Chapter 21 Explorer Association#2

30th, Ashadha, 1965

Ortson and the party are on the bus en route to Explorer Association.

Ortson is now listlessly staring out of a window and is trying not to strain himself.

'Reinforcement is a dangerous magic, I need to increase my endurance or I might break my body.'

Ortson notices that the street lamps are on due to the sun being setting for the day.

The street lights are made of light crystal, which can retain light during day time and luminate during the night.

Light Crystals are the mystical variant of Radium, which makes things glow in the dark.

"It's an extravagant sight."

Max who was sitting beside Ortson commented.

"What?"

"The street lamps. In my hometown, street lamps can only be seen near the residential area of Aristocrats and the main areas of a city or towns, commoners have used fat oils and candles to luminate their homes, and light crystals were expensive. But here inside the tower, there is no shortage of resources, I can see such scenery everywhere inside the tower. It's like they are two different worlds."

"Yes, it's totally two different worlds."

"You also agree with me."

Max chimed in, not understanding the nostalgia and sarcasm in Ortson's voice.

Ortson remembered reading about light crystals in the library.

"Light crystal's power comes from its size and diameter, too small cannot be used, too big very hard to use. The tension of light crystal is very low. Only an experienced craftsman can cut and grind them to the appropriate size. That's why they are so expensive, but inside the tower, due to an abundant number of resources they are very cheap, we even have a light crystal inside our apartments."

"Yeah, the life inside the tower is heaven, compared to the outside world. My only goal is just to fight and get stronger. I like my life very much right now."

That comment of Max reminded Ortson again that this world is full of danger, it's not that Earth was not full of strife.

On earth, an average person can go on his and live his mundane life without endangering himself ever.

But here fighting for one's life is the norm, mankind in this world is in constant danger due to monsters and interference of god-like cosmic entities.

Ortson and Max keep sharing their thoughts about their life inside the tower.

A few moments later their bus stopped in front of the building of Explorer Association.

Ortson is standing in a queue with all the ten dungeon raiders.

Instructor Adrian is in front of the counter giving the report of mission completion to the receptionist Chelsea.

"Any casualties Instructor Adrian."

"No casualties Chelsea, as you can see I brought all Nine of them back Alive."

"Ok, I will note it down in your record."

"So Chelsea how about having dinner with me tonight."

"Sorry Instructor Adrian I have plans tonight, and please invite me when I have free time."

"And there is a long line behind you so please give way."

"Yes sorry, I will not do it again."

Chelsea says get lost to Adrian in a polite tone.

Many men try to court Chelsea due to her beauty and personality.

She has always a smile on her face when talking to an explorer, she answers all their query without losing patience.

Because of her professionalism, she gives off a very hard-to-approach atmosphere, but there are still many brave men out there who want to woo this cold beauty.

'Instructor Adrian who showed amazing power during the raid is now acting meek in front of Miss Chelsea.'

One by one everyone took their payment and left them at the counter, and at last, Ortson was in front of the counter.

"Mr. Ortson give me your card."

Ortson hands her his Explorer ID card as per the rule, Chelsea inserts the card inside a box attached to the crystal board.

After confirming the contents of the card she returns the card back to Ortson.

"Here is your card and 1500₸ for your contribution."

"Miss Chelsea I have an inquiry, Why are we raiding the dungeons on the first floor."

"Explorers raids dungeons on a regular basis to stop dungeon outbreaks and also to collect resources inside them. The Goblin cave has rich deposits of hematite and magnetite inside them."

"What is the cause of dungeon outbreaks?

"Dungeon outbreaks happen due to various reasons, such as the number of monsters crossing a certain threshold, or due to the increase in ether radiation inside the gate. It all can be prevented by regularly raiding the dungeons. Is my answerer to your satisfaction Mr. Ortson"

"Yes, Thank you, Miss Chelsea."

Ortson leaves the Explorer Association for his apartment in a jolly mood due to heavy pockets.

Who does not like having money in his possession?