72 71. Lauravia Fire.txt (2/2)

That was the guild ”Epic Seeker”.

It's a job in one of the Confederated States, the Lauravian State, a legitimate guild of its lineage.

It seems that if it's my strength, I can become a member of that guild.

''That's right. Brother, you were going to join the guild, weren't you?

Maria, as if she just remembered, also goes on to confirm it.

Palinclone replies to that with enthusiasm.

'Yeah. You guys need to earn a good amount of money in this world. So you thought it would be best to join my guild. It's a great income and networking opportunity. Most importantly, it's a good deal for both of us to be under the protection of Lauravia. It's ideal for the slow healing of Maria, right?

That's right.

When I said I wanted to pay my debt, Palinkron, after some hesitation, introduced me to the guild. At first I refused, saying that this wouldn't pay my debt, but Palinkron kept pushing me to join the guild, and I finally accepted it. Apparently, he wanted me to pay him back through the work of the guild.

That's how I remember it.

''Thank you, Palinkron. Now I can live in this world.

It's a little early to say thank you, isn't it?　You will be tested to join the guild. I won't let you in without anything just because you're a Kanami. If you don't take the test, then the story never happened.

Of course. You can judge me harshly.

Palinclone returned the threat, but for me it was all I wanted.

My whole body is filled with strength and determination.

Seeing this, Palinclone chuckles and says, ”This way,” and goes to lead me away. After saying goodbye to Maria, I headed off to take my ”Epic Seeker” exam.

◆◆◆◆◆ ...

The space is cut into a circular shape and is covered with soft sand.

The walls are made of stone and the ceiling is vaulted - this is the training ground of the ”Epic Seeker”.

This is the training ground of the Epic Seeker, which is about the size of a school ground. There were about thirty guild members of mixed ages and genders. Some carried huge swords that were taller than their stature, while others wore only thin staffs and old-fashioned robes that looked like they could break at any moment.

With all thirty eyes on me, I continue to break out in a cold sweat next to Palinclone.

Palinclone confirmed that everyone had gathered, and after an appropriate greeting, he put me in front of everyone.

'Now, introduce yourself. Kanami.

'Well, let's see, ....... My name is Aikawa Kanami. I'm a level 14 wizard with the ice-cold attribute. I also use a sword. I'm looking forward to working with you.

As I was told, I introduced myself so that everyone could hear me.

In contrast, the reactions of the guild members were varied.

Some listened intently, while others just let it slide.

However, there were many people whose faces lit up when they heard my level.

'At that age, you're at level 14? That guy from Palinkulon has kidnapped a strangely talented kid again.

He's very polite. You're very polite and your face is beautiful. But I'm a little disappointed in the burn marks on your neck?

You're a wizard and you use a sword. Hmmm, we don't want you to be halfway there.

Each of them will say what they want to say about me.

Then they start discussing all sorts of things about me with people nearby.

It doesn't feel very good.

I feel like it's a spectacle and I hope it's over soon.

As I look around for the reactions of the people around me, there is one person who has a most bizarre reaction.

The girl had long hair that dominated like a ripple in the ocean. The small horns peeking out of her beautiful hair proved that she was a beastman. There's no doubt about it, as a reptilian tail also sprouted from underneath the thick clothing that looked like a folk costume.

'What ......?　Mr. Christ?

The beast girl stared at us dumbly, her mouth hanging open.

Then she muttered, 'Christ.

I'm surprised.

Because I didn't think it was a word I would hear in this other world.

I expect it to be a little compatriot. But the horns growing on its head quickly disproved that. Is it a word that is often used as a name in this world? And maybe the person with that name and I were similar.

'Oh, Snow. You come here.

Palinclone called the beastman girl as Snow and invited her over.

He then said briefly to me, ”Say hello to the guild members,” and then moved farther away with the beastman girl called Snow and began to talk.

Palinkron is one of the heads of this guild.

Maybe they have something to communicate.

''--Well, Kanami. Nice to meet you from now on.

As I was looking off their backs, one of the members greeted me.

'Yes. Nice to meet you.

I try to be as friendly as possible and return the words to them.

That's when the guild members start approaching me one by one.

”Nice to meet you, Kanami. I'm Teri, and I'm also the party leader.

Oh, don't run off. I'll teach you the sword later. You're going to have to stop using magic. Then you can join my party.

''C'mon. Don't bother trying to turn a magician into a brainiac: ......

Kanami, it's a pleasure to meet you.

A wizard with a hard look on his face, a giant swordsman, and a group of people dressed like a joke surround me.

Even though I knew it was another world, there was something a little scary about being this close to them.

Haha. Nice to meet you. ......

I answer with an affectionate smile.

I'm a little worried that my face isn't twitching.

”Okay, okay, okay. You guys, that's enough!

As I was interacting with the members of the group, Palinkron clapped his hands to get their attention.

It looks like I'm done talking to the girl called Snow. The girl is sitting alone in the shade in the distance, resting in the shade.

If possible, I wanted to say hello to her as well.

It was a sight to behold, but ...... somehow, I felt it was important to talk to that girl.

''Kanami's entrance exam isn't over yet, right?　They're all very quick.

Palinkron started talking about the exam.

I pushed the girl out of my thoughts and regained my composure. For Maria's sake, I can't afford to fail this exam.

”Hey, Palinkulon. No one you brought in has ever failed. I want you to skip the test and bring him to my party.

The giant swordsman flies into the field.

From his position and the content of his remarks, he looks like a man who holds an appropriate position.

Most importantly, you can see from his scarred body that he's not just any guy.

''No, no, we don't know that yet, do we?　Anyway, I've got a big announcement to make, so let's keep it quiet.

Palinclone doesn't let himself get distracted.

However, the fielding doesn't stop.

When I heard of a state-operated organization (guild), I had an image of a more solid organization, but that's not the case. It's quite an at-home atmosphere.

It's a good idea to hurry up. ...... Well, I'll get that girl for our party, though...

A woman with a cane looks at me and smiles at me.

Apparently, they're torn between which group I belong to.

However, Palinkron ignores all of that flow and declares.

''--I'm sorry, but Kanami won't be in anyone's party, okay?

That's what I said.

When the guild members heard that, they began to buzz.

Everyone turned to look at Palinkron for an explanation. Even so, Palinclone doesn't break his pace. He seems to enjoy himself and answers why.

'Because Kanami will be the Guildmaster of the 'Epic Seeker'.

A brief but overly arrogant reason was spat out.

It took me a few beats to understand the meaning of those words. The guild members were equally unable to swallow the meaning of what Palinkron was saying right away.

After a few seconds of silence, the training grounds were filled with surprise.