CH 4

Episode 4 – Party Introductions

The next day.

For the last five years, I had been sleeping only 3-4 hours each night, so for the first time in a very long time, I was able to sleep to my heart’s content. Although this run-down inn in Grezesta felt like it was on the verge of collapsing, it was still far more comfortable than the crappy old tool shed that served as my living quarters while I worked at the Healer’s Guild.

It was still early, but I decided to hurry on over to the Adventurer’s Guild.

…Honestly, there was nothing else to do.

Last night, I used my excess magic power to synthesize three low quality Medical Herbs before going to bed, since I figured the magic power would be a waste if I just let it sit there. I stuffed those herbs into my bag and then left the inn.

I came to the Adventurer’s Guild just yesterday, but at this moment it felt like a totally different building compared to yesterday. There were way fewer brawny adventurers around, probably because it was still early in the morning. Since there were no intimidating muscle men around, I didn’t have to feel like curling myself into a ball as I walked through the guild. With relaxed strides, I headed towards the quest commission counter.

“Welcome. This is the reception desk for putting in quest commissions, how may I help you?” (Receptionist Lady)

I went to the reception desk where the same reception lady from yesterday was working, but her reaction and attitude were unexpectedly the same as yesterday when we had met for the first time.

She was probably going by an employee manual, or so I thought, but I was not really familiar with their protocol. It was a little sad that she couldn’t even remember my name and profession even though we just talked yesterday, but I guess it was only natural given how many customers they served each day.

“Yesterday, I put in a quest commission… here is the number tag I was given.” (Lewin)

“Thank you. Then, I will check if there were any recruitment offers submitted. Please wait just a moment.” (Receptionist Lady)

With the quest number tag in hand, the receptionist lady disappeared behind the counter. Although she had a customary business-like smile plastered across her face, she sure was beautiful. Thinking back to yesterday, even when her face turned expressionless, she was still just as beautiful. Just as I was thinking that, the receptionist lady returned.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. I’ve confirmed that there are currently three adventurer parties that have offered to accept the quest commission. Allow me to explain the details.” (Receptionist Lady)

Thank goodness.

From yesterday until this morning, I was worried sick that not a single party would accept the quest commission, so I was frankly overjoyed that a whole three parties had stepped forward at this point.

“Yes. Then, I will introduce the first group. The first party is the E-rank party, [Azure Alliance]. It is a medium-sized party with a reputation for stability, and while the party is considered E-rank, there are two D-rank members aside from the leader.” (Receptionist Lady)

Ooh, this first adventurer party was looking pretty good so far. Even without hearing about the other parties, this first one was sounding so attractive that I felt like I could just go ahead and pick this party.

“However, since it is an E-rank party, the price is a little higher than the other two. Also, the leader’s behavior is problematic, which led to incidents in the past that caused the party to be demoted from D-rank several times…. Well, now that they’ve been demoted from D-rank down to E-rank, if you hire them, you could essentially get the ability of a D-rank party for the price of only an E-rank party.” (Receptionist Lady)

And with that, my evaluation of the party that was sounding so good just a moment ago dropped to rock bottom all at once. I didn’t really want to hire someone who has good ability but bad behavior. As someone who had no money, no power, and no fame, I didn’t know how to deal with those sorts of people. At worst, I could even get all of my life savings stolen from me.

“Poor behavior is a bit of a negative factor. I would appreciate it if you could introduce me to the second and third groups as well.” (Lewin)

“I understand. Then, the second party is the F-rank party, [Bakuro]. It’s among the lowest ranked groups among F-rank parties, and you can hire them at a very low price.” (Receptionist Lady)

“……………………Um, is that all?” (Lewin)

“Yes, that’s it for Bakuro.” (Receptionist Lady)

Was the receptionist lady unmotivated, or was there seriously nothing in particular to introduce about Bakuro? …It was probably the latter. The receptionist lady seemed like the type to do her job diligently, judging by our discussion so far.

“Then, can I hear the introduction of the last party?” (Lewin)

“Yes, the third one is also an F-rank party, named [Iron Gear]. It’s a party entirely made up of adventurers who registered last month. Taking into account their strength and quest commission success rate, they have the potential to climb to E-rank within two years.” (Receptionist Lady)

The bottleneck was the rookies. In order to survive and make a living, I had to be absolutely certain that this escort mission would be successful. If I were seriously asked if I could leave my fate up to these rookies, I wouldn’t be able to nod my head with certainty.

….Then, what about [Azure Alliance]? That nasty expression Brandon had when he fired me was still vivid in my mind, and it made me feel that I didn’t want to be in a position where I could be exploited yet again.

“If I turn them all down, will it be possible to recruit new parties? If possible, I would like to put the recruitment request back up.” (Lewin)

“Yes. Of course new offers will come, but please be aware that better conditions than the [Azure Alliance] may not show up again.” (Receptionist Lady)

Well with that said, it’s now pretty difficult for me to refuse. If what the receptionist lady said was true, then the [Azure Alliance] has the ability to ensure that the escort will be successful. The bad behavior was pretty troubling though. Hmm…… It worried me, but–

“Excuse me, could you tell me the amount of money needed to hire the [Azure Alliance]?” (Lewin)