Chapter 63

"Lastly, would it be alright if I could get some information to help mediate your requests?"

"What do you mean?"

"Please let me know about your strengths, weaknesses, skills you want to utilize, and any hopes you have for the requests. Of course, it's not mandatory, but if you do, we can provide more tailored opportunities."

The receptionist prepares paper and writing tools while waiting for my response. This is completely different from the indifference shown when I first registered. This must be what it means to advance within the guild.

However, what strengths do I have? I can use magic and ki. The conditions I heard from Reshid are met, but I can't think of any other skills.

How much knowledge about flora, fauna, and the human body is required to be recognized as a skill? Moreover, my knowledge of the human body and science seems quite unique in this world. I'm not sure if it will be recognized, and I hesitate to even mention it.

I can handle magic and control ki. Since I haven't confirmed the existence of anyone else who can do this, I think it could be a significant advantage. However, the fact that I haven't confirmed anyone else is itself a problem. I can easily demonstrate it, but I'm not sure if I'll be given the opportunity. Besides, explaining it would be a hassle. For now, I'll just mention either magic or ki—ki, which I've used multiple times in front of Reshid. I'll emphasize that I can use ki and mention that I have survival experience. That should be enough.

After thinking for a moment, I look up and answer the receptionist.

"I can use ki. Also, I'm used to outdoor living, so I can stay in the Holy Territory for long periods."

"In that case, you might get more exploration requests. Is that alright?"

...If I get more exploration requests, it means I'll get fewer interpersonal requests like those for Reshid or Nixki. That's what I want.

"Yes, that's fine. For material collection, if you tell me the location and characteristics of the materials, I can go. I'm also okay with extermination requests to some extent."

"Understood. However, at first, we'll assign more requests to measure your abilities and suitability, so please understand that."

"I'll do my best."

I respond firmly. The receptionist nods with a smile.

"Then, Mr. Crow, this completes your registration with the Exploration Guild. I sincerely wish you success."

With that, the receptionist bows deeply again.

"Registration is complete, but... Ah, you're just in time."

The receptionist turns around as if noticing something. Following her gaze, I see the man from earlier walking over with a tray.

"The appraisal is complete, so I've brought the payment. Here are five silver coins. Please check them."

I count the coins as instructed and put them in my bag.

"Yes, that's fine."

I still don't understand the value of things, but this seems to be the going rate for magical items. If I could bring back five of those warmers, I could support a family for a month comfortably. Thinking about it that way, it seems reasonable.

Well, now the secret promotion test is complete. According to other bits of information I've gathered, the cut taken from the rewards on the bulletin board will be slightly reduced, making them a bit more profitable. While the stone shop still offers more efficient options, many more requests are now worth taking, which has alleviated my dissatisfaction.

"The reward part... one more coin added to what's written... that means..."

Looking at the bulletin board I complained about yesterday, I see a different landscape. Hin grass is one half-copper coin per plant. If that's the case, I can now get one copper coin for it. It's cheaper than the stone shop, but the treatment is better.

I need to find requests with reasonable rewards that don't feel cheaper than the stone shop. However, it's hard to choose because there are so many options.

Extermination requests for monster materials often take a lot of time. I know this from experience. I've wandered in the forest for days looking for a specific monster, only to find that it didn't have the desired item inside.

So, while I can take on extermination requests, I don't feel very motivated to do so.

Then, maybe material collection. But because I've always followed Gustav's instructions, I can't judge which materials to collect.

I know many locations, but which one is the most time-efficient? The calculations are tedious.

However, from now on, I have to choose these things myself. I'm on my own. Thinking about it, I feel like I need to choose something here.

Even if it's just material collection, I should try a different type of request.

Avoiding anything that involves targeting monsters, what else is there...?

"...I'll take this one."

After some deliberation, I pick up a request to clean an abandoned fort in the mountains. I peel the paper from the board and take it to the reception counter. As expected, a different receptionist is sitting there.

"Sure. This is the reclamation of the fort. I understand, but..."

The receptionist hesitates.

"Are you going alone? Normally, this request is meant to be done in a group..."

"Sorry, but I'm going alone. Can I take it?"

"No, that's not a condition..."

After checking my registration card, she nods quietly.

"My apologies. There's no problem. This request has no deadline, but if it takes too long, it might be considered a failure, so please be careful."

"I'm fine. I've seen it before, and I think it will take just one day."

"...Understood. Please do your best."

That concludes the registration. It was my first time, but it went smoothly, and I feel a bit relieved.

Leaving the guild, I start walking. I could head to the fort now, but I should prepare my equipment first.

Specifically, I want to buy new clothes. If I don't go now while I'm in the mood to avoid dust, I won't buy them. She said there's no deadline. I can go to the fort tomorrow.

"By the way, where is the clothing shop...?"

I've only ever bought clothes from the stone shop. The impression is so faint that I don't even know where it is in town.

There is one place I remember, but it's a shop where you buy fabric and have dresses made. You can buy clothes there, but they're not suitable for protecting the body in the outdoors.

"Maybe a shop like an armory... where is it?"

If it's a shop that deals with weapons, it might be in the Fifth Street area, where the craftsmen gather.

I don't have any good memories there, but it's worth looking around. If I find one on the way, I can go in.

Even though the town only brings up bad memories, I walk without hesitation.

I hope nothing bad happens today.