Chapter 5: Collaboration

Previously on Living in Idle...

Wearing his already iconic get up of form-fitting black shirt, black pants, and his dark grey combat boots with metal platings.

A really light clothing for an Adventurer. Some even called him arrogant when they first saw him, but those who have seen or heard how he fights could only shake their heads in pity at those who threw those words. If asked how that guy fight, they'll just say: Like a demon, an Asura.

Anyway, enough of that. For his outfit though, only Ace know that they are actually more complex that they seem. He can safely say that his clothings were the best when it comes to defense.

After a few seconds, Ace dropped right in front of the Guild in a superhero landing and strolled inside in a carefree manner, even humming a tune with his hands clasped behind his head.

The surrounding Adventurers who saw this, even though they are already used to it, still couldn't hide their amazement, well, especially the ladies~! Ace is just like that, he always have an impact!

---Line break---

Ace walked in, and the moment he did,

Misha: "Ace-san~! Good thing that you're here, thank you for coming so quickly."

She greeted with a little anxiousness then thanked him with a bow.

Ace looked at his green haired, long eared friend and gave a smile.

Ace: "No need for that, Misha. And, what's so urgent that would get you so worked up like this?"

Misha smiled in returned and fixed her posture.

Misha: "It's an urgent call from the Guildmaster herself, something about a collaboration task with the Grand Duke. Further information than that, you'll have to meet her yourself."

Ace: "I see. So where should I meet her? And when?"

Misha: "She's already there so you'll have to rush to the new Duchy of Brunhild as soon as you can. Though, she said that it is more preferable if you can reach there in two hours or so as that would be the time she'll be meeting with the Grand Duke himself."

Ace: "Mm, got it. I'll be on my way then. See you later Misha."

Misha: "Yes, see you later. Be careful okay~?.

Ace: "I will, don't worry. Oh, and I'll buy you some souvenirs~!"

Misha: "Thank you~!"

She said and waved him goodbye with a bright smile, to which Ace returned with his own.

And with that, he went on his way. The moment he stepped outside of the Guild, he immediately took off eastward, towards the direction of the Duchy.

Sure, if you looked it up in the map, the kingdom of Lestia and the Duchy of Brunhild is basically on the opposite sides of the world, but this distance is nothing for the current Ace, as long as he gets on full speed, then two hours is pretty long enough, with even time to spare. Sure, his speed alone couldn't do it, but with his lightning element on the mix? Heh, it's an hour and few minutes walk.

And sure enough, not even an hour he already reached the and landed on the border.

'Heh~. Seems that my speed improved once again~.'

He thought and strolled towards the gates of the Duchy where knight's could be seen checking every individual that enters.

Knight: "Wait a moment please. What's your purpose and business in this Duchy?"

Ace: "I'm here for an appointment with the Guildmaster and the Grand Duke for a collaboration task."

When Ace said this, the knight seemed a little stunned but then immediately recovered.

Knight: "Ah, I see. Then I apologize for stopping you. You must be the famous Asura, Ace BladeHeart, yes? Please proceed towards the SilverMoon Inn. The Guildmaster is currently staying there and also left a message for you to head there to meet her first when you arrive."

Hais~. His reputation really did spread far and wide, especially that title. Heh, because of it, he doesn't even have to take out his Guild Card for identification, nobody really dares to try and pose as him, because those that have tried, let's just say that they didn't end up well. Ace remember that he got title when he participated in a task to eradicate a monster stampede where magic beasts that numbered in thousands besieged a town in the kingdom of Lestia, which he almost single-handedly wiped out. If he didn't leave those who were able to escape from his onslaught to the rest of the Adventurers to deal with, then that would've been the case.

Ace: "Mm, thanks. I'll be on my way then. Oh, and keep up the good work~."

Ace said and he made his way into the Duchy as he waved towards the Knight with his already iconic smile.

As ace walked along the streets, he saw some wonderful sights and the familiar looking architecture of the place, which were mostly Japanese based. Well, 'guess that's bound to happen considering that most of his citizens are refugees from Eashen.

It really is a refreshing sight. Looking at the children playing with each other with toys that he used to play in his past life when he was younger, it brought back happy memories. Don't get him wrong, he wasn't a Japanese in his past life, but he was definitely Asian. Though the differences between Asian countries are big, it could also be said with their similarities.

Ace walked by as he gathered the attention of the people around him. Mostly by admiration because of his good looks, or by recognition of who he is. Ace didn't pay them any mind and just enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere around him.

Along the way, he bought a lot of products that he found interesting, but mostly spent a lot on food. Yup, Japanese cuisine is great. He also bought some accessories as his gift and souvenir for Misha as he promised.

After a while of strolling and having eaten various food and got his stomach full, he finally reached the SilverMoon Inn.

He walked in and went for the receptionist who seems to be doing some paper work.

Ace: "Excuse me, I'm here for the Guildmaster Relisha. Do you know where she is?"

Receptionist: "Name?"

She asked and looked up from what she was doing.

Ace: "Ace BladeHeart."

Receptionist: "Oh! So it's you, Asura-sama. The Guildmaster is in the lounge down the right hall."

She greeted and pointed the direction with a smile.

Ace: "Thank you."

Ace said and returned the smile, to which the receptionist bowed.

Ace didn't comment on how she called him, he got pretty used to it already. People sometimes instead of calling him with his name, they do so with his title. This is especially so with the other Adventurers back at Lestein. But, you really should hear Touya's nickname, or more like his title as the jealous male Adventurers calls him~. Hehehe~. Ace betted that it brought him quite a bit of trouble.

When Ace reached the place, the door is closed, so he knocked. He wouldn't just barge in like he own the place, 'cause that's just rude~.

???: "Who is it?"

A feminine voice was heard from the other side.

Ace: "It's Ace, Guildmaster."

He answered and waited.

Relisha: "I see, come on in."

Hearing the confirmation, Ace opened the door and got inside and closed it behind him. He was greeted by the sight of a golden haired elf drinking tea with a book in her hand.

Ace: "Excuse me, then."

Relisha: "Hm~... You have arrived far earlier than I have expected. It really makes people wonder just how you possess such terrifying speed, not to mention your ability of flight, but that's good. Take a sit. Would you like some tea?"

Ace: "Thank you, I'll take that as a compliment, and yes I would love too."

Ace said as he accepted the offer with a polite smile. Sure, he may act so casual for most of the time, with a carefree smile usually on his face, but when the situation calls for it, he can be serious, or polite, just like right now.

Relisha: "Hm... Up to what extent do you know about this collaboration task?"

Ace: "Not much. Only that it's urgent and something about meeting with the Grand Duke. Nothing really related about the task, but that's all I could gather. Though, if my assumptions are correct, then the ones collaborating in this task would be me and the Grand Duke, right?"

Relisha: "Yes, you are correct. This is a really dangerous task that only you two, or the only Gold ranked Adventurer would be able to do."

Ace: "I see."

Relisha: "Not to worry though. Because from what I was able to gather from your past tasks, this mission should be fairly doable."

Ace: "So, what exactly is this task that you talk about?"

Relisha: "I don't want to repeat myself, so let's wait for the Grand Duke to arrive-"

Before she could finish,

*Knock knock knock*

-a series of soft knocks were heard.

Relisha: "Hm. It seems that he's here. Please come in."

Touya: "Hai. Sorry for being late. Hehe~."

He said as he entered while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

Seeing him act like this, the two inside the room smiled. Even though he's already of nobility, he's still a little awkward when it comes to formality.

As they say, old habits die hard~.

--end.