Chapter 62 : Adventurer Guild (Part 2)

A few weeks after that whole disaster, Rei as finally be able to continue his journey once again. After defeating [The King of Bandits, Banzana], he gained a new strength and techniques despite almost dying in that fight.

Right now, he's on his way to his next destination.

[The Town of Freedom, Aven Town]

DREP DREP

Riding a cart that was pulled by a horse, Rei sat down on the driver seat with the owner of the cart while having a conversation in his head with his partner, the soul who reside within his body, Ray.

Inside of a blank white space, Kiritsuka Rei and Ray Houston sat down next to each other.

"I can't believe it...you just gained a new skill, Kiritsuka." Ray spoke with a sigh as he looked at Rei's status.

Meanwhile, Rei was sitting there, meditating beside him while releasing his aura around his body.

"Well I shouldn't be surprised after knowing your growth" Ray commented while watching him but then he rmembered a bit about what happen few weeks ago.

It's Rei's first time...on killing someone.

He still felt guilty about it, since he couldn't stop him even though he's right beside him. But if it's something that must be done, he could only watch over him and giving him advice.

'What a pathetic adult I am.' Ray thought as he noticed Rei's aura slowly died down.

Rei heaved a deep sigh as he finished his meditation, "Hmm? Sorry, what were you saying?" Rei asked, looking at him cluelessly after seeing Ray's complex looks.

"Well what I am saying, you slowly becoming a monster yourself."

"Huh?! it's not like I want this to happen!"

"Well you still need to at least control your power a little bit!"

"It's not my fault that I couldn't control it yet!"

"But still–!!"

"You–!!"

*PING*

In the midst of their bickering, a screen popped out of nowhere in front of them, making them stopped doing what they were doing.

"Huh??"

[Notice!]

[Chatroom]

Ifrit: "Ahem, Can you both stop arguing for a moment?"

"....."

Ifrit: "sigh How come you both fighting at each other like this."

"Well he started it!" They pointed their finger to each other, like a twin having a petty quarrel.

Ifrit: "(=_=)||| Stop fighting."

Ifrit: "Look here, you both didn't do anything wrong and I know I was the one who let other gods take notice of Kiritsuka."

Ifrit: "But look at the bright side! Being strong is good especially you both just did something unbelievable!"

Ifrit: "Preventing a tragedy by fighting a Unique Boss, saving the future [Saintess] and other kids who gonna be sold as a slave by fighting one of the worst criminal! Am I right?"

The two of them looked at each as they read of what Ifrit told them.

It was true, indeed they did all of those together and if they were a little stronger than they are right now, they would probably died.

Ifrit: "Houston, I know that he is getting stronger and gained a lot of skill but...if he didn't have those other skill, both of you would probably die on that day and not only that as a [Blacksmith] you have limited skill to begin with. You know how hard to get a skill like that if not for his ability to grow that much right?"

"I know." Reading his explanation, Ray looked down a bit as he mulled it over.

Ifrit: "And Kiritsuka, I think you need to control your skill better and train in this space for a moment since if you are planning to hide your identity, it's best you didn't stand out that much okay?"

"U-understood." Rei nodded.

Ifrit: "*sigh* I told you to find your happiness...but somehow you managed to cause many problem."

"Ummm...sorry about that?"

Ifrit: "And I don't even know how the hell for you get [that] skill but I guess it was your own luck."

"Huh?? Which skill??"

Ifrit: "[Archer Artillery Mastery]."

"Is that some sort of a dangerous skill??" Rei asked in confusion.

Ifrit: "Well I'm not the one who create this game and this world...but I can say it was one of the rarest skill, an archery skill which differs greatly than other archery skill, you already know what kind of power that skill holds, right?"

Ifrit casually reminded him about that incident he just made.

"Ah- Hahaha...yeah." Rei laughed awkwardly while rubbing the back of his head.

Ifrit: "But I'm glad it was you who hold on to that skill."

When Ifrit spoke in the chat like that, Rei could tell that the God he's talking to right now making this warm smile behind that screen.

