Hearthen Kingdom - Heartcore City, Highfall Castle

  Dammit! Dammit! Dammiiiitt!

  Nobu paces his room, fists clenched tight enough to hurt.

  While I'm stuck here leveling, someone out there is already hoarding all the fame and power!

  What the hell is happening?!

  I'm the hero in this world, aren't I?

  Why am I this pathetic?!

  The thoughts spiral, familiar and poisonous. Back on Earth, he was nobody. Invisible. The kid who always backed down, who smiled and called it "keeping the peace" when really he was just afraid.

  But here—here he was supposed to be different. The Guardian chose him. Gave him power. Gave him a chance to be the hero he always imagined.

  And now someone else is stealing that chance.

  I have to investigate this myself! I'll leave the castle for a while and get some real experience out there.

  Yes! That's a good plan.

  He ignores the small voice in his head that says running toward danger isn't brave—it's just a different kind of running away.

  "Alright, since one of you requested permission to leave the castle..."

  The instructor's eyes sweep over the three heroes. Helen and Sena's gazes immediately point toward Nobu. They don't need to guess.

  The day before, the Hero of Courage tried to persuade the royal family to let him travel around the kingdom. His passion—or what looked like passion—convinced them. It even motivated his friends to accompany him, though neither knows his true intentions.

  "...Then today we'll discuss common cultures in this world's society. Hopefully it'll be helpful during your journey. Somehow..."

  "Somehow?" Helen tilts her head at the odd phrasing.

  "Yes. Each tribe develops its own culture and values. There will always be changes in society, so what I'm about to teach is just the basics."

  "Oh, I see." Sena responds plainly, understanding immediately.

  "Then we should learn by ourselves through experience?"

  "Exactly! As expected from the Hero of Knowledge—you get sharper each time. Since you three already know what you're going to face, make your preparations in three days before you start the trip."

  "Yes, teacher!"

  And so begins the heroes' earnest study of Aerium's society. Meanwhile, the agent of the Guardian continues his training and expands his influence, all without knowing.

  The first day of their trip takes around seven hours from the capital. They decided to start with the border city—though in truth, it's the Hero of Courage's curiosity about the famous newbie that decided the route.

  "We've arrived, dear heroes. This is the frontier and most famous adventurers' city—Spawnhall."

  "Thank you for the carriage, sir."

  "No need! After all, you paid well and protected me the whole way here."

  "Thanks for the information as well."

  "Sure! Oh yeah, you can ask the guards to guide you, miss. They're reliable around here, I assure you."

  "Thanks again, sir."

  "Well then, we'll part ways here."

  "Yes, I'll be on my way. Good luck to you all!"

  "Safe travels, sir!"

  They bid farewell, then return to their original agenda.

  "Let's find an inn first, dear heroes."

  "No, first we need to fix how we address each other. Captain, please don't call us heroes during our journey."

  "Yes, that will ruin our main objective here."

  "Ugh, I'll try. But what should I call you all?"

  "I propose just our names—not family names either, I suppose."

  "Agreed."

  "Agreed here."

  "Then we'll call you Mr. Asghard?"

  "Yep, exactly."

  "Haah, I can't argue with you three on this. Let's just find a good inn—I hear they often get fully booked."

  "Yes, let's go!"

  "Yeah, yeah."

  "Sure."

  The heroes' party finally arrives at their main destination and searches for lodging. Though they're unaware of the encounter that will wake them up quite thoroughly.

  The smaller inns around Spawnhall are flooded with visitors.

  The city became quite popular after the Cowfering event. Rumors speak of the residents' hospitality and the safety provided by the guards.

  Many visitors became interested in this peaceful city.

  But the rumors don't end there. Visitors are quite interested in the questionable high-rank newbie.

  Many adventurers have already heard about his achievements and want to join Spawnhall's guild—the Brandish Blade. Some are inspired and want to learn his secrets. Others wish to join his party. And the least welcome bunch want to take advantage of his fame.

  Cring cring.

  The bell on an inn's door rings.

  "Come iiinn~"

  "Excuse us, madam. Do you still have any rooms available?"

  "Oh yes! Fortunately, there are exactly two rooms left. One on the second floor, the other on the first floor beyond this dining hall. Interested?"

  "We'll take them, ma'am. Can we order meals right now too?"

  "Sure! For the rooms, it's 2 silver coins each, and 3 silver for each person's needs. Total is 16 silver coins. That's excluding any orders outside the menu."

  "Ah, I see. Then we'll just take the menu for now."

