第１８７５堀：地道に働く冒険者たち (Part2)
"Indeed. At this stage, there’s a distinct possibility we could be absorbed into the Clearstream Church’s fold. With Archbishop Dodona’s personal recommendation, we’re drawing quite a bit of attention, for better or worse."
"I understand that. But I’m talking about the volatility of such decisions—how quickly the tide can turn."
"So, you’re suggesting we shouldn't let our guard down. That once we return, our reputation as adventurers will only grow, and we should expect them to make a move."
"Precisely, Vilia. Which is why we must remain vigilant on our way back."
Heeding Sia’s lecture, we made our way back to the Adventurer’s Guild in the royal capital of Giadana.
"Back so soon today?"
The receptionist who had handled our registration from the start greeted us the moment we stepped inside. Though she had been suspicious of us initially, circumstances had led to her treating us almost like her personal clients. It was a convenient arrangement, and I had no complaints.
"It was just a local subjugation. It doesn't take much time if you run."
"Haha, you know, most people struggle just to find the monsters once they arrive, right?"
"That is thanks to the guidance of Archbishop Dodona."
Sia lied as naturally as she breathed. There wasn't a hint of dissonance in her voice. Truly, she was the Saintess of Enaria.
"Do you have some doubt, Nina?"
"Not at all."
"Then, please, process our proof of subjugation."
"Yes, yes."
And so, as usual, we dumped the magic stones and the goblins' left ears—our proof of completion—onto the counter. It seems the standard for proof remains the same everywhere. While the subjugation is verified on our adventurer cards, some places still insist on physical evidence. There are always those who try to find loopholes to artificially inflate their rank, though it’s nothing more than a shortcut to their own demise.
While I was lost in such thoughts, the receptionist finished verifying the haul.
"Right. Goblin subjugation confirmed. Here is your reward for the request, along with the payment for the materials. Well, since they're just goblins, it’s mostly just the magic stones."
The money she slid across the counter was, quite literally, pocket change. Not that it mattered to us; we had an abundance of support funds and were in no danger of going hungry.
"This is sufficient. We’re earning enough to get by."
Sia answered with practiced neutrality. Fifty goblins would normally cover three nights at a cheap inn with meals included. It was hardly a life of luxury, but it was enough to survive.
"Now, I know you were looking to take on another request, but the Guild Master has requested your presence. Do you have a moment?"
So, it was exactly as Sia had predicted. With no reason to refuse, we nodded and headed toward the third floor. We were guided to the same office where we had presented our letter of introduction on our first day.
"Excuse me. I’ve brought Sia and her party."
"Thank you. You may return to your duties."
"Yes, sir."
The receptionist vanished, leaving us alone with the Guild Master. As always, his desk was buried under a mountain of paperwork. It seems that no matter the continent, those in power can never escape the tyranny of bureaucracy.
*I suppose I’ll have to write up my own reports when I get back, too...*
As my mind began to drift, the Guild Master turned his gaze toward us.
"Well, I’m sure you’ve already guessed why you’re here. It’s about your promotion."
"It’s only been three days. Is a promotion even possible?"
"It is. If you were only doing town chores, it would be one thing, but there’s no sense in keeping adventurers capable of clearing out goblin nests at such a low rank."
He was right. Keeping people who could handle monster subjugation at the same rank as those doing odd jobs was a waste of talent. Rogari had similar policies.
"In that case, are we moving from E to D?"
In this New Continent, ranks aren't numbers, but words. We just translate them into the alphabet for our own convenience. It seems the local terminology maps perfectly to our system. So, with this, we’d be D-rank...
"No. I’m promoting you directly to C-rank."
He skipped a rank. Why?
It seems we are steadily building a track record and establishing ourselves as active adventurers. It’s a rapid ascent—a rise to prominence, in a sense—but our true objectives lie elsewhere. If we can just get a clearer picture of the monster situation in the north and the movements of the Clearstream Church, we’ll be one step closer to our goal.