"I will use this skill wisely." Rei replied to him, making Ray smile while looking at him.

"I guess I was thinking too much, sorry about that Kiritsuka."

"It's fine, since I know it is hard to be...old like you."

But with that one word like that it triggers him once more, "You–I'm not that old yet!"

"Eeehh~ really?"

"You…little brat–!"

Ifrit: "*sigh* (=_=)|||| HEY LISTEN!"

"Huh??" Suddenly they stopped fighting again when they heard the loud notification from the chatroom.

Ifrit: "Wake up already, your destination have arrived."

Ray and Rei exchanged glances for a moment before they went back to reality.

******

*DREP* *DREP*

The horse kept pulling the cart obediently and there's two other people sitting on the driver seat, controlling the horse.

Rei who's in his black armor and with the red scarf around his neck is right now sitting there without moving while looking down as if he was unconscious. And there's this other man, the driver who sat beside him, feeling anxious and worried at the man beside him since he's still hasn't spoken once for a whole day.

'Ummm...I wonder if sir Crimson is okay...he hasn't spoken since this morning.' The man thought while taking a peek towards Rei who still not moving yet.

Then suddenly in front of them, there was a wall surrounding the town. The difference was that, the wall is made out of brick which was very different than Blumund Village.

"Ohh! We are–"

"–Finally arrived!"

Before the man even finished his word, he was shaken from the sudden outburst came from Rei who 's finally back to reality.

"S-sir you finally awake!"

"Ah–I'm sorry about that." Rei quickly noticed the presence of the man who gave him the ride on his cart and quickly apologized.

"I-it's fine, and yes...we're finally arrived."

*DREP* *DREP*

"So this is..." Rei looked up to see the wall right in front of them.

*SWOOSH*

As the two of them passed through the wall, a gentle breeze brushed through his scarf that made it fluttered around until they saw...

The inner side of that wall...a lively town where many people gathered around.

"Come right up! While it's still hot!"

"Mommy! I want that candy!"

"Hahaha! Seriously?!"

*CHATTERS* *CHATTERS*

As they moved further inside, Rei could see many people doing their daily lives. From selling food and grocery, kids who played around and giving temper tantrum to their parents. There's also some people who drank their liquor in this broad daylight and they were wearing some sort of armor of many kind.

Rei's eyes sparkled after seeing how amazing this town was while Ray could only smiled inside his mind.

'Kiritsuka...Welcome to [The Town of Freedom, Aven Town].'

"Woah...[Aven Town]...I know we're in another world...but I cannot believe how amazing this place is." Rei who mumbled, inviting a chuckle from the man who sat right beside him.

"Is this your first time coming into this town?"

"Yeah, this is my first time." Rei replied to his question.

"I never knew such town existed in this world!"

The man laughed at his comment and smiled. "Hahaha, you are talking as if you aren't from this world"

"Ahahaha....Yeah." Rei just laughed awkwardly while looking away a bit, as his words reminded him about his identity.

"Well I must say, there's other town just like this but the difference in this town is that everyone can come here no matter what [Race] they are."

"[Race]??"

"You don't know that either?? Sir Crimson is such a weird fellow!" The man throw him a playful jab while smiling.

"Ummm..yeah, I haven't been in contact to this world ever since I was born." Rei spoke while nodding a bit. 'Though I did read about them in some book...back at home.'

"Well there is 5 races in this world...one is us [Human], second is [Werebeast], third one is [Elf], fourth one is [Dwarf] and finally...the [Demon] race."

"[Demon] race." Rei muttered quietly, not liking the sound of that.

"Yes...the [Demon] race, I don't know much about them but I heard they are a prideful race and almost conquered this world with their unimaginable power."

"Unimaginable power?"

The man nodded, "Well it was just a rumor based on someone who ever seen one, but if I must say...if you ever faced one of them, you must run as fast as you could."

When Rei heard that warning, he gulped a bit and nodded, "Understood."

The man blinked for a moment and laughed, "Hahaha! Don't be so stiff! Just relax okay? Well you're still our saviour, so I just want to warn you to stay away from any danger."

"I see...thank you."