  "Alright, please wait a moment. Mannaa~ Customers are here!"

  "Right there, Mom~"

  While the disguised heroes' party waits for their meal, they overhear other customers' conversations.

  "Hey, have you heard the latest news about that newbie?"

  "Nope. Too many rumors about him—I can't tell which is the latest anymore."

  "Bet you'll be shocked. I heard he caught an A-rank monster. A Manticore."

  "What?! Seriously? I heard that monster is a legend in the northern villages. My cousin up there told me the villagers are so afraid of it, they almost made it their local deity."

  "Indeed. From the last incident ten years ago, it took around a thousand souls and didn't even get a scratch. The Earl of this region gave up since he has so few S-rankers."

  "Damn, how did he manage to kill it? Must've brought a hundred soldiers or at least twenty A-rankers."

  "That's the normal way, sure—since that monster has highly concentrated poison besides its bulky body."

  "Then what about him?"

  "Kuhuh, you'll be shocked out of your seat when you hear this."

  "Wh-what is it?"

  "He took it down with only two people. Him and his new partner."

  "What?! That's suicide!"

  "That's the way it went. Anyway, he brought back the Manticore with some of its sliced limbs. All the adventurers at the time went nuts."

  Other customers at another table are discussing similar gossip.

  "That story from the other table—isn't that exaggerated?"

  "Hah! Say that in front of the Guild and they'll tear you a new one."

  "Eh? What?"

  "It's true. I even heard the other day that the newbie's party delivered 50 C-rank Shadowolves to the Guild."

  "What?!"

  "Not only that—before he exterminated those critters, he had time to plow one hectare of land at a nearby farm."

  "Ghh... such diligence..."

  "I know. He just takes whatever quests come and finishes them all at once. That's why it's not exaggerated at all."

  In response to those rumors, the heroes' party takes interest and discusses among themselves.

  "Who are they talking about?"

  "Do you know something, Mr. Asghard?"

  "Hmm... I have a guess, but I'm not quite sure myself."

  "Who is it?"

  "You know the Cowfering we discussed the other day?"

  "Yes, what about it?"

  "It's the B-ranker I mentioned that day."

  "Aahh... so it's him."

  "Why don't you look surprised at all, Helen?"

  "Why? Of course not. If we look at everyone's faces that day, I can assume the Calden is a big deal—let alone the Loner."

  "Then?"

  "Ha! Is your head just decoration, Nobu? Of course, if he can deal with a Calden, then it's possible to deal with monsters on that level too."

  "Ugh..."

  Helen is right. Nobu even gulps, realizing the fact.

  But inside, something else churns. Hot and bitter.

  He's already this famous? Just from one hunt?

  I've been training for two months. Two months! And what do I have to show for it?

  Nothing. I'm still stuck at the castle while this... this nobody is out here becoming a legend.

  "That's enough. We still need to verify the rumors, at least from the Guild."

  "Then our next destination is this city's Guild."

  "Seems so."

  Cring cring.

  "Excuse us."

  A familiar voice—familiar to the innkeeper, at least—comes from the door.

  "Oh, Brother! Good evening. What brings you tonight?"

  "Good evening, Manna. I'd like to order tonight's menu, please."

  "Alright~ Wait a moment, Brother. Mooomm~ Brother's here!"

  "Yes, yes. I'm comiiin~"

  After a moment, Mrs. Flamerose emerges from the kitchen, exchanging roles with her daughter.

  "Evening, son. How was your hunt?"

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  "It went well, Mom. Rhea's even started hunting by herself."

  "N-no! It's not a big deal, sir."

  "Hooo... I didn't know you'd developed such a sweet girl."

  "I didn't."

  "Brother Yuki didn't do any suspicious things, ma'am."

  "Hooo, she even calls you brother now? What a development."

  "Yes, I'm proud of my efforts, Mom. It's hard making her adjust."

  "Pfft... you're strange, son. A weirdo in your own way."

  While the innkeeper busies herself joking with her adopted son, other customers whisper among themselves, watching the warm atmosphere.

  Whisper.

  "Such a warm sight."

  "I know. It's totally different from long ago."

  "Haha, I agree. Excuse me, can we join in?"

  "Sure, the more the merrier."

  "But indeed, those moments when I was forced to eat such delicious food in cold, threatening silence—now it feels like it never happened."

  "Ooh, I felt the same."

  "Me too. I thought I was the only one imagining things."

  One by one, the visitors share their feelings in low voices, confessing their history with Flamerose Inn.

