Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Everyone Else is a Regressor (82)

"Welcome. I hope your journey here was pleasant. You have arrived at the Gratia Federation of Racial Guilds."

As soon as KiJun and nica entered the grand edifice, a vigorous greeting caught KiJun off guard.

The one who extended the greeting was a cat, standing on two legs and dressed in clothes.

While the cat was irresistibly adorable, and KiJun had to resist the urge to embrace it with all his might, Ur gently meowed from atop KiJun's shoulder as if to caution restraint.

"Meow, are you a summon, guest? Both of you seem incredibly powerful."

"There's only one spirit."

Lucy was hidden from sight from the beginning, so it wasn't a lie.

KiJun responded to the bipedal, talking cat, named 'Catsee,' while scanning the interior of the building.

The most common sights were orcs and humans, similar to those frequently seen in Turris.

Transitioning to a world where orcs and humans coexisted was initially jarring for KiJun, but he had gradually become accustomed to it.

Another notable observation was the presence of 'civilized goblins,' which were not seen in Turris, moving around in considerable numbers.

Catsees were sporadically visible, and there were also many beings that looked like humans shrunk to half their size.

"Are those dwarves? No, they seem even smaller and less muscular..."

KiJun had only ever encountered the dwarf Glittertos, so he couldn't be certain.

As KiJun tried to mask his curiosity, nica stepped forward to speak on their behalf.

"I am nica, the acting lord of Turris. We are here on behalf of Jun, who has accepted an assignment from Demander."

"Ah, I've heard about that! Please, come this way!"

Is this little one... making it sound like it's speaking informally by cutting off its words and mimicking a cat's meow?

Harboring a reasonable suspicion that this might be intentional, KiJun followed Catsee along with nica.

Catsee naturally led them down the hallway, elaborating as they went.

"If it's a task from an outsider, it must involve the power struggle, right? I have quite a bit to say about this power struggle."

"Ah! How can you intercept such important guests, Catsee!"

Just then, a man with animal ears protruding from his head spotted them and approached, reprimanding Catsee immediately.

"Meow!"

With its ears perked up, Catsee let out a cry and then vanished from sight.

The man, having approached briskly, looked around despite Catsee's disappearance, then bowed slightly to KiJun and nica, saying,Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

"Are you Mr. Jun? I apologize for the delay. The representatives of the alliance are waiting, so please follow me to the conference room."

"What about Catsee who was guiding us until now?"

"It seems it slipped out during another task. Catsees are capable but tend to be fickle and whimsical, leading to situations like this. My apologies."

Left speechless, they silently followed the man to the conference room where the leaders were waiting.

True to the name 'Federation of Racial Guilds,' the reception room housed representatives from four different races: orcs, humans, goblins, and beastmen.

KiJun noticed an empty seat next to a robust, muscular man with round bear-like ears protruding from his head.

"Are there usually five of you?"

"The representative from the Catsees is currently on an expedition, hence the absence. Please, take a seat."

"That's right."

The human representative smiled comfortably.

"This year's power struggle will take the form of a conquest battle... Mr. Jun, you will be playing the role of the boss that guards the final stronghold in this conquest battle."

"...Boss."

Was he being expected to play a role akin to a dungeon boss?

Understanding KiJun's concern, nica gently tugged at his sleeve, indicating she had something to say.

"What do you think, nica?"

"About the Catsee, it does seem quite remarkable."

"Not that, them."

"That, let's discuss back at the inn. ...Jun? Look over there."

Following nica's gaze, KiJun saw the Catsee that had pretended to guide them earlier peeking around a corner in the corridor.

The Catsee was awkwardly walking on all fours, pretending to be a cat, but it was obviously a Catsee since it was wearing clothes.

"What a cute cat. It seems familiar somehow."

"...nica?"

"Meow, meow."

As if bewitched, nica began to follow the Catsee, which let out a cute cry and then vanished from sight.

KiJun, in a panic, grabbed nica to stop her.

"That's a Catsee, what are you doing!"

"Yes?!"

Realizing her mistake, nica's eyes widened in shock.

"Ah, I must have been under an illusion spell."

"Ah, what a hassle this has become."

As the Catsee murmured and disappeared from view, another summoner from the alliance appeared in the hallway, asking KiJun if something was wrong. He reassured them that all was well and quickly left with nica.

"What could have been its purpose? It didn't seem intent on harming us."

"I think so too. Maybe the Catsee's disguise wasn't meant for us but to deceive someone else."

KiJun pondered thoughtfully.

"Maybe it's related to the absence of the Catsee representative today."

"That's concerning..."

Fortunately, their worries were soon addressed.

"Ah, Jun!"

Greeted with a smile, Cyntilla ran up to KiJun, giving him a quick hug before releasing him.

"Look, Jun. A cute cat has come to the inn's backyard!"

"Meow, meow."

The Catsee, awkwardly pretending to walk and smile like a cat.

KiJun chuckled and promptly captured the Catsee.

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