Chapter 28: Gathering of the Strongest Forces
When Kakeru and the others entered the guild, the gazes of the adventurers converged.
"Hey, isn't that the rookie adventurer who defeated the Orc General?"
"Well, it's not surprising since he was with the Silver Devil and the A-rank Usaneko Party."
"No, it seems like it was already over by the time they arrived. I wonder what kind of magic he used."
"And look, there are quite a few beautiful women besides Chloe..."
Amidst the commotion of the adventurers' attention, they headed towards the reception counter.
The one attending to them was the most popular receptionist.
"Sorry for being late. The request was completed safely. Can you confirm it, Claudia?"
"Kakeru-sama... Did you really complete the request? It seems you're quite close to the young ladies you're with..."
Claudia gave Kakeru a suspicious glare. It's troublesome how even a stern look suits a beauty.
"N-No, Claudia, it's not like that! I didn't do anything suspicious—"
"I was just kidding... Welcome back. Of course, I'll confirm it... Yes, indeed. Here is the remaining reward."
Claudia handed over the reward with a sly smile.
Damn, it's kinda embarrassing. But receiving the reward like this gives me a sense of accomplishment for completing the job.
"Kakeru-sama, next, I'll borrow your guild card. I will enter the data for this request."
When Kakeru handed over the guild card, Claudia's movement paused for a moment.
"Kakeru-sama, your guild card has become Silver (C-rank)... Wasn't it F-rank until yesterday?"
"Oh, yeah, it seems like it. Is there a problem?"
"...No, I'll take care of it then."
***
What's going on? Even Chloe took nearly half a year to reach C-rank. And that was the fastest record for Primera. I can't believe it, but in just one day, he defeated 30 High Orcs, 235 Orcs, and 300 Horned Rabbits? It's unbelievable, but his levels and stats have skyrocketed like crazy. It's definitely a content that could lead to C-rank.
Chloe's eyes weren't deceiving her after all. Moreover, it's a delightful miscalculation that surpasses expectations.
And he come back looking so manly and attractive... I guess I have to work hard too.
"Alright, the procedure is complete. Kakaru-sama is now a C-rank adventurer, so the range of available requests will expand, and you'll be able to take on named requests as well. Please do your best."
"Oh, if I become a C-rank adventurer, will I be recognized as a full-fledged adventurer? I'll be able to take the same requests as Chloe and even go through the Eastern Gate to the territory of monsters. Hehe, it feels like the world has suddenly expanded."
Kakeru-sama's eyes shimmered like a young boy's, and it's both adorable and troublesome. Sigh.
"Oh, and by the way, please deliver the magic stones and materials later. The guild master is waiting..."
"Kakeru-kun!! You're late coming back. I was worried..."
Butting in was Katarina, the leader of the A-rank adventurer party "Usagi no Mimi" (Rabbit Ears).
Ugh, why is she suddenly hugging Kakeru-sama!? Moreover, that woman is only wearing thin wizard robes, so the sensation must be directly transmitted to Kakeru-sama.
And Kakeru-sama is also looking so happy!!
"Katarina... We were discussing something important..."
"Kakeru-kun doesn't belong to you, right? That's right, isn't it?"
Katarina pressed even closer, as if pushing herself onto Kakeru-sama.
"Eek!? Katarina-san, you're hitting the mark. You're hitting a lot of things, aren't you!? Hey, Claudia? Why are you glaring at me like that?"
She's really a troublesome person. Maybe I should hug him too?
***
While Katarina and Claudia were sparking clashes, the adventurers in the guild couldn't remain calm.
"Hey, that new guy has even tamed Katarina..."
"Yeah, Chloe and Katarina... He must definitely have the skill of a beast tamer!"
"My lord... Excuse me for a moment."
"Sorry, Kakeru-kun. I have something to take care of."
Chloe and Katarina-san walked away, emanating an intense killing intent and walking expressionlessly.
"Ahhhh!!"
A scream resounded throughout the guild... Well, they say that loose lips sink ships. It's their own fault, I guess.
***
With me, Chloe, Sylphy, Sarah, Eva, Claudia, and the A-rank Usaneko party all gathered, we head to the guild master's office.
"You've all done well. I'm Bernard, the guild master. Nice to meet you, Kakeru."
"Nice to meet you too, Guild Master. Thank you for having us."
"Now then... it's a bit cramped here, so shall we change rooms?"
Yeah, I thought so too. I'm glad... I thought we'd have to have the conversation in this stuffy place in the heat. Everyone leaves the room with a relieved expression.
The new location is a conference room that can accommodate about 50 people. Yeah, this should be fine.
"Well then, let's start fresh. The discovery and extermination of the orc settlement were truly remarkable. We managed to minimize human casualties and obtain important information. As the guild master, let me express my gratitude once again."
From the Guild Master, I gratefully accept the special reward they offer.
"I'd like to hear about the young ladies who are with Kakeru, but could you tell me about the Orc matter first?"
I convey to the Guild Master the series of events this time and the information we obtained from the Orc General.
"...So they were trying to use a Spirit User as a breeding ground to create an Orc King. We didn't know the conditions for the birth of an Orc King until now, so this is valuable information. However, it's chilling to think that the Orc King was on the verge of being born. It's a huge relief that we were able to prevent their plan in time."
The Guild Master listens to the report, grumbles, but also shows a relieved expression.
"But Guild Master, this is such a well-planned operation. Including the incident in the Western Forest, the enemy is serious about capturing Fort Esperanza and Primera."
Claudia expresses her opinion with a serious demeanor.
"Well, that's true, but thanks to Kakeru, part of their plan fell apart. And unexpectedly, powerful forces gathered. Who would have thought that the famous Crimson Witch, the Storm Witch, and even the Princess of the Trasilvania Principality would all come together?"
The Guild Master laughs with amusement.
Sylphy and Sara, although not adventurers, are said to be individual A-rankers, and when they are together, they are equivalent to S-rank adventurers. Eva, too, has recently registered as an adventurer, so her adventurer rank is D, but she is rumored to possess talent that is renowned in the history of the Trasilvania Principality for her bravery.
"It's rare for such a powerful force to gather all at once. With this, we might be able to advance the plan."
"Guild Master, by advancing the plan, do you mean...?"
Chloe asks with an expectant expression.
"Let me explain the rest myself."
A blond handsome man and a platinum blonde beauty enter the conference room. All eyes are drawn to the two figures that look like cutouts from a painting.
"Oh, you're here. Count Alfred, Commander Celestina."
With the arrival of Count Alfred, one of the twin pillars of Primera and the Four Holy Swords, and Commander Celestina, the Platinum Destroyer and the leader of the Celestina Knights, the conference reaches its climax.