid, you say?”
At least five dungeons were combined, and the main objective was to defeat the raid monsters.
Naturally, only those with considerable skill could participate, and Jun had planned to aim for it after moving up to level 2.
But who would have thought the commander had such authority?
If Jun could participate, it was clear that the early stages would become much easier for him.
Especially a level 1 conquest raid in the Black Forest would be a great help to warriors.
As Jun thought about the various hidden pieces in that place and looked at Aiden, Chloe cautiously voiced her opinion.
“Still… wouldn’t it be too dangerous?”
The conquest raid was not an easy challenge. It was difficult enough to make Chloe react that way.
Though it was very vast, the conquest raid ultimately targeted a large dungeon.
And dungeons, by their nature were structured so that you couldn’t leave unless you fulfilled the conditions.
Naturally, failure meant death.
“Aiden, what do you think?”
“Well… as long as it’s not beyond our abilities, honestly, I’d like to give it a try.”
Aiden’s eyes sparkled. He had a certain romanticism about these kinds of challenges.
“Well, to be honest, we wouldn’t be causing any trouble there.”
Aiden, after all, was a magic user which was a requirement for a level 2.
Naturally, he was above average, and since Jun had reached the level of a third circle master, he could certainly hold his own.
“Hah… alright. Well, since you two brought this up yourselves, I have no reason to argue. But be careful. Unlike field raids, you can’t just retreat if things go south in a conquest raid.”
“Thanks for your concern.”
“…It’s just because you’re useful.”
With that, Chloe told them to call if they needed anything before handing them some money and sending them off.
***
Jun spoke after they stepped outside and strolled through the streets of the fortress,
“It’s only natural for her to react that way. Like you have heard, if a conquest raid fails, that’s the end.”
“Because it’s cut off from the outside world?”
“That’s right. The dungeon entrance only opens in two cases. Either you meet the clear conditions or your party is wiped out.”
“Hmm…”
“But you don’t need to worry too much. As long as we prepare thoroughly, it’s not impossible.”
After that, Jun sold the skill book he had put up for auction, reinforced Aiden’s equipment, and bought the necessary spellbooks.
During the day, he planned their future moves based on the information Chloe had gathered, and he and Aiden ventured into the Black Forest to synchronize their teamwork.
At night, he continued his research on magic using the newly acquired spellbooks.
“Phew… This isn’t easy.”
He particularly focused on enhancing the power of the [Lightning Whip], which had been lacking before, while also researching the phenomenon he encountered during the battle with the Goblin Lord.
The former showed some progress, but unfortunately, there was no concrete information on the latter. All that was left were speculations.
In the end, I won’t have any answers until I experience something like that again.
Dwelling too long on a problem with no immediate solution would only lead to frustration.
In the end, Jun decided to set aside finding an answer for later and focus on solving what he could for now.
“I never thought I’d have to use my brain this much again after the damn college entrance exams and grad school.”
Fortunately, thanks to the basic knowledge of magic he already possessed and the skill [Basic Magic Talent], understanding spellbooks up to the third circle wasn’t too difficult.
However, from the fourth circle onward, the concepts became vastly more complex, which made it hard for Jun to even consider tackling them yet. The cost of the spellbooks was no different.
Moreover, from the fourth circle onward, he would also need to clearly decide on a school of magic.
Whether it would be elemental, enchantment, or summoning, he couldn’t continue learning as randomly as he was now.
“I guess I’ll have to strengthen [Basic Magic Talent] later when I get a skill enhancement ticket.”
Of course, as one can tell from the name alone, it was a difficult item to obtain so it was a long way off for now.
But I should try to get one as soon as possible. From the fourth circle onward, you’re considered an intermediate mage.
The difference in status between a lower and an intermediate mage was immense.
Gaining fame as he did this time was good, but in the end, it all depended on his skills.
“In the end, I just have to keep growing steadily like this.”
After cooling his head for a moment, Jun buried his nose in the spellbook and began to concentrate again.
By the time the light from the [Light] spell illuminating his room faded, a considerable amount of time had passed.
***
Time flew by like an arrow released from a bowstring.
After two weeks had passed,
“Those participating in the Forest Guardian conquest raid, please gather here!”
The day of the raid had finally arrived.
“All group leaders, please assemble at the main headquarters!”
At the guide’s shout, the leaders of the groups participating in the raid gathered together.
Inside the large tent, about twenty people huddled together.
There were free adventurers and mercenary captains leading their own groups just like Jun.
