After handing over the remnants of the Orihalcon Golem to the Royal Academy, I headed to the Adventurer's Guild headquarters.
The lobby of the headquarters was crammed with adventurers.
And it was strangely buzzing.
The atmosphere was somewhat uncomfortable.
I was about to head to the window to report the completion of the quest ...... hmm?
That's funny.
What's going on?
There were a dozen windows available, but they were all closed.
If I look at the quest board, not a single quest is posted.
I'm sensing some kind of trouble.
...... As I was thinking that, a male guild employee came out from the back and began to loudly explain.
''Dear adventurers, I'm sorry! Currently, the equipment managing the Adventurer's Guild's system is out of order and all operations have been suspended!
Come to think of it, the guild master in Surie told me once.
He said that the adventurer ranks are managed by a device found in the ancient ruins underneath the King's Capital.
The adventurer's guild in King's Landing seems to be malfunctioning due to the malfunction of the device.
''We're doing our best to restore it, but it's unlikely that it will be able to resume operations today! We are discussing a response, so please be patient!
The male staff member bowed his head in a sincere and apologetic manner.
The adventurers looked at each other and eventually began to say something like this to each other.
''Staff, don't worry about it!
I know all about your hard work! Don't be too hard on yourself!
Even if I don't get the quest for 10 days or so, I won't have to eat!
Oh, come on, man, you don't want to be the only one who can't eat!
Then I'll buy you a drink! Gahahahahaha!
I've been thinking for a while now, but the adventurers in this world are awfully warm-hearted.
They don't say a single complaint to the guild staff, but rather gently encourage them.
When I was a little impressed, another adventurer spoke up.
''Well, I heard a rumor that the Dragonslayer is coming to the capital! I heard that the [Dragon Slayer] is amazing for a lot of things, and I'm sure he'll be able to fix the device as well, right?
No, no, no, no, no. That's just a crazy idea.
I don't think it's a good idea to force the Dragonslayer to do everything. I don't have any more quests to do today, so why don't we go out for a drink? All of us here are going to have a blast.
That conversation led to the adventurers slinking out of the guild.
It seems that they are really going out for a drink.
The number of people ...... probably exceeds a hundred.
It's quite a large group, but will they be able to get into the store?
Maybe we'll split up into several groups along the way.
Well, what am I going to do?
Do I join the adventurers' drinking party?
Hmm.
It's subtle.
It's just a drinking party with no one I know, or something uncomfortable.
I'd like to invite Iris or Lily to join me for a tour of the royal capital.
When I was thinking about this ...... I was approached from behind.
''Uh-oh! Mr. Ko, right?
When I turned around, I saw that the owner of the voice was a woman.
Her light hair is pulled up short and she has a smiling, affectionate smile on her face.
I know this woman.
It's the receptionist ...... Miria, the receptionist of the adventurer's guild in Onen.
Why is she in the royal capital?
Ah, I remember now.
I remembered that Milia-san was ordered to leave for the capital at the same time I was leaving Oonen.
It's a long time ago, Milia-san. You look like you're having a hard time.
Oh, yeah. Hi.
Why is it suddenly so rapey?
I think we had a similar exchange before .......
It feels a bit nostalgic.
However, although Miria-san's tone was joking, there was a hint of fatigue on her face.
''I've been so busy all morning, I don't think I'll have time to eat lunch at this rate. ...... ko-san, what business did you have for the guild?
I'll do the quest report and then I'll handle the rank-ups.
'With Ko's accomplishments, it wouldn't be surprising if he got an S grade, let alone an A grade: ......
'But the guild system isn't working, is it? I don't think we're quite ready to move up the ranks.
'It's going to happen, I'm sorry ......'
Milia-san drops her shoulders and bows her head with a shudder.
''The Adventurer's Guild's system is managed using a device from the ancient ruins underground here. We haven't had any major problems until today, but I didn't expect it to suddenly stop working. ......
...... ruins, huh?
I have a few skills related to ancient ruins.
If I can use these well, I think I can fix the Adventurer's Guild system.
Let me suggest a suggestion to Miss Militia.
'Miss Militia, if you don't mind, I'd like to see the device. If it's about ancient ruins, my skills might be useful.
Speaking of which, Ko-san, you are the master of the ruins of Onen: ....... Wow, I get it! I'm going to go talk to the guild master for a moment!
As Miria-san said this, she hurriedly climbed the back stairs in a great hurry.
About five minutes later, Milia-san came back with the guild master.
The Guildmaster was a bald-headed old man with a serene atmosphere.
Are you the Dragonslayer?
Yes? Kou Kou Koussaka.
You are welcome to speak more comfortably. Adventurers are notorious for their lack of respect.
I understand: ...... No, I understand.
Yes, I've been out of active duty for a long time. Although I am a guild master for decoration, I still know my role. ...... I beg you, Mr. Dragonslayer, to help me. I beg you to help me with this.
The Guildmaster bowed his head, deeply, deeply.
We have done our best, but the device remains deactivated. Please, Dragonslayer. The reward is whatever you desire. Please save the Adventurer's Guild: ......!
Of course I'm not going to say no.
I want the rewards of the quests, and I also want to rank up.
I accepted the guildmaster's request and headed to the ancient ruins underground.