A magical sword that suddenly appears once every few decades in the depths of a dungeon.
According to the explanation of the guild, it is the 'Wandering Sword' that has its own will and moves to choose its master.
It is said that its power is so powerful that if the chosen one has it in his or her hands, he or she will be on the path to becoming a hero.
For example, Anouville, the "bellicose king," who rose to prominence from an orphan to become the king
For example, the "Red King Festa Rica," who was a prince in exile who not only reestablished his country, but also became an ally of the surrounding nations and eventually left behind 100 children
Legend has it that both kings had accomplished this with the power of the magic sword.
However, if a non-heroic person tried to use it, the magic sword would only lead to destruction.
It is said that some of them have been executed as criminals and destroyed their countries.
The magic sword would turn people into heroes or criminals, then disappear and reappear.
This is a quest to search for such a high-risk, high-reward magic sword.
The location is deep beneath the dungeon.
There's no way we, who just registered with the guild, can do that ......
'Yes. Of course, you don't have to force yourself to dive into the dungeon, do you?
I don't mind.
The guild's sister said it so simply that you'd think it was a good idea.
This is the second floor of the 'Commoner's Guild'.
Next to the room where the quest board is located, a room that looks like an office.
She left Cecil and Rita in the resting place and nodded with a translucent look on her face while offering me tea as I went to listen to the conversation on her behalf.
Her name is Aine = Clunet.
She's a descendant of the person who created the "Common People's Guild" and is currently in the process of gaining experience to become the next guild master.
In the midst of her busy schedule, she firmly answered my question.
'To begin with, the dungeon is believed to be the remains of an ancient civilization that was discovered when the mines around Metekal were being mined. After the third level, which changes from tunnels to ruins, it's too dangerous for newcomers. So there's no way I'm going to force you to take them there!
I was in the momentum of 'Let's leave the guild and go on a trip, depending on the case,' but Aine-san is smiling at me like a flutter.
The fluffy chestnut-colored hair sways like a feather with each nod.
You're going ...... crazy.
''Actually, the quest for all of us is a message to the 'Aristocracy Guild'.
A message?
'Yes. I don't want you to just order us around unilaterally, but to listen to us as well.
Aine began to explain.
It was just as it was first explained that there was a 'Commoner's Guild' and a 'Nobleman's Guild' in Metecal.
Aine said that the 'Aristocracy Guild' has been assigning jobs to the 'Commoner's Guild' that they can't do themselves.
That's true, but it seems it's actually a bit more complicated than that.
First of all, the "Aristocrat Guild" takes orders from the royal family for worthwhile jobs.
And then they ask the 'Commoner's Guild' to do it.
Most of the compensation paid by the royal family is pinned down.
Because of that, when the "Citizens' Guild" receives the order, the rewards are cheaper than other quests of the same level.
That's why the "People's Guild" pays for the extra rewards out of their own pocket.
Because if you refuse a request, the Noblemen's Guild will harass you in various ways.
There are times when they will shout at our guild, and there are also times when the rogues hired by the Noblemen's Guild will interfere with the Commoner's Guild members' quests.
When you accept a request, the members of the Aristocrat Guild will follow the quest that the Commoner's Guild has accepted, for some reason.
They don't participate in battles with demons.
They won't even help me in my quest.
Yet, during the quests, they will stand behind you and tell you what to do.
If you ignore him, he gets angry.
If you do what he says and problems arise, he'll say, "Why didn't you do as I said! He gets mad.
If we complain, their rewards will be reduced.
If we leave them unattended or injure them, the nobles will all put pressure on the merchants who are sponsors of the 'Common People's Guild'.
Anyway, they were too much of a nuisance to want to be involved with as much as possible.
The commoners' guild has been consulting with the lord of Metekal about the current situation, but they haven't been able to solve the problem.
The 'Noblemen's Guild' is a group of aristocrats, even though it is a lowly guild, so the old and sickly Metekal lord cannot be very strong.
That's why the people of the 'Commoner's Guild' seemed to be quite pissed off.
