第１９５３堀：最前線の冒険者ギルド (Part1)
Chapter 1953: The Frontline Adventurer Guild
Side: Nina
"Well, for now, we have no choice but to maintain the status quo and gather information."
While we were unable to offer a reply, they continued their discussion. Honestly, the fact that they had already pinpointed the enemy's spawn locations was a relief. I was surprised, certainly, but I suppose that level of competence is to be expected from them. Thanks to that, the safety of Ando Town could be considered secured.
Of course, there was nothing to be done for the other nations. It would be absurd to even think about trying to fix everything. But the fact that we had a reason to do so was, in itself, a nuisance.
"I hope we can obtain the information from the Adventurer Guild as you all requested."
"Well, there's no need to rush. It would be best to first mention that we were introduced by Archbishop Dodona."
"Agreed. Rushing would only invite suspicion. It's important that we build up our credibility steadily."
"Credibility... well, that depends on the caliber of the adventurers here."
Indeed. It isn't just about the adventurers themselves, but the standard of the place. You could call it the level of public order. When there are too many fools around, conversations cease to matter, and only power and money speak. In a way, that makes things easier, but in another, it makes them difficult. Because words don't reach them.
I prayed that since the guild was supposedly managed directly by the royal family, it wouldn't be entirely lawless as we stepped inside.
"...It's surprisingly quiet."
Kishua voiced the first impression we all had upon entering. It was indeed quiet. The reception counter was empty, and there wasn't an adventurer in sight. It was nearly midday, so it was the time when adventurers would typically be out on jobs, but even so, it wouldn't be strange to see a few resting or gathering information. In fact, unless it was a guild in the middle of nowhere, that wouldn't happen. After all, if the foot traffic were that low, the guild wouldn't be able to turn a profit.
Of course, there are cases where a guild is established for other trade purposes, but this wasn't one of them. This was the front line against the enemy.
"Isn't it strange that there isn't a single adventurer here?"
Sia, having noticed the abnormality of the deserted guild, spoke up. Vilia looked around as well.
"Could it be that everyone was called out?"
"If that were the case, it would be a major crisis. Let's ask."
A situation where all adventurers are mobilized is an emergency call-up triggered when a massive wave of enemies arrives. In other words, there’s no room for error. However, if that were the case, the guild would be in an uproar. The guild is responsible for managing adventurers, so it would be swamped with paperwork and procedures. It wouldn't be quiet.
And yet, despite this being a reasonably large guild, there wasn't even a receptionist at the counter. It was an incredibly bizarre environment.
"Hey! Is anyone there?"
Kishua walked up to the counter and called out to the back as our representative. From the shadows, a small woman with glasses and a laid-back demeanor appeared.
"Heeey. Are you here for a request~?"
She spoke in a drawn-out, languid voice that matched her appearance. It was similar to the intentional slowness I’d seen in Ratz, Lilishe, or Hovis. It was the camouflage of a woman at work—a way to make others let their guard down. Of course, some people are just naturally like that, but seeing her reminded me of them.
In the meantime, Kishua took the lead.
"No, we're adventurers. We arrived recently and, having settled into our inn, decided to come to the guild... but isn't it a bit too empty? Is there some kind of trouble?"
Kishua asked about the state of the guild directly.
"Ah~, you're the new adventurers~. I'm so grateful~. We're short on adventurers right now. But we can't exactly afford to take on rookies. Wait, you all look quite young... you aren't rookies, are you?"
The small receptionist looked us over, her gaze lingering on Kishua and Vilia. Ah, yes. We looked young—children, really. Even if one of us is practically an old hag on the inside.
"Hey, watch it."
"It's fine. Come on, everyone, show your guild cards."
Kishua glared at me, having read my thoughts, but I ignored her and pushed forward. Sia and Vilia produced their guild cards with wry smiles. Kishua, despite her dissatisfaction, seemed to realize that interrupting now would be counterproductive, so she quietly presented hers as well.
"Yes, let me check... Wait, you're all C-rank at that age~? That's amazing~. Huh? But your registration as adventurers was less than two months ago? What does this mean~? Is it a forgery~?"
Though surprised, the small receptionist tilted her head, confused by the discrepancy between our youth and our rank. Well, if you didn't know the circumstances, it would be natural to be suspicious. Still, I didn't want to invite any unnecessary trouble.
"Read this. It's from the Guild Master of the Gear-Dana Kingdom's capital."
"From the Gear-Dana Kingdom~? Indeed, this is Guild Master Sanal's signature. I cannot open this on my own, so I will have the Guild Master verify it. Could you wait a moment?"
"Ah, and this as well."
I handed over the letter from Archbishop Dodona next.
"This is... Archbishop Dodona!? Eh? How? Well, I think I can guess, but please, wait a moment~."
She was startled by the letter, but her ability to immediately return to her duties showed she was quite capable.
"What do you think of what she said earlier?"
"You mean the receptionist's response?"
"No, not that. The part about not being able to afford to increase the number of rookies."
"Ah, that. I'm sure she'll explain it later, but it's probably because they'd just die, right?"
"Eh?"
Vilia let out a sound, clearly not having understood.
"Aren't adventurers always living side-by-side with death?"
"Ah, no, that's not what I meant. Nina."
"Why are you asking me? Well, whatever. Simply put, rookies here die before they can gain any experience. They're likely being used for jobs defending against monster swarms, and there's no luxury to let them grow stronger gradually."
"I see. So that's why the guild is so empty..."
The one who answered Vilia's question was the small receptionist, who had returned with a man in tow.
"Yes. It's because all the adventurers are out on duty~. I wouldn't say we don't have the luxury to train rookies, but since everyone who comes here is already capable of fighting to some extent, they are all being funneled into defense-related work~."