Chapter 14: More questions.

{Ding!...You have completed the first memory fragment (1/4). Bottleneck to the Kage level has been removed}

{Ding!!... Main Quest updated: find the next clue to the next Memory fragment...

Grade: C

Reward : 1 free upgrade for present jutsus}

{Ding!...You have received an encrypted message from God Zodelvi, Item has been placed in Host's inventory.}

{Ding... Host has been officially integrated into the world's system.}

Looking at the series of notifications, he felt like it was all surreal. He finally saw the reason he couldn't breakthrough and when the final notification popped up, he was confused about it but chose to ask the system later.

He then focused on his surrounding, that was when he heard Elena's worried voice and saw Zack's serious gaze.

[Itachi...Itachi!! are you OK??, please speak!!! ] Elena's voice filled the room as she struggled to stop her tears, At the moment she was standing in front of him while shaking his arms. When he completely recovered, she stopped her actions when he gave her a side glance before turning towards Zack.

「Ahahaha! Wellー, I lost!」Zack said while raising his hand in the air only to be rebuked by his daughter,「Papa, this is no laughing matter.」. Haru quietly watched Zack, trying to figure out his motive but the latter simply gestured for him to follow him as a hidden pathway made it's self known from behind his sit.

[if you are wondering, it has only been a minute since you looked at the tattoo] Zack stated as they made their way through a tunnel of some sort. Haru walk down the never ending stairs silently, he could feel something or someone was watching them since they stepped on this stairs.

This seemed to be a hidden floor below the Adventurer's Guild building. and the wall look ancient, wooden Torch's lit up the surrounding as the only sound they could hear was each others footsteps.

Waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs was a thin, blond, fair-skinned man. If one looked at his ears, they would discover that they were pointed, showing that he was an Elf.

At first glance he seems weak, like he'd be tossed aside by a passing breeze but when Haru looked at his status he was a bit surprised as this was the strongest person he has seen so far.

Name :Gavin

Age :318 

Race :Moon Elf

Rating: A

Rank: Saint rank (Greater Spirit User )

State :Normal 

Unique Skills 

Favor of the Spirits King(Zodelvi)

Titles 

Guild Master, Guardian Deity of Primux plains, Master of Nature, Master of Soul.

It was a man who exceeded Zack. Those titles are just too dangerous. Spirit Magic also seems to be quite powerful. And he is the Guild Master, so who was Zack? only now did he remember that he didn't check the status of the people he had been standing with.

「state your name Child.」a Serene voice escaped the man's lips, calming those who hear him.

「Itachi.」

「Age?」

「18.」

The man named Gavin frowned at Haru's words.

「as expected, Child of the gods, I can't even see through your soul.」he said.

"Ahh, I suppose it would be like that. Looking at system's abilities, it would be easy to block any external interference. Otherwise, it would be quite bizarre, given people like Gavin would appear here and there." Haru thought inwardly while sweating bullets but somehow still had a poker face on. (A/N: I know, very strange)

However, his manners are completely different than the one before the incident at the guild hall.

「However… I understand how you feel. Only arriving today with the intention of registering as an adventurer only to be cussed at and pulled into a fight which wasn't supposed to happen, but you see, when you stood outside we could feel your presence.] Gavin stopped his speech and looked at Haru as though trying to read his mind while waiting for him to digest his words.

After a few lingering seconds and no response from Haru, Gavin continued.

[Your body emits a kind of energy that only those linked to the Sanctuary can feel. it's an alliance made by some of the former Neutral gods, Think of it as a frequency used transmitting magic Messages or how soul seekers hunt. I'm sure, you felt it but still don't know what it is. anyways, few months ago those under the gods helming the alliance lost contact with them. Gord, Melphis, Zoldevi and Eliya.] It was only at this moment Haru looked serious, now Eliya his benefactor was involved he didn't want to be careless.

[And what could possibly be the reason for this?? ] Haru asked carefully, like he was afraid his question would worsen the situation.

[it could be that, they were forcibly sealed or... ] Gavin paused, which only made Haru more impatient as he asked in a threatening tone, [or what??]

[or they could have been devoured by someone] the Elf responded calmly while studying Haru's reaction.

[If you have something to say, out with it old Man.] Haru rebuked the elf as he glared at him , shocking Zack and his daughter.

Contrary to what they had been expecting, Gavin wasn't angry, rather he seemed amused.

[Worry not, it wasn't the latter, if they were devoured, I would have lost majority of my cultivation since I haven't broken off yet. they were most likely sealed. but that doesn't make it any better either as they are Vulnerable at the moment. ] Gavin said, trying to ease the mood a bit.

[Luckily, My God left two messages, one was the fact that you were in the area, so we needed to look out for you. which was why we tested you when we felt your presence and you passed, being a mage Assassin, capable of using battle Techniques and Magic — though we are yet to see what kind of magician, it's still an impressive fit either way.]

The Elf's eyes became sharp, as if peering deep into Haru.

「Moreover… You have a way to stop Appraisal not just your soul is protected?」

At times like these, Haru cannot thank the system enough, after all He still didn't trust this Elf completely.