''That's why we need to show our resolve this time, 'All the common people's guilds will get the magic sword with all the common people's guilds. If I get the magic sword and offer it to the king, they will be in trouble too, right? Ostensibly, the request from the royal family was supposed to have been handled perfectly by the 'Noble Guild' until now.
I see.
In other words, this would be a chance for the subcontractors who were being pinned down by the main contractors to show their capabilities to their clients.
If the "People's Guild" offered the King a magic sword, it would prove that they are capable of that much.
It could be an opportunity to change the situation.
''Everyone just wants to tell the 'Noble Guild' what we think.
Wouldn't that cause a fight?
It's okay! Even noble guilds have people who understand what they're talking about.
To be honest, though, that person is my childhood friend, Aine continued.
I heard that there's someone in the "Noblemen's Guild" who knows that the current state of affairs isn't good and can help us.
Well, otherwise they wouldn't be doing something that would annoy the main contractor.
''That's why the 'Commoner's Guild' is going to work together to search for the magic sword.
But to be so close to the bottom of the ocean all of a sudden.
Sure, you can go home on the first level.
Are you sure?
Isn't that obvious?
Of course not.
Are you okay with this white company?
When I see Aine smiling with sparkling eyes, it makes me uneasy.
It's strange.
I've experienced too many black jobs, is my mind just dirty ......?
"Anyway, this time around, it's important for the members of the 'Commoner's Guild' to enter the dungeon en masse and show their enthusiasm of 'I'm going to seriously search for the magic sword'.
The "People's Guild" is for everyone, so we won't force beginners to do anything. If you want, I can guide you through other quests.
But the collection system is difficult, Aine said, folding her arms.
That was the reason why we were all supposed to be hiding in dungeons together, because it would be noticeable if the guild members were wandering around in the meadow or forest. We are newcomers and our faces aren't known, but it's just a matter of when.
I see.
A lot of things are tough in the other world, I see.
Rising to the top with a single arm, or becoming a hero while defeating demons may only be a story in the story.
'Yes, that's right. Our recommended quest right now is this one.
Aine held out two sheets of parchment.
''Request No. 1, errand quest.''
'Please deliver a letter to the port city of Irgafa.
I have a letter from the 'Commoner's Guild' that I need to send to the guild in Irgafa in a hurry.
It is very important. Please do not open it.
Aptitude Level: 1 to 3
Remuneration: 600 arsha (including travel and food expenses. Half of the advance payment. Half the success fee)
Days: 4 days each way (Ilgafa may ask you to write a letter to the "Common People's Guild" on your way back.
Due date: 12 days or less.
Request No. 2: The Quest to Take Down.
I'm in need of help to get rid of a large bat that has taken up residence in the ruins.
A large bat has taken up residence in the house of a wizard who died 120 years ago and is in trouble.
The mansion was searched long ago, and anything of note was taken away and left to rot. Recently, however, a hot spring has sprung up nearby, and a Metekal merchant is considering purchasing it. The merchant will take care of the cleaning and renovation of the building, and I don't mind damaging the building a bit, so please annihilate the big bats.
Aptitude level: 1 to 2.
Number of enemies (estimated): 8 to 12 large bats.
Reward: 340 arsha (or whatever else you find in the ruins, you can keep it for yourself. However, the search ended decades ago, and I don't think there's anything dull)
Due: 7 days or less.
Since most of the other guild members would be hiding in the dungeons, they were short on manpower.
So they said that it would be helpful if they could complete the urgent quests.
'My God, ......'
I can feel my voice quivering.
It's funny.
This must be a bad dream. I'm dying and dreaming about an impossible reality. I'm sure.
"...... You've got to be kidding me.
'Can't we get along on terms? I asked for an urgent job first, but if that's the case, I'll need something else...
'It's impossible ...... to have such a choice of jobs. And the money up front? Will you pay for my trip? Bullshit: ......!
Is this real? Don't they usually pay for their own transportation? Does it say they're going to pay you, but they're going to be pissed off if you actually claim it? Why don't you come on foot?
Maybe ...... or maybe there is some loophole. It's four days to Ilgafa - but no one says it's on foot, or that it's four days with a great horse that rides a thousand miles in a day? And the letters are not delivered by the deadline, and adventurers who fail to fulfill their jobs are charged huge penalties. ......