"You're welcome! And by the way, what is your plan after this?"

"Hmmmm...I guess I'm planning to go around the world to see everything and learn to be strong." Rei looked at the town in front of him, watching the bustling town that was brimming with positive energy and closed his eyes, "And probably earn some money to survive."

"Ohhhh, Well I suggest you to get yourself registered as an [Adventurer]."

"[Adventurer]?"

"Yes, you need a permit and license as an [Adventurer] to go on a journey! Or else you will be stopped by the guards on other place! Not only that, you can also earn a few pennies by doing some quest."

"I see...that's sound very fantasy like." Rei mumbled a bit and looked at the man, "Where do I register myself??"

"You can register yourself at the [Guild]."

"At the [Guild] huh...okay then, I will go there."

"Hehe, of course! I will be taking you to the [Guild] then."

"Thank you."

"No no, Thank you again."

The man thanked him with a smile as if he couldn't help but feel endless gratitude for what Rei did for the village and the people.

'What a rare young man...such a humble person too.' The man thought while he rode off the cart and went to their destination which is the [Guild] with Rei.

******

*DREP*

Finally, they arrived at their final stop.

The place where every [Adventurer] gone for their [Quest] and where people put their [Quest] for order.

[The Guild].

When Rei hopped off from the cart, he could see a big building standing right in front of him that was filled with many people inside, coming from different kinds of race, from their looks and outfit and their weapons on their side.

Rei couldn't help but be amazed from the scenery and find it very interesting since this is a new world for him, understandably.

But before that, he turned around to look at the man who's about to get moving again.

"Mister...I wanna say, thank you for giving me a ride to this place." Rei bowed his head with heartfelt gratitude that made the man a bit flustered.

"S-sir! You don't have to do that! I only do what I want to do and like I told you...you saved us and we thank you for your kindness."

Rei stood up and looked at the man who gave him a smile

"Especially me...I couldn't give you much, but at least I'm able to give you a ride and I wish you luck on your journey, sir Crimson." The man bowed his head instead and made Rei widened his eyes a bit from behind that his helmet in surprise.

Then he tilted his head aside a bit and smiled, "Thank you, I will do my best." Rei replied.

As the man lifted his head, he suddenly feel that the man before him who always hiding his face with his helmet was smiling behind it.

The man smiled as well before he started to leave with his cart. "Farewell! Sir Crimson!" he said while waving his hand.

Rei could only wave his hand in return and turned around as he slowly walked towards the [Guild] with a smile.

Finally, the first step of his plan is going to start in this line.

******

Meanwhile inside the Guild Hall, there' were so many Adventurers gathered to start their quest and earn money.

The [Guild] provided lodging and everything [Adventurer] needs, from food supplies, weaponry, and support item for their journey.

In the cafeteria, there's this particular B-class adventurers who were seated together.

*YAWN*

"So boring~" A man yawned widely, he has spiky blue hair, and was wearing an armor and a sword strapped on his waist.

[B-class Warrior, Fang].

"Seriously, can you just stop that! It's not very appropriate!" Scolded a girl with blonde hair and particularly long ears, the trait of an [Elf].

The elf girl was wearing green outfit with a bow on her back.

[B-Class Ranger, Ruru].

"Haahh?! Why should I listen to you?!"

"I'm just saying 'cause you are our leader!"

As the two of them continued with their bickering, the one sitting on the middle was a big old man carrying a big shield and a hammer on his waist.

The man has a moss green colored hair and a soft harmless look on his face.

"Both of you should stop fighting, it will be bad if you both got hurt."

[B-class Guardian, Wise].

"But he/she started it!" They pointed an accusing finger towards each other, Wise heaved a sigh when he saw it.

"Fang, you should shut up for a bit...I'm trying to eat here."

On the other side of the table, next to Ruru was a petite girl with gloomy aura, and she's currently closing her eyes.

The girl has black hair with straight bangs, unlike the others she is wearing a tight suit in all black and there's a few armor covering her arms and legs.

[B-class Scout/Assassin, Kagura].

"Haah?! But I'm your leader! You should have supported me!" Fang shouted angrily.