「So, according to you, you're 18. But where did you come from? what Clan?」

「Secret.」

「... Is there a reason for that?」

「Secret.」

「... Haa… this...」Gavin sighed,

「how about the second message?」Haru asked calmly even though he was beginning to feel anxious with the Elf's probing.

「well, it's more like an Item but it isn't here so I'd have to send for it from the Capital.」

「Then can you tell me what kind of item it is ?.」

「… It's hard to explain. so it's best you see yourself. don't worry, I'll make preparations for it now, so please follow Elena back to the main building, in the meantime if you need any information, feel free to ask her. I'd like to have a talk with Zack.」Gavin quickly said, this made Haru have more suspicion but he chose to go with a wait and see attitude.

After Haru left, Zack voiced his doubts about Haru.

[He doesn't seem normal, Could he be a Demon or something?. I mean, considering he's Goddess Eliya's champion, he shouldn't have survived this long, with the church of light looking for him. After all he needs to be killed for Eliya to be devoured Whole.]

「Haa… your right. although The Spirits aren't being noisy, I feel we still need to watch him and be sure he will be ready for what is to come.」Gavin replied in a tired manner.

But Zack couldn't help but question,「Spirits?」

「Even if you look around, only Spirit Users can see them.」

「What do they tell you?」

「Nothing, that's the problem... Nothing, it's like he's not even there...normally when I meet people, they tell you if they have tainted souls due to malicious deeds or vice versa.」

"Spirits sure are convenient. I'd also like to use them by all means. The problem is whether there's a Beast that's capable of using Spirit Magic so I can contract it." Zack pondered.

「Is there a Demonic Beast that can use Spirit Magic?」not being able to hold his curiosity, Zack questioned.

「There're Spirits which merge the malice of others, but even so they rarely merge with weak Demonic Beasts. Regrettably.」

I see. That's good news. That just means that there're some worth looking for.

「Guild Master, I'll be leaving .」Zack finally said with a bow.

「I see. Then go. but watch him closely, we need to know what kind of person he is.]

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「This is...Itachi, I'm sorry about earlier...」Elena finally squeezed out of her mouth.

they were presently standing outside the Guild Door as Haru intended to head to the Inn considering the time. but Elena followed him outside, making Haru at a loss for words.

「Haa… Well, I understand. it was to be expected after hearing the Gavin's story, you can go back in now. Good night Elena」 He said without looking back, after all, how is he sure that she wasn't asked to come to him again.

"Ah, He probably hates me now, thinking I tried using him. it alright, I'll be sure to change that soon. But why am I that bothered" Elena silently thought as she watched Haru's departing back.

「 what will you choose?」Joel suddenly appeared behind her and asked.

「What's your Suggestion uncle?」She replied calmly.

「Hmm. I would say you should follow your heart even though it might sound strange coming from me. Chances like this are quite rare. The benefits gained from them will also be quite strong. I recommend you tell your father about it as well. I'm sure, even If he ignores your request, He will not ignore it when say you this words, "Don't forget that which was promised."」Joel suggested with a rather stoic expression.

"I see. What to do..." She pondered.

However, there's still one piece of information needed before her final choice. "What kind of person is Itachi?"

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「Change Meals?」Haru asked Skeptically, thinking he didn't hear properly.

「Yes. You may not know but we are expecting people from the Church of light at any time, however, You will enjoy the meal, it'd just be a bit more expensive.」The Fat Inn owner with an oily skin explained as he kept wiping sweat off his face.

[Well, I don't mind. If that's all, can I get My meal in my room anyways, then perhaps some warm water would be alright too.]

「Sure, esteemed guest.」The Inn keeper said with a face full of flattery.「With this, the Formation for your room will open, it works as the key to your door.」

It looks like a regular bronze card, with the Number 14 written on it.

Other points, such as other cautions and its application in the room were then explained by the inn keeper. Usually this would be work of a waiter, but in this case the Inn keeper took care of it all personally due to being short staffed for the night, and the paladins were not even here yet.

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Inside the Room, Haru proceeded to sit on the edge of his bed and began Collecting all of the information together, it can be summarized as the following:

Regarding Guild requests:

An Adventurer can only take requests in accordance to their Adventurer Rank. Specifically, they're only able to take requests one Rank above and below their own.

Under certain conditions, a Rank-up test can be requested.

For the color of the cards:

G and F are Copper, E and D are Black, C and B are Silver, A is Gold, and S is Platinum, SS were Diamonds etc.

There aren't any annual membership fees, but there is the possibility of being demoted or expulsion if an Adventurer doesn't take on a request for a certain period of time.

Betrayal against the Adventurer's Guild will result in a complete purge of rank, so it's best to be careful. In addition, it's best to be careful of trouble between Adventurers, because the Guild takes no responsibility.

That last piece of information was likely advice specifically for Itachi. stating he should stay away from Lucas and so on.

「With this, I've become an Adventurer.」he said to no one in particular.「Now that I've gotten rid of the bottle neck, it's time to begin grinding. but first the letter, right...doesn't the church of light serve That Alchrod?... best to avoid them for now.」