'Mr. Adventurer! Um, ...... Nagi-san! Are you okay?
Yes.
Aine put her hand on the table and looked at me intently.
'Excuse me. I couldn't believe that I'd get an advance or ...... transportation money. What's on here isn't a typo or a misprint, is it?
'You're supposed to put accurate information on the quest chart, right? Mr. Nagi.
Aine-san checked my registration form and then said.
''That's the basics for a guild. Some quests can put your lives in danger, you know? What kind of person in their right mind would lie about their compensation or job description?
...... Sorry. There was a weird switch that went off.
I'm proud of the 'Common People's Guild' that I inherited from my grandfather.
Aine murmured, reassuring me.
'It's my mission to make everyone feel safe and secure in their quests. That's what I'm working hard for. I'm still inexperienced, but I want to be able to help everyone!
Aine gulped down her tea, which looked thick to me.
Then she huffed and looked at me with a serious look on her face.
It was kind of dazzling.
I see, so there are people like this. It's amazing, a different world.
"...... Sorry for doubting you.
Totally. God.
Miss Aine has her hands on her hips, her lips pursed.
'Don't startle me. If you say anything weird, you'll get ............ sister in trouble. ......
...... sister?
A strange word came out from Aine, who looked a little dazed.
''Huh!''
Aine turned bright red and waved her arms around as if she had noticed the gaffe.
''I'm sorry! That's, well, you know. Yes, that's right, the guild master is like everyone's big sister!
I see.
Aine, with her fluffy hair tied back and her apron on, certainly looks like a very receptive older sister.
Come to think of it, I didn't see anyone like this at my former world workplace: .......
It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of your time with a new adventurer. ...... And Nagi-san looks a little ...... like someone you used to know... ...I'm sorry.
Aine, who has turned bright red, is glancing at you as if she is expecting something.
I'm not going to be the first to receive a quest, Nagi-san, so you can rely on ...... to help you out. It's natural to be anxious, you know.
I must seem so unreliable.
Yes, you do. I knew it. Even with two slave girls, you are poorly equipped, and you refused to go undercover in the dungeon from the start.
Making it look like you can't do much is what I'm going for, though.
Wow, if you don't understand anything, you can ask me anything. Also, there are maps, records of demons, and other lore about this town that you can look up until you are satisfied.
Okay, I understand.
I received a parchment with quests written on it from Aine, who was closing in on me.
"I'll come back to the inn later and discuss which quest to take.
Yes, sir. Good luck. Oh, and .......
Also, can I get a quick word in on this? I'd like to look up the geography of the quest destination and wizard lore.
I continue, interrupting Aine's words.
It's nice of you to be so kind to me, but ...... well, I don't want to get too far into it.
There's also Cecil's secrets and Rita's situation.
'I won't take it out, and I'll use it carefully, so let me look into it for a while. I'm not new to this area yet.
Aine, who was about to continue her explanation, cut off her words and bowed to me.
''......So, then you can look into it as much as you want. It's also the pride of the 'Common People's Guild' that we have a wealth of materials.
Miss Aine left the room, as if she was leaving behind.
She trundled off.
She seemed very, very busy.
A few hours later.
"...... Huh?
I noticed that it was dark outside the window.
No wonder I found it hard to read the material.
The lamp on the wall is burning, but it's a little dark for me, coming from the civilized world.
I've read the material I need for the quest, and there's a website around here called ......
I looked closely and saw that there was tea and baked goods on the desk.
The tea was still warm. I wondered if someone was coming. I didn't notice.
There was a small piece of paper, and I found a note on it.
"Thank you for your help. Take it easy, please. Aine.
I'm starting to feel uneasy about being too nice.
It's okay, right, 'Common People's Guild'?
He's not going to suddenly collapse tomorrow, is he?
And what's this?
The one holding down the note is ...... a crystal ball in a small bag. It was a skill crystal.
''Still, I have the guild members clean around the building on their weekly shift. You can use this then. It's a super common skill that we all have, so you won't get any money for selling it, right?''
At the end of the note, I found this
Super Common Skills ......?
