Chapter 49

The day after purchasing equipment, after school.

I came to the East Branch of the Explorer's Guild in the capital city by myself.

First, I planned to listen to a brief explanation and start full-scale activities from the weekend starting tomorrow.

Al and Coco went to the headquarters for explorer registration because I suggested it would be better to register there.

Faye and the other girls plan to register after the school life settles down a bit.

There's no need to force themselves to become explorers...

The East Branch, unlike the headquarters, was a wooden, single-story building made of glossy black wood.

Next to it, buildings that seemed to be training facilities, monster material processing areas, and warehouses were visible.

Probably because it was evening, materials from monsters and animals were being continuously brought in on large carts.

I entered the building through the open entrance, my heart racing with the commotion.

◆

Today, I came here in civilian clothes, not as a student of the Royal Academy, but as one of the voluntary G-class explorers to hear a story.

"Don't just stand there gawking at the entrance! You're in the way!"

After being told this, I was bumped by a man who seemed to be a senior explorer.

"Sorry, I'll be more careful!"

When I hurriedly moved aside and apologized, the man grunted and went inside.

Hehe.

Well, since I'm an explorer, it's normal to encounter rough people like this.

I glanced around the bustling explorers inside.

After thoroughly checking the price tags yesterday, I could roughly gauge the market value of the equipment.

There were many mid-level explorers and above carrying weapons that seemed to cost over 10,000 reals.

This is the capital, after all.

From the dining area in the back, the crude laughter of what seemed to be drunkards, "Hahaha!" could be heard.

I looked at the long row of counters and joined the line marked "13-15 Consultation Reception" on the sign.

◆

"Hello! What brings you here today?"

When I sat down at the counter, a female staff member asked me in a clear, strong voice that didn't lose to the noisy room, so I explained my purpose.

Unlike the neatly uniformed ladies at the headquarters, the staff here wore casual clothes with a jacket that read "East Branch of the Explorer's Guild" or a similar armband.

The staff member in front of me was wearing a white blouse and pants with an armband.

"Actually, I only completed the registration a few days ago, but I don't know how to proceed with the activities, so I came to ask about the basics."

"Understood. Do you have your license with you today?"

When I proudly placed my shiny G-class license on the table, the staff member smiled.

"Thank you for registering as an explorer. I'm Anya, a guild staff member. Allen, since you're a new G-rank explorer, you'll mainly take on G-rank quests. According to the rules, you can take quests one rank above or below your own. For example, once you reach E-rank, you can take D-rank quests. However, please don't overexert yourself."

I see, this is a measure to prevent people from taking on high-difficulty quests without the necessary skills and to ensure that higher-ranked explorers don't take jobs from lower-ranked ones.

"Yes! I have no intention of overexerting myself! Can you tell me how to take on quests specifically?"

Hearing my words, Anya looked surprised.

"...Many young people who register as explorers tend to overreach and overexert themselves...

You're different.

The main G-rank quests around here are delivery and cleaning tasks within the capital. There's no special procedure for these standing quests. Just go to the location listed on the quest notice on the bulletin board, help the specialized company, and get them to sign the completion form. You can then receive your reward at the quest-specific windows numbered 1 to 12. For material collection quests, remember to deliver the materials to the submission area on the left side of this building and get the completion form signed there.

It's convenient to have an account with the Explorer's Guild Credit Union. If you need to withdraw money from branches outside the capital, you'll need to apply in advance. Would you like to open an account today?"

"Yes! Please do!

Is there a book or something where I can read about the basic rules and such?"

"Hehe. You're eager to learn.

There's an introductory book on explorer know-how in the library of this branch. You can't take the materials out, but there's a lot of information that explorers should know, such as maps of the capital area, distributions of monsters and material plants. If you're interested, please use it.

In addition to the library, this East Branch has a store, training facilities, and a dining area. Anyone registered as an explorer can use them."

"Yes! Thank you!

Since it's getting crowded, I'll go to the library and read a book today. If I have any questions, I'll come back to ask. Thank you, Anya!"

I bowed 30 degrees while sitting.

"Hehe, I'm glad I could help.

Good luck with your activities! ...Allen, you're very polite...

Are you a young noble, like a viscount or baron's son, who just moved to the capital and isn't in line for inheritance?"

"Ah, yes, that's exactly right...

How did you know?"

"Hehe. I've seen many young people your age come to register.

...I think young explorers like you will likely be approached by a mutual aid society. They're unofficial organizations, but there are definite benefits to joining. However, some of the members can be a bit rowdy, so if you decide to join, please be careful."

"...Does that mean there's a risk of getting involved in illegal activities?"

Anya waved her hands frantically.

"These mutual aid societies in the capital have a long history. I don't think it will come to that, but I just wanted to warn you because I thought a polite young man like you might have a hard time if you joined the wrong one."

I see, if there's a risk of getting involved in illegal activities, it's something to consider, but a bit of roughness shouldn't be a problem.

I thanked Anya again and left the area.

◆

The book "Latest Edition! Explorer's Guide" in the East Branch library was very useful, covering basic explorer rules, party formation, benefits of each rank, and welfare benefits like free training sessions.

After memorizing the necessary information, I stopped by the store and bought a disposable ignition magic tool for 10 reals.

After checking the standing quest board and marking the quests I could do after school and those I wanted to do over the weekend, I left the East Branch of the Explorer's Guild.

It was around 6 PM, and the surroundings were getting dark.

Now, should I start my new routine of archery training at the Royal Academy's facilities, which I began last night?

While thinking about this, I was about to start running when I was stopped.

"Hey, you there, show us your face."

"We're part of the mutual aid society, 'Apple Family,' based here at the East Branch of the Explorer's Guild.

If you plan to be an explorer around here...

It's better not to go against us!"

...I stopped and slowly turned around.

There, two delinquents, who looked to be three or four years older than me, stood with their shoulders hunched and chins jutted out.

"Understood, I'll join."

"Shut up! Don't argue and follow us, huh?"