Chapter 51

It's a forest. It's trees. It's grass. My spirits rise as I descend into the forest to avoid standing out. Nature is the best.

"Yuta, calm down. There are monsters in this forest too, you know."

As I was spinning around in excitement, Sylphie warned me.

"Sorry, sorry. I got a bit too carried away."

"Well, I guess it can't be helped if you've been in the Land of Death for so long?"

"Hehe, I'm fine now. I've calmed down. Hey, Sylphie, is that a spirit flying over there?"

When I calm down and look around, I see a rabbit flying. I think it's probably a spirit, but in this different world, the possibility of a flying rabbit can't be ruled out.

"That's a floating spirit. By the way, Yuta can see spirits normally, so being in a place with spirits might be a bit challenging, huh?"

If I assume the flying one is a spirit, I can make a judgment, but it would be difficult if it landed on the ground.

"Hmm, I'm starting to feel a bit unsure if I can tell the difference."

"I think you'll get used to it eventually, but how about we explore the forest a bit to confirm?"

...It's a tough decision. But our current goal is the Labyrinth City. Let's explore later.

"Bel and the others are waiting too, so let's head to the Labyrinth City first. We'll confirm after we get a room and settle down."

If we keep them waiting too long, Bel and the others might get tired of waiting.

"Understood. Then let's head to the Labyrinth City. Should we avoid the monsters?"

Monsters in a different place from the Land of Death... Hmm, it's a bit concerning, but the Labyrinth City is our priority right now.

"Yeah, let's avoid them. How long will it take to get to the Labyrinth City?"

"About an hour, I think?"

Given Sylphie's level and current stamina, she's probably thinking in terms of her current physical condition. When I first transferred, it would have taken two to three hours. It's quite a distance.

"We need to hurry a bit because we have to exchange money and other things at the Adventurer's Guild in the Labyrinth City."

"Right. Let's go then."

Following Sylphie's lead, we proceed through the forest. Since Sylphie will avoid the monsters, I can enjoy the forest bath as I walk.

Unlike the completely dry Land of Death, the forest has a slightly damp, calming atmosphere. I breathe in the air, filled with the scent of various plants, which is incredibly soothing. It feels like a picnic.

"Yuta, I'm glad you trust me, but you're being too relaxed. If you act like this in the Labyrinth City, you'll be targeted."

"Will I be targeted just because I'm a country bumpkin in the city?"

"It's a city that values strength. You'll definitely catch the eye of thugs."

...That's not good. Beating up thugs who pick a fight with me would be the best event, but my weapon is too powerful to control. I turned the thugs into mincemeat... I doubt self-defense would hold up.

"I'll be careful. If I get picked on, it'll be hard for me to hold back, so can you, Sylphie, hurt them just enough?"

"Understood."

When I ask Sylphie, she seems to be in a better mood. Is she excited about rough stuff? Is she okay? ...Right, I should avoid getting picked on. I remember that in this world, if you show weakness, you'll be looked down upon.

Led by the cheerful Sylphie, we exit the forest. After walking through a grassland, we come to a well-trodden path. It's a strange feeling to get excited about a dirt road.

As we walk down the path, I frequently see spirits floating around. There are many spirits where the balance of nature is maintained.

"Sylphie, you're great, right? Why don't the spirits gather around you?"

"Except for the Spirit King, ranks are just a measure of power. They won't gather unless there's a reason."

This is where humans and spirits differ. I... I'm the type who gets excited when I see celebrities, so I have a lot to learn.

"Yuta, we can see the Labyrinth City."

When I was lost in thought, Sylphie pointed it out, so I look up. I can see what looks like a city wall in the distance.

"That's the Labyrinth City. Let's hurry a bit."

A different world city, and a Labyrinth City at that. I can't contain my excitement.

"Hehe, don't run. You'll be suspected of something."

"O-Okay."

I was about to start running but restrain myself to a brisk walk. I'm looking forward to it. What kind of atmosphere will the city have?

***

In front of me is a large city gate. The walls are high and sturdy, clearly indicating the importance of this location. Beyond that gate is a different world city.

There's a fairly long line at the gate, but it's moving at a good pace, so it shouldn't take too long to get in. I join the end of the line and observe the people of the different world for the first time.

Hmm, just ordinary humans? I thought I saw someone with animal ears enter earlier, but it was too far to tell. It's frustrating.

I want to ask Sylphie various questions, but it's hard to talk with people around. I wait anxiously for my turn, filled with anticipation and anxiety.

***

"Next. Show your identification."

