Chapter 34

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

“An Ousei has very little work usually. Most paperwork is divided among the relevant staff, after all. As such, raising levels in the labyrinth, training in the dojo, or assisting juniors is yer job. In essence, yer free to move about.”

Morning, Ritsu was conversing with his grandfather at their house in the HQ.

“Free? Is it okay for me to do that?”

Dressed in new clothes and a robe, Ritsu began preparing to head out.

“Other than occasionally asking Igarashi about the sanctuary, yes.”

Ryugen answered while standing up to send-off the departing Ritsu.

“Got it. I’ll go check out the city then.”

“When ya’ enter the labyrinth, be sure to show yer card to the receptionist and complete the procedure. Have fun.”

Ryugen saw Ritsu off as he leaned against the wall.

“Yup. I’ll be back soon.”

“Labyrinth, huh. I’ve heard about it from the spirit tree, but I wonder what sort of place it is.”

Ritsu wondered as he walked on the main street.

(Gramps seemed to be familiar with the true danger inside the labyrinth, but I’d like to see it directly.)

“It’s just a one-story building, but it’s still quite developed… Oh.”

As he advanced while observing at the shops along the road, Ritsu found a weapons shop which sucked him in.

“Welcome~.”

As he entered, the clerk at the counter greeted him with a smile.

“Hello.”

Ritsu found himself engrossed in the lined-up weapons, and only returned a vague greeting.

“This, is really cheap. No ripples either. Did you just scrape metal to make this?”

“That is made for disciples with no money, and for labyrinth explorers.”

Thinking curious of the large number of swords at one side, Ritsu asked the clerk.

“Is that so.”

(Must be like a gunto, I guess.)

“Can I see the weapons in the back as well?”

“Yes, of course.”

The clerk guided Ritsu to the back of the store.

“The exhibition corner is divided according to blacksmiths.”

Ritsu observed the display, deeply impressed.

“It’s beautiful…”

“This right here is a product made by one of the top blacksmiths in this city.”

The clerk started explaining as he noticed Ritsu engrossed with a particular sword.

“The features of this particular product are that…

“I see. That was helpful.”

Ritsu gasped in relief, after the clerk’s long-winded explanation finally ended.

“Not at all. I may have gotten too excited at the end there. My apologies for that.”

“Oh yeah, I also wanted to check out throwing-blades and halberds. Could I?”

“Very well. Please follow me.”

“These are our throwing weapons.”

“Ooh, that’s quite the collection.”

Ritsu muttered, as he stood impressed by the display in front of him.

“Well, we are one of the top weapon shops in this city after all.”

“I’ll take 30 of these flying needles.”

Ritsu ordered, by pointing at a long needle-like weapon with a wooden corner.

“Thirty? Understood.”

The clerk called another employee and gave instructions, after which he walked to where the halberds were.

“I’ll have this.”

Ritsu lifted the mass-produced halberd as he said that.

“This, one? This is a mass-produced product, so it has neither durability nor warranty. Is that fine?”

The clerk asked Ritsu doubtfully.

“Yes that’s fine.”

“Ah, please add the bill to the Yozakura HQ.”

Said Ritsu, as he reached the counter.

“This, y-yes, of course. Please fill out this form and sign here.”

The clerk took out a paper, with columns for name, affiliation, purpose for purchase, and rank.

“I’ve filled it.”

“Yes, thank you very much. These will be you needles and halberd. The case and belt for the needles are a service from us. We look forward to your next visit.”

The clerk handed over the products, and saw Ritsu off till the entrance where he bowed deeply.

“Alright, let’s go the the labyrinth now.”

Having arrived at a place slightly removed from the city, called the Labyrinth Sector, Ritsu hastily entered the Labyrinth Administration Department building to go inside the labyrinth.

“Um, I’m new, and I’d like the enter the labyrinth.”

“Yes! Please show us your card and enter your name here!”

As Ritsu spoke, the boy at the counter guided him energetically.

“This is my card.”

Ritsu handed over his card and started filling the form.

“I’m done filling it.”

He tried calling out to the boy, but the boy simply stood frozen staring at the card.

“Um, I’ve finished filling the form?”

“O-o-o-o, Ousei!?”

The boy’s face turned blue, and he began shaking with the card in his hand.

“Yes, that’s what I am. But please don’t scream it out loud.”

Ritsu put his index finger on his lips, shushing him.

“P-p-p-p-please forgive my attitude! I shall prepare everything for you.”

“A-a-a-a-apologies for the delay.”

The boy looked pale and was trembling, as he handed over the entry permit and his card back.

“Don’t worry. Rules are rules. I don’t want to be treated specially just because I’m an Ousei. Thanks a lot.”

“U-um!”

“Yes?”

Ritsu stopped and looked back, only to find the figure of the boy raising his hand stiffly, as if he was going to propose.

“If, it is alright, with you… could you, shake my hand…?”

“Eh?”

Ritsu was stunned for a moment, but quickly regained his composure, and took the boy’s hand.

“Of course, if it’s only a handshake. Thanks for handling the formalities. I’ll take my leave now.”

Saying that, Ritsu left that place.

“FUUOOOOOOOOO!!”

“Oi, what’s wrong Asuma!? Did something happen!?”

After a while, a mysterious voice could be heard echoing from the administration department, but Ritsu decided to ignore it.

Previous Next

==========

Gunto

Like this:Like Loading...