Chapter 34

I think this is unnecessary for readers who have read my work this far, but the stage of this work is not medieval Europe.

The reason I say this is that, although it's a bit late, there is clothing that should not exist in medieval Europe in this story.

I apologize for the preamble. I would be happy if you could continue to enjoy my work!

"U-um, I'm starting to get nervous..."

When Kōga said this in a trembling voice, Arma snorted through her nose.

"If you're scared, you can stay behind."

"I-I'm not scared!"

"Stop it. There are people around, it's embarrassing."

Three days after submitting the clan application to the Explorer's Guild, a letter arrived at the Star Drop Inn where we were staying, saying that we should come with our members for the final certification.

This is how we ended up at the Explorer's Guild Hall.

The Explorer's Guild Hall is the largest public building in the Imperial Capital, with a magnificent structure reminiscent of a palace. However, it has a blue hip roof and no towers, and its symmetrical design gives it a simple impression. Above the main gate is a clock tower, which serves as the main accent.

It's a very large building. I've been here many times, so I'm not as nervous as Kōga, but I remember being overwhelmed the first time I saw it.

Inside, not only are explorers registered and managed, but demon materials are also purchased and sold. The sales method is mainly through auctions, and it's a regular occurrence for merchants to flood in when the time comes.

"Alright, let's go. You two, behave yourselves."

We passed through the main gate and announced our purpose at the reception, and were immediately led to a luxurious reception room. We three sat down on the blue velvet sofa.

While sipping the tea served by the housekeeper who works in the hall, I was nudged by Kōga.

"Hey, Noel."

"What is it? Do you need to go to the bathroom?"

"No, I already went before we came."

"Then what is it?"

"From now on... the inspector is going to come, right? Then there will be an interview, and after that, we'll be officially recognized as a clan, right?"

"Yeah."

"Will I, too, have to answer questions?"

"Maybe."

"I-I've never done this before. Can I really answer properly?"

"I don't think they'll ask anything too complicated, so you'll be fine."

They'll probably ask why you became an explorer and what kind of explorer you want to be in the future. Essentially, it's a simple aptitude test. The purpose is to determine whether you have any problematic members.

Well, even if you have a member with a bad reputation, as long as the leader doesn't have any major issues, the application won't be rejected. Explorers are basically roughnecks. If you only chose model students, the system wouldn't work in the first place.

I explained this, but Kōga still looked anxious.

"R-really? Are you sure it'll be okay?"

"That's why, it'll be fine."

"Will my answer really not offend the inspector and get our clan application rejected? Can I really believe that?"

"Trust me. It'll be fine, absolutely fine."

This guy, when it comes to anything other than fighting, he becomes a complete chicken. Considering his background, I can understand why, but I wish he could be a bit more confident.

"Noel is kind. I've heard that if you offend the inspector, the application will be rejected on the spot. If the clan creation fails, it will be entirely Kōga's fault."

At Arma's sudden lie, before I could mediate, Kōga started panicking.

"Y-Yeah, that's right! If I fail, Noel's dream will be cut short! What should I do!? What can I do!?"

"The only thing you can do is die in apology. Kōga, it was a short time, but thank you for the memories. Leave the rest to me and rest in peace."

"I'll cut my belly as many times as you want if you forgive me! Will you forgive me, Noel!? I can't do anything else!"

"You two..."

Listening to these two idiots, I get a terrible headache. Arma, who lies calmly, and Kōga, who swallows everything without thinking, are both completely lacking in intelligence.

"If you don't stop, I have my limits too—"

At that moment, a powerful killing intent burst from the other side of the door.

By the time I stood up and braced myself, Arma and Kōga had already drawn their weapons and were standing in front of me, glaring at the door.

The door slowly opened, and an old man with white hair and a black tailcoat appeared.

"Oh, what's going on? You all look so scary, and you've even drawn your weapons. Did you see something terrifying?"

The old man said this with a puzzled look, but it was clearly a lie. That killing intent definitely came from him. He looked to be in his late sixties, and while he didn't look particularly strong, his chest was broad and clearly well-trained. His movements were as light as a leaf floating in the air. He was an incredible powerhouse, definitely A-rank.

I had heard that the inspectors of the Explorer's Guild were all fierce enough to subdue roughneck explorers, but I didn't expect them to be this strong. They could probably wipe out most clans.

"That's scary. Can you please put away your weapons? I'm not your enemy; I'm here to approve your clan application. Let's get along."

"Who are you to say that, old man? You were the one who started the fight."

"I certainly didn't start a fight. I just wanted to show a bit of spirit to these promising young people. One, two, one, two, and so on."

As the old man did some squats on the spot, I couldn't help but click my tongue.

"You're a tricky old man. Hey, you two, put away your weapons. We should be kind to the elderly. If he starts to dribble, you won't be able to take him to the bathroom with your weapons drawn."

As I twisted my mouth, the old man's cheek twitched. The atmosphere changed, and the two, who had been in a combat-ready state, relaxed their shoulders. They let out a deep sigh of relief and put away their weapons.

"Young people these days lack respect for their elders..."

"Maybe it's because we respect you that we can be friendly without being conscious of the generation gap. Or do you want to be treated like a precious object, old man?"

"I heard that talkers are a support class, but you seem to be good at talking back too. You're quite talented and enviable."

The old man coughed disdainfully and bowed respectfully.

"I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. I am Harold Jenkins, Inspector No. 3 of the Explorer's Guild. Please remember me."

"I'm Noel Stollen, the leader of the Blue Expanse."

"Hmm? The clan name on the application is different. Is this correct?"

"It is. We plan to change the name once we become a clan."

"I see. Understood. Let's proceed with the details."

