Chapter 89

Suddenly, A-class explorer Mr. Suzuyama, a colleague of Kaena, and one of the world's top S-class explorers, Marie, arrived. For some reason, A-class top-ranked Kaena Kudo also joined them, and the poor rookie explorer, Kosei Yamagata, found himself caught up in a group that was completely out of place.

“Haha. I heard a rather complicated rookie had appeared in the Far East... You sure have a long life, don’t you? I never thought I’d meet a kid like this, haha.”

“Y-Yes. Nice to meet you.”

Marie’s gaze, which kept fixating on me, was unnaturally sharp and scary… What’s with this person? Why is she staring at me like that?

She was an elegant old woman with neatly arranged white hair, though her back was slightly bent. As expected of a seasoned explorer, her eyes were terrifying. They could kill someone, and I might be next!

However, from what I heard just now, it seems I’m being evaluated to some extent? Could I be saving my life here?

Next to me, Kaena was excitedly asking the old woman questions.

“Marie, can you see the greatness of Kosei, the Savior!?”

“Kaena’s behavior is quite strange too. Well, I can understand that. If I saw a boy like this, I might react the same way at that age.”

“So, you really do see it!”

“Whether he’s great or not is another matter, but it’s clear at first glance… He’s probably someone that someone who shaped this era has been eagerly waiting for. My skill tells me that.”

“Your skill?”

“We can talk about the details at the hotel. Come on, let’s go outside.” Marie pulled me out—she’s so strong! Wow, she’s really powerful.

Naturally, Kaena and Suzuyama followed. Despite the ease of being colleagues, Kaena was coldly responding to Suzuyama’s attempts to start a conversation.

“Recently, it’s been rumored that Kaena is quite obsessed with him. I saw the channel too… What do you like so much about him?”

“Huh? Everything! Don’t you see it, Suzuyama? The greatness, the nobility, the excellence of Kosei—how can you, an A-class explorer, not see it?”

“Well, I don’t really know him as a person yet. His skills are indeed outstanding, maybe even better than mine. But that’s not it, right?”

“This is a good opportunity. Observe him. You’ll see at least the noble attitude that all explorers should emulate.”

“Yeah, yeah. Since Marie was so impressed, there must be something special about him.”

That’s harsh! But maybe this is how colleagues get along?

Honestly, when I heard about a male colleague, I felt a bit jealous. I mean, I’m a boy too.

But from the conversation, I couldn’t sense any warmth from Kaena, and I felt like apologizing to Suzuyama for my initial suspicion. I’m sorry.

Besides, Suzuyama is also looking at me intensely… Combined with Marie’s interest, it seems I’m being given some excessive expectations. Please, spare me?

We arrived at the hotel while talking. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the guild headquarters, quite close.

Moreover, it’s a large building near the main street, which must be quite expensive. As expected of the wealthy organization managing explorers, they have money.

After checking in, we were smoothly guided to our rooms. The rooms were impressive, and each explorer was given their own room, with an entire floor reserved for us. Are we nouveau riche?

“Alright, let’s talk calmly. Come on, Yamagata… Can I call you Kosei?”

“Yes, it’s an honor, Marie.”

“Haha, don’t be so stiff. I’m starting to like you, even if not as much as Kaena.”

That means you could also decide not to like me, right? Scary.

Following Marie, who exuded a seasoned air, I sat on the sofa. Kaena was next to me, Marie across the table, and Suzuyama next to her.

This is quite out of place. The room is royal and luxurious, and the view from the window is great, but it’s too high for me with my fear of heights. Moreover, the people here, except for me, are all top-tier explorers.

What do these people want from me, especially Marie?

Seeing my fear, she smiled and began.

“Well, what was it? Ah, yes, the certainty I felt about Kosei. To be honest, my skill reacted.”

“A skill? Like ‘Appraisal’?”

“No, not a generic one. It’s a special skill. It first appeared in me 70 years ago, and until I met Kosei today, it never reacted to anyone.”

“Eh…?”

What is that? Scary…

Marie, who seemed to be telling a seasoned horror story, took out her explorer’s certificate from her pocket.

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