"Ah, I'm from the countryside and planning to become an adventurer, so I don't have any identification. I don't have any money either, so I'd like to pay the entry fee with magic stones."

I had prepared for this by asking Sylphie, so I answer smoothly. Preparation is important.

"Then, place your hand on this crystal."

Criminals can be identified by this crystal. It seems to work by detecting the magic pattern registered when the identification is issued, similar to fingerprint matching. If you commit a crime but no one finds out, the crystal won't react.

"Hmm, no problem. If you're paying with magic stones, you need two F-rank stones or one E-rank stone."

I take a skeleton's magic stone from my magic bag and hand it to the guard. Skeleton magic stones are E-rank, soldiers are D, knights and mages are C, generals are B, and kings and liches are A.

Incidentally, copper coins are 100 yen, large copper coins are 1,000 yen, silver coins are 10,000 yen, gold coins are 100,000 yen, and platinum coins are 1,000,000 yen. The unit is "Elt," named after the continent of Eltrude.

It's easy to understand because it's like yen being replaced by Elt. I want to have a lot of platinum coins and enjoy the nightlife someday.

"Alright. I'll issue you a temporary identification. You need to get a proper identification within three days and return the temporary one. If you don't return it, you'll be considered a criminal."

Not returning the temporary identification makes you a criminal? That's scary. However, since adventurers are welcome, it seems easy to get an identification if you're not a criminal, so it shouldn't be a problem. Still, it's surprising how easy it is to enter, considering the frequent wars.

"Understood."

"Alright, you can enter."

With the guard's permission, I pass through the city gate. Inside the city, a large stone-paved road stretches straight ahead from the gate.

"Wow! Syl..."

No, I can't. Sylphie is invisible to others. I almost called out to her. Looking around, people are looking at me like "Oh, he's a country bumpkin."

I want to shout that Japan is much more urban and crowded, but I'd be considered crazy, so I hold back.

"Hehe, that's right. Don't forget not to talk to me. Is it okay if we head to the Adventurer's Guild now?"

I nod silently and follow Sylphie. It's a bit worrying that I might accidentally talk to her before I get used to it.

Oh, there's a cat-eared person. Hmm? There's someone who looks just like Nomos. That must be a dwarf. The shops along the main street are also interesting. There are quite a few spirits in the city. As I look around while walking, I say "Ouch."

A man I passed by clutches his hand, glares at me, and walks away. ...What?

"Yuta, I understand you're curious, but don't look around too much. The man you just passed was a pickpocket."

...It seems I was targeted by a criminal right away. Thanks for protecting me, Sylphie. I try to convey my gratitude with my eyes, and she smiles gently.

We enter a large square from the main street and pass through it to the right, where there are clearly more tough-looking men. The shops along the road are mostly weapon, armor, and tool stores, which adventurers need. The Adventurer's Guild must be nearby.

"This is the Adventurer's Guild. If you go further down this road, you'll reach the entrance to the labyrinth."

The entrance to the labyrinth... I want to take a look, but I should get my identification first. The Adventurer's Guild looks fitting for the Labyrinth City, much more impressive than other buildings. I nod to Sylphie and enter the Adventurer's Guild.

Inside, there are quite a few people. The counter is empty, but there are many people in the bar to the side. I've always wondered why there's a bar in the Adventurer's Guild. It just leads to trouble, doesn't it?

...I see! The bar is there to resolve conflicts among adventurers internally. If they cause trouble in the city, it would lower the reputation of adventurers, but here, there are many people to stop them. It might be well thought out. Dangerous people are kept within sight. It's the right choice.

"What's wrong?"

Feeling like I've uncovered a great secret, I was getting carried away when Sylphie asked me curiously. I shake my head and head to an empty counter.

"Excuse me, I want to become an adventurer..."

There was an incredibly beautiful woman. I was surprised and stumbled over my words. Why is this counter empty? Looking at the other counters, there are equally beautiful women sitting there.

I see. In this world, just like in manga and anime, the receptionists at the Adventurer's Guild are always beautiful. It shows the weakness of men.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing. I want to become an adventurer. Can you help me with the procedures?"

I can't say I was staring because she was beautiful. I was trying to be assertive to avoid being looked down upon, but I ended up using polite language because of the beautiful woman. Sylphie's glare pierces me.

"Understood. Please sit here, and I'll handle the procedures for you."

I sit in the chair she offers and try to calm down. I thought Sylphie and the others were beautiful because they were spirits, but humans are also incredibly beautiful. The different world is truly amazing. Thank you.

Thank you for reading.