第１８７６堀：腕の立つ冒険者はもっと先へ (Part2)
"Ah, you know there’s a vast forest near the kingdom, right? It’s called the Giadana Great Forest. It’s teeming with powerful monsters, and since no nation has ever managed to tame it, we’ve essentially just been scrambling to thin out the ones that wander out. But even then, we could never fully contain them. The Kingdom of Giadana has been in a constant state of war against that monstrous threat. Things only settled down about thirty years ago. A massive subjugation campaign was launched, and I heard that over twenty dragons emerged, along with even more formidable entities."
"You heard? What exactly were they?"
"I couldn't tell you. Back then, I was just a rookie adventurer who joined the subjugation force. I actually fought alongside Bishop Petra during that campaign."
Oh, Bishop Petra. The head of the Clearstream Church. I’d heard she was a decent figurehead, but...
"Bishop Petra, as in the one from the Clearstream Church?"
"Aye. She was a rookie just like me, but she was treated as a disciple of Archbishop Dodona. Word was that she played a pivotal role in pushing deep into the forest to secure the victory. Looking at her standing today, I suppose she had the talent to back it up."
It seems this Guild Master has actually seen the fabled Bishop Petra in action.
"Well, that’s neither here nor there. In the end, the Giadana Great Forest was liberated. Thanks to that, the Kingdom of Giadana has enjoyed nearly thirty years of peace with very few monster sightings. Though, I suppose that’s also why the Clear Church lost its influence."
I suppose having your headquarters in a safe, peaceful nation doesn't quite align with the Clear Church’s doctrine. Did the power balance collapse because Bishop Petra headed north? Still, you’d think they could just move the headquarters. I guess it’s a case of 'easier said than done.'
"Anyway, I’ve digressed. The point is, while there aren't many strong monsters in the Kingdom of Giadana, they are rampant elsewhere. That’s why it’s better to head out with a C-rank status. It’s not that there aren't any monsters here, but if you were to make a fool of yourselves elsewhere, people would say our guild was too lenient with your training. That won't happen, will it?"
"I see. So, you want us to move to another country. This is to build up our reputation, then?"
"That’s the gist of it. And I’ll be sure to mention you’re protégés of Archbishop Dodona. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who couldn't live up to the name, but you lot are different, aren't you?"
"I suppose so. I’d like to think we have the skill."
As Kishua said, I believe we have the skill as well. That said, there are always monsters in this world who are on a completely different level. I can’t afford to let my guard down.
"That’s the spirit. Anyone who claims they can’t be beaten is just being complacent. Now, the place I want you to head to is the Kingdom of Iana, located further north than Giadana."
"The Kingdom of Iana. I’ve never heard of it. Mind telling me what kind of place it is?"
"Aye. Being further north than Giadana, the temperatures are quite low. It gets cold at night, so I’d recommend bringing plenty of blankets. You could freeze to death if you aren't careful. And, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, the monster damage is severe. That’s why they’re desperate for skilled adventurers."
"In other words, they’ve requested help, and you want us to go?"
"Exactly. The Kingdom of Giadana is fundamentally stable. Most adventurers who grow up here end up leaving eventually. Some do return to act as instructors, though."
I see. So the Kingdom of Giadana is essentially a training ground for beginners. Once you’ve built up a track record, the guild suggests moving on to foreign lands.
"Sending us there means we should expect some serious trouble, doesn't it?"
"Aye. It’s a place that requires a C-rank level of capability. There are plenty of spots there that would be too much for an E-rank. You’d be better off asking Archbishop Dodona for the finer details than me. I’ll have your exit permits ready by the day after tomorrow; come and collect them then."
And with that, the talk concluded, but...
"Yuki, you heard all that. Can you gather information on the Kingdom of Iana from your end?"
"Understood. I’ll ask King Giadana and Prime Minister Daeda. You report to Archbishop Dodona and gather what you can from there."
"Aye, leave it to me. Still, we’re heading out sooner than I expected."
"I’ll look into that as well. I don't anticipate any issues, but keep your guard up."
"Understood."
Well, well. I’d like to think Vilia and the others are seeing results, but I’m also curious about the movements of Baron Siana and her group.
It’s the classic 'beginner’s town or kingdom' trope you see in RPGs. Once you gain enough strength, you move on to the next country. And next time, we’ll see the hidden intentions of the leaders of these organizations—the parts that aren't usually visible to the public. Writing about the things that are normally kept in the dark is my little hobby as a snowman.