Level Eater

Chapter 40: Escort quest

After waking up and changing into their proper clothes for adventuring, they put all their personal belongings back in the Item Box and went downstairs to return the key.

Then they were asked if they wanted to eat, and since they were too lazy to go out and look for something, they paid the fee and ate there.

When they finally left the inn, they found that the residents were up and about and were going about their business.

Well, lets start with the license, shall we?

Yes.

The two of them then walked towards the gate they had passed when they first entered the town.

After a while, a large gate appeared. They walked closer and closer to the gate and stepped out of it.

The young guard, who had spotted them from his post near the outer gate, greeted Tatsuro and Ai with a smile.

Good morning, you two.

Good morning.

When they both replied happily, he looked even happier at their friendliness and cut to the chase.

Youve come here, which means youve successfully become an adventurer, right?

Yes, thanks to you. Actually, I had finished registering yesterday, but I was so busy that I didnt get around to it until today.

yes yes, its not that I forgot!

When Ai glanced sideways at him in protest as she added an unnecessary phrase to her excuse, he winked back, I told you to follow up!

The guards, who were unconcerned by the fact that they came here with nothing but their clothes on, probably had some business to attend to on their first day.

So, can I see your registration card for the Adventurers Guild?

Yes. Yes.

He activated the system and selected the registration card from the Adventurers Guild section so that the guards could see it.

When the guard sees this, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a silver plate the size of a smartphone, like the one Leela was using.

Then a thin, shiny silver plate appeared. The guard handed it to Ai, and Tatsuro followed the same procedure to receive the same item. As soon as they received the plate, it turned into particles and entered them.

Looking at the registration card of the Adventurers Guild, he saw a silver seal with the word Obsul stamped on it in the lower right corner.

As they looked at it curiously, a man from the guards added the necessary information.

It will be gone in a month, so if you plan to stay in town longer than that, come back five days before the expiration date to renew it.

If you stay in town after the expiration date, you may be fined or detained, so be careful.

I understand. Yes.

They replied, but thought that they might not be here for a month. The forest was noisy, and there might be better places to earn SP. Above all, both of them wanted to explore more of the other world.

So they returned their temporary permits and headed for the Adventurers Guild.

When they entered the Adventurers Guild, they noticed that the number of adventurers inside was much smaller than when they had come before.

As they tilted their heads to see if everyone was out working, a familiar face appeared in front of them.

Hey, its Tatsuro and Ai!

Zendo-san!

The two of them called out his name together, and Zendo spoke to them smilingly as a group of burly men looked at him, wondering what he was talking about.

It seems youve become an adventurer.

Yes, thanks to you. Yes, its perfect!

I see, I see.

When Zendo saw the two of them in their current attire, he realized at a glance that they had become adventurers and was as pleased as he was.

So, how did you end up here, Zendo?

Well, you see

He explained with a sullen look on his face.

According to him, the road to the salt lake had been declared a danger zone, and Zendo and his team decided that it would be dangerous to go there alone without an escort.

So they came to the Adventurers Guild to get an escort.

However, it is said that the danger zone is only approved for a few dozen days at most, so most of the adventurers have left the town or closed their businesses, not wanting to cross the dangerous bridge.

If this were to happen, the salt makers would have no adventurers to guard them. For the adventurers, a few dozen days might not be a big deal, but for the salt makers, it would be a huge loss.

Thats why they were all groaning here, wondering what to do.

As they were listening to the story, Leela came over to them.

Hello, Tatsuro-san, Ai-san.

Hello.

After a quick greeting, Leela also had a troubled expression on her face.

The guild is the one that issued the danger zone certification, but I never thought that the adventurers would be so boneheaded. A few decades ago, they would have come to us for help.

Oh, I see.

A few decades ago?

Tatsuro and Ai wondered the same thing, but they didnt dare to say it, thinking it wasnt the right time.

Then they looked at each other in agreement and nodded at each other and proceeded to talk.

The road to the salt lake is around where we got a ride from Grandpa, right?

Yeah, thats right.

So can we take that request?

EH?

Several of the burly men there couldnt believe their ears, wondering what they were talking about.

But Zendo and Leela thought it might be possible.

Are you sure about this? You guys?

Yes, were sure. Its a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

Ai is right. Please let us help you this time.

Y-you guys, .

Zendo was moved to tears, shedding copious amounts of tears. But to the men behind him, Tatsuro and Ai looked like nothing more than a bunch of fledgling adventurer kids, trying to grow taller and repay some kind of favor.

Zendo-san, thats as good as it gets.

Oh? What is it Gaz!

These guys are good enough to chase away a white water crystal deflustrator with ease!

EH?

I can vouch for their skill.

So if they want to do it, I think its best to let them do it.

If it wasnt Zendo, the men would have thought he was an old geezer.

But the words of Leela, who had worked for the adventurers guild for many years, carried enough weight to be believed.

No matter how close she is to the person she is working with, she never takes it personally.

The job of an adventurer is a life-threatening one. Whats more, shes beautiful.

W-well, if Leela says it, it must be true.

Thats right.

Yes, yes, yes!

Hey, why did you only say Leelas name, you guys?

Thats .

You little bastards! Get back in there!

Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaa

While Zendo and the others were engaged in some kind of noisy contrivance, Tatsuro, Ai and Leela were beginning to finalize the details of the request.

If possible, Id like you to take the job until the danger zone certification is lifted, but for now, could you take the job today, and if you think its good enough, take the job tomorrow and after?

Right.

I havent been to the salt lake yet, and Ill decide after I try it once.

So, Ai, do you mind?

Its okay!

Leela felt relieved when Ai responded with a thumbs-up, and immediately started to prepare the request form for today.

Then, from the perspective of Tatsuro and Ai, Leela, who had been flicking her fingers toward the void, looked up and presented them with the same two glowing red boards from the previous request.

This is the request form. Please check.

Yes. Yes.

The two of them immediately took it and were sucked into each of them as particles of light, and the screen appeared again.

-

Client: Zendo Baulin

Requisition: Escort the salt artisans all the way to Lenthetius Salt Lake and back

Reward: 200,000 sis.

Accept / Reject

-

200,000 Sith in one day?

Thats right. Is this the going rate for escort missions?

The reward was higher than they were expecting, so they asked Leela while rolling their eyes. And then Leela shook her head.

Normally its less than half that amount, but since were in this situation now, its like a danger pay.

Besides, the salt makers are making a lot of money, so it should be fine.

Thats right! Dont worry about the money!

Leelas smile and Zendos vivacious laugh encouraged the two who had been put off by the high price.

Okay. Shall we accept, Ai?

Yes!

And with that, the two of them pressed the accept button at the same time.

chapter 41