The Frugal Mage

Emma chuckled upon seeing Rayven's reaction.

Well, this sponsorship was also quite new.

As a matter of fact, they couldn't even name a dozen companies doing this as a part of their marketing strategy.

Still, they knew that it was quite effective since there were indeed a lot of people asking them about their weapons and pieces of equipment after seeing the distinct design of a wolf's head stamped on them…

Emma then continued. "We're basically walking posters… That's what we are. Iron Fang makes sure their marks are seen by every adventurer we work alongside. When other teams see how our equipment holds up in battle, they get curious, and that curiosity becomes business. That's fine with us since they're also making items suitable for our ranks."

Rayven couldn't help but like this idea. Perhaps, if he were to also enter the weapons or adventurer's equipment business, he would consider sponsoring some other adventurers as well.

Hale looked at Rayven's reaction, and he recalled his own reaction when he first heard about this. It was quite the same.

"Yes… We're moving advertisements, but considering how much money we save on upkeep, it's worth it. Weapons chip, armor dents, strings snap… None of that matters when Iron Fang is on our side. Even if we fight harder to the point that it threatens the durability of our equipment, it doesn't matter." Hale said as he actually wanted Rayven to join their group in the long term.

After all, an Adventurer's Party wasn't only for five people. You can register a party of up to eight people. The only reason they were sticking to five was due to their expenses and cautiousness...

The rewards they were getting were already quite low. If they had three more, their share would be lower by a lot. Furthermore, they couldn't just invite anyone on their team since sabotage could happen anytime…

However, since Rayven was only 14 years old, they could groom him to be a loyal teammate of their Adventurers' team. They just had to treat him well.

"That's an interesting way to save money… Since it works well for both parties, I think that's great." Rayven muttered.

Victor nodded at this and added. "The only condition is loyalty. We don't carry weapons or armor from anyone else. If Iron Fang doesn't make it, we don't use it."

Rayven expected as much.

Since they were sponsored by the Iron Fang and paying for their repairs or even replacement of weapons, they shouldn't be advertising other businesses for free.

Rayven was quite glad that sponsorships existed here… After all, he could use this idea for himself or his business in the future… Turning adventurers or even other mages into living endorsements seemed like a good marketing approach.

But before he could imagine more about his future, Drosk raised a hand.

"Don't get too excited, lad. Iron Fang doesn't deal with mage gear. They make blades, bows, armor… Things for warriors and hunters. You won't be outfitted the same way we are. At most, we could get you a cloak with their emblem, maybe enchanted for durability or minor protection. But mage staff, robes, wands… that's not their business."

"Oh~"

Rayven gently nodded as he confirmed that making magic items wasn't easy indeed...

Even Thyruz couldn't make magic items easily and was only focused on making enchanted items.

"I understand…" Rayven replied.

Still, even a cloak with enchantments wasn't something to dismiss. After all, even the system's beginner's reward before was just a statless robe.

Drosk studied Rayven for a long moment. Then, he spoke.

"Good. Since you understand, let's talk about something more immediate. We've got a job lined up, and you're coming with us before we can even think of exploring the dungeon."

"A job?" Rayven repeated.

Emma slid a parchment across the table toward him.

There was a guild's seal stamped in wax at the bottom…

'Ohh… I know this…' Rayven thought as he read the content.

[ Subjugation Request: Greater Hybrid Goat of the Eastern Quarry

Description: A Hybrid Goat has taken residence near the Eastern Quarry. It has already destroyed three shipments of stone and injured several workers. Terminate it.

Reward: 2 gold coins and 3 additional gold coins for retrieving its core intact. ]

He'd seen this on the mission board yesterday. It seemed no one had taken it until today.

Victor explained… "The pay looks small at first, but it isn't. The beast has been disrupting shipments for weeks now. By clearing it out, we'll also eliminate the Feral Beasts gathering around the quarry. Feral Gray Wolves, Rock Rats, and even a few Lesser Scaled Hogs. Their hides, tusks, and cores add up quickly. All told, this mission will fetch around eight to ten gold coins. Maybe more if we're lucky."

At this point, Rayven couldn't help but ask if there were many Silver Rank Adventurer teams within the city.

"There are only eight Silver Rank Parties in the city.… Also, most adventurers are obsessed with the dungeon these days. That's why no one bothered with this quarry hunt. But for us, it's perfect. It's out in the open, it's the ideal place to test what you can actually do. Both your magic and your teamwork."

Rayven agreed, as he also wanted to know their abilities.

Furthermore, he hadn't faced a Greater Beast yet. This would be a good reference if he wanted to earn money by hunting such Beasts.

Lastly, if he wanted to step into the dungeon, he needed a team. He couldn't enter alone… So the Gray Ring was giving him a chance, and he had to prove himself.

He didn't hesitate for long and agreed.

"Alright… let's go."

Just like that, Drosk led the group out.

"Good. Then we leave within the hour. Gear up, lad…"

Just like that, Rayven returned to his quarters and changed his clothes. He wore the mage robe and equipped the unnamed mage staff that Albert had gifted him back during the duel with Cedric.

Finally, he reached under his bedroll and pulled out a small leather pouch.

Inside were seven thin metal darts, each tipped with a dull blue luster… They were the sleeping darts he used against Cedric.

"I wonder… Am I going to save gold coins today?"