Starting as a Demon Warlock to Become a Lord

The mana was still in the process of recuperation, albeit at a somewhat sluggish pace. Out of the more than 6,000 mana points, merely over 2,000 had been restored.

It seemed that mastering the art of repose was also an essential lesson for adventurers to learn.

Nevertheless, over 2,000 mana was no trifling amount and would suffice to engage in a skirmish.

"Then let us ascertain if there are any suitable tasks to undertake."

Such was the thought that coursed through Limon's mind.

Merely sitting idly and awaiting the restoration of mana was not a viable solution. Limon was not one to remain inert and unoccupied.

Having reached a decision in his heart, Limon arose, exited the rest area, and made his way towards the task board.

The task board was of a considerable magnitude. There were several adventurers stationed before it, engaged in the selection of tasks. The expressions of hesitation upon their visages intimated their quandary regarding the choice of tasks.

Before the task board, Limon halted and perused the tasks thereon.

The task information was inscribed upon cards, approximately half the size of a palm. The details on the cards were concise summaries, merely providing a cursory elucidation of the task's nature.

Bronze-level tasks...

Limon scoured among the bronze-level cards.

They were predominantly menial errands, such as conveying an item to an individual outside the city, surveying the quantity of monsters in a particular region, gathering specific herbs, and certain hunting assignments.

Among the task bar, bronze-level tasks were the most abundant, occupying nearly one-third of the entire task bar.

Non-combat tasks did not figure in Limon's considerations. What he presently required was experience, not trifling errands to acquaint himself with the environs of the Taklama Kingdom.

Limon shifted his gaze to the silver-level task card area.

In contrast to the menial tasks in the bronze area, the majority of silver-level tasks were of a combat-oriented nature.

For instance, escorting a caravan and eradicating monsters in a designated zone.

"Huh..."

His eyes became riveted upon a silver-level card, and the name of the client thereon captured Limon's attention.

Laradoa, which reminded Limon of the elf in the sandy fishing ground, who had been the client of the previous task of eliminating the undead in the quicksand pool.

With a modicum of curiosity, Limon retrieved the card from the task bar.

It was an escort mission, entailing a protracted duration with an indeterminate time frame, approximately ten days. The recompense for accomplishing the mission was 500 gold coins, accompanied by 1,000 adventure points.

After a moment of contemplation, Limon stowed away the card and proceeded towards the counter.

The card plucked from the task bar necessitated registration. Only upon completion of the registration process could it be deemed that the task had been assumed. The information on the card would also undergo alteration, with the executor of the task being updated. In this manner, should any mishap occur during the task or if it was not executed satisfactorily, the identity of the executor would be readily discernible.

"It appears that you have rested well. Is it the mission entrusted by Mr. Laradoa? You and he seem to share a certain predestined bond."

Before the counter, Lalasa regarded Limon with a look of mild surprise and adroitly registered the task.

Whilst registering the task, Lalasa apprised Limon, "The Haider Desert has been rather turbulent of late. There have been numerous incursions by fire elemental monsters upon caravans. You must exercise caution. Additionally, should you encounter any difficulties from the soldiers of the Bronze Guard en route, do not be overly deferential and refrain from inflicting lethal harm. Those fellows have been growing increasingly overbearing recently. They require a stern lesson."

"Very well, the task has been registered. Seek out Mr. Laradoa. Although the departure time is slated for tomorrow, today is an exceedingly special day. Humph, humph, you owe me a debt of gratitude. Were I not the president of the Adventurer's Guild, I, too, would be inclined to partake."

Under Lalasa's exhortations, Limon was compelled to accept her benevolence and vacate the counter, for there were a multitude of adventurers queued behind him, awaiting task registration.

Special day?

With a tinge of inquisitiveness and doubt, Limon exited the Adventurer's Guild.

As was his wont, after emerging, Limon entered the alley adjacent to the Adventurer's Guild and hired a Dudu bird from the proprietor of the bird stable.

Astride a Dudu bird, Limon meandered along the bustling Chengdong Avenue.

Today, Arizela was bathed in sunshine and throbbing with prosperity.

After departing from the city, Limon made a beeline for the sandy fishing ground.

However, whilst passing by the railway post station, the frenetic activity therein arrested Limon's attention.

A copious number of carriages were queued in orderly fashion, awaiting their turn to ascend the rails.

So that was how it was...

Limon realized that the railway in this world was not of the ilk he had envisioned.

Via a platform at the post station, the carriage could mount the rails by means of uniquely designed wheels and, with the assistance of bulls as motive power, traverse the fixed railway tracks.

Why such an elaborate contrivance? Limon's thoughts strayed to the Hyder Desert.

Beyond the oasis lay an interminable desert. The yielding yellow sand was ill-suited for the passage of carriages. If a railway track were present, the situation would be ameliorated, permitting the carriage to journey through the realm of yellow sand.

However, if the ground was soft, the laying of rails ought to present a formidable challenge.

Truly, he was at a loss as to how Arizela surmounted this obstacle.

So that was the purpose...

"Heh..."

Limon was merely marginally intrigued. Once he had grasped the raison d'être of the railway track, he withdrew his gaze.

With a gentle sigh, the bird accelerated its pace and sped into the distance, churning up a cloud of dust.

Half an hour later, the sandy fishing ground.

Having visited once before, the second sojourn was naturally less daunting.

However, the sandy fishing ground seemed to be far more animated today.

When the wooden house came into view, a cacophony of sounds assailed Limon's ears.

As he drew nearer, at the terminus of the road, in the vicinity of the wooden house, Limon espied a throng of figures.

They were of a gaunt and emaciated mien, attired in tattered raiment and linen, bearing a resemblance to the destitute souls dwelling outside the city.

The sole distinction lay in their countenance.

"Very well, very well, set aside your tasks for the moment. Everyone, disperse and conduct a search. Ensure that the lady is located. I shall express my gratitude to all upon her discovery."

Before the wooden house, Limon beheld the figure of Laradoa.

It was unclear what had transpired, but Laradoa seemed to be in a situation of extreme agitation. At his urging, the impoverished individuals encircling the wooden house scattered in all directions, as if engaged in a quest for something.

Astride the Dudu bird, Limon approached the wooden house and entered Laradoa's field of vision.

"Adventurer? Excellent..."

Laradoa was momentarily taken aback when he beheld that the adventurer astride the Dudu bird was Limon, and then he rejoiced.

He hastened to trot towards the Dudu bird and addressed Limon, "You rendered invaluable assistance in the previous mission. Sir, might I solicit your aid? The matter is of the utmost urgency, and I stand in dire need of your support."