Chapter 6

The rescue mission was expected to be difficult, but with Taro, it was quick. After that, we searched for a D-rank adventurer who had gone missing in a place called "Goblin's Cave," and Taro found the trembling adventurer in a side tunnel of the cave.

"Nice work."

"Hmph, this is child's play. Where's the next one?"

"The next one is..."

After looking at the next rescue request, I thought.

"What's wrong?"

"...Yeah. I think it's best to stop here. Thanks."

Saying this, I offered the dragon bone using spatial magic.

"What! It's a dragon bone! Is it okay for me to take it?"

"Yeah. He worked hard enough. In return, I'll ask you again next time."

"Leave it to me."

With that, Taro disappeared with the bone in his mouth.

"Hmm... I think it's better to re-request this one."

The rescue request was for a B-rank adventurer party. The location was the 20th floor or higher of a dungeon. While C-rank adventurers can attempt the dungeon, the 20th floor or higher requires a party to descend. Naturally, I couldn't go. However, there is a trick to it, and it is possible to go alone, but I didn't have the time for that now.

"It's about time to head back to the guild."

I ran to the guild. Inside, unlike before, there were ordinary people. The guild's reception is open for requests from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for adventurers only. From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, it reopens for requests. Ordinary requesters visit the guild during these four hours to make their requests. When I returned, it was just that time. The reception was relatively empty, and I didn't need to wait in line. I headed straight to the reception.

"Hello... It's the same staff member. ...Oh? But I don't recognize your face?"

The receptionist was a beautiful blonde woman.

"I'm Tepu Setten, newly assigned to the Adventurer Management Department. I was too busy to greet you. Sorry."

She narrowed her eyes for a moment.

"You are... Hmm? I'm Sera, in charge of the reception. So, Tepu-kun, what brings you here?"

"Yes. Actually, I want to request a missing adventurer."

"Really?"

Then Sera leaned in close. A sweet scent tickled my nose.

"So? Did that old man approve it?"

The "old man" must be the guild master. If so, she seems to be aware of the internal situation.

"No, unfortunately, it didn't work out. So this time, I'm making the request myself."

"I see. ...I understand. When I first started here, I was shocked by how different it was from what I learned. So? What's the content and the reward?"

I see. So, it's not just me who has complaints about that old man. It's good to know that.

"The content is the rescue of a B-rank adventurer party. The location is the 20th floor or higher of the dungeon. Here's the request form."

Saying this, I handed over the request form.

"Wh-What? Are you serious? This is a request worth 10 gold coins if you make it normally. Here, it says 10 gold coins. If it's a re-request, the amount will be higher."

"I understand."

Then, I took out a bag containing 20 gold coins from my pocket. I had put in the necessary amount using spatial magic earlier. I had some savings from my adventurer days, and I also had a mountain of materials that I could sell, so I wasn't worried about money. To defeat him, I first needed to prepare the environment. The environment means a state where he can't criticize me at all. This is the cost. It can't be helped.

"Really? Is it okay to take this? Is your living expenses okay?"

"I'm fine. And I have another request."

"Are you a noble's son? ...And what's the other request?"

"Actually, I want to borrow the key to the guild card storage."

"What? That's it? Shouldn't you have the key already?"

Indeed, it seems the guild card management is handled by the Adventurer Management Department.

"It was hectic on my first day."

I blurted out a lie on the spot.

"Okay. Wait a moment."

Then, Sera left her seat and returned quickly.

"Here, take it. Since it's your assigned storage, you can keep it. We have a spare key here."

I took the key.

"Thanks."

Then, I noticed that Sera was staring at me.

"Is there something on my face?"

"No, I've been here for three years, but this is the first time I've talked to someone from the Adventurer Management Department."

"Really?"

"Yes. They always seemed so busy, and... it was hard to talk to them."

"I see."

"I hope you do well. But don't overdo it."

"Thank you. Also, I have a report on the completion of a request, so I'll come back tomorrow."

"Ah, those uncompleted requests? I've actually gone to that room a few times to post requests. That room is amazing, isn't it?"

"Ah..."

Is she talking about the graffiti on the walls?

"Well, I think I'll get used to it eventually. I have other work to do, so..."

"Good luck."

Sera waved at me.

Phew. Now all I have to do is complete the uncompleted requests.

I took out the other four and encouraged myself.