"Oh, my..."
Park Deokgu as well as Jung Hayang looked at the wonderful place of Lindel with full of surprise as they had never seen this kind of city before. The Blue Guild executive member upon seeing their reaction couldn't do anything but just give a smile.
As soon as the western gate swung open, we entered a city that exuded majesty. The architecture seemed to be influenced by Western culture, and the vibrant crowd was a mix of familiar faces from Earth. One striking observation was the prevalence of dark-haired individuals among the populace.
Various people from different countries around the world have been summoned here in this city.
"Right. The tutorial dungeons owned by the Holy Empire summon especially the people from Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. They've integrated themselves into cities within the Holy Empire, including Lindel. The Japanese and Taiwanese residents have a significant presence here, thanks to their shared background. They live in close harmony."
Certainly, I could spot Japanese individuals among the bustling crowds, even within the Blue Guild. The same was true for some of our guild members who hailed from Japan.
"The Republic..."
"Summoned Chinese and Russians find their place here."
Still, being summoned to Lindel felt more favorable than other destinations. I cast my gaze around, taking in the vibrant scene. Stalls lined the streets, and a hunting party was preparing to set out.
"I'm in search of a priest."
"I'm looking for a priest to accompany me on a hunt."
"Who's interested? This is a rare, one-of-a-kind item!"
The main square itself was reminiscent of reality, making me feel like I had traveled to another country rather than a different world. Laughter echoed through the crowd, occasionally accompanied by unfamiliar languages.
Yet, the city wasn't all glamor and wealth.
"Hmm... There are slums."
"Yes..."
I could see abandoned buildings and individuals dressed less formally in the area we were heading. I was able to imagine their problems even though I couldn't see the specifics of their life.
There was still a gap between the wealthy and the impoverished.
"The city has welfare measures, but their impact is limited, as you can see."
"Ah, that explains it."
I shrugged off the thought and turned my gaze away because it wasn't my issue.
Leaving the entrance behind us, we strolled through the plaza, and a grand building came into view. Lee Sang-hee, observing Park Deokgu's fascination, offered a smile.
"Welcome to the Blue Guild."
"Oh! Oh, my!"
The Blue Guild possessed a larger edifice than I anticipated. It seemed far from facing any threat of ruin. I could speculate on the reasons behind this. Their unique appearance might have been part of a strategy, especially given their current predicament.
Lee Sang-hee shifted her gaze toward the rest of us, her smile unwavering.
"I'll provide you with a tour."
"Sure."
"The first floor boasts a lobby and a lounge, ideal for receiving requests from other guilds or groups. Not only that, it serves as a relaxation spot. If you're in the mood for a simple dinner, the tavern on the first floor is perfect. Fellow adventurers and guild members often gather there, so make the most of it."
"Thank you, noted."
"Oh... Kee Miyoung, it looks like you can enjoy a drink here." Jung Hayang said.
"Yes, indeed. You can trust this tavern more than any random bar. There's a guild restaurant in the basement, open for your use anytime. And yes, it's free."
"Great, that's good to know..."
"As the seventh generation, you also have access to the second floor."
"The second floor?"
"Yes, let's head up together."
It felt as though we were stepping into our new home.
We responded to the receptionist's greeting with nods, then stood quietly in the main lobby on the first floor before ascending to the second floor. A rather spacious area unfolded before us.
"Numerous vacant rooms are available for you to choose from."
"Thank you."
While I expected the second floor to be roomy based on my glimpse from below, I was pleasantly surprised by the scale upon seeing it firsthand. The corridor itself was generously wide, and even the rooms surpassed my expectations. Granted, our party was still small, so the space seemed excessive for a group of four.
The interior of the rooms looked quite appealing. Some of the beds seemed to accommodate two people, adding to the room's spacious feel. Although the rooms were furnished simply for now, knowing that we could personalize them later put my mind at ease.
"Kee Miyoung..." Jung Hayan looked up at me with an expectant gaze. Was she hoping for us to share a room?
"I think we might have too many rooms... I suppose we can manage with three, don't you think?"
"I think it makes sense for Kim Hyunsung and me to have separate rooms, and for Jung Hayan and Hyung Kee Miyoung to share." Park Deokgu said.
