Chapter 200: Running Into a Weirdo
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 200: Running Into a Weirdo
In the capital, Veritas, even leaving the building where the gateway is installed is no simple task. It’s essentially like an airport, and Veritas doesn't just let anyone in. I could only exit after my credentials had been thoroughly vetted.
It was fascinating to see the streets so well-paved—not a speck of dirt in sight, almost like asphalt. The sight of several carriages parked as if waiting for someone was almost comical.
"Let's see, where's the Guild carriage?"
I scanned the area, but nothing looked like a Guild carriage. There were plenty of the horseless mana-cars I’d seen back in Roanmarie, though. The capital really was on another level.
After looking around for a while without luck, I sat down in the gateway waiting room for a moment. A man soon approached me.
"Are you Explorer Aven?"
"Hmm? Yes, that's me. Who are you?"
Snap—
The man, dressed in a sharp black suit, pulled a badge from his inner pocket and showed it to me.
"I am Stark Etherhex from the Guild Headquarters. I am here to escort you to the Headquarters."
"Ah, finally."
I should have just stayed put in the waiting room. I’d wasted time wandering around outside for nothing. Stark was a man with long silver hair and black glasses. Three other people from the Guild Headquarters accompanied him.
"Where are we going?"
"We will be using the gateway bound for the Guild Headquarters."
To my surprise, there were separate teleportation gateways used exclusively for travel within the capital. While the entry gateways were necessary for those coming from the outside, a short walk away revealed rows of small gateways that could take you anywhere inside the city.
"Where are we exactly?"
"The entry-only gateways for the capital are located at the southernmost tip of Veritas."
"Is that large building in the center the Guild Headquarters?"
"No, that is the Imperial Castle."
Wait, there was an Emperor? I’ve been in this world for about six months now, and this was the first I’d heard of it. According to Stark’s explanation, ever since Great Labyrinths started popping up everywhere, the Emperor’s power hasn't been particularly absolute.
Power usually stems from wealth and military might. To master the latter, one typically has to enter the Noble Cartel—either by professionally honing one's martial arts or by awakening a talent for magic.
However, since the appearance of the labyrinths, individuals with immense martial power have begun emerging all over the surface world.
Money is power, but money without strength is just a target for plunder, and strength without money is just a bandit. In the end, the bandit usually ends up with both.
Furthermore, the financial benefits flowing from the labyrinths played a part in weakening the Imperial family's authority. Nowadays, the Emperor is more like a local lord with slightly more influence than the rest.
"Are there many explorers in the capital?"
"There are no large labyrinths near the capital. However, there are many retired explorers living here. Mostly high-ranking ones."
"So it's the same everywhere—make some money and move to the big city."
We walked for a few more minutes while making small talk until we reached the gateway to the Guild Headquarters. Stark used his face as an ID to board the gateway, and we soon arrived at the Explorer’s Guild Headquarters, located in the western heart of Veritas.
"Incredible."
I couldn't even guess how high the ceilings were. There were gateways on both sides of the main entrance, which could also be accessed physically. I had just stepped out of the one on the right.
Arched windows made of stained glass, much like those in a cathedral, lined the walls, reaching heights well over ten meters. The place was packed and bustling.
Contrary to the name 'Explorer’s Guild,' no one was dressed like an explorer. Most were in suits, moving about busily.
We took an elevator—a luxury found in only a few buildings even in Calax—all the way up to the 8th floor.
"I am telling you this just in case, so please do not take offense."
"What is it?"
"As a Cobalt-grade explorer, you are considered quite strong. However, that is not the case here."
"Hmm. Is that so?"
"Yes. In this capital, there are many High Arc Wizards, Sword Masters, and explorers of Palladium Grade or higher. Please be mindful of your words and actions."
High Arc Wizards, huh? People who became powerful through magic alone, without skills. I hadn't really seen a proper mage yet, so I wasn't sure exactly how strong they were.
Was Aurora a mage?
I recalled the crazy, naked mage I’d seen in Roanmarie. She was definitely a mage. I’d also seen a knight who was a Sword Expert. And Palladium Grade... that would be around Delbaheim’s level.
"And above all, there is an Orichalcum-grade explorer currently at the Guild Headquarters."
"I see. What's their name?"
"Adelaide Margarita."
"A woman, then."
"Correct."
Sir Dexter had mentioned that the Orichalcum-grade explorer from Calax was also coming here for the meeting. I wondered when they’d arrive. I remembered that person had summoned me once before. I’d gone to the Guild, but things got messy, and I never actually met them face-to-face.
"May I ask you a question?"
"What is it?"
"May I ask where you obtained the bracelet on your left wrist?"
"Ah, this... It’s a bit complicated. Is there a problem?"
It was the bracelet-type artifact Aurora had given me, the one that records teleport coordinates in the labyrinth. She’d specifically told me never to tell anyone where I got it. Why was he asking?
"I see. Then may I ask where you obtained the magic crystal engraved on the storage artifact on your left middle finger?"
