"Wait... why are you two making such a big decision without me?" Ian irritatedly asked, even though Rodrigo was in front of him. Rodrigo just raised his eyebrow with his eyes closed, as if it was just natural for Ian to act like that.
'Wow... Am I really that not intimidating? I can't remember when I became close with these three for them to disrespect me.' Rodrigo thought.
"Well, anyway, what's your thought about it, Callanes? This has already been agreed upon with your other members, but as a captain of the so-called Golden Rookies, I want to ask for your opinion."
Ian let out a sigh and answered, "I think I will go with it. I approve of accepting this mission, sir."
Ian had no other choice; even if he was responsible for the dungeon, he could simply flee with the new mission they had. The reason why Mayqualle and Baron accepted it in the first place.
It didn't end there. He could have a free-time not just because the mission is about recruiting newly Awakens but also because it is from District Wish, which is the easiest district to handle because most of them are non-Awakens.
Thus, this mission gives him a little bit of motivation since, from his perspective, missions in District Wish aren't that hard.
"Can I see the initial report, Sir?" Ian asked.
They first took a place to rest, and there, Ian took out a folder with the contents of the mission they were about to take.
Reading through all the contents, Ian had learned three different things that he should focus on this mission. It was the side-missions, which are also important since he is working in the society department.
The Line City is famous for gangs that co-exist with the local government. However, it doesn't end there. They also have some syndicates and some power standards that contradict and disobey the local government.
So, their side mission to finish before going to the 30 Awakens is to learn how the gangsters survive, even though there are dispatched Awakens in the District Wish that came from the Awaken Government.
Furthermore, Ian had learned that there was a mysterious thing going on; it was the leader of these 30 Awakens. They should learn who it was and also how come they came from one guild.
The second side mission is to learn who their leader is.
And lastly, they must eradicate threats to the local government. Even if it is a gang that co-exists or an organization that protests against them.
"Well, what tough luck they have to survive this long without suffering from the tyranny of a classless government system," Ian mumbled as he expressed his perspective about Line City.
However, the report doesn't end there. Included in the folder was a map, a few important individuals, and also the average rate of Awakens in the Line City. Neighboring cities are also included.
"Hmmm... This won't be that hard, they are just a bunch of non-Awakens. What is important are the 30 Awakens and their leader."
***
A few days had passed, and after the Golden Rookies prepared for their mission, Ian left his room with his military suit on. He looked like a military man on his way to a battlefield, but not actually, as his military suit is the standard uniform of investigators in the society department to impose their authority.
However, the two decided on different types of garments to wear. When Mayquelle left her room, she was wearing some kind of rich girl's outwear. She wears a tight denim skirt that reaches above her knees, and for her top, it was just a crop top in pink. And she did not forget to wear cat-eye sunglasses.
As usual, Mayquelle's pigtails give off an aura of a sassy girl, as her eyes are slanted in a sense that makes her look fierce.
"So, why are you wearing that tacky suit, Ian?" Mayquelle asked as if judging Ian's whole individuality, looking up and down with her sunglasses lowered just a minimal distance above her nose.
Ian just slapped his forehead as he saw Mayquelle's outfit. And he reacted heartedly to Mayquelle's question.
"We are on a mission and it is much worse in the District Wish. Why aren't you wearing the military standard so that we can impose our authority on them, huh?"
"You are being ridiculous. Why are you going to wear something like that if we are going to investigate?"
"Well, it is not a normal investigation. It isn't as simple as going to some informant and checking it for ourselves." Ian retorted, then pushed her to get back to her room and change clothes.
However, Mayquelle retaliated, pushing back, even using some of her mana.
"Hey!" When Ian noticed it, he immediately called her out for her action.
But before Mayquelle could reply, from another door, Baron left his room with different garments that the standard of their job doesn't follow.
"Really?" Ian raised his eyebrows as if he couldn't believe that Baron also thought of wearing different types of garments.
Baron was currently dressed in khaki ironed slacks and a plain white tucked in to appear more formal.
"Why? It is not that bad, though. We are just going to the District Wish as if it's a vacation." Baron replied.
"I haven't seen you unprofessional before, Baron."
"Well, I don't think I am being unprofessional; I am always unprofessional. Note that."
Baron does not appear unprofessional because of his snappy aura, which gives the impression that he is a high-ranking army officer.
"Whatever." Ian exhaled in frustration and pulled his suitcase. But, before he could reach the door, Mayquelle and Baron pulled him back inside, cunning smiles on their faces.
"You have to change your outfit," Mayquelle said.
"No..."
***
The truck could be heard revving as it made its way to the eastern part of the country, which is nearly half its size. Inside of this truck were three investigators wearing classy-casual clothes.
The one who is driving is Baron, and as it was a 3-hour drive to cross districts, they were jamming with songs being played on their radio.
It was their way of killing time, and as they were enjoying it, Mayquelle fell asleep. As Baron continued driving, Ian just put Mayquelle's head on his shoulder.
After a few hours of travel, they finally reached the borders and also a base where hunters were dispatched. They were asked to stop, which Baron willingly followed.
These hunters wore military suits, and as they reached the truck, Baron prepared the papers.
"Good morning, Sir. May I inquire about your border business? Were you here for a vacation or a relocation of address?" A member of staff inquired.
This border isn't questionable. It doesn't stop people from passing, as it serves as a checkpoint where identification and permits are checked. It is also crucial as those who are victims of wild monsters are those who were non-Awakens. Hence, they were asked to let the authorities know where they were going.
"Yes, good morning. We aren't entering for relocation or vacation. We are here on a mission." Baron answered.
"Mission?" The personnel raised an eyebrow and then read all the contents that Baron gave to him. And as he read, he made a gap between his lips and then went back looking at Baron.
"Thank you for your service, Sir. Please, you may enter."
Baron just nodded, then raised the window of the truck and continued moving. Then, finally, they entered District Wish.
Truth be told, there are plenty of things that are going on inside the district. They were divided into plenty of divisions, but the most common is manufacturing. Non-Awakens are tasked with working for items that Awakens use, and sometimes unjustifiable treatment happens.
Every Awakens knows it, but they don't give any thoughts on it, as the majority of them think that it is just a means of trading. Non-Awakens work for Awakens and Awakens enter dungeons as hunters to save humanity from the rifts that appear.
A few hours had passed, and Baron stopped the truck from moving. They were now on some mountain road, and he stopped at a cabin built into the mountain.
"Hey, we're here," Baron announced to them.
To easily blend in with the people of District Wish, they must enter the society covertly.
They could use their vehicle, but just to be sure that they wouldn't leave any trace, they left the truck they used at the nearest mountain in Line City.
They all climbed down from the truck and walked a few meters. Finally, they saw the landscape of the city from above the mountains.
"It is just a few minutes walk. Let's go." Ian announced, then led the group to climb down the mountain.
However, when they finally reached the city, they weren't expecting to learn about what was currently happening. Apparently, there were no gangs that operated in the city. Only one gang-like organization existed that had seized the gangs in the city.