Click Clack Creak
A series of sounds echoed one after another, accompanied by the opening of the doors. A beautiful scenery on the other side if the window was revealed soon after, the morning sunlight seeping through and illuminating the large corridors.
Two figures came out of the door, light and comfortable garments covering their bodies. They were, of course, Grey and Yuna who just got changed after having a fantastic breakfast along with the Marquess and Marchioness.
With the arrival of a new morning, it was finally time to fulfill yesterday's promise. It was time to head out and explore the town. And as Lista was a port town until the ones they've been to before, the couldn't couldn't help but get excited about what kind of things they'll get to see.
"Hmm... I wonder if they have sea cucumbers at the market..." ［Yuna］
"They probably do, it's a port town, after all. But didn't you say you wanted us to catch them ourselves?" ［Grey］
"I did... But just in case we don't get any, I was thinking we should just buy them at the market. It'll be easier that way." ［Yuna］
"I suppose you're right..." ［Grey］
And continuing their conversation yesterday, the two were once again talking about the sea cucumbers from before. It was a new ingredient, after all. Both as cooks and gourmets, it was only natural that they think about such things. It wasn't because they were gluttons, not at all.
They were hoping to eat some at the dinner table yesterday, but unfortunately, they didn't get the chance to. It was either the people didn't know how to cook them or that nobles just didn't eat them. They'll never know the answer.
"Well, enough about that. Let's just enjoy ourselves for the day, shall we?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! You're right. I guess I was thinking too hard about it." ［Yuna］
"Then, shall we, Milady?" ［Grey］
"Yes. I'll be in your care once again, Sir Grey." ［Yuna］
Playful and gentle smiles on their faces, Grey and Yuna soon headed out of the mansion and into the bustling town. They had just stepped outside and they could already feel the liveliness of the town, feeling the gentle breeze from the sea.
"Please enjoy your day out, Your Highnesses."
"We will, thank you." ［Grey］
Like birds in the sky, with wings born to fly freely, as soon as Grey and Yuna were out if the mansion, their feet didn't sit still for a single moment, heading towards where their feet led them to, smiling happily as they satisfied their curiosity,
And like they had expected, Lista really was different from other towns and cities they had been to. No matter where one would look, they would see a couple fishing rods and nets hanging out of the resident's homes, oars and barrels displayed with them.
Not just the houses, but the streets themselves were quite different. It was much wider to accommodate the large number of wagons carrying seafood and merchandise from the port and there was a lot more variety in the stores by the main streets, showing off the different products from the sea routes.
Of course, the number of seafood stores and such were astounding. Be it left or right, their eyes could spot a seafood store in every block and every few dozen steps, filled with hungry fishermen and citizens going about their daily lives.
"Waah～! It's so different～! It's like we're in another world!" ［Yuna］
"I know, right? This is also my first time exploring a port town. I didn't know it would be this lively..." ［Grey］
"Right～?! It really is different than when we were riding a carriage yesterday. I like it more this way." ［Yuna］
Exchanging comments, Grey and Yuna continued walking aimlessly, heads turning left and left and pointing here and there. They were just like excited children on a long-awaited school trip, curious as one can be.
It has been some time since people greeted them here and there as they walked down the streets and it really was refreshing. Not having people recognize them made them feel a lot more free, skipping around town as they explored even the most hidden of nooks and crannies.
"Grey! Here! Look! There's so many octopuses!" ［Yuna］
"Grey! There's a large ship at the port!" ［Yuna］
"Grey! What is that thing?!" ［Yuna］
Like a parrot repeating her words again and again, Yuna called out Grey's name again and again, pointing at a lot of things and making various expressions as they continued their little stroll around town.
Snap Snap Snap
Of course, Grey didn't miss the chance and snapped as many photos as he could, hundreds upon hundreds of photos taken, all containing a precious memory of the both of them. Times filled with smiles and happiness.
More than an hour had passed and after several twists and turns, Grey and Yuna have explored many parts of town. Even then, surprisingly, they haven't stepped foot into the town's market yet. They were a little surprised by it, actually.
Of course, they could just ask around or follow the wagons from the port, but the two were already set out in just heading where their feet take them. They weren't in a hurry anyway. It was still best to explore town with a fresh mind, like adventurers heading out into the unknown.
