Chapter 90: I’m Really Going to Do It
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 90: I’m Really Going to Do It
“I see.”
It seemed a lot of work had been processed during the four days I was asleep. The letter from the Mayerbridge Union didn’t specifically say they needed me for anything.
About half of it was an update on how most of the matters had already been settled and an invitation to hear the final results. The rest was about the rewards for subjugating the criminals belonging to the Antonio Brotherhood provided by the Mayerbridge Union, as well as the bounty for the Human Hunter Lugus.
Attached was a small slip of paper with a personal note from Delbaheim.
“Hmm.”
To summarize the contents:
I hope you’re doing well. If you’re going to fight the Antonio Brotherhood, wouldn’t it be better to do so under the protection of the Mayerbridge Union?
Seeing as you’ve grown strong enough to take down a notorious human hunter, I’m glad to see your progress. If you want to join, just say the word. You’re always welcome, and so on.
“And next is...”
It was a letter from the Lymain family. The writing was clean and consistent, looking as if it had been written with a typewriter.
It mentioned the compensation the Lymain family was internally processing for the damages I’d suffered and expressed a desire to maintain a good relationship in the future.
“Compensation, huh?”
To be honest, I wondered if I’d actually suffered enough damage to warrant compensation. The Skeleton Mage incident was something I’d done myself, even if Theodora was the one who suggested it.
As for the Dragon Heart, it did put a strain on my body, but it hadn’t caused any major issues. If anything, I felt a bit burdened by receiving such a massive gift as a Dragon Heart.
Aside from that, the letter listed several of Theodora’s upcoming schedules and suggested we meet on a specific date to coordinate future plans.
“This is... well, okay.”
Since she gave me a rough idea of when she’d be working at the workshop, I’ll just have to pick a good time to go talk to her.
The next item was a paper airplane with a short message from Iris.
Errand. When you have time.
“She wants me to come when I have time, I guess.”
Truthfully, despite the deal being that I’d run errands for her, most of it had involved human experimentation.
Lately, Tresha had been interacting with Iris as a master and disciple, and even after the Umbra Valkyrie eyeball-candy incident, I didn’t feel like I was properly paying off my debt.
I should set a day to talk to Iris. If I can pay off the debt, I should. It would be weird to pay for Tresha’s lessons while ignoring my own debt.
“There’s so much to do.”
Most of my equipment was lost during the battle on the 15th floor. I remembered taking off the tin can on my head and throwing it away myself, but I had no idea where everything else went. Even the pouch I’d used for so long was gone.
I was also curious about who brought me back to the surface. I needed to check on the Benjamin siblings, Belinda and Benjamin, who might have been affected because of me, and Rubia as well.
First, I should pay a quick visit to the Mayerbridge Union.
* * *
In the northeastern part of Calax, spanning a wide area from the center toward the southwest, stood a massive complex.
This place, the headquarters of the Mayerbridge Union and a hub for numerous affiliated organizations, was the proud home of the union, which had long established itself as a Great Clan in Calax.
In front of the office of Raya Delbaheim, who was unintentionally having a busy time, an attendant approached to announce a visitor.
—Lord Delbaheim.
Raya answered calmly to the voice beyond the door.
“Come in.”
The door, crafted from polished, expensive wood, opened quietly, and the attendant entered the office with a bow.
“What is it?”
“A guest has arrived. It is Aven the Explorer.”
Delbaheim felt a slight sense of doubt. According to what she had heard from the guild, his injuries were so extensive and severe that they weren’t sure when he would wake up, and even then, it was expected to take a long time before he could move.
Come to think of it, the same thing had happened when he was previously admitted to the Mayerbridge Union’s clinic. He had walked around as if nothing were wrong the moment he woke up, so perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising.
“He wouldn’t have come as my personal guest. What is he doing now?”
“He is currently receiving the bounty prepared by the clan. As the processing will be finished soon, I was instructed to ask if you require a personal meeting with him, Lord Delbaheim.”
“I see. I will go myself. Lead the way.”
It was the first news of Yoo Eon in a while. Delbaheim recalled her previous encounters with him—when he had refused her invitation to join the Mayerbridge Union, and when she had spoken harshly to him while speculating about his relationship with the Antonio Brotherhood. She followed the attendant.
She liked his skill, which reminded her of her father, and she thought of him as a man she quite liked in terms of martial prowess. However, she’d felt a bit of regret regarding his ideology. Of course, that was back when Yoo Eon didn’t yet know the Antonio Brotherhood was a criminal organization.
To hear of him again after only a few weeks, and with the news that he had been seriously injured in a clash with the Antonio Brotherhood...
She was told that Yoo Eon, having received his reward, was waiting in the reception room. Just in case, she had a potion to suppress the Orc Estrus Skill tucked away in her clothes, but she still felt it was best not to show any embarrassing side of herself to others.
“You may return to your duties.”
“Yes, I will take my leave then.”
Leaving the quickly departing attendant behind, Delbaheim knocked on the door.
“Aven, are you there?”
—Delbaheim? Come in.
* * *
“Mmm...”
“Ah, it should be fine now. I’m not using the Orc skill.”
“I-is that so...?”
From the moment Delbaheim stepped through the door, she was on high alert. It felt a bit unfair, as if I’d done something wrong.
Well, I suppose I had done a few things wrong.
“Welcome. I am simply glad to meet you again with good news.”
“Haha... it is good news. Though I’m a bit worried about what comes next.”
At those words, Delbaheim gave a faint smile. A hint of regret flickered in her expression, as if she were about to ask me again to join the Mayerbridge Union.
