Chapter 19: Secret Meeting
The line at the reception desk shows no signs of abating.
(I haven't even had lunch yet...)
I grumble inwardly, but since everyone else is in the same situation, there's no point in saying anything. So let's finish this as quickly as possible. I haven't... really given it my all yet! Just kidding. Next...
"Cladia! The guildmaster is calling for you. He wants you to come to the reception room on the third floor."
Oh, is this lucky? Or is it trouble?... Well, as long as I can leave the reception desk, anything is fine.
As I receive envious glances from the receptionists and head towards the third floor, adventurers who were lined up in my queue send me looks of despair as if it's the end of the world.
I'm surprisingly popular, you know.
When I enter the reception room, the guildmaster, Count Alfred, and Celestina are waiting. Quite an impressive group.
I'm not a fool, so as soon as I see the people, I can quickly figure out why I was called.
"Cladia! Is it true that a person with black eyes and black hair from another world appeared?"
See? Celestina asked eagerly.
"It's true. He was polite and a handsome young man."
All three of them are wide-eyed and surprised. I wouldn't have believed it either if I hadn't met him in person.
"So, how about Kakeru-kun? Did you appraise him?"
"Yes, but at this point, he had the status of a C-rank adventurer. His magical power was on par with an A-rank mage, though."
"Is he specialized in magic? Honestly, it's a bit disappointing."
Count Alfred is disappointed, but don't imitate me from this morning.
"Count Alfred, he has only been in this world for three days. It's astonishing, isn't it?"
"...If that's true, it's an incredible growth rate. What about his skills?"
"...Honestly, the most surprising thing was his skills. He possessed multiple skills that I've never seen or heard of before, and I don't know what abilities they have."
"I see, it must be those so-called unique skills that people from another world are said to possess."
The guildmaster nods with great interest.
"Perhaps it's his skill, but after I appraised him, he possessed an appraisal skill that he shouldn't have had. He shouldn't have used the skill on me, though."
"...Could it be a skill that allows him to acquire the skills he see? If such a ridiculous skill exists, then Kakero-kun will undoubtedly become an exceptional existence..."
"Speaking of which, Kakero-kun can speak, right? In that case, is he a hero? It seems that people from another world, other than heroes, often struggle with language."
Lord Alfred-sama's eyes sparkle. Come to think of it, he admired heroes, didn't he?
"I don't know about that, but Chloe was very fond of him, so there's no doubt he's not a bad person."
"I-I see... So he's not a bad person."
Oh? Celestina's face is red. She seemed quiet just now. I'll need to hear the details later.
"So, where did Kakero-kun go?"
"He's gone to Seneca Village on an F-rank request to exterminate horned rabbits."
"They made the potential hero of another world exterminate horned rabbits? What a waste."
"No, it's not just an extermination request. The village mayor, Diego, asked me to introduce a skilled adventurer because he wanted to investigate the anomaly in the southern forest."
"What? An anomaly in the southern forest? I haven't heard anything about it."
Guildmaster Gilmas frowned dissatisfiedly.
"It seems to be Diego's long-standing intuition, so nothing has actually happened yet..."
"...Could it be related to the movements in the western forest?"
"Yes. At that time, news about the western forest hadn't reached us yet, but now it's a possibility."
"In that case, it may have been a good thing that Kakero-kun went there this time. It would be even better if nothing happens in the end."
"Hmm? It's getting noisy downstairs... Claudia, could you go and see what's going on?"
"Yes, understood. I'll go check."
Leaving the reception room and going downstairs, I hear a familiar voice.
(Chloe?)
Hastily returning to the reception, I see Chloe arguing with the receptionist.
She's covered in sweat and has bruises all over her body. Her breathing is heavy.
"I told you, call the guildmaster quickly! It's an emergency!"
"I'm sorry, but the guildmaster is currently in an important meeting..."
"Then call Claudia!"
"Claudia is also present..."
"...I understand. I'll force my way through."
...Oh no, she's about to explode.
"Chloe! Stop! I'll listen to you if you calm down."
"...Thank goodness, Claudia, let me meet the guildmaster. It's an emergency."
***
Chloe's report was shocking.
"It's 300 orcs led by Orc General... Damn it, they're targeting not only the Western Forest but also the Southern Forest."
"Well, our worst predictions came true. But it's good that we found out early. Let's immediately contact the southern region. Bernard, how many high-ranking adventurers can the guild mobilize right now?"
"We have Rabbit Ears and Cat Tail. Both are A-rank adventurer parties, and they are quite capable."
"...Sorry. Do we have any parties that seem stronger?"
"Lord Alfred, despite the name, they are indeed powerful."
"Well, if Claudia says so, I'll believe it."
"For the Western Forest, we'll coordinate with the Knights and adventurers as planned. For the Southern Forest, we'll send Chloe-chan and two A-rank adventurer parties as a small but elite force in advance. I can go as well, but if the enemy's target is Esperanza Fortress, it would be better for me and Lord Seles to stay here and not move."
"Chloe... I'm sorry. I really want to go too."
"It's alright. You must protect the fortress. That's why I came this far, leaving my master behind..."
***
Afterward, countermeasures were discussed, and first, two A-rank adventurer parties and Chloe departed immediately as the vanguard.
The objective of the vanguard members was to defeat the Orc General. Orc General, an A-rank monster, usually requires a party of A-rank adventurers to defeat it. It is reasonable to send a small number of members who can surely defeat it instead of sending in a weak force that would only increase the damage.
The later units will prioritize guarding each town and village.
Since the Orcs' objective is the capture of women, there is no time to spare. Anticipating that there have already been numerous victims, medical aid teams are also making preparations.
"Kakeru-kun, please don't do anything reckless. If something happens to you, it will be irreparable."
Alfred's handsome face darkens with a touch of sorrow. He feels frustrated being unable to move from this place, but since they don't know how the enemy will act, they can't afford to move recklessly.
As many adventurers leave the desolate guild, butler Sebas is already waiting with a carriage prepared.
"Sebas, let's head to the headquarters of the Knights. We may need to reconsider the fortress defense strategy."