Chapter 4

"Uh..."

The receptionist, who had been sitting, looked up at Fujihira as if struggling to respond.

Then, a person who looked like a manager came from the back, placed a hand on the receptionist's shoulder, and signaled to take over.

Is it going to be okay?

Since the person who looked like a manager was beckoning us, we all approached.

"Welcome to the Lelaria Kingdom Adventurer's Guild. Regarding your desire to become adventurers, may I first ask if you are aware of what the job of an adventurer entails?"

The manager-like person asked us in a manner that seemed more perceptive of our situation than experienced.

"Of course."

"Fujihira, shut up."

I get that you know, but we don't.

Given the events that just happened, we can't rule out the possibility that we're wrong.

Then, a classmate nudged me with his elbow.

...There's no other way.

"Ahem, there might be some inaccuracies in our knowledge, so please confirm for us."

"Hmph. You fools. With that attitude, you won't survive."

Fujihira's face, which looked like he was mocking us, was extremely annoying.

The manager-like person nodded with a smile in response to my answer and then presented some materials—illustrations that even a fool could understand.

"First, think of adventurers as the general term for contractors commissioned by the state. They engage in various activities such as adventuring and monster hunting, operate freely without being bound by official agencies, and are relied upon in times of need."

The word 'freedom' and the bulletin board made me nod in understanding.

"Jobs come in from various places within the country, and we pay rewards for completing quests that match the adventurer's rank, thus encouraging their activities."

Fujihira, on the other hand, seemed uninterested and was looking around.

Pay attention.

"The types of quests include procurement, extermination, investigation, and more, varying by client."

"Understood."

"Additionally, as part of the adventurer's special privileges, you can receive significant discounts on lodging and equipment. We also facilitate the purchase of various items."

Wow, it's quite a solid system.

When we stay at an inn, we can get a discount...

Hmm, I see.

Without such a system, it might be hard to survive in this freelance-like job.

"Furthermore, you gain entry qualifications to dangerous areas such as dungeons. If you'd like, I can explain more in detail..."

The manager-like person was slightly smiling wryly.

What's going on?

"First, do you know how to become an adventurer?"

"You can become one immediately after a capability assessment."

Fujihira said this with a frustrated tone.

Stop acting so smug.

The manager-like person looked at Fujihira with a pitying gaze.

"I'm very sorry, but there is a misunderstanding."

"Huh!?"

Fujihira's eyebrows shot up in anger, as if his expectations had been shattered.

You, with your low boiling point.

A classmate, feeling that Fujihira couldn't be relied on, stepped forward, ignoring him.

Well, the air around Fujihira is that of a delusional guy.

Sorry, but you need to step back. This is getting complicated.

"First, you need to provide proof of identity. This can be through a noble's recommendation, a famous adventurer's endorsement, or various other means."

Proof of identity.

I've heard of this in Japan too... but can we do it?

"Does this country have a system for birth registration and personal identity management?"

"I'm not sure about other regions or countries, but the Lelaria Kingdom does not manage each citizen to that extent."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Most recommendations come from powerful individuals, trusted figures, or those who make financial contributions."

No household registration, but a recommendation from someone with influence is required.

Can we get a recommendation from the castle?

"Foolish—"

Interrupting the angry Fujihira, I asked:

"Why is that? Why is proof necessary?"

"Imagine a dungeon sealed with dangerous monsters. What would happen if someone without proof of identity entered out of curiosity?"

"That sounds dangerous."

"Exactly. First, the life of the intruder would be in grave danger. Even if that person had the skills to overcome the danger, what would happen to the treasure they found inside the dungeon? The land is owned by the noble who manages the area."

While it doesn't fit with Japanese laws... it makes sense.

"Smuggling...?"

"Correct. Even for treasure hunting, one must prove their citizenship and be deemed worthy through transactions. There are many illegal smugglers who enter dungeons without permission, but we want you to follow the rules."

Even if the dungeon is unexplored, it has an owner.

So, you need proper qualifications... proof.

"Furthermore, there is another reason why it is considered dangerous. Can you guess what it is?"

It feels like I'm in a class, but from what I've heard...

"A dungeon sealed with dangerous monsters. What if the seal is broken?"

"Exactly. Our country does not favor the entry of untrustworthy individuals into dungeons. Therefore, proper proof of identity is a prerequisite."

I see... that makes sense.

In games, entering dungeons and taking treasures is essentially smuggling.

If you trigger a trap and the dungeon's boss is released, you're in trouble.

Returning to a save point is a sweet deal.

If you just die, that's one thing. But if dangerous monsters escape from the dungeon, what happens to nearby villages and towns?

It would cause unnecessary damage.

"When exploring dungeons, if you apply to the guild, in case of unexpected situations or if you exceed the expected return time, rescue teams can be dispatched smoothly."

It's a well-structured system.

"So, what about us—"

If we can get proof of identity from the castle... it should be possible, right?

We would be in trouble if we couldn't.

Besides, we were asked to explore the dungeon.

"Um... whether or not you can provide proof of identity, the next step is to serve the country and gain trust through military service for at least two years. If you can provide proof of identity, it's two years. If not, it's at least four years. The duration can vary based on your service to the country."

"So, it takes about two years to become an adventurer?"

"There are other methods, but in general, that's the case. Your performance during military service will greatly influence your rank as an adventurer."

The country will give you a high rank as an adventurer if you work hard and prove your trustworthiness and combat skills.

"Other methods include serving under an active adventurer as a quasi-adventurer, but they do exist..."

"Haaaaaah!?"

Fujihira shouted again!

"Ten Commandments of the Other World! Strange original system! Just use the template! Don't mess with us!"

Shut up! What's your problem?

"Adventurers are usually expendable! That's why you can become one immediately! The weak will be eliminated! Don't you get it!"

Who are you trying to pick a fight with?

From what I've been thinking, you're basing this on some manga or novel you know.

No doubt about it.

I don't want to say this, but are you what they call a 'game brain'?

"Fujihira, you said it yourself. If unqualified weaklings enter dungeons and steal treasures or release dangerous monsters, it's a problem. Adventurers are a serious profession."

So, they want to educate you before you become an adventurer.

It might be a hassle, but...

Probably, Fujihira is imagining adventurers as unqualified part-timers or contractors who are given dangerous jobs.

That's a terrible deal.

Saying 'I'm fine!' is a sign of madness.

"What do you mean by summoning us and not letting us become adventurers?"

"Stop being selfish. If you really want to, accept the king's offer."

The choice is to become a state-sponsored warrior or serve in the military to become an adventurer.

A state-sponsored warrior is not much different from the adventurer you imagine.

"Listen, Fujihira, we're here because we refused the country's request and want to do things our way. Since the guild is managed by the country, complaining is misplaced."

At least complaining about the system is wrong.

In Japan, would you let unknown people investigate dungeons... ruins?

Conversely, if they are known and guaranteed by the country, they would probably be allowed to enter dungeons.

Probably.