Archibald found himself in the shrine-like domain of Muramasa once again.
This time, he was in his own form, as his spiritual body was not pulled to the Second Firmament. Instead, he arrived through dream travel.
The domain was filled with skulls of various horrific creatures, creating a shrine-like atmosphere.
Despite the eerie surroundings, Archibald remained composed and focused on his purpose for being there.
"Alright, where are you?"
Archibald experienced a sudden and unexpected change in his surroundings.
He went from standing in a location that was unsettling in nature to finding himself unclothed in a bathtub.
It was at this point that he noticed the presence of Muramasa, a deity who appeared as a young girl.
Muramasa proceeded to assist the individual by washing his back.
It should be noted that neither he nor Muramasa wore any clothing during this encounter.
So, you miss me? | she inquired.
Despite being normally distracted by Muramasa's body, Archibald was focused on asking about Sakura's whereabouts.
He spoke confidently and directly, saying:
"Cut the crap... I did what you asked, now tell me where Sakura is?"
This made the young goddess giggle. She resumed washing his back.
Oh humans, so impatient... Indeed, I told you to refine your skills by getting our of your comfort zone, but I didn't guarantee I knew where exactly Sakura is.. |
"Great (disappointed~)... So you don't know where she is."
Oh I do... I just can't tell you.. |
"(sighs~) Stop with the games.."
See... There's a code amongst us Gods. We can't divulge vital information of other Godsʼ reincarnators, if we did it'd be a breach of conduct. |
"Then why did you tell me about her to begin with...?"
Because, even if I can't tell you much about her, or her whereabouts exactly... I can still guide you to her. |
"REALLY?!"
Archibald received the news from Muramasa that Sakura could still be found.
This news was a source of hope for him.
He immediately sprang out of the bathtub and turned sharply to face Muramasa.
Despite her nudity, Archibald was not bothered as his focus was on finding Sakura. When it came to her, nothing else mattered to him.
Oh my, you're quite big down there... What are you, eleven? |
Muramasa made an observation.
"Damn you! (flustered~)"
Quickly, he used both hands to cover his meat sword.
Alright, jokes aside... Listen up, the next thing I need you to do is to go to the guild in the city, interesting things will happen there... |
"Like what?"
That, I can't tell you... |
Before he could say anything more, he woke up, abruptly opening his eyes.
("That bastard loli!")
He slammed the ground furiously.
After he stood up, Archibald noticed the letter on the table.
It was from Rumia.
[ Archibald,
I'll be out for a while, I need to bargain prices for our supplies and maybe take an occasional stroll round the city. If all goes well, we should be leaving town tomorrow.
P.S. There's some bread on the table, you can have it. ]
("I guess I should head for the guild..")
He rubbed his chin as he pondered where exactly the guild was.
"I guess I'll have to ask around."
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On the streets.
Based on the position of the sun, Archibald deduced that it was almost noon.
He determined that Rumia had written the letter approximately three hours ago, as the ink had lost its freshness.
Archibald was currently on his way to the only guild in the city, having already freshened up for the day.
He wore ankle high boots, black shorts and an oversized gray shirt, with his hands in his pockets as he walked.
There were various humanoid monster-like races roaming the streets.
Men with a pig's snout, others with a horse's head, Lizard men and most prominently, individuals who had long tails and horns.
----------
He asked around.
Then he went south of the city.
It was there he arrived at his destination.
-----------
[Tempest Fall Guild] Falmuth branch.
It wasn't hard to locate, being the only guild in the city.
"I didn't know there'd be a branch here... I doubt Rumia did either. If she did, she'd be like... (mimics her voice~) Focus Archibald.."
He stopped quickly after discovering people on the street gave him strange looks.
In between the time he was walking into the guild, Rumia could clearly be seen running past him, "Why is he here?!" she emphatically uttered.
A story for another time.
At the entrance, Archibald had to display his Adventurerʼs ID as proof of his Adventurer status.
Inside the guild.
It was predictably inundated with Adventurers eagerly anticipating their upcoming quest.
A portion of the crowd indulged in alcoholic beverages, while others devoted their attention to enhancing their magical equipment.
A staff receptionist was attending to a girl who had newly enrolled as an Adventurer.
"Okay, you're thirteen years old... And also an Advanced-ranked Healer and a Junior-ranked Water Magus. Impressive."
It was only natural she'd be this talented in healing arts, she was a priestess in training after all.
"Thank you... Since I'm almost an adult, the temple granted me passage to select a career of my choice, I want to become an Adventurer who can help as many lives as I can."
The individual in question was a human girl.
She possessed a slender build and was in her teenage years. Her hair was a shade of azure blue and extended to a considerable length. Her eyes were midnight blue and her skin was of a snow-like complexion. She had a curvaceous figure and was dressed in an attire that was typical of a priestess, complete with a matching veil.
In her possession was the magic stave known as the <
"Excellent... Here."
The receptionist gave her an ID card as required by all Adventurers.
"Rank F?" said the priestess in confusion.
"Ah, I suppose you wouldn't know.."
The receptionist went on to explain to her how the ranking system for Adventurers.
It wrapped up with her saying:
"It'd be advisable to join a veteran party with your skills in support magic, but I suppose that won't be so easy."
Coincidentally, a party of three approached the girl, they were a group known as | Blue Dew Lions |. They were D-ranked Adventurers.
It was composed of the following:
~ Gilbert [Swordsman/Leader] (M | 15)
~ Feena [Magus] (F | 14)
~ Nambrole [Martial] (M | 14)
~ Lamperogue [Deviant] (M | 14)
"Nice to meet you... I'm Gilbert, leader of the | Blue Dew Lions |... We heard you're an Advanced-ranked Healer.."
The leader had brown hair and wore light armor and had a sword typical of a Swordsman.
"Would you really want me to join you guys? I'm still new..." she said.
"Why not?"
Feena and Nambrole uttered in unison.
On the flipside, Lamperogue remained silent.
With an exuberant smile, Gilbert went on to inquire:
"So what's your name?"
"Lutessa Aquila Jorgelia.."
"Ah, well nice to meet you Tess!"
Meanwhile, Archibald was seated on a chair in the hall of the small guild.
"I don't get what she wanted me to do.."
He stared at the ceiling still visibly confused on what his next step would be.
As he spent this short period thinking, his attention was caught by the party members who were discussing about the next job they'd be taking.
"So, our job is to slay some redakhondas that have been terrorizing the production factory near the cityʼs outskirts..."
Gilbert was the one speaking, he indifferently read out the contents of the paper he held.
"So, will you be joining us?" Feena directed the question at Lutessa.
"If you really want me to." her voice was a tad high-pitched as she answered.
Patting her on the back, Nambrole stated "Why wouldn't we? You'd make a great Support Magus."
The | Blue Dew Lions | already had an Attack Magus — Feena.
Bowing her head as a show of gratitude, Lutessa thanked them.
Everyone warmly welcomed her excluding the cold and distant Lamperogue.
His supposed friends and party members referred to him as "Rogue."
Now that everything was in motion, they could set out.
"Let's go team.." said Gilbert.
During this time, Archibald was half asleep on the chair as they walked past him.
An exceptionally loud snore that bothered everyone in the guild.