"This... well, the owner of a magic item shop I know gave it to me."
"...I see."
The magic crystal on the storage artifact was from Iris. That shouldn't be a problem, so I didn't mind answering.
"If you don't mind, I recommend keeping that bracelet inside your storage artifact."
"Hmm, why?"
"There are many high-ranking mages within the Guild Headquarters. I suspect they would be very curious about the origin of that bracelet."
"I see. Thanks for the heads-up."
Since Stark said so, and it wasn't like they were trying to confiscate it, I didn't see the harm. Stowing it away was easy enough.
"The meeting begins in forty-seven minutes, at exactly one o'clock. You may have a meal at the cafeteria for now. What would you like to do?"
"Can I just go and eat?"
In response to my question, Stark pulled a meal ticket from his inner pocket and handed it to me. It was a plain piece of white paper, but I assumed it had some kind of magic engraved on it.
"The 8th-floor cafeteria is just around the corner to the right. It's the one labeled Cafeteria 4."
"Got it. Thanks for the help."
"Once you are finished, please wait in the 8th-floor lounge, and I will come to collect you."
"Understood."
* * *
"Wow, they actually have coffee."
After finishing my meal, I headed to the 8th-floor lounge. Perhaps because the building was so large, or because there weren't many cafeterias, the place had been quite crowded, so I’d eaten quickly and left. The food had been decent, though.
The lounge is surprisingly empty.
It was a well-furnished rest area, so the lack of people was quite unusual. I even double-checked to make sure I was in the right place, and it was indeed the lounge.
Creak—
As I was enjoying a long-overdue reunion with caffeine, another person walked in. Judging by her attire, she didn't seem to be an employee. She was a fairly tall woman.
It’s awkward being the only two people here.
She moved with practiced ease, grinding roasted coffee beans, piling them into a dripper, and pouring boiling water. There were plenty of other teas available, but I guess coffee is popular in any world.
Her orange hair was tied back neatly in a low ponytail; judging by the thickness of the bundle, her hair must have been quite long.
I sat on the sofa, sipping my coffee, while the nameless woman stood by the window, looking out as she drank hers.
Being conscious of a stranger was uncomfortable, but ignoring her was boring. Since her back was turned, I amused myself by switching between my different ocular skills to observe her.
"What are you so curious about?"
"Uh... pardon?"
"You seem to have a question for me."
It was as if she had eyes in the back of her head; she realized immediately that I was watching her. Through the Evil Eye, I didn't sense any hostility. And through the Direwolf Alpha’s vision, her mana capacity seemed ordinary.
However, there was one peculiar thing: even though she was just standing still, the Umbra Valkyrie’s vision couldn't detect a single weakness. Not that I had any intention of lunging at her even if I did see one.
"Haha, you don't leave any openings."
"Hooh."
I’d simply stated what I saw, but she suddenly turned around to face me.
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, that's just how it looks to my eyes."
"I see. Then, do you mind if I take a look at you for a moment?"
"Hmm? Sure, go ahead. You're already looking, anyway."
The nameless woman’s red eyes flashed for a moment, and then she tilted her head in confusion.
"Who are you?"
"I'm... well, an explorer."
"A stingy answer. What is your name? Where are you from?"
She followed up with a barrage of questions. Had that flash just now been a skill or magic that revealed something?
"I'm Aven. I'm from Calax, for now."
"Is that so?"
The woman took another sip of coffee from her mug and then set it down on the table.
And in that instant, I felt a sensation in my body I hadn't felt in a long time.
It’s the instinct of a beast.
The predator's sense—the one that makes your skin crawl and your body shiver.
Boom!!
"Was there a reason for that?"
In a blur, she vanished, and a mana-infused knife-hand strike came down from behind. I’d managed to whip out the tail from my lower back, coating it in Aura to wrap around and catch her wrist.
Grip—
I can't feel anything.
Even though I constricted my tail with all my might, the woman’s wrist didn't compress in the slightest, as if protected by a dense layer of mana.
"Should I apologize?"
"I think that would be for the best."
The sensation from the Direwolf’s instinct faded. She didn't seem to have any further intent to attack.
"My apologies. I let my curiosity get the better of me."
"Anyone else would have died."
"I shall answer by saying I trusted that wouldn't be the case."
"Bold, aren't you?"
Because I’d manifested my tail so abruptly, it had pierced through the back of the sofa, ruining the cushion. My clothes were fine since I was wearing a loose top.
"What do you do for a living?"
"I'm an explorer."
"Stingy, indeed."
I wasn't sure if it was because of the loud noise or if it was just time, but Stark came rushing into the lounge shortly after.
"Explorer Aven!?"
"You're here."
"Ah, and..."
Stark spotted the nameless woman and immediately gave a deep, respectful bow.
"Lady Margarita. This man is a guest."
"So it seems."
"Margarita...?"
I’d heard that name somewhere.
"Hah."
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Explorer Aven. I hope we have the chance to see each other again."
I’ve really run into a weirdo.