  "Hm? Hey! Are you all talking about something nice?" The Flamerose madam notices their murmurs.

  They immediately go back to whispering.

  "Here are your meals! Hope you like them~"

  Manna interrupts the heroes' party while they observe the scene.

  "Anything else you'd like to ask?"

  "It's okay for n—"

  "Can you tell me who that guy talking with the madam is?"

  The Hero of Courage, Nobu, suddenly cuts off Sena's sentence.

  "Oh, you mean Brother Yuki? He's a new resident around here but already achieved quite a lot. Hehe, I'm proud to have him as my brother."

  "Fufu, you sure are."

  Helen teases Manna gently.

  "Hehe, sorry, customers."

  "It's alright. You can just call me Sena."

  "And me Hel—"

  "So what are his achievements you're talking about?"

  Everyone looks at him awkwardly—mainly Sena and Helen.

  "Umm... you know, it's already the talk of the city. It started going 'boom' since the day of Cowfering."

  Manna tells the story awkwardly at first, then gradually enjoys it, even simulating her brother's tale with excitement.

  "Hehe, that's all about it!"

  "Miissy~ I need some booze here~"

  "What the fuck are you saying?! It's still noon!"

  "Haha, chill out, buddy. As long as we behave well, no one will complain~"

  "Oops, sorry customers. I need to scold some old man. Excuse me~"

  Satisfied after listening to Manna's story, the heroes' party grasps the general situation in the city. Except for the increasingly agitated Nobu.

  "So it's truly him."

  "I think that completes our speculation."

  "Now we know the subject of our curiosity."

  "Uhh, but he doesn't seem that strong compared to us."

  "No."

  "Huh?"

  "What is it, Sena?"

  "From the moment he was about to enter this inn, my instincts suddenly warned me to keep my guard up."

  "Huh? Even before he entered?"

  "Yes. And when his figure appeared, it told me to watch my actions and even my words carefully."

  Listening to Sena's reasoning, Captain Asghard is quite startled.

  As far as I know, in her world, Sena frequently engaged in fights since her family is a household that defends their territory.

  But to think that kind of person reacts that way... I think it's better to take a cautious approach for now.

  "Aren't you being overreactive, Sena?"

  "I think it's better to consider Sena's words. Safety is our priority, after all."

  "Ugh, why did this trip become so serious?! I'd better eat my food."

  Nom nom nom.

  "Whaaa... it's delicioouuss!!"

  Helen adaptively imitates the adventurers' table manners.

  "Ugh, Helen. I think we were taught about manners."

  "Hah! Who cares! And by the way, we're in a border city. Look around. Don't you think we should follow this place's traditions?" She smirks.

  "Umm... I guess you're right."

  "Hmph, let's just eat for now."

  Nom nom nom.

  For now, the heroes' party is forced to focus on their meal, stuck with a new problem.

  They plan to stay at the border city for a few days while working on their training. After that, they'll move to the next city.

  While the rest of them wonder about the secret of the delicacy with sparkling eyes, only Nobu thinks of a thorough plan to achieve his ambitions.

  Planning all of it while staring at Yuki's every movement.

  What the hell is he doing? Look at him—doesn't seem that powerful. He's even that close with the beautiful innkeeper lady, and her cute daughter calls him brother so intimately.

  Ugh, what's going on here? I thought I was the one summoned to this world by the Goddess. Shouldn't I be the one getting that kind of treatment everywhere I go?

  Here I am, stuck with leveling, and I still haven't gotten Royal permission since they worry about my survival rate.

  Fuck that shit rate! I'm certainly, surely, absolutely already strong enough to roam inside the kingdom!

  His thoughts spiral darker. Back on Earth, he was always the one left behind. Always watching others succeed while he smiled and pretended it didn't hurt.

  Not here. Not in this world. He won't let it happen again.

  Some argument breaks out while Nobu drowns in his own thoughts.

  "Step aside, you trash! Don't you know who I am?!"

  "Ugh, what shit are you talking about?! This is Madam's place—everyone's welcomed as long as we behave here!"

  "Yeah! Who the heck are you anyway?! Spoiled noble brat?"

  The occurrence attracts other customers' attention.

  "Keh, you fools are just amateurs after all! I know you lot are only D-rankers, right? I've seen you four these past few days. Hah! You don't know even a bit about the adventurers' world!"

  Amidst the chaos, a large silhouette appears behind the arrogant boy—three times his height. The figure sends shivers through the boy and the spectators.

  "So, would you like to tell me how the world works?"

