First Payment

Thapira POV: 

"Let's cheer !"

"Cheer !"

"It's good to have a draft beer after work !"

"Oy, Thap, why are you spacing out ? let's just eat !"

Jim said to me as he downing a glass of beer in one go. 

"Yes .."

When we finished the job, Rex reported the incident to his supervisor about what happened in the tunnel. He asked us to get cleaned up and wait for him at a tavern close to the guild. 

Everyone laughed and enjoyed their drinks, but as I tried to join in, my mind was elsewhere, thinking about the strange event that occurred to me inside that tunnel. Moreover, when we washed up at the public bath, everyone was shocked to see the scars that my body bore. Now, I was eager to learn more and uncover what this body had endured to bear such marks.

On top of that, after the battle with the Rattus, the fatigue and exhaustion that had weighed me down before the fight had completely vanished. I felt as if I had been somehow reborn.

Despite my lean physique, I could feel an enormous strength within me. Maybe I should eat more to regain some muscle. 

As I began to eat, Rex returned, holding an envelope and a letter. 

"Here, Thap, this is your payment and you need to report this incident to your guild."

Rex said as he handed it to me before sitting next to Jim. 

"What incident ?"

I asked.

"It was about the two Rattus you killed. Even though it wasn't part of your job, you did kill them and saved Jim."

Rex replied. 

After explaining, Rex started to eat and joined the others. The payment he handed me was a small pouch containing about ten silver coins.

"Don't worry, I won't let you pay for this meal, you completed the job and saved my ass too ! Just eat." 

Jim exclaimed as I examined the coins. Relieved, I put the coins away and focussed on enjoying the meal with the group.

"Oy, I don't think you are old enough to drink alcohol !"

Jim confronted me, as I was about to take a sip of the beer. 

".. Sorry ."

I replied, caught off guard. 

Jim then explained that I looked young, probably around his daughter's age, and that was why he stopped me from drinking alcohol. 

"It's not good for a growing kid," 

He added, despite me being 22. However, I respected his concern and drank juice instead. His protective nature made him seem like a good father, just like my old man. 

"All right ! See you around kid !"

Jim called out.

"Yes, thanks everyone for the meal !"

I responded, bowing to them before heading off to the guild. 

By the time I arrived, it was already evening. I noticed a queue at the counter where adventurers were getting their quest assessments. The air filled with excitement and rumors. I could hardly believe that I was truly in a different world. 

"Did you hear that ! The Sword Hero has been found ! "

"Really, a hero ?"

"Yes, he is also a noble"

"Moreover, someone said he will come to this city tomorrow, seeking for the holy sword inside one of the dungeon"

"Damn, we get to see the hero's powers !"

As soon as I entered, it was clear that the chatter was all about someone who appeared to be a hero. He was also a noble from a neighboring country. 

"What is going on ? So, I was just a normal guy who got transferred to another world without any special powers? What a letdown. But wait, if there's already a hero in this world, maybe he will handle all the troubles, and I can live a quiet life while I figure out how to get back to my world. Nice !"

I muttered to myself, happying to the idea. 

As I approached to Via's counter, I noticed the long line of people waiting there. I wanted to join her queue, but that would only add to her burden. Curiously, seven out of the eight counters were crowded with people. Yet, one counter remained deserted. 

That receptionist was young and cute, so why was no one seeking her assistance? Maybe she was not very helpful, or maybe known for being aggressive ?

"Damn, every counter was full. Shit !"

"Why don't you go to that Isabelle girl ?"

"NO please, I can't stand her attitude towards men like us, so that's a big no!" 

I overheard this exchange from another adventurer standing next to me, about that girl. Her name was Isabelle, and it seemed she was not particularly fond of male adventurers.

"Is it really that bad ?" 

I wondered to myself. 

The only girl I had known to be aggressive was Haruka, my older step sister. She always became hostile and overprotective whenever I was approached by strangers. 

Waiting at Via's counter would be a waste of time, I needed to get things done quickly.

"Good evening, would you mind assessing this letter ?"

I asked her politely, placing the letter on the counter. 

".. your card .."

She muttered out. 

"Pardon ?"

I confused.

"Give me your card, ID CARD"

She clarified, giving me a deadly stare.

"Yes, yes, here you go"

I answered, quickly handing out my ID to her. 

She snatched my ID without saying a word. Then she looked into the letter and began filling out some forms along with my ID details. The air was so tense that I found myself unable to say a single word to her. Her expression remained serious as she focused on the documents. 

Even though she did not smile or greet me back, I guessed this was normal compared to the people in my world. Everyone has their own challenges, perhaps she has had some difficult experiences with men in the past. 

After she finished with the form, she quickly got up and disappeared for a moment. When she returned, she handed me the pouch along with my ID, without saying a single word. 

"Hmm .. what's this for ?"

I asked curiously.

"..."

She didn't reply, her eyes fixed on her document. 

When I checked inside the pouch, I found more silver coins. Surprised, I realized it was probably related to the letter. With ten more silver coins in my pocket, I planned to buy some essentials like clothes and a weapon.

".... why are you still here … "

She muttered, without looking at me.

"Ah sorry, I'll take my leave now. Thanks for your assistance !"

I replied, bowing to her before leaving. 

Eager to spend the money, I quickly left the guild and headed to the nearest shop I could find.