Chapter 80

The day after the conditions of the magic stone were revealed.

Today, I decided to go to the capital's Adventurer's Guild to gather the necessary information.

"Shall we go then?"

"It's been a while since I've been to the capital."

"I feel more nostalgic than when I returned to Brunne."

"Is it really okay for Sisba to stay behind?"

"Yes. If Luna wakes up and is alone, it would be pitiful. So, I'll do the housework and wait."

Today, it was decided that I, Noll, and Estelle would go to the capital. This was because Sisba suggested staying behind when we were preparing to leave. Luna is, of course, still sleeping, so she will be in charge of guarding the house. But it might be lonely for her if she wakes up and no one is there. Thinking about it, I accepted Sisba's suggestion.

I'm not sure what Luna thinks, but I guess it's better to have at least one person at home. With the beacon, we can call her if needed, so there's no need for everyone to move. Plus, she offered to do the housework, so I'll gratefully accept her help.

"Sorry. Take care of Luna and the house, okay?"

"Yes, leave it to me."

"Don't do anything funny to Luna just because we're not there, okay?"

"D-Don't say such things! What kind of person do you think I am?!"

"From your usual behavior, I can't trust you at all..."

Estelle and Noll warned Sisba, and she clenched her fists, looking offended. Given her usual behavior, this reaction is actually quite normal. I'm a bit worried about leaving her alone with Luna, but Luna can easily handle Sisba, so I think it'll be fine.

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We used the beacon to move and arrived at the capital in no time. The beacon is really an excellent item. When the magic stone is automatically obtained, I want to get a lot and place them over a wide area. For now, I'm hiding one outside Shuting's town, but I want to buy a house in the capital and be able to go directly inside someday.

"Long time no see."

"Oh, Mr. Ohtake. It's been a while."

We immediately went to the Adventurer's Guild and greeted Wizzy. It feels like it's been a long time. The last time I saw her was when I returned to Brunne to buy a house. It's been quite a while since I've been to the capital.

"You look well."

"We'll be relying on you again."

"Long time no see, Estelle and Noll. ...Hey? Isn't Sisba here?"

"Ah, she has other things to do today."

"Is that so? I wanted to greet her too... But I'm glad to see you all looking well."

Noll and Estelle greeted her, and Wizzy replied happily. Since I usually do most of the talking with her, it feels a bit strange to see her talking to Noll and Estelle.

"Did you manage to buy a house in Brunne?"

"Yes. After that, a lot happened, and I couldn't come to the capital for a while."

"Buying a house is a big event. I envy people who own their own homes..."

It was a big event, but with everything that happened afterward, it feels a bit faded. Still, buying a house is indeed a big event. Thinking about wanting another house in the capital just now, I realize my sense of scale has become quite numb.

"So, what brings you here this time?"

"Um, I have a few things I'd like to ask... Is it okay?"

"Of course, it's fine. I'll answer anything I know."

The three things I want to ask at the Adventurer's Guild are about sub-humans, magic tools, and whether we can form a group. I want to consider registering Luna with the Adventurer's Guild based on the information about sub-humans, but... given her personality, it seems unlikely.

"Then, are there any sub-humans in this... country?"

"Huh? Sub-humans...?"

"Ah, um... people with animal ears, or people who drink blood... like beastmen, vampires, or people with long, slender ears... something like that, yes."

Oops... I almost said "this world" like I was talking to Noll. Wizzy tilted her head at the word "sub-human," so I explained in more detail. Do they not use that term in this world, or do they not exist at all? I just want to know if there are any sub-humans, like beastmen, vampires, or elves.

"...Hmm. I haven't heard of such people recently. However, I've heard that there were people called demons in the past who had such characteristics..."

After thinking for a moment, Wizzy spoke. Hmm... so they don't exist now. I thought they might because there are many similarities with GC, but... it seems they existed in the past. In GC, demons are intelligent monsters, but... I don't want to see GC's demon characters here.

"Are demons gone now?"

"Yes. They had strong bodies and could use magic, making them excellent fighters. However, their numbers were small, and they were warlike, so they disappeared in a conflict 200 years ago."