As expected of Level 2 users, their equipment is quite impressive.
While Jun briefly scanned the gear of those gathered, he suddenly noticed that many eyes were also on him.
“What’s with those rags he’s wearing?”
“Is he a mage?”
“I don’t sense anything particularly strong from him.”
“Ah, I heard the fortress commander recommend someone this time. Could it be him?”
“I heard he played a significant role in subduing the Goblin Lord…”
“For someone like that, his gear isn’t very impressive. Doesn’t seem like he’s from the Magic Tower.”
Just as Jun assessed them by their equipment, they too were sizing him up.
And as they said, Jun hadn’t acquired much in the way of proper gear.
If anything, he had a robe that blocked the wind well enough.
Since artifacts were the standard equipment for mages, it was only normal.
Well, honestly, I can’t really complain if they treat me like a burden.
On top of that, he was the only level 1 here.
So, Jun didn’t particularly react to the various gazes directed at him.
Even if I try to explain myself, these guys won’t listen until I show them my skills.
Having experienced worse disregard before, Jun raised his head even higher and looked straight ahead.
Soon, a man entered the tent.
He was the raid leader in charge of this operation.
“Greetings, everyone. I’m Benjamin Briston, the leader responsible for this raid. I run a small adventurer party called ‘Azure Cloud’ at level 3.”
True to their reputation as the group leading the raid, every member of the adventurer party was at level 3.
Despite his claim of being small, it seemed to be quite well known.
Jun overheard some mercenaries murmuring.
“Azure Cloud, huh? I’ve heard they’ve been making a name for themselves at the Temple of Beasts.”
“I’ve heard they’ve claimed quite a large territory for themselves.”
“But recently, there have been rumors that their financial situation isn’t so great…”
“The most useless worry in the world is worrying about the rich. What could be the problem when they have the nobles’ support?”
“Yeah, you’re right about that.”
The members gathered from each group exchanged brief conversations. Meanwhile, Benjamin continued speaking.
“As you all know, the target of this raid is the Forest Guardian, a corrupted spirit of the woods.”
With this explanation, those who had been chatting fell silent and focused on him.
Though it was a level 1 raid, failing to properly uncover the various mechanics could lead to death just the same.
He went on to explain the characteristics of the five different dungeons and how they would come together at certain points, giving a detailed briefing.
After roughly two hours had passed, the group representatives finished asking their questions.
“Now, lastly, we will select the teams. Just so you know, the teams will be chosen at random. This decision is made to prevent any unfortunate incidents, so I ask for your cooperation.”
In other words, it meant that the raid leader would decide the teams as he saw fit.
Naturally, no one objected to this.
The raid leader’s authority was so huge that saying it was considerable would be an understatement.
As a result, Jun was placed on Team 4.
“Tsk, so it’s you.”
One of the leaders assigned to the fourth dungeon looked at Jun with clear dissatisfaction on his face.
There was no reason for him to be pleased about having someone who looked like a burden on his team.
It seemed that the others weren’t particularly welcoming either, but Jun spoke up with a calm expression on his face.
“I’m Jun, a third-circle mage. I lead the level 1 White Whale Mercenaries.”
“Ha, well, at least you’ve got some nerve. I’m Colton Carter, level 2. I run the Razor Eagle Mercenaries.”
Following Colton, one of the remaining two team members spoke up.
She was a woman with long subtly glowing black hair and amber-colored eyes.
“My name is Lucy Markner, a level 2 adventurer. Please call me Lucy. And this is…”
In the direction she pointed, a young man who looked just like her spoke up in a lively voice.
“Yeah! I’m Luke Markner, just the same! Nice to meet you!”
They were twin siblings, and they introduced themselves as free adventurers.
“Hmmm… Are you two perhaps members of the Jinlang race?”
When Colton saw them together, he asked that question and the young man who introduced himself as Luke opened his eyes wide in surprise.
“Huh? How did you know?”
“That shining black hair and orange eyes aren’t exactly common. And, well…”
Colton cautiously closed his mouth.
Even though they were mercenaries with nothing to hide, they were about to clear a dungeon together. There was no need to stir up trouble with unnecessary words.
Sensing his hesitation, Lucy responded with a bitter smile.
“We’re a bit on the small side. It’s a common trait.”
“Ahem.”
Just like Lucy mentioned, members of the Jinlang race were known for their small stature. Thanks to their youthful appearance, they looked like they were in their mid-to-late teens.
The Jinlang race, huh? From the name alone, you’d think they were beastmen.