"Dovecleaning Lv 1
Skill to "push away" the "dirty water" with "cleaning tools".
...... What is this too pinpoint skill.
The note continues, er, ......
''But this room is not a place to sleep. The "People's Guild" is for people who follow the rules. The next time I find you sleeping, I'll ban you from the materials room!
Sleeping ......?
I looked around.
Cecil on my right and Rita on my left.
I don't know when they returned, but they were both sleeping soundly on either side of me in harmony.
It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get away with it, because it's going to explode ...... if you leave me alone.
...... It's the smell of Nagi. ...... Ehehehe
And the sound of footsteps approaching at a trot.
Get up, both of you.
I hurriedly shook Rita out of her happy, sleeping Cecil.
'Let's reaffirm our purpose first,'
I said after we got back to the inn.
Cecil is still sitting on the floor, chomping at the bit, looking up at me with a serious face.
Rita is sitting upright next to him. Her golden ears and tail are hanging down with a flop.
She looks kind of depressed.
Our goal is to get to the next town as soon as possible. We want to earn enough money to pay for our trip and to get by.
...... Sorry, Nagi.
With a flap of her tail, Rita lowered her head.
''It's because I'm the reason why the 'Iturna Order' is looking out for you, isn't it?
Don't worry about it. I'm the one who picked a fight with the Vice Bishop.
'Nagi-sama says so, and Rita-san is already part of our party.
Gently, Cecil put his own little hand on Rita's head.
'I don't want to talk about the old days, sir.
I love you, Cecil!
Yes. I like Rita-san too, next to Nagi-sama.
Cecil defends himself by holding Rita's head as she reflexively tries to hug him.
You're getting better and better at handling Rita ...... that's okay.
''But, Nagi. Can't we sell our skills for money?
I've been targeted for that before: ......
I told Rita that after I sold my skills in King's Landing, I was pursued by a skill dealer and slavers.
The skills created in "Ability Rebuilding" would become the only one-off skills in the world, no questions asked. Instead of being sold at a high price, it would stand out. Very.
A black list of skill shops - if it goes around, it's a mess.
And worst of all, the information has to be passed on to the king.
We are the king.
If he found out that the visitor he kicked out was a 'Rare Skill Creator', he wouldn't leave him alone.
'Maybe I'm overthinking it, though. Anyway, selling skills is a last resort. It's the last thing you really want to do, right before you leave town. Until then, I'll find another way to make money.
Well, it'll have to do, then. Yeah, okay.
Rita nodded, wagging her golden tail vigorously.
''Also, of course. If it's Nagi's decision, I'm going to follow you unconditionally. Don't forget. You are the most important thing in the world to me - you're the master!
'Oh, that's not fair, Rita! Please don't tell me before you do!
Cecil, too, zipped up and nodded vigorously.
...... eh. So, for now, we've gone over our policy .......
Have you already decided which quest to take, Nagi-sama?
Yes.
However, the 'Demon Sword Battle' quest is difficult.
We might be able to at least do some logistical support in the lower levels of the dungeon, but considering the size of the quest, it would take too long to get everything done.
It's not suitable for us who want to leave this town early.
So we'll have to choose between the two quests Aine-san gave us.
But just in case, I want to hear both of your opinions as well.
'Yes! Here's the problem, Mr. Rita!
Suddenly, with a shuta, one hand raised, Cecil stands up.
He looks down at Rita, who is doing her best to look down at him.
''Out of the 'errand quest' and the 'defeat quest', which one would Nagi-sama have chosen!
' ...... Eh? Oh, no. How could I possibly...
'I'll bet you the right to serve, Miss Rita! How about if you answer correctly, I'll wipe the sweat off Nagi's back for the next week?
Hold on! Hold on, I'll think about it now!
...... Um, both of you.
Cecil is confident, huffing and puffing, with a not-so-subtle chest.
Rita's fluffy tail is flapping and she's holding her head in a puppy-like position.
They're both nice. Life is going to be fun, isn't it?
Good. We've come to a decision. Let's play.
I hope so. Rita. Okay, let's go for it.
They stand up and exchange sharp glances.
The clasps of each other's collars make a chunk, a hard sound.
