The expedition party was gathered earlier than expected. Mark wore a pleasant expression as he looked at the people gathered for the expedition; it had only been two days, but quite a few more talented people had gathered to join the group. Mark had a feeling that these people might be talented enough to finally get to the deeper area of the dungeon this time.

“Each one of you are like legendary heroes! I have high expectations this time,” Mark proclaimed.

However, there was a strange tension among the mercenaries; one could see that there were quite a few of them with unusual expressions.

“Uh, my lord. Is this black-haired punk going with us too? I heard hanging around black-haired guys in the dark brings bad luck. What if I end up making a mistake and blowing his head off in the dark?” a man with the crossed scar on his face asked Mark.

Beside the man were two huge hounds tall enough to reach his waist. They were crouched next to him.

“He sure is. His name is Juan, and uses a short sword as his weapon. He’s the one who brought back Jules’ head. Remember how I left it to you for a year?”

“Wait, he’s the one who caught Jules? Well, it’s not my fault that I couldn’t manage to catch him—for some reason, my hounds couldn’t sniff him out properly in the mountains. I tried my best but I couldn’t find him in the forest. Must you really blame me for that?”

“Whatever the reason is, you have to acknowledge his achievement. Now, everyone. This hound trainer is...