Job Hunting in Another World (3)
The challenge continued into the next dawn.
Building on yesterday's failures and experiences, I decided to lean into my strengths this time.
I can read the ancient language.
This was the group known as Charva, a famous organization of great mages pursuing Katona.
It seemed the adventurer's guild here was packed with paramilitary outfits that could pass for mercenary bands.
Heh heh heh. [Jjaemuni-ga dangdoreuda.]
An old man with a magnificent Gandalf-style beard addressed me in the ancient tongue.
Oh ho, a test right out of the gate?
You need to correct it to [Jeolmeuniga dangdollada].
The old man's eyes went wide.
Oh, just like Lirisa's reaction. Nice vibe.
[Neottaeui-ga harusuidago?]
[Are you asking if a wretch like me can do it? Yes, I can.]
The old man's face flushed beet red.
Y-you insolent brat! How dare you nitpick like some rude punk?!
Jealous hacks who tear down others' lifelong research and reputation just to show off!
It's scum like you dragging down our academy's prestige!
Scum like you trampling my life's work!
I'll just...!!
C-Captain! P-Please calm down.
If you do this here...
The young man beside the old man stood, trying to grab his staff, but I stopped him.
Ah, so Grandpa's the Charva boss. Looks like I'm out.
The guy waving me to leave quickly was confirming it.
As I slipped out of the guild to escape the old man's rage, it hit me.
Even highly educated scholars weren't as open-minded as Agnes. They were rare.
Makes sense. Elites from top schools can be the stuffiest conservatives sometimes.
Showing off ancient language knowledge might get me hired—or threatened with murder.
Scratch this approach.
After wasting the dawn job hunt, I grabbed breakfast and headed back.
The recruitment rush hit again without fail.
Got it, got it. I'll call you handsome from now on.
How 'bout we team up?
Me going this far. Wow.
The brown-haired girl. Suu, was it?
It'd land better if she said it with a cute pose like yesterday.
Who'd join hearing that deadpan, pissed-off tone?
Master, just one phrase.
One letter of wisdom, please.
I'd somehow become Lirisa's master already.
She didn't care if I joined—just shoved an ancient-language book at me.
What am I supposed to do with this?
Hey, mister. Today's the deadline. Miss this gig otherwise.
Can't you help?
At least the redhead Rada sounded normal.
Haa...
Honestly, after all the rejections, my spirit was broken. No room to be picky.
Might as well roll with these kids.
Is this why older folks ditch job hunting for startups?
Fine, fine. Let's talk pay split.
Really!? Yes! Been dying to hear 'handsome mister'!!
Should I just back out again?
Maybe make shutting Suu up a condition.
Master! Teaching me up close. [Die!]
Pffft!!
At least teach Lirisa one letter properly.
Every time she says that, I turn into a grammar Nazi.
Quick, before handsome changes his mind.
I asked—pay's 50 silver.
Split it...
You three get 6, I get 4. That work?
Huh? 6 to 4?? Handsome, that's how many per person?
Hey Lirisa, you calculate.
Sigh, you two get 10 silver each.
I get 20.
They all went Eh? when I stated the numbers.
What now?
They're not five-year-olds.
Hey Lirisa, right? Recheck.
Ugh... 50 into three bundles, two bundles...
Three bundles for three people... Y-yeah, right.
Whoa, this guy's seriously cool!
First time seeing math that fast!
As expected of Master! So knowledgeable!!
Their average math level was hopeless.
If that's Lirisa, the smart one... Oy vey.
But the praise felt oddly good.
All that wide-eyed fawning—my ego's inflating.
Wait wait! Not the time to gush.
That means handsome takes too much! You cool with this?
Rada regained sanity, questioning it. But with these kids, I'd rather not lowball.
Time to play hardball.
Don't like it? No deal. Find someone else.
I-I-I don't need pay if it's with Master.
Not my student, but her loyalty's cute—makes me wanna cut her a deal.
Then without Lirisa's share? Calculate, Lirisa.
Tired of waiting, I'll do it.
You two split 15. I take 20.
...This handsome's the real deal.
Math wizard warrior? Not mage?
Can't use magic.
And drop the 'handsome' crap.
Fine. Teammates now—loosen up.
Feels like talking to a priest.
I use formal speech to respect others and keep distance with near-strangers.
But teammates need closeness.
Got it. Casual it is.
Suu, right?
Did I introduce? Anyway, I'm Suhkara from Nightshadow Village.
Introductions followed.
Rada escaped a ranch.
Nickname or title? Unclear.
Lirisa: Piterio's daughter. Explains the guild's Piterio company.
No greed for coin makes sense now.
Rich merchant's kid as adventurer? Story there, but not prying.
Filed the acceptance at the counter, noted shares, submitted to staff.
Pre-submitting pay splits prevents headcount cheats post-quest.
Smart rule—means solo claim scumbags existed.
Staff notified the military, assigned a soldier, told us morning meet tomorrow.
And prep for a week camping outside.
First party formed—not quite Peach Garden Oath, but drinks at least?
Gotta save money.
Rada had no romance.
Ugh, hate booze now.
Head hurts from math. Early bed.
Suu, who barely used her brain, trudged off drained.
I'll study with Master.
Lirisa thinks she'll learn something near me.
Young folks dodging afterwork drinks wasn't just my world.
Or maybe they hate hanging with me?
Feeling down, I taught Lirisa [Die!] should be [I love you!].
And how meanings differ wildly.
She steamed—joy and shame mixing.
Class dismissed. At least Lirisa's reactions entertain in this party.
The next day.
Prepping a week's rations, weapon maintenance, gear checks ate time.
Arrived at guild slightly late for meetup.
Rushing in, an angry voice boomed.
...You kidding?!
What am I supposed to do with these green rookies?
Better solo it!
Early-30s soldier yelling at counter staff.
Behind: Rada, Suu, Lirisa stood like scolded kids, deflated.
Get the guildmaster!!
Trusted you, and you pull this crap?!
Don't you manage adventurers?! Huh?!
Told ya I snagged someone last-minute—been uneasy since!
My buddies got vets mixed in. Why all noobs here?!
Um, Kerry ma'am, one more's... Ah, there.
Even one decent rookie...
Huh? Whoa!?
The soldier spotted me, rage halting, face lighting up as she approached.
No way! Kirgil?
You the last one?
Counter staff sighed relief, wiping sweat. Teammates gawked, baffled.
Me too. Who was she?
It's me, Kerry!
You saved my ass with that crossbow in the cave last year!
Ah! Shield girl! Now I remember.
Small world!
Scout now.
Whew! Was gonna bail on this quest if not you.
Hahaha!
Staff kept lips sealed—didn't spill my Hero status.
I bowed apology; she smiled back.
Older lady—gift her something later.
But gotta say—train these kids right.
You look set. Them? Survive a week camping?
I'd packed like for maneuvers. They? Same as yesterday.
Indeed. I'll drill 'em proper this time.
Party lead dumped on me unwillingly.
Whatever Kerry chewed them out while I was gone, they were meek now.
No wonder bosses love grumpy mid-managers.
Tried joining a solid group as adventurer...
Ended up starting my own.