  "W-who the hell are y—!"

  "Hm? Why'd you stop, boy?"

  "Gu-Guildmaster?! Why are you h-here??"

  In front of the arrogant boy—now trembling like a worm—stands the Guildmaster tall, looking like an eagle that's found its prey.

  "Oh, so now this place not only regulates the hierarchy of adventurers but even bans a Guildmaster from coming?"

  "Hah! Stop your act and throw that bastard out of here."

  Madam Flamerose suddenly intervenes with a stern tone.

  "Bruh! You haven't changed, huh? Harsh on my jokes. But indeed, I have important matters right now, so get your feet out yourself, trash-boy."

  The Guildmaster delivers the last statement with pure intimidation.

  "B-but... DAMN IT!"

  The boy hurries out in anger, frustration, and fear.

  "Bahaha, that's our Guildmaster and Madam!"

  "Yeess, that's right! Been a long time witnessing such action!"

  "Haha, indeed it's been a long time since I faced such a brat. I guess my acting was rusty."

  "Bahaha, not at all!"

  "Hahaha!"

  "But fortunately, it came to this. If not, I would've stepped in myself."

  "Gahaha, don't sound heroic, buddy! We all wanted to as well, right?"

  "Of course!"

  "Yes, me too!"

  "Haha, give me a piece of him too!"

  The vibe becomes lighter again in mere seconds, all with one action from the Guildmaster.

  "Then excuse me, ladies and gents. I have some matters to discuss!"

  "On your way, Master."

  "Alright, Master!"

  "Have fun!"

  "If you throw a party, invite us!"

  "That'll be a good... dream!"

  "Gahahaha!"

  "Hahaha!"

  While the customers return to their cheer, the Guildmaster sits in front of the innkeeper.

  "Haahh, those geezers. Always hard on me."

  "Hah, you're not used to it yet?"

  "Haha, I can never get used to it. So where's the boy?"

  "At that table."

  "Alright, I'll get to business. Want to come?"

  "Nah, just give me the summary later. Still need to take care of some crazy dudes around here."

  "Gahaha, still a busybody even after retiring, huh? Alright, see you."

  "Yeah, yeah."

  The Guildmaster walks toward a certain young man who just started his meal.

  "Hello, boy. How have you been? And what about you, little girl?"

  It's Yuki's party, apparently.

  "We're doing just fine. It's all thanks to your action recently."

  "Hah! So you saw and enjoyed it, huh?"

  "Of course. I prefer a peaceful lunch over an outrageous one."

  Yuki continues his meal while speaking.

  "Hmm... you're quite good with words, I see."

  "So what do you need to discuss?"

  Yuki states it bluntly with a sharp look toward the Guildmaster's eyes while sipping his soup.

  "Hah! And you're quite sharp!"

  "No, you're the simple one. Did you come here just to take an acting class or something?"

  "Haha, and you're harsh as usual. I think I could relax if you'd take any kind of quest."

  "Just cut to the chase, old man. I'll decide for myself."

  "Guuh, your stubbornness is on a different level. Alright, alright, I'll get to the point. Here's a letter. Read it. Quietly."

  Yuki reads it in mere seconds, then states his opinion after finishing his meal.

  "Don't want to."

  "Y-yes... WHAT?!"

  Once again, an occurrence attracts the customers' attention.

  "Wow, what are they discussing?"

  "Yeah, it's rare for the Guildmaster to shout that loud."

  "Now that you mention it, he rarely shouts anywhere, right? Unlike typical high-rankers."

  "I heard some rumors—his shout can even stun an orc general. That's why he holds it in."

  "What?! That's some crazy gossip, even for a legend."

  While the others continue their gossiping, the Guildmaster meets his match.

  "You read it carefully, right?"

  "Absolutely. It's all about an invitation from the royalty, right?"

  "Ugh, then you really read it. But why? Every subject in this kingdom would be honored to receive such an invitation."

  "But I'm not. Actually, the question is—why do they know about me?"

  "Ugh!..."

  "Did you and the Saintess tell them?"

  "N-no, I... didn't..."

  "Huh?!"

  Now it's Yuki's turn to let out intimidation.

  "N-no, please... see, Yuki... you're... wrong..."

  "Tell me."

  "Sorry! Forgive me, Yuki!"

  "Let's talk about it later, in a more private room."

  "I-I guess you're right. S-sorry..."

  "Then what the hell is with this royalty thing?"

  "Ugh, I thought you read it. They only want a simple din—"

  "Interrogation, you mean."