"Hmn?" ［Yuna］
"Is there somethingー Oh..." ［Grey］
But of course, it didn't matter which town it was, there would always be a single building present everywhere. Standing in front of them was a large establishment they knew all too well. It was the Adventurers' Guild!
"Grey! Let's head inside!" ［Yuna］
"Huh? But we're exploring town right now. Taking quests isー" ［Grey］
"No! Not like that! I'm just curious what kind of quests are available here in Lista. I'm sure they're different from Galderia!" ［Yuna］
What's more energetic than a hyperactive person, one might ask? It is an energetic and curious person, and that's exactly what Yuna is right now. Just a single glance at her sparkling eyes and Grey could tell she isn't taking "no" for an answer.
Well, it's not like Grey doesn't understand Yuna's curiosity. As an adventurer, and of high rank at that, he was also quite curious what kinds of quests are available on Lista and how different they are from the ones in landlocked territories.
'Hmm... I wonder if there are alsoー Wait!' ［Grey］
It was like lightning struck his mind, hoping for novel quests along the lines of Kraken subjugation, fighting pirates, or catching rare sea ingredients which would be plenty interesting. He was even more hopeless than Yuna. Like boyfriend, like girlfriend.
"You're right. I'm also curious." ［Grey］
"Yaay～! Let's go!" ［Yuna］
Excited and curious, the two entered the guild one after another. And just like the previous ones they've been in, there was quite a number of people inside, each looking a little different from the other and equipped with all sorts of equipment,
Even then, no matter how different they were, they all did something in common. They were all looking at Grey and Yuna with puzzled eyes, question marks floating above their minds, some even tilting their heads.
"Grey... They're all looking at us... Did they find out who we are?" ［Yuna］
"That shouldn't be possible. After all, I don't recognize any of them, and we're also wearing different clothes than usualー Ah..." ［Grey］
Well, it wasn't long before Grey and Yuna realized the reason. It wasn't because they were recognized nor because of their outstanding beauty or anything of the sort. It was for a very silly reason... Their clothes...
Their light vacation attires were simply just too out of place. Heck, Yuna was even wearing sandals and a sunhat, whilst Grey was wearing one of his typical date attires. People just couldn't help but stare with confusion in their eyes.
After all, the guild is a place where people make and take quests from, quests which could range from light to life-threatening. Wearing such garments in such a place was only bound to make them stand out like a sore thumb. It was a first in Lista's guild, and quite possibly the last.
"Hmm... Should we change clothes and come back later?" ［Yuna］
"Nah... That's too troublesome. Let's just not mind them and look at the quest boards for now. I'm sure it'll return to normal sooner or later." ［Grey］
"I suppose you're right..." ［Yuna］
Oh well, Grey and Yuna are already used to situations where all eyes were on them. They simply ignored all the stares and headed straight towards the quest boards, and the puzzled eyes also followed them. It really was strange, after all.
Fishing, repelling annoying aquatic beasts, escort quests, herd collection, and a lot more. Grey and Yuna looked left and right throughout all the quest boards and they were able to get a grasp of what kind of quests were available in Lista.
"Mmn... Grey, this is..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah... It's a little... It's far from what I expected..." ［Grey］
Unfortunately, no matter how much Grey and Yuna searched, all the quests were the same in essence. Their excitement was quickly dampened, disappointment soon took its place in their hearts as their faces frowned a little.
"It's just about the same, isn't it? It's a little disappointing..." ［Yuna］
"You're right. But on the bright side, we can experience the sea in more ways with this. Isn't that something?" ［Grey］
"I guess you're right..." ［Yuna］
Well, it's not like it was entirely hopeless. Even if the essence is the same, it's still going to be a new experience for the two. They were somewhat looking forward to taking and completing them during their stay.
"Then, shall we head back now?" ［Grey］
"Un! Let's continue exploー" ［Yuna］
"Heeelp! Anyone, Heeelp!"
A very familiar situation. Before Grey and Yuna could even turn around and leave, a loud and panic-stricken scream echoed throughout the whole guild, shocking every adventurer and staff inside, their minds filled with confusion.
The screaming man's face was pale, out of breath, and drenched in his own sweat. All it takes is a single glance to tell that the man used his all just to reach the guild. With his outfit, he seemed to be a fisherman, and with such people yelling out the words "help", it could only mean trouble at the sea.
