* * *
Upon arriving at the guild, Aya made a conscious effort to remain hidden under her cloak, trying not to draw any unnecessary attention. Her hair had significantly lightened, losing all signs of its previous brown color. While her hair had turned white due to her benefactor's possession, she couldn't deny that it had also made her much stronger, and she was grateful for that.
However, despite her stealthy figure, someone still noticed her white hair. And to make things much worse— a knight who could potentially spread the news about her even more.
Aya knew that this was bound to happen at some point, and she braced herself for the potential consequences. She understood the need to be even more cautious and careful from now on, no matter what.
Upon approaching the receptionist desk, Aya noticed the usual receptionist who was in charge of her. She was working with many adventurers who were signing up for their quests. And despite the fact that it was a busy time of the day, the receptionist still kept a professional smile on her face.
After waiting for nearly thirty minutes, the line finally dwindled down, and it was Aya's turn to approach the receptionist's desk. The receptionist didn't immediately recognize Aya due to her cloak, so she greeted the dark-cloaked girl with her usual friendly smile.
"Welcome to Fixy's Adventurer Guild! What can I help you with today?"
Aya raised her head a little higher to make eye contact with the receptionist.
"A-AY….. Ahem….. Aya, you're back already?"
The receptionist was taken aback by the unexpected encounter with Aya and nearly let out a surprised call before composing herself. She noticed the cloak Aya was wearing and asked if she was hiding from someone, offering to help her find a safe place
"And what's with that cloak? Are you hiding from someone? If so, I can help you get somewhere safe."
"No, that's not—"
"If that's the case, then let's hurry up and leave this place as soon as we can. The faster we move, the quicker you can get into a safer location."
The receptionist softly said to the addled girl, who wasn't getting a chance to talk, leaving behind a few more adventurers that were waiting behind the cloaked girl.
"What about your work….." Aya attempted to calm the receptionist down.
"No need to worry about that. Your safety comes first." The woman in a suit insisted.
Then, as the receptionist had already made up her mind, she held Aya's hand and led her to the back rooms of the guild in order to take her away from the eyes of the public.
"Miss Mirai! I'm not in danger, so please calm down." Aya uttered, finally making the receptionist calm down.
"You're not being followed? Are you sure? You could still have been followed without anyone knowing, so you can't be too sure."
"No, I'm not." Aya quickly answered.
"But what about that clothing…. You look as if you're trying to…" The receptionist speculated from the way Aya was clothed and acting.
Aya trusted Mirai, which is why, in order to explain everything that led her to wear that cloak, she pulled down her hoodie and revealed her bleached white hair that was in worse condition.
"....It's getting worse…," the woman in a suit uttered with concern, realizing the reason behind Aya's cloaked appearance. '...So that's why…,' she continued to ponder in her mind.
"Don't worry, though," Aya reassured with a wry smile on her face. "Because I'm already getting used to it."
'....And….. she's embracing it….' The receptionist concluded in her mind.
"I'm here to report that I wasn't able to enter the informed dungeon because it was already destroyed. That's why I came back so quickly," Aya explained about the state of the newly discovered dungeon.
After hearing Aya's report, the receptionist took a moment to think.
She knew that Aya must be telling the truth, considering she returned much more quickly than expected. Normally, it would take adventurers over a week to thoroughly investigate and conquer each floor. But in Aya's case, she returned in just three days.
"I understand. I will have to cancel the quest regarding that dungeon due to its expiration," the receptionist hummed to herself before focusing back on Aya. "Were there any casualties, or were you unable to gather any information on that part?"
Aya looked to her side for a split second before looking up again at the receptionist.
"I'm not sure, but I think a few adventurers were buried alive due to its sudden collapse..."
"I understand. I will make sure to inform the staff and all adventurers about this," the receptionist responded with a serious expression, appreciating the valuable information Aya provided.
However, before the conversation was over, the receptionist let out a gasp as if something came to mind.
"I forgot to mention something. I need to give you something later, but first, I must finish writing this report."
The receptionist wryly smiled, as she didn't want to bother Aya any longer. She was sure that she must've been tired from her trip.
Can you come back in a few minutes or so?"
"Sure," Aya replied with a wry smile before leaving the guild.