Sometimes I almost forget that Cecil and Rita are both my slaves .......
Why don't you two stop playing with your masters (master), both of you.
''Se-no!''
It's a 'revenge quest'! And Cecil.
''You're on an 'errand quest'! And this is Rita.
Oh, I'm split.
That's sweet. Cecil, hi. If you can read Nagi's mind, this is easy to do.
The Nagi want to leave Metekal town to avoid danger. Wouldn't the problem of travel expenses be solved if you took the "errand quest"? You can give up half the money and stay in Irgafa as is, or you can use the reward to move to another town. The best solution, don't you think?
That's exactly what I'm thinking. Miss Rita.
'What? So, then, ...... why?
Because Nagi always goes beyond our expectations!
"Oh no," Cecil said, pointing at me.
That was a terrible thing to say.
The same thing happened when we came to Metekal. All my little ideas were thrown aside by Nagi," she said, "and yet he gets the most amazing results. Even so, he produces the most amazing results. Because of that, I have decided to serve you with my body, my mind, and my soul.
...... Cecil,
So I'm confident. If I'm wrong about this prediction: ...... I am .......
For some reason, Cecil is turning bright red and holding his cheeks with both hands.
What is ...... what are you trying to say?
"I'm going to put up with 'uh-oh' to Nagi-sama at mealtime... just once every two days!
'My God! Cecil-chan!
"'What have you done? JEEEEEEEE!
A strange voice came out.
What is that situation? You can't make a bet on that.
I'm just saying, it's not beneficial to me, right? It's either going to be every day or every two days, right?
Why is Cecil looking at me in such an appealing way? If I refuse, will I die?
Don't stare at me like that, Rita.
I'm not doing anything. We don't have any plans right now.
'Come on, Nagi. Your answer.
What do you think, Nagi?
Two slave girls are coming at you in a flash.
I don't want to answer .......
It's ...... 'Quest for Vengeance'!
I said.
'More of a process of elimination.
'The "errand quest" is the guild's letter delivery, right? Now that we're at odds with the Aristocracy Guild, it's possible that the content of the letter is a request for support from the other guilds. It should be something that we have to be quite careful about. They could be sending people out besides us, though.
That's why the conditions are better than the 'Defeat Quest'.
The rewards are nearly double, and the level required is a bit higher.
''The 'Nobleman's Guild' might be casting a net as well. There's a chance they could attack you on your journey.
Since we have a job, we would like to be of help to the 'Commoner's Guild', but the problem is that we don't know where we are. We don't know which areas are dangerous just from a map.
Also, I don't think it's possible for us to just settle down in Ilgafa when we arrive there safely. Of course, I'll be asked to send a reply. Returning to Metekal and heading back to Irgafa is a two-step process.
If that's the case, it's quicker to get the reward for the 'Defeat Quest' and move to Ilgafa.
Besides, the location of the quest is the house of a wizard who died more than 100 years ago.
One of the reasons I chose it was that after checking the documents, this wizard was surprisingly mysterious.
He always wore a hood and never showed his face. No one ever entered his mansion during his lifetime.
Legend has it that he made magical tools and sold them, among other things.
I'm hoping that he might have left something valuable behind.
The only way to get rid of the bats is with Cecil's magic and Rita's fighting skills. The roads along the way are relatively well maintained. The time it takes is also short, so you can take another quest if you have time to spare. That's my conclusion.
I said.
At that moment, the two of us, who had been listening with shining eyes, were divided into two halves.
We did it. ────
Cecil's long ears quivered, and he held up one hand to his gut.
'──── wow.'
Rita paused in her doggie pose and nodded ruefully.
'There's your chance, Rita.
'...... That's the senior slave. I'm completely defeated, Cecil.
Now the role of wiping Nagi's back at night is mine for the rest of the week.
All right. You have your back, Cecil. I'll take the front.
────────!
Phew!
Cecil turned bright red and collapsed in a heap.
Rita hauls her up in a big hurry.
...... Well, with the two of them, the quest will be fine.
I'm usually like this, but I'm a cheat character.
That's why it was decided that the first job we would receive in the guild would be a 'defeat quest'.