Chapter 16

"Well, that completes the provisional registration. From now on, you'll technically be one of my subordinates... However, as I mentioned earlier, 'Twilight of the Spirits' plans to relocate soon. I don't know how long our association will last... Just try to keep a light and casual attitude, like you're just passing through."

With the registration complete, Rambert became a member of 'Twilight of the Spirits.'

He hadn't been concerned about the duration from the beginning, so he didn't see it as a problem.

His plan was to gather information as needed and then disappear at an opportune moment.

"The request is posted on the bulletin board... The priority is to collect the fur of the Grimm Ket. I want you to accompany Fiona and the others to complete this task. I know it might seem too simple for someone who has taken down a thief, but that's the nature of the request."

A Ket is a cat-like monster.

Its size varies greatly depending on the type, but a Grimm Ket is roughly one size smaller than a human.

It has a glossy black fur and sharp, jagged teeth.

Its danger level is equivalent to that of a young demon, and it can be safely dealt with by Fiona and Lloyd if they surround it.

Rambert was well aware of the Grimm Ket.

He had even seen one during his lifetime.

(When I thought of being an adventurer, I didn't expect to be doing errands like a child.)

While it was a suitable level of work for a regular adventurer, it felt like a letdown to Rambert.

"By Grimm Ket, you mean the Ainzas Underground Labyrinth, right?"

When Fiona asked, Jermaine nodded lightly.

"Yes. Recently, a merchant guild that we've partnered with has been collecting the fur of the Grimm Ket. The more, the better. And... you, Rambert. To gauge your abilities, I want you to defeat a suitable monster and bring back a part of its body. The Ainzas Underground Labyrinth is home to monsters of various ranks, so it's a good place to test your strength."

"Can I ask about the Ainzas Underground Labyrinth?"

"You don't know about it either..."

Jermaine sighed and then proceeded to explain the Ainzas Underground Labyrinth to Rambert.

The Ainzas Underground Labyrinth was a facility built over a hundred years ago, and its purpose is now completely unknown.

From the few encrypted documents and magical artifacts that remain, it is generally believed to have been a magic research institute during the Eight Nations Unification War.

The labyrinth is known for its distorted magical fields and the presence of many rare monsters. The ranks of the monsters vary significantly by level, making it a suitable place for hunting.

A terrifyingly strong monster resides just after the fourth underground level, so there is almost no information about the levels below that.

The only known detail about this monster is that it has a shape like a black shadow, and it is rumored to be guarding something on the fourth underground level.

"And the target, the Grimm Ket, is found on the second underground level. The fur of the Grimm Ket is popular for its durability and elegance. If you encounter another guild... well, you might get frustrated, but you must always back down. 'Twilight of the Spirits' is a new guild with low influence. However, the 'Young Demon's Den' guild, despite being similar to us, has dirty tactics and can be troublesome. If you feel they are getting too aggressive, it's okay to show some resistance... but ultimately, leave the judgment to Fiona."

"..."

Rambert suddenly wondered if joining 'Twilight of the Spirits' might cause them trouble.

His plan was to gather information from the guild and, in the worst case, to slay Duke Obock.

If Duke Obock was a cancer to the Regius Kingdom, he couldn't ignore it.

However, involving innocent people in the conflict would go against Rambert's principles.

As Rambert fell silent, lost in thought, Jermaine laughed and said,

"Don't worry. If things get tough, we can always play it off. It's different for major guilds, but for a small guild like ours, that's just how it is."

"Mr. Jermaine, saying it like that..."

"...I am grateful."

Fiona showed her disapproval of Jermaine's directness, but Rambert bowed his head slightly and expressed his gratitude.