The guild staff quickly brought water to the man and quickly aided him, letting him catch his breath. It reminded Grey and Yuna of the Orc Horde Subjugation. Their wishes for excitement were answered in a way they didn't expect.
"Have you calmed down now, Mister." ［Staff］
"A-Ah, yesー No, wait! I-Is the Vice Guildmaster around?! We need the Vice Guildmaster! He's the only one who can help us!" ［Fisherman］
"M-Mister, please calm down! We can't just send out anyone from the guild without knowing the situation." ［Staff］
"The port! Sea Serpents are rampaging near the ports!" ［Fisherman］
At the Fisherman's words, the guild was quickly plunged into chaos, panic striking the hearts of every staff and adventurer. The once peaceful guild which was just puzzled at Grey and Yuna's strange outfits was now a turbulent place, loud and indiscriminate noises brewing everywhere.
After all, Sea Serpents aren't just normal animals. They are water-attribute beasts and D-rank at that. They are creatures which usually dwell deep under the seas and are one of the fears of the fishermen as they go about their daily lives in the sea.
Compared to the Lista's guild which only had a couple D-rankers and a couple dozen E-rankers, a bunch of Sea Serpents is very powerful, especially when they dwell in the sea, their domain. They are huge threats.
"The Vice Guildmaster! Please call the Vice Guildmater!" ［Fisherman］
"Sorry... He's currently not around... A-Ah! But he should be back any minute now! Please rest assuredー" ［Staff］
"Screw that! My colleagues could lose their lives any moment!" ［Fisherman］
With more seconds passing, the guild only became more chaotic. But that chaos was just what Grey and Yuna needed. Before anyone could even notice, they quickly slipped away and headed out of the guild.
"Sorry, Yuna, but it seems like our little date will have to wait." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! It's okay. I could also use a little stretching... Ah! But we'll have to explore lots of places after this, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Sure. Anything for Milady." ［Grey］
Of course, their destination was none other than the port they just walked by a few minutes ago. Thanks to Yuna's "Nihility", they were able to bolt through the whole distance without anyone noticing, just like phantoms streaking through the night.
In just a couple seconds, the few hundred meters of distance was quickly closed by Grey and Yuna, the open and peaceful sea welcoming themー Well, it would have been peaceful if it weren't for the bunch of swimming strings wiggling and causing chaos all over the place.
Fortunately, the Sea Serpents haven't reached the ports yet and no ship nor civilian has been harmed. Even then, the tension was high in the air as the fishermen and the soldiers waited for them with their blades and shields.
"Looks like there's only about a dozen of them... It should be easy to take care of them in a flash." ［Grey］
"Hmm... Grey... I have a question." ［Yuna］
"What is it? Is something the matter?" ［Grey］
"These Sea Serpents... Do you know what they taste like? I've never had them before so I'm just a little curious." ［Yuna］
Well, what was more amazing than the scene before them was Yuna's boundless appetite. Even with such a dire situation at hand, all she could think of was food, eyeing the Sea Serpents with great curiosity. She really hasn't changed a little bit.
"Then, how about we find out later. I also haven't cooked using them as ingredients so I'm also curious." ［Grey］
"Un! Let's do that!" ［Yuna］
Well, it's not like Grey was any better than her. As the one who made Yuna the way she is right now, his appetite and curiosity was also unmatched. In fact, recipes are already spinning around his mind, anticipating what Sea Serpent meat would taste like with other ingredients.
The chaos continued and the Sea Serpents drew closer and closer. A couple more seconds later and the hungry couple was finally at the edge of the ports. And as one would expect, vacation clothes really didn't suit the situation. Truly strange.
"Let's get started, shall weー" ［Grey］
Crackle Crackle BOOOOOMMMM
Grey couldn't even finish his words. Before they even noticed, the surrounding mana was sent into turmoil and the very next moment, a large bolt of lightning came down from the clear, blue sky, sending shockwaves as the waves roared violently.
The blue light faded and as soon as it did, a swift blur passed through the crowd of soldiers and fishermen. Only two pairs of eyes could follow the blur and what they saw was a familiar figure bolting atop the waters.
