Chapter 34: Another One
Nith emphasized the “beyond the borders” part in his speech, wanting to see if Valora’s plans extended past the kingdom’s boundaries. There was no way to know if the receptionist was aware of them, so Nith also wanted to gauge her reaction and see what she might reveal.
Unshaken, the receptionist nodded and smiled at the couple.
“Your ambition is commendable, Mr. Nith. You’re also fortunate to have such a passionate wife willing to follow you. That said, it’s advisable for first- and second-grade adventurers to stick to a single territory. It’s not just about the dangers; it’s also about connections. Preparation is a necessity in an adventurer’s career.
“The longer one stays in a single territory, the better their connections and knowledge about monsters, danger zones, and dungeons. Though it pains me to say this, humans and other intelligent races have a high chance of turning into monsters themselves during their adventures. A single treasure can change one’s life—forever.”
The receptionist forced a wide, business-like smile and continued, “Our guild is new and led by Princess Valora herself. She’s at the third-grade level and forged her fame in danger zones and dungeons across the world, relying solely on her talent and wits. Her team consists of skilled adventurers as well, each willing to share their experiences with others. Many training facilities here are overseen by them.
“As I mentioned before, the guild is new. It’s much easier to make a name for oneself here. Anyone who stands out will surely become known throughout The Mythverios Kingdom. Our exchange rates are also much higher than in the Adventurer Guild. Our guild has signed exclusive contracts with craftsmen…”
‘I’ve become more tolerant of long conversations. That damn yapper back at the store,’ Nith thought as he listened to the receptionist, who was nearly out of breath but still advertising the guild’s benefits.
As for alchemists, Kyouka would receive materials for free and be able to take twenty percent of her potions with her back to the store.
That offer had originally been for Nith, but he wasn’t too interested in it at the moment. He was more focused on learning about spearmanship.
Kyouka asked, “What should we do?”
“Since you’ll get free resources and can take some potions back to the store, you can use your titles to take advantage of this place,” Nith replied.
“Excuse me?” the receptionist blinked.
Nith ignored her. “The training facilities are too good to pass up, so I’m inclined to sign up. I also tend to support underdogs, and it’s not like we can’t abandon ship if things go south.”
The receptionist’s smile faltered. “Excuse… me…?”
Kyouka smiled. “Then our schedule is set! I’m curious to see what alchemy facilities Princess Valora has set up. Let’s sign up!”
“Yeah,” Nith nodded.
Slowly and with a trembling hand, the receptionist handed the documents and a pen to the couple, unable to hide her discomfort after hearing their blunt thoughts.
Once they were done, the couple asked for directions and then split up.
Kyouka headed to the alchemist facility, introducing herself as a newbie, though her name betrayed her status.
She smiled at the stunned crowd of alchemists. “I want to learn more than just health, mana, and stamina potions. The more diverse, the better! I look forward to working with all of you!”
The more alchemists there were, the more experience and inspiration she could absorb.
Kyouka wasn’t lying—she yearned to create potions that defied common sense, much like Nith’s poisons.
Meanwhile, Nith followed the instructions and found himself standing before a massive hall. From the outside, it looked like a school gymnasium.
He turned the knob and stepped into a narrow corridor before emerging into a vast room.
It was the facility dedicated to spearmanship training for the royal soldiers. One of the old instructors had been hired by Princess Valora, with her father’s approval. Commoners and nobles alike, dressed in their respective clothes, cut through the air simultaneously.
Anyone who failed to keep time was struck by the blunt end of the old man’s spear.
Noticing Nith standing in the doorway, the old man left the training to his assistant and approached the newcomer.
The old man was smaller than Nith, but they shared a common trait—both were hunched. It was like a meeting between a grandfather and grandson, which distracted a few of the training adventurers.
Loud bangs and cries followed as the old man’s assistant took control.
The old man sneered. “All I see is a unique spear.”
Nith’s face twisted. “I was bestowed this spear and grew to like it… but I must agree with your assessment.”
“One does not become a spearman on a whim or just because they received a spear as a gift!” the old man barked. “The world looks down on us. In the distant past, even before the players arrived, soldiers were given spears because they were easier to learn and it was faster to obtain titles related to them! Tell me, boy, why do you want to wield a spear?”
‘Another yapper, this time in the form of an old man. Why are you telling me history that’s the same as Earth’s?’ Nith’s expression became devilish. “Because I want to be worthy of the spear I received…”
The old man stared into Nith’s face, unfazed by his menacing demeanor. He looked like a small demon himself, but Nith thought of him as a hunched dwarf.
A few seconds later, the old man snorted and turned around, his hands clasped behind his back.
“You may join us. Do you want to know why?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder with a sharp glint in his eyes.
Nith asked, “Why?”
“Because I’m itching to pummel that face of yours,” the old man burst into laughter.
As he walked away, Nith’s eyes widened and his fists clenched. ‘I’ll shut your yapping mouth in no time, old man! Just wait until I to connect with my spear and combine its powers with my poisons.’