"Bleh! See?! Even Kagura-chan agreed with me!" Ruru boasted smugly and then proceed to hug cute Kagura who's still eating her food.

"Fang...if you are our leader, then act like one." Kagura commented while munching on her food.

"Ugghh...but it's the truth! It's been boring these days! All the quest we got were either an escort mission and bandits subjugation!" Fang groaned as he rested his head on the table.

Now that he mentioned it, it's true. It had been quite hectic around here because there were so many bandits quest that was given by some villagers.

Which is pretty hard for them to put an end to it because the source and the one who led those bandits haven't been caught.

Fang sighed, "And because of that, we cannot go adventure to unknown place! I want to see ruin! I want to fight strong monster!" Fang groaned once again and put his face flat on the table.

But then...

*GULP*

"Fang and everyone...I have some info to tell." Kagura stopped eating her food so suddenly and the others glanced towards her.

"Hmmm? What is it Kagura-chan?" Ruru asked.

"It's an info regarding leader of the Bandits who has been causing troubles around the kingdom."

"Huh?! You have?!" Fang suddenly got up from his seat and immediately felt the many eyes from the other people on the cafetaria on him.

"Ah–s-sorry." Fang apologize d sheepishle before sitting back down and leaned closer. "Huh...you have?" Fang spoke softly.

"Can you tell us who is the ringleader?" Ruru asked.

"Well you might cannot believe...but it seems the problem is much bigger than I thought."

"Huh?? Just tell us will ya." Fang urged her as Kagura began to looks nervous.

"Okay...the one who have been leading those bandits was none other than [The King of Bandits, Banzana]." Kagura spoke.

As soon as they heard that name, all of them were making this complex look on their face.

"Dammit! Why must that guy got involved with this." Fang grumbled and leaned back to his seat.

"Indeed...he is a wanted man who spread fear to anywhere he goes and not only that...he still one of the [Six Underworld Kings]." Wise explained.

Ruru sighed and rested her body on the table, "Agghhh...can't these things get any worse?"

As they were taken with such a grim atmosphere, the main door of the Guild was opened by someone.

*CREAK*

Many Adventurers who were doing their work and the Staffs who handled the quest suddenly shifted their eyes to the front door.

A particular man came in with a very unusual outfit. A unique black armor and a helmet that looked like a beast which gave off an ominous feeling around those who stood beside him.

But the only thing that stood out the most is the red scarf...that looked like it was coated with blood...a crimson color that made them looked at him.

Fang and the others noticed the man as their eyes widened a bit from his sudden appearance.

The man in black armor began to walk towards the staff who sat there handling some paperwork.

*TAP* *TAP*

While he walk, the Adventurers began to chat amongst themselves as they were confused about just who was this new guy.

"Who's that cocky bastard?"

"Woah...where did he get that kind of armor...I never seen it."

"Probably from a rich family."

"He gives off a scary feeling."

*CHATTERS* *CHATTERS*

But the man didn't seem bothered with their whispers and talkings and just went straight towards the staff.

*WHISTLE*

"Woah~ what a crazy appearance, did you see that Ruru?" Fang commented.

"Yeah! I thought a monster came in just now! But that armor is very unique." Ruru joined in.

"Umu...that man doesn't seems to be an ordinary man. I can sense from the armor he is wearing... it looks like it costed a lot." Wise spoke as well.

"Yes, but somehow...it was really cool." Kagura gushed a bit and suddenly her eyes were sparkling.

"Huh??" When Kagura said that, the others looked at her in suprise.

That was the first time, she praised someone.

******

Meanwhile, when Rei casually walked straight towards the staff, he was sweating bricks from behind that helmet.

'Ehhh?? Ehhh?? What's with the stare?! Did I do something wrong?!'

Rei who unaware to his own appearance, Ray could only sigh and watched him in his mind along with Ifrit.

Until finally he stood right in front of the corner where the staff was sitting.

The staff who finally noticed him, suddenly flinched because of his appearance. She immediately felt the pressure when Rei stood there and looked down at her.