We sat back down, and Harold began explaining about the clan. The content was largely what we already knew. As a clan, you can take on requests from the country, and there is a review every six months, which affects the type of requests you receive. Harold will be our handler for the reviews.

After the explanation, there was a light Q&A session. The questions were as expected. Kōga, despite being nervous and stumbling a few times, managed to answer about his background and future goals. Arma, though she looked sleepy, had no issues with her answers.

It was nice to hear that their goals were to push me to the top, but from a third person's perspective, it might sound a bit forced, which made me a bit embarrassed.

"The explanation and interview are over. Hmm, you have a good party. You're all young, and you've only been together for a short time, but I can feel a strong sense of trust. While you lack experience, your backgrounds suggest you have the necessary abilities."

Harold smiled and took out a seal.

"Very well. I approve your clan application. Once this seal is stamped, you will be a clan. I look forward to your future success."

"Thank you, Harold. I look forward to working with you."

"Yes, I look forward to working with you as well. However, I have one more question."

"What is it?"

"Do you really want to become a clan right now?"

I tilted my head, not understanding Harold's meaning.

"What do you mean?"

"I am genuinely happy about the birth of a new, promising clan. However, Noel, do you have the confidence to establish a clan and smoothly expand its scale?"

"Of course. If I didn't have confidence, I wouldn't be here."

"Indeed, you are capable. Despite your youth, you can manage a clan well and will likely grow it into a major clan within three, no, two years."

"Then there's no problem, right?"

While my plan is to become a seven-star clan within a year, there's no need to say that here. It's better to prove it with results.

"Indeed, in normal times, there would be no problem. However, whether you have two years to spare... No matter how capable you are, if time doesn't allow it, it's meaningless."

"What are you talking about?"

"Do you know about the Seven Stars, Noel?"

I nodded, not quite understanding where this was going.

"The First Star 'Overlord Dragon Team,' the Second Star 'Kahn' and 'Taecheongdong,' the Third Star 'Golden Orchard,' 'Black Goat's Banquet,' 'Night Parade of One Hundred Demons,' and 'Mermaid's Requiem.' Each of these clans is a major force worthy of the Seven Stars. However, they are far from the legendary clan 'Blood Blade League.'"

I know that clan name well. It's a name I've heard many times in bedtime stories.

"Yes, the clan where your grandfather, the Immortal Demon, served as the vanguard captain. A clan that achieved unprecedented feats and accomplished the impossible. Do you know what they accomplished?"

"...The thirteenth depth, the king of demons, one of the Ten Kings of the Netherworld, was defeated."

The Ten Kings of the Netherworld are an alliance of demons from the deepest layer, the thirteenth layer, of the abyss.

Each of them possesses such overwhelming power that they could destroy a country together. Their power is so great that the only salvation for humanity is that they need to clear many conditions to manifest in the real world.

However, a few decades ago, one of them did manifest. His power as a great demon was overwhelming, and three countries were destroyed before the Blood Blade League, which your grandfather belonged to, succeeded in defeating him. The disaster that occurred in just one month is now known as the 'Soul-Exhausting Polar Night.'

"The success of the Blood Blade League in defeating the demon led to the empire absorbing the destroyed countries and growing into a great nation with unparalleled magical technology. Some even say that the disaster was a blessing from the gods. However, I don't think so."

Harold leaned forward, his tone becoming more intense.

"Demons are not convenient livestock or good neighbors. They are the eternal enemies and invaders of humanity, and if the Ten Kings of the Netherworld were to appear again, we would be easily destroyed."

"So, you're saying that the Ten Kings of the Netherworld will appear soon?"

"From here on, this is off the record. According to the investigation team's report, it is certain that the day will come soon. Therefore, Noel, you don't have the luxury to grow at a leisurely pace."

"I see."

I came to establish a clan, but I ended up hearing an incredible story. Alma and Kōga, who are sitting next to me, are completely confused, and I find it hard to believe too. However, I don't think Harold is lying.

"When will the Ten Kings of the Netherworld next manifest? What's the earliest?"

"Probably in a year."

"A year, huh."

"Noel, once a clan is established, the results of the review within six months will determine everything. You are promising, but your strength and experience are still lacking. It will be difficult to assign you good jobs."

"Then, if we gather strength and experience before establishing the clan, we can get good jobs from the start, right? Jobs that can rapidly grow the clan's organizational power before the Ten Kings of the Netherworld manifest?"

"I will guarantee it. At that time, I will fully support you."

I have his word. Now it's up to my decision.

"Harold, I have a question. Why are you favoring me so much? Is it because I'm the grandson of the Immortal Demon? But I'm just a talker who failed to inherit his talent."

"I have been in this job for many years and have seen many explorers. My intuition tells me that if we are to defeat the Ten Kings of the Netherworld, the key will be you. Whether you are the grandson of the Immortal Demon or not is irrelevant. I trust in your potential."

"It's hard to believe when a stranger says they trust me."

"Of course, how you take this is up to you. You can choose not to believe me or dismiss it as irrelevant and proceed with establishing the clan."

"Stop trying to test me. It's unpleasant."

The answer was decided from the beginning. No matter what, I am a man who aims for the peak of explorers. The threat of the Ten Kings of the Netherworld is, if anything, a blessing in disguise.

Your grandfather's clan succeeded in defeating the Ten Kings of the Netherworld. Then, it's absolutely impossible for me, who should surpass my grandfather, to be afraid.

"One week. Wait one week. I'll gather strength and experience by then."

I smiled and continued.

"And we will become a seven-star clan at the review in six months."

The moment I declared this, Alma looked at me in disbelief.

Come to think of it, I told Alma we would become a seven-star clan in a year. But plans change with the situation. There's no problem with that.