"Wait, Grey, isn't that..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah, it's him, alright. I never knew we'd meet again like this..." ［Grey］
Though they only met him once back when they were participating in the Labyrinth of Death, he was an especially hard to forget character with his outgoing character and eyes which seemed to always be close. It was...
"I-It's Lord Jiro! Lord Jiro has arrived!"
"Hooray! We're saved!"
"Thank goodness! Looks like we get to live another day!"
... The Silent Thunder's party leader and the man who is always the source of envy for many male adventurers. It was Jiro, one of the few High-Rankers who participated in the Labyrinth of Death several months back.
As soon as he arrived, the atmosphere over the place quickly changed. The once depressed and gloomy people were now celebrating merrily at the sight of Jiro. It was as if everything was a passing lie. The tension was no more.
"To think that I'll receive such a warm welcome... I'm touched..." ［Jiro］
Uttering such nonsense, Jiro continued streaking down the blue sea, using electricity as footing and dashing straight towards the Sea Serpents. A pair of daggers were equipped in his hands, ready to spill blood at any given moment,
⟨⟨Swift Guillotine!⟩⟩ ［Jiro］
And spill blood it did. As soon as he came in range to one of the Sea Serpents, he quickly brandished his daggers and the very next moment, the poor beast's head was lopped off from its body, sent flying and dying the waters red.
It didn't just end there. As soon as he decapitated one of the Sea Serpents, he then quickly dashed towards the nearest one and sent it to where its friend was and turned another patch of water red as the Sea Serpent's blood was spilled.
Splash Splash Splash
The Sea Serpents didn't just simply sit still either. As soon as they noticed a couple of their kin get mercilessly slaughtered by the man before them, they quickly dove down the sea, attempting to launch an attack from below.
"Now, now, we can't have you do that, can we?" ［Jiro］
In spite of such threats, Jiro remained calm and observed the situation. Only God knows how he was observing with his eyes always closed, but he was observing, alright. Yep, he could see through his eyelids. Yep. Yep.
The Sea Serpents lunged quickly towards him and he took note of each and every movement in the sea, eyeing all directions as he turned his head left and right. And when the Sea Serpents finally resurfaced to attack him, he simply raised his hand.
⟨⟨Lightning Vortex!⟩⟩ ［Jiro］
His indifferent voice drifting in the salty breeze, blue light crackled from his palms once more and just a couple moments later, a large sphere of blue lightning struck down the sea with violent force enough to decimate boulders in a single second.
The lightning bolts whipped and lashed around the sea and those unfortunate Sea Serpents who resurfaced were quickly burned to char from inside out, loud splashes echoing as they helplessly fell back to the sea without much resistance.
The ones underwater weren't safe either. It was saltwater after all, a substance much more conductive than regular water. Lightning simply coursed through the waters and electrocuted everything indiscriminately. Be it fishes, crabs, or the Sea Serpents, all were shocked thoroughly.
"Hahaha. Looks like we have some tough ones over here." ［Jiro］
And even though a couple of the stronger Sea Serpents survived, they all received large injuries, pain and agony coursing through their whole bodies, consciousness almost fading away towards the darkness.
They tried to run away, but with their current constitution, they could barely swim. They were running away at a snail's pace, obviously bearing a lot of injuries and trying their best to flee before Jiro notices them.
"Sorry, but I can't be having you do that." ［Jiro］
Unfortunately for them, the eyes of a High-Ranker is nothing to scoff at. As soon as he saw the Sea Serpents start running away, he simply sent another bolt of lightning after them, another crash and boom echoing in the air,
As quickly as it started, the battle was finished before anyone knew it. The only one which remained was a smiling figure, blue lightning crackling atop the surface of the water as he watched the far horizons.
"Woohoo! Lord Jiro did it again! We're saved!"
"Amazing! He defeated all those serpents by himself!"
"Lord Jiro! Lista's pride and glory!"
Full of excitement and happiness, the crowd chanted Jiro's name over and over again as they cheered loudly and applauded merrily. From gloom, confusion, relief, and excitement. Everyone experienced a roller coaster of emotions in less than a minute. Quite an experience if one were to say so.
If there was anything noteworthy, it was that two people had completely different expressions than the others. Rather than excitement, there was only disappointment painted on their faces. And the reason was pretty simple...
"Yuna, looks like we won't be having Sea Serpents tonight." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I was looking forward to it too..." ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 218 END