But as the staff, she must do her job and began to give him a service smile.

"M-may I help you, kind sir."

"Hmmm...is this the [Guild]?"

"Y-yes! You are in the right place!"

Looking at the extremely nervous staff, Rei knitted his brows in confusion.

"I see...well then, I will say it straight...I want to register myself as an [Adventurer]."

"A-ah! I see! Right this way sir! You can just start here by writing your name and age! Tell me about your [Job] and we will soon register you as an [Adventurer]."

The staff quickly did her job and took a paper before she gave it to him with feather pen right on its side.

Rei looked at it and nodded, starting to write his name.

"While you are writing your name I shall explain to you about the rules and the registration process, after you wrote your name, you will be registered as an [Adventurer] witht he lowest rank which is [E] class." She explained

"I see...so the starting line is from [E] class...is there no test or some sort?" Rei asked.

"Correct sir and about the test we don't have any."

"Hmmm...is there some sort reason of why there's no test?"

"We do have a test from long time ago but somehow it was closed now due to several reasons."

"Ohhh, then tell me about those reasons." Rei replied.

"Understood sir, the first one is the unfairness between [Adventurer] ability, among the test there's a time where we cannot determine properly who's the talented one and who's not, because of that we decided to put close the test and let everyone start off from E-class."

"And the second part is that we can know how much talent on every Adventurer based on their record quest, if they had enough quota and had enough achievements then we will give them a promotion interview."

"Promotion interview?"

"Yes, it's not that simple as it sound, since you will be meeting the Guild Master and the higher-up and we will check your record and achievement then we will decide it whether you are worthy to get promotion or not."

"I see." Rei nodded.

'Hmmm...it sounds like a work interview." Rei thought as he continued to write.

"And by the way the class started from [E] to [A] and the highest-class of all is the [S] class. Each class has their own difficulty for the quest they are assigned, although we still cannot know if the person is enough to handle the quest with higher difficulty, which is why–"

"We start off from [E] class...I understand."

"Y-yes sir??" The staff blinked few times while looking at him.

"...so you are saying you're also limiting [Adventurer] from going off to dig their own grave huh."

"T-that is correct."

"Hmmm...what an admirable job you have done not only you but also how the Guild process with their system." Rei complimented her and the pressure he let off slowly lowered a bit.

The staff were startled when he complimented her like that so suddenly, "N-no! I'm just doing my job really!"

"But still you and the other staffs have done a great job for not letting those fool who tried to jump off into dangerous situation without thinking ahead." Rei spoke while giving her the paper sheet.

The staff face grew even more red and took the paper with slightly shaky hands as she nodded slowly, "I-i understood....thank you very much."

"Your welcome." Rei replied.

"Yes...I will now check this paper and register you as a full fledged [Adventurer] and I will tell you about the rule after this!"

The staff stood up and went off to get her job done as Rei just nodded his head and waited there.

"I'm glad it worked out." Rei mumbled and sighed as the entire time they have that conversation. It was nerve wracking for him because he hasn't met other people for a few weeks.

'You did a great job, Kiritsuka.' Ray spoke out inside his mind.

'The system was pretty interesting, since I wanted to take it slow and learn everything first.' Rei commented while folding his arms.

'Well that's how the [Guild] works, and beside there are some several rules that need to be obey so make sure to listen carefully after this.'

'Roger...but how come you know about how the [Guild] works??'

'Oh? Did I not tell you?'

'Hmm?'

'I was once an Adventurer myself.'

'What?!'

As Rei was shocked during his conversation within his mind with Ray, some people began approached him from behind.

'Kiritsuka.'

'I know.' As they both noticed them.

Rei turned around to see who was the one who approached him.

"Are you registering as an [Adventurer]?"

A young man who looked to be a teenager asked him while stood right in front of him along with his three girls as his companion who were all standing behind him.

"Hmm?" Rei blinked when they approached him unaware that it was an very unusual encounter for him to start his journey.

******

Meanwhile, Fang who has been spying him from a far was about to go towards him but stopped himself when he saw the teen.

"Ah–am I too late?"

To be continue...