'Park Deokgu, you rascal!'
"Ah... That's fine, but..."
"That's a great idea... I think the room next door would suit you two better."
"Yes, go with whatever makes you comfortable."
I struggled to contain my emotions. A glance at my expression caused both Jung Hayan and Park Deokgu to grow anxious.
Eventually, Jung Hayan settled into the room next to mine, while Kim Hyunsung and Park Deokgu claimed the rooms across from us. Although I worried slightly about Jung Hayan being so close, I managed not to show it. It would be best to check up on her while the others were preoccupied or asleep, though I hoped she wouldn't secretly sneak into my room.
"The training facilities and grounds are situated behind the building. While there isn't a private practice space, a shared training center is available for the seventh generation. If you wish to use it privately, you can arrange that at the lobby."
"I see."
"And Mr. Kee Miyoung..."
"Yes?"
"There's a designated area for you."
"Really?"
"Let's go. I'll show you."
"Sure, okay."
I followed Lee Sanghee with a faintly delighted expression. Park Deokgu, Jung Hayan, and Kim Hyunsung trailed behind us, their curiosity evident.
Upon entering the room at the far end of the second-floor corridor, my jaw dropped involuntarily. This was the first time I was genuinely awestruck since arriving in Lindel.
"You can utilize this space for your work in the future."
"Wow..."
A multitude of books were stacked on one side of the room, but what drew my attention more was the abundance of alchemical equipment that filled the space. Among them were modern tools I was familiar with, like beakers and flasks, as well as fundamental alchemical instruments.
On another side, catalysts and materials were meticulously arranged by type, accompanied by unfamiliar contraptions that intrigued me.
Most of the items Cha Hee-ra had presented were neatly arranged here. Even the alchemy set from the ancient republic was properly situated.
This place...
"This is your alchemy workshop."
"Ah."
"In truth, I wished to expand its scale further, but it's the first time we've established such a space for non-combatants..."
"No, this is... more than sufficient..."
Lee Sang-hee's dedication impressed me. She had made a risky investment on my behalf, considering that alchemy was often regarded as an inefficient skill.
Crafting items required gold that often outweighed the resulting value, making other forms of magic more desirable to the public.
Still, I knew that I could create anything with the equipment provided. My confidence surged in this environment, even though most here viewed alchemy as subpar.
"Hyung! We're heading out to eat now."
"You all can go ahead, Deokgu."
"Huh?"
"I want to conduct a few experiments. I'll catch up with you later. Please take Hayan along."
Park Deokgu displayed a slightly disappointed expression before agreeing. Lee Sang-hee, on the other hand, seemed pleasantly surprised. From her maternal perspective, it was heartening to see her newest member enthusiastic about work.
This work is a creative adaptation of the original text with modified dialogue attribution and descriptive elements to maintain the original meaning while adding a touch of storytelling flair.
There was no denying the attraction of it. The plan had been designed to motivate me and push eating to the bottom of my list of priorities. The thought of a day off was tempting, but I couldn't help but give in to my enthusiasm. Many concepts screamed for attention now, asking to be investigated.
"No," I countered.
"Originally, I had contemplated hosting a simple dinner today. However, it might be prudent to postpone it for our next gathering. Given the current company, these moments appear most fitting. Should you require anything, kindly inform us in the lobby on the first floor. Tomorrow, we shall elaborate on the guild's additional amenities that weren't covered today. Farewell," she declared.
Her joyous grin was indescribably charming.
"I must decline as well. Training beckons and I find myself in need of organizing my belongings. What are Jung Hayan's intentions?" I questioned.
A thoughtful pause, then, "I, too, have aspirations of practicing," she revealed.
"And what of Hyung Kim Hyunsung?" I inquired.
He pondered briefly, then replied, "I'm inclined to explore the city."
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow.
"My goal is to embark on a comprehensive tour, encompassing everything from grand temples to the most humble slums," he explained.
My concern stirred. Venturing alone into the slum area would leave me vulnerable, defenseless against any unsavory elements that might cross my path. However, Kim Hyunsung's capabilities were formidable. Both his intellect and strength had earned my unwavering trust.