  "Kuh... don't read it the wrong way, boy."

  "What else? They surely know about me from you both."

  "I said sorry, boy! And their intentions aren't bad! Just give them a few minutes of audience, please!"

  Sigh.

  "You surely have some restrictions. What are they? Thrown into jail? Disposed from your position? Or expelled to the corner of the world?"

  "All of them, boy! All of them! Even worse, perhaps!"

  "That's your consequence."

  "Please, boy! I even already made an oath at the shrine while consulting with the Saintess—contributing the rest of my whole life to the Guardian."

  "That's not my concern."

  "Alright! What's your wish, Your Highness?!"

  "Special permit."

  "...W-what?... No hesitation, huh? So you already thought about it... from the start?"

  "Who knows."

  "Guh... so what is this permit?"

  "Simple. As long as my qualifications are met, the number requirement doesn't matter."

  "You're talking about high-rank quests, huh? Why, though? We made that rule to ensure safety. And to meet other requirements, naturally you fill the numbers."

  "In the normal way."

  "What do you mean?"

  "I've already shown you my team's capability in recent events."

  "Ugh... the Manticore quest, you mean? It's the lowest A-rank quest, though."

  Sigh. (Yuki)

  "I think it's me who should be sighing right now." (Guildmaster)

  "Alright, I'll explain a bit."

  "Be my guest."

  "In addition to the three conditions, one condition has been added to ensure safety. That's the number requirement."

  "I know that much as the Guildmaster, so what's your point?"

  "In my opinion, this condition is a response to the increased capability requirement. Since the required total capability is increased, we need to increase the number of participants to fill the requirements at minimum. In addition, you all set the minimum capability of each participant. In some quests, there's even a specific minimum number for specific stats."

  "I still don't see the reason you're asking for this special permit."

  "I said it's true in the normal way."

  "That's the reason I'm asking why, boy!"

  The Guildmaster grows agitated, not knowing exactly what Yuki means.

  Sigh.

  "Alright, I'll state it clearly for you. What if my team already exceeds your capability requirement instead of just adding to the number?"

  "Ugh..."

  "As you know, you can check our stats to verify. And of course, I'll gain the experience when doing the preparations."

  "And for credibility?"

  "You can assess that yourself based on my career."

  "Ugghh... damn it. Alright, alright! For cost-and-benefit reasons, I'll issue such a permit for only you. DAMN!"

  "Much obliged."

  "I'm sure I'll get chewed out by the King himself if this spreads."

  "Relax. When the time comes, I'll ask the King myself."

  "Ugh, you're really a crazy boy. I don't even want to imagine that 'time.'"

  BRAAK!

  When the discussion starts to reach its end, a commotion is heard from the direction of a certain table.

  "What's gotten into you, Nobu?" Helen's voice carries concern.

  "Calm down, Nobu. You can talk out whatever your concern is." Asghard's tone is soothing.

  "..." Sena remains silent, watching.

  His teammates look at him, trying to figure out Nobu's thoughts. Only Sena has a guess forming in her mind.

  While some customers whisper about it, others continue their business, thinking this commotion as common as always.

  "What's his problem? Do you know him, boy?"

  "Hero of Courage and his party. I just learned about it minutes ago."

  "...!!! Are you sure, boy?!"

  For once, the Guildmaster doesn't say it out loud. But his shock is written all over his face.

  "S-so, what's the deal? Did you invite him through the Guardian?"

  "Nope, I don't know anything about it. What I know is—he's been staring at me from the moment I entered this place."

  "Ugh, now another new problem arises."

  The Guildmaster slaps his forehead while whining.

  "Why is it a problem? Do you know his intention?"

  "Of course not! How can I—"

  "That's why. Just do as usual."

  "Yes, yes. I hope I don't provoke the Guardian in any way."

  "Here he comes."

  When Nobu finally stops at Yuki's table, the young man just sips his tea like nothing happened. The Guildmaster crosses his arms, trying to calm himself but gazing at Nobu with clear intimidation.

  Nobu gathers his courage and tries to express his thoughts as politely as possible.

  Inside, his heart pounds. His palms sweat. Every instinct screams to turn around and walk away.

  No. No, I can't be swayed by my weakness again. I won't back down. I don't want to hide in the corner again. This is my time as a hero—a chance at last. I won't become my old self. Now it's the time to change and reach my ideal self.

  "Greetings to the Guildmaster of Spawnhall City. I, the current Hero of Courage, pay my respects to you."