In the world of <Blackout>, there were indeed various races but none had animal ears or tails.
The differences were mostly in physical abilities or body size.
“Our Jinlang race isn’t that common. You’re pretty smart, mister!”
“Mister? Call him by his name, Luke.”
“Got it, big sister!”
Luke with his high energy, and Lucy with her reserved nature, made for an eye-catching pair.
Attention turned to the two for a moment before Colton spoke up.
“So, what’s the deal? We’ve got the most people on our side, right?”
Indeed, as Colton pointed out, his group had the most members among the team leaders present.
Jun only had Aiden and the “ghost member”, meaning his mercenary group was just the two of them, while Lucy and Luke were adventurers.
And so, with his six-man mercenary group, Colton’s group had the most members.
“In that case, Colton, you should take the lead for this dungeon raid.”
“I agree! More people means more strength.”
The adventurers were the first to concede.
And Jun had no real reason to object, not that he had planned to step forward anyway.
“We agree as well.”
“Ahem. You all have a good eye. Well, I’ll be counting on you.”
Though it felt like being assigned as the leader of a group project, the position of team leader didn’t carry such a bad image after all.
If you were appointed as the team leader during a raid, you would be treated with respect wherever you went.
In this way, by steadily building up his experience, he would eventually ascend to the position of raid leader.
Anyway, despite Colton’s initial prickly demeanor, the subsequent progress flowed smoothly.
“Then let’s prepare for the expedition! I wish everyone good luck!”
And so, the dungeon raid officially began the next day.
***
After a day’s rest, each team was led by their respective raid leaders and headed out to their assigned dungeons.
“Damn, it’s not a field-type dungeon.”
Colton muttered as he surveyed the dungeon’s interior.
Surrounded by pitch-black darkness on all sides.
The dimly glowing moss scattered here and there clearly indicated that this was far from being a field-type dungeon.
“[Light].”
Jun cast his spell and the surroundings lit up to reveal the landscape that had been hidden by the darkness.
This tunnel-like area had sporadic dark green roots jutting out from the walls.
“A maze-type dungeon with green roots and tunnels. It looks like the ‘Rotten Root’ dungeon.”
Following Lucy’s words, Colton nodded his head in agreement.
“Hey, mage, don’t go tripping over anything and getting yourself hurt. The roots stick out from the ground too, so if you’re not careful, you’ll easily trip. And don’t expect us to care if you break something.”
Colton’s words drew laughter from the mercenaries.
Aiden looked irritated, but Jun quietly held his arm and stopped him.
“Thanks for the advice.”
“Hmph, as long as you understand. Now let’s move out.”
“Senior…”
Unlike Jun who kept his expression stoic, Aiden was clearly upset and his brows furrowed in frustration.
Of course, Jun wasn’t exactly in a pleasant mood either, but he remained calm because he understood why they were reacting that way.
Lower-ranked mages have a hard time pulling their weight. Or more accurately, many of them simply don’t try.
By default, all mages come from the Magic Tower.
Most lower-ranked mages serve a master at the magic tower and learn magic under their guidance, unlike Jun who wandered the world.
There’s only one reason a lower-ranked mage would leave the tower.
It was because they had been expelled.
The reason could be a lack of ability or some other incident.
But the common thread among them was that despite their lack of skill, they all had inflated egos.
Naturally, those who had spent half their lives in the magic tower found it difficult to adapt to life outside.
Yet, since they were accustomed to their life in the magic tower, they carried themselves like half-nobles. This made it impossible for mercenaries to view them in a favorable way.
While intermediate-ranked mages were respected because they were often dispatched by the magic tower, lower-ranked mages were looked down upon everywhere due to this history.
Even I had a similar experience when I was raising a mage.
He had saved on potion costs to buy skill books and this inconvenienced his party members.
As a result, his reputation plummeted and he showed signs of becoming a ruined character.
But on the flip side, gaining the recognition of mercenaries was an easy task.
Mercenaries are simple-minded people. If you show them your worth, they’ll acknowledge you on their own.
In other words, if he displayed his skills instead of just talking, their attitudes would change in an instant.
Knowing this well, Jun calmly accepted the disdain directed at him.
“Senior…”
Of course, Aiden who didn’t know this looked at Jun with concern.
“Just wait and see. I didn’t spend a fortune on spellbooks for nothing.”
There were many restrictions, but purely from a theoretical standpoint, mages were considered the most overpowered class in the game of <Blackout>.
There was a reason why it was a class that could only be played after multiple playthroughs.
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