Chapter 42

Since I received a message that Yui wanted to consult with me, we met at a shopping mall in the city center the next day.

I arrived earlier than the agreed time, so I was waiting when Yui finally showed up, a bit late.

"Ah, Rin! I'm sorry for keeping you waiting!"

"Yep."

"Shouldn't you say you weren't waiting at all?"

Is that how it's supposed to be? I don't know since I've never gone out with a girl other than my sister.

"Just kidding. I'm grateful that you agreed to spend the day with me. Rin, do you have any plans today?"

"Hmm? Yeah, I just finished clearing the Yuzunagi Dungeon yesterday, so it's fine to take a day off today."

"That's good. Then let's go to a café for now."

Following Yui's lead, we entered a nearby café. Yui ordered a sweet drink with cream, and I, reflecting on my previous experience, ordered a milk tea. Black coffee is too bitter and not something I can drink.

After taking a sip of our drinks, I spoke up.

"So, what's the consultation about? Since you specifically asked for me, it must be related to dungeons, right?"

"Yes, that's correct. I don't have any adventurers close to me, so I thought of you."

After taking another sip, Yui continued.

"Actually, I was invited to join a certain guild recently."

"Really?"

When I first met Yui, her level was around 50. Even with all the effort she's put in since then, she shouldn't have surpassed level 100. To be invited to a guild in that state is quite impressive.

You see, guilds can be divided into large guilds and small to medium-sized guilds. The main difference between the two is whether they have the resources to train low-level adventurers.

Due to the nature of dungeons, even an adventurer with no talent can become quite strong if given enough time.

For example, an adventurer who has overcome numerous dangerous situations over a year might have a lower level and less skill than one who has casually accompanied dungeon runs once a week for ten years.

Small to medium-sized guilds, which lack financial resources, seek the latter type of immediate combat-ready adventurers. Only large guilds with substantial funds can afford to nurture talented young adventurers.

Of course, Yui, being below level 100, falls into the latter category. So—

"Can I ask the name of the guild that invited you?"

"It's called Yuzuki."

"Yuzuki...?"

It sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it. I borrowed the business card from Yui and read the information written on it. Besides the guild name, there was a logo featuring a crescent moon and a sword overlapping.

Seeing that logo, I exclaimed, "Ah, I remember. It's one of the top guilds that has risen in the past few years."

"The guild representative said the same. They claim to be a small but elite guild that is still growing. They also mentioned that healers are in high demand in all guilds."

"Of course. Healers are so valuable that healing potions are sold at high prices. Even with healing potions, healers are still necessary because they can adapt to various situations, and every party needs at least one."

Hearing this, I started to understand what Yui wanted to ask me.

"So, you want my advice on whether you should join this guild, right?"

"...Yes, that's right."

"I see. Well, I'm not an expert on guilds, but I can still help, right?"

"Of course!"

Yui leaned in and nodded vigorously. Whoa, you're too close.

"Ahem, so, to avoid repeating what the recruiter told you, I'll go over the pros and cons of joining a guild."

"Please do!"

"First, the biggest advantage is the support you get in every aspect. Large guilds provide equipment and have comprehensive information on dungeon strategies. Having someone do the work for you that you previously had to do yourself is a significant benefit."

I took a sip of my milk tea.

"Another advantage is that the guild selects your party members. Once you join, they will form a suitable party based on the skills and compatibility of their members. This means you won't have to team up with unreliable people. You understand the importance of this, right?"

"Yes..."

She must be remembering the time she was betrayed by her party members when we first met. Yui looked uncomfortable and hunched over.

"Next, the disadvantages. The main one is the restriction on your freedom."

"Restriction on freedom?"

"Yes. As a guild member, you'll have to follow the guild's planned dungeon runs. While this is the same whether you're in a guild or not if you're part of a party, the issue is the requests from the Adventurer's Guild."

Yui gasped, "Ah, I was told about that. Guilds have significant privileges, but they also have obligations."

"Since you know that, it's easier to explain. When various problems arise in dungeons, the Adventurer's Guild can order guilds to respond, and guilds must comply unless there are special circumstances. So, guild members sometimes have to go to dangerous places... so I've heard."

I haven't personally encountered such situations, but it's a well-known issue. Many adventurers choose not to join guilds to avoid these disadvantages.

"To sum up, if you want to become stronger as quickly as possible, you should join a guild. If you value other things more, you should go the steady route without joining. By the way, why did you decide to become an adventurer? I remember you said it was to earn money for your university expenses, but is that all?"

"The reason I became an adventurer..."

After a moment, Yui began to speak slowly.