  Nobu greets the Guildmaster with his learned basic etiquette.

  "Move on, boy. We don't need such bothersome gestures here."

  The strict tone takes Nobu back, but he immediately adjusts himself to speak politely in front of them.

  "Ah, I see. Then I'll get to the point. We're taking a journey around the kingdom to gain experience since we've gotten stuck recently. We'd be glad if we could get support from the nearby guild."

  "Alright, you lot have my permission."

  "Thank yo—"

  "But!"

  "Y-yeah, but?"

  "Your party should follow our rules like any normal party. Otherwise, don't expect any assistance from my Guild."

  The Guildmaster emphasizes the deal firmly, expecting the hero not to treat it carelessly.

  "Yes, I'll ensure it satisfies your expectations."

  "Alright, go on your way then. I still have business with this boy here."

  It annoys Nobu that the Guildmaster prefers meeting with Yuki over him.

  He's dismissing me. Just like back home. Just like always.

  No. Not here. Not in this world.

  "Can I know who this boy is that you're moving me aside for, Guildmaster?"

  "It's not your right as a hero to know everything in my Guild, you know."

  The Guildmaster sounds annoyed with the hero's arrogance.

  "But still, the Guildmaster moves aside a hero for a mere commoner boy? I wonder what specialty he has."

  Now the hero tries to position himself as an important figure, hoping to induce some doubt against Yuki. Then disappointment, distrust, and chaos.

  His main goal is to arise as a savior in the middle of a riot. For this one thing, he already has plans and scenarios ahead in his mind.

  "And I'm quite close with the Royal family. I'm sure I can negotiate your problems."

  Nobu tries to approach the situation from two sides—buttering up the Guildmaster with a favor.

  But it's not as expected. After all, this is Spawnhall's Guildmaster.

  "Hah! Didn't you say you got stuck at that royal castle? What basis do you have to say this boy is weaker than you?"

  "Pardon?"

  "At least, while you were stuck in that safe place, this boy was always diving into dangerous areas and facing death with other adventurers. I, myself as Guildmaster, will guarantee his capability."

  "Uh, r-right, if you say so."

  "But not in your case."

  The Guildmaster continues his statement.

  "...!!!"

  Nobu's going down instead of Yuki. He becomes the victim of his own scenario.

  The audience just watches them while smirking. They suddenly become calm and listen curiously to their conversation.

  This is it. This is where I back down. Where I smile and apologize and slink away like I always do.

  No.

  NO.

  I won't. Not this time. Everyone's watching. Helen and Sena are watching. If I back down now, I'll be that same coward from Earth. The one who always ran away.

  This is my chance. My only chance to prove I'm different. That I've changed.

  Nobu assesses the situation. His party expects him to back down politely—at least to save face in public.

  But that doesn't happen.

  "Then may I have the honor to test my ability against him?"

  The words burst out before he can stop them. His heart hammers. His throat goes dry.

  What did I just say?

  No, no, it's fine. I can't take it back now. Everyone heard. This is good. This is what heroes do. They don't back down. They face challenges head-on.

  Right?

  All within earshot are shocked. Some even cough on their drinks.

  I know it's wise to retreat right now. But I can't let this chance slide. Who knows how famous this man will become? It'll be too late if I act when he's already known throughout the continent. Whatever the outcome, I must take this chance.

  I have to prove I'm special. That being summoned here means something. That I'm not just... nobody.

  That's what Nobu thinks.

  "Haaahh... I know this happens occasionally. But whatever... it's up to you, boy."

  The Guildmaster states it while gazing in Yuki's direction.

  Huh, occasionally?

  Nobu wonders about that briefly but shrugs it off immediately.

  Sigh.

  "As always, I'll welcome it at the usual time."

  Yuki answers casually after drinking his tea.

  Dammit, he's way too friendly with a Guildmaster for a mere adventurer. Even we heroes must pay our utmost respect to most Guildmasters.

  "Haahh, alright. Come to the Guild at seven. Then you can have a duel with Yuki at nine."

  "Thank you, sir."

  "Then I'll excuse myself, old man."

  Yuki says it as usual.

  Huh?? Old man??

  Nobu's curiosity rises once again at this unusual 'respect.'

  "Yes, yes, be on your way. I'm heading back too."

  Nobu is left behind alone, drowning in his own thoughts.

  His party carefully approaches him to take him back to their rooms.

  While other customers start their murmurs again about the duel.

  The uproar will start at the new dawn, in silence.

  - Objective 6, Chasing Shadows: CLEARED! -