Professor Klein inquired, "Guild Master Gray, where are you headed?" Guild Master Gray explained, "Three D-rank adventurers ventured to scout the forest near the Cemetery of the Undead.

They were supposed to report back after a couple of hours, but it's been six hours now."

Professor Klein expressed concern, "It's risky for you to go alone."

Guild Master Gray responded, "That's why I'm waiting for Asriel’s arrival."

My attention was drawn to a female figure wearing White Snow sitting on a bench, Professor Layla Greenfield.

Asriel, will you help us locate the three missing adventurers? Guild Master Gray asked while bowing his head. "Sure, Old Man Gray," I agreed.

Turning to the group, I stated, "It seems we have urgent business with the Guild Master."

Although most group members expressed a desire to join, I reminded them of the perilous monster levels in the forest.

To appease their dissatisfaction, I suggested they take a rest and have lunch at the Bellflower Diner.

Once assured of their safety, I joined Guild Master Gray.

After we arrived at the gate near the entrance of Cemetery of the Undead, I informed him about the Forest of Illusion, a level 35 to 40 hunting ground inhabited by Forest Trolls at level 35.

I was a bit late to inform the Guild Master about the Forest Field Boss, the Ancient Troll at level 40, which roams freely unlike other field bosses confined to specific areas.

"There's still a chance they're alive," I said, offering a glimmer of hope.

The four of us rushed into the forest. Deep within its confines, a piercing scream echoed through the trees.

I quickly instructed Professor Klein to guard Miss Layla while Old Man Gray and I sprinted toward the source of the commotion. There, we discovered three adventurers surrounded by six Forest Trolls, perilously close to being overwhelmed.

In a swift and coordinated move, Old Man Gray unleashed his Wind Slash at level 35, horizontally cleaving through three of the Forest Trolls.

Simultaneously, I mirrored his actions, employing the same skill to dispatch the remaining trio.

The sharp gust of wind swept through the woods, causing trees to topple in its wake.

With the monsters defeated, we hastened to the aid of the three adventurers, their HP dwindling to around 20 percent.

Professor Klein and Miss Layla arrived on the scene, but even before Miss Layla could cast any healing spells.

A thunderous roar reverberated through the forest, accompanied by the swing of a colossal wooden hammer directed at our group.

Swiftly, I employed Counter Slash at level 40 to intercept the enormous hammer, causing the Ancient Troll to stumble as the colossal weapon recoiled.

The force of the impact sent me flying backward, breaking several trees before I landed on my back, losing about a quarter of my HP in the process.

"Run!" I shouted as I hastily rose from the wreckage of a fallen tree.

While the others retreated, Old Man Gray remained by my side.

Uttering the incantation “Class Change Enchanter”, a radiant light enveloped me, transforming my black hair into platinum. "Flame Aura! Sword Enchant!" I continued.

For a fleeting moment, I glimpsed Old Man Gray, who smiled in relief.

Executing Crimson Wind Slash, an enhanced version of Wind Slash, I unleashed a cross-shaped wave of flaming wind that cleaved through the Ancient Troll, reducing it to four distinct pieces.

The monstrous creature succumbed to the flames.

The Ancient Troll possessed a unique skill called Rampage, inducing a frenzied state that heightened its mobility, defense, and attack damage as it lost HP.

The only way to circumvent this skill was to obliterate the monster in an instant.

Handing over all the Boss Drops, including the Ancient Warhammer, to Old Man Gray without uttering a word, we made our way to the Transport Gate at the entrance of Cemetery of the Undead.

There, we found Miss Layla, Old Man Gray's daughter, administering healing spells to the three adventurers.

It appeared that one of the adventurers was Miss Layla's fiancé, a D-rank warrior named Dale.

The Old Man brought his daughter even though he knew the dangers involved.

After arriving safely at the Central Plaza, the three adventurers expressed their gratitude.

Exhausted and famished, I bid farewell to the group and headed to the Bellflower Diner.

"Uncle Ed, the usual," I said eagerly as I took my customary seat near the window.

After a brief wait, Uncle Ed placed my order on the table.

As I indulged in my meal, a thought crossed my mind: Is providing the adventurer's guide and monster information sufficient for the city to withstand the impending Monster Siege?

It had been almost three months since that event.

Well, if push comes to shove, I'll use everything at my disposal to protect the city and its inhabitants, I reminded myself.