“Well, I had no idea the Antonio Brotherhood was a bunch of criminals like that. Actually...”
“Is that so? I did suspect you might be from out of town.”
Having lived in Calax for a long time, she had developed the ability to distinguish between locals and outsiders. Although the floating population accounted for about half of the total population, elves, who lived for an eternity, had well-developed senses for such things.
“In that case, may I take it that you are positively considering joining the Mayerbridge Union, Aven?”
“Well, about that... I’m not sure. To be honest, I’m still not certain.”
“For what reason?”
Of course, the Mayerbridge Union was great. Rubia had been advertising it so much next to me—how they give you this and that, how this is good and that is good.
I understood perfectly well that it was a clan with more than enough merits.
“I don’t mean to be arrogant, but... I feel like I’m faster when I’m on my own.”
“Hmm, those words... are something I cannot simply overlook.”
Delbaheim crossed her legs and arms, staring at me intently.
“It sounds as if you are saying that being solo is better because the explorers of the Mayerbridge Union would only hold you back.”
“It’s not exactly like that... but lately, I’ve felt that my exploration speed in the Labyrinth slows down when I’m in a party.”
“What about Rubia? In your eyes, was she also an explorer who lagged behind in exploration speed?”
“That’s... I’m not sure. But I feel like if I pushed myself, I could be faster.”
Listening to the story, Delbaheim slowly stood up. She took a pendant from her clothes, put it around her neck, and spoke.
“Aven, do you have plenty of time?”
“Why do you ask?”
“If you don’t mind, I would like to exchange a few blows with you.”
“Does that mean... you want me to show you with my skills?”
“That is one way to interpret it.”
A one-on-one spar with Delbaheim? To be honest, I didn’t really think I would win. Even in the spar with her father, who wasn’t using his full strength, I couldn’t do anything and just got beaten up.
Of course, I was holding back a bit then too, but I wonder.
“Is it okay if I go all out?”
“Heh, if you don’t go all out, it will be dangerous for you.”
“That’s good to hear.”
A Palladium-grade active explorer. Moreover, she was a proper Palladium-grade explorer without any curse skills that would hinder her in combat.
I didn’t exactly have any intention of joining the Mayerbridge Union. But since it felt like I’d accidentally provoked her, I had no choice.
* * *
“Ah! It’s Aven!”
“Oh, Rubia. What are you doing here?”
This place was located a short distance from the Mayerbridge Union’s main building. It was a training ground designed so that other explorers, as well as those belonging to the clan, could easily use it for a fee.
The ground was well-laid with packed earth, and it was incredibly spacious.
“What do you mean! I’m a member of the Mayerbridge Union, so it’s only natural for me to train here!”
“Ah, well. I guess so.”
I had something to apologize to Rubia for.
“Rubia, I’m sorry. You almost ended up in a dangerous situation because of me.”
“Hehe... did you think I’d be in that much danger? To be honest, I could have finished those stupid criminals with one hand! Easy-peasy!”
“Is that so? Then I’m glad.”
“Right?”
She asked how my body was, saying she heard I was badly hurt, but that I looked fine. We briefly exchanged greetings, asking about Belinda and Benjamin, and then Delbaheim’s preparations were finished.
“But Aven? Why are you here?”
“A spar. It’s a training ground, after all.”
“Really? Did you get a subscription here too?”
“No, it’s not like that.”
It seemed that if you weren’t a Mayerbridge Union explorer, you could use the facility by paying a regular subscription fee.
“Aven, are you ready?”
“Yes. I’m fine as I am.”
As Delbaheim approached and spoke, Rubia, who was standing next to me, bowed her waist as flexibly as a Jet Flip.
“D-Delbaheim! Hello!”
“Rubia. I heard of your performance. I hope you continue to strive forward like that.”
“Y-yes!! But what brings you here...?”
“It is for a spar with Aven.”
“Eh...?”
At Delbaheim’s words, Rubia stared at me as if asking what she meant.
“Aven...? Is it an entrance test? Are you becoming my junior?!”
“Not exactly. Aven flatly refused the invitation to join that I offered him earlier.”
“W-w-w-what?! Aven, are you crazy?! Hurry up and apologize!”
“No, why? That’s my choice, isn’t it?”
Rubia put down the hammer she was holding and started drumming on me with both hands.
“That is true, Aven.”
“Right?”
“Please be aware that no personal feelings are involved in this spar.”
“Mmm...”
We were at Training Ground No. 1, located in the center. It was the largest area, with a flat, common dirt floor. As Delbaheim stepped in, the attention of the other explorers nearby began to focus on us.
—Hey, hey, look over there...!
—Isn’t that Raya Delbaheim...?! We’re in luck!
—Wait a second, that thing around her neck...
—It’s true...! It’s a Battle Attire!
—Who on earth is the opponent that Raya Delbaheim is even using a Battle Attire...?
The surroundings were noisy, and more people had gathered than I expected. Using my abilities in front of others like this is a bit...
But what can I do? It didn’t look like Delbaheim was going to hold back much. It seemed dangerous if I didn’t take it seriously too.
Since she’s a Palladium-grade explorer, I don’t need to hold back.
There was no need to control my strength. The inside and outside of the training ground were perfectly separated by artifacts, and as for the floor breaking, stronger explorers must have broken it countless times before.
“Come, Aven.”
“Yes, Delbaheim. Have you prepared the skill suppression potion?”
“Ah, wait...!”
Delbaheim hurriedly pulled a flask from her clothes.
“I’m really going to do it...!”
“Yes.”