"Is that so..."

In GC, demons were powerful raid bosses. It's a bit of a relief to know they're gone. Still, 200 years ago... that's a long time ago. At least, I understand that it's better to keep Luna's situation under wraps.

"Then, can you tell me about magic tools?"

"Huh? You don't know about magic tools, even though Estelle is here?"

When I tried to ask about magic tools, Wizzy looked surprised and asked me. Damn... I wish she had just let it go, but that's not how it works. What should I do... I had prepared an excuse, but will it work?

"Ah, well, that is..."

"I don't know how they're talked about in the capital. I thought it would be nice if you could tell me... Is that okay?"

"N-No, of course not!"

When I was about to make an excuse, Estelle spoke up to Wizzy first. Wizzy, who was looking up at the short Estelle, waved her hands in a panic. ...Yeah, Estelle's approach is much more effective than my poor excuse.

"Um... Magic tools are tools made by mages. They are made from monster materials or magic light stones. That necklace of yours, Mr. Ohtake, is a magic light stone... Wait, it's rainbow-colored!? I've never seen a magic light stone of that color before..."

"Hehe, I made it for my brother."

"Y-You're truly impressive, Mr. Ohtake's party member..."

Wizzy looked at my necklace in amazement, as if seeing something unbelievable. Estelle smiled happily at this. It seems this is not a common item... Estelle is truly amazing.

"Do they sell them somewhere in the capital, even if they're rare?"

"Even the cheapest magic tools cost at least 500,000G. They are only sold in areas where wealthy people live."

"Wow, they are expensive..."

"They are very convenient, so it makes sense. The Adventurer's Guild also uses some custom-made magic tools. Some enhance physical abilities or allow the use of stored magic, but they are very popular and hard to come by."

When I asked about the price, she said the cheapest one costs at least 500,000G. Wow... even though we earn a lot, that's a shock. If the highest price is in the millions, no wonder Grin doesn't take them. Selling gacha equipment would be a quick way to make money... but I won't do that.

"Lastly, is it okay to form a group with more than just a party of adventurers?"

"A group? The Adventurer's Guild doesn't prohibit it. However, there are some things to be aware of."

Good, forming a group is not prohibited. But there are some things to be careful about...

"If there are any conflicts within the group, you are expected to resolve them on your own. We will try to help if it's absolutely necessary, but..."

I see... that makes sense. Since you form the group on your own, the guild can't be expected to handle any issues that arise. Still, they will help if it's really necessary, which is considerate.

"I understand. Thank you for the information."

"You're welcome. Is that all for today?"

That's all I wanted to ask. But that's not the only reason I came today. There's another matter I need to take care of.

"No, actually, there's one more thing... I was thinking about taking on a B-rank promotion request soon. Is that possible?"

Today, I came not only to gather information but also to take on a B-rank promotion request. I thought we could just take it like we did for C-rank, but Wizzy frowned and looked hesitant. Hmm... is it not possible?

"...Actually, there's something I need to talk to you about."

Wizzy continued with a serious expression. Seeing her, I felt a bit more serious too.

"To advance to B-rank, you need a recommendation from the guild master or branch manager, and the decision is based on completed quests."

...Recommendation and completed quests? Oh, this is bad. We've been hunting freely and just turning in proof of kills to get paid. It seems we need the guild's trust to advance to B-rank... but we've done large-scale hunts, so maybe we can still make it?

"From the guild's perspective, you have the ability to advance to B-rank. The guild master even said he would recommend you. However, most of your completed quests are hunting quests, and there are concerns about that..."

We have the ability, but the issue is that we haven't done a variety of quests. Deus often takes on escort quests... we need to do more varied quests, don't we? Wow... my dream of collecting magic stones seems further away...

"Do we need to complete more varied quests to build a track record?"

"No, it seemed that way, but after discussion, it was decided that you should take on one specific quest."

"One specific quest...?"

Oh, I thought it would take a while, but it seems not. It's lucky that just one quest will do. I'm grateful to the people who made this decision. But a quest that can solve everything without building a track record... it feels a bit risky.

"Yes. That quest is... the investigation of the Angori Ruins."