There had to be something suspicious going on here. Much like how the fine art industry's products didn't really have any physical value, or how corrupt government organizations endlessly appended pork barrels and earmarks, this Adventurer's Guild couldn't have been getting funding through ordinary means.
*Emma's carriage driver did say that this thing kinda popped up out of nowhere, right?*
I thought nothing of it and followed the Hazel Blaze chick inside. The doorway had no actual doors, so the interior of the building was visible to the outside. The doorway stature exceeded that of the Royal Library's, and though I hadn't been inside it, it was clear that the Adventurer's Guild building was significantly larger inside, too.
The silver spire towered hundreds of meters in the air, and at its base, was easily as wide as the Royal Library.
I craned my neck backwards to catch a glimpse of the ceiling, but countless walkways, verandas, and mezzanines blotted the sky like spiderwebs.
*The thing is huge, but it doesn't seem to be made of anything unusual.*
As far as I could tell, it was just made of wood, stone, and steel, but it was likely the foundation had some magical properties I was unaware of.
*You know, being a magical world and all.*
"She's back!"
"Did you really try to tackle that quest solo?"
*What's going on?*
The moment I entered, all eyes turned towards me.
"Hazel Blaze survived that thing on her own?"
"What's that on your side?"
"It's nothing," she pompously said. "Just a flesh wound."
*Ah, so the attention was on her. But, I don't think anyone who's said those words was actually fine in the end...*
I had to get more information about this - it seemed interesting. It was packed in here, and everyone seemed to know her, so I asked the nearest person.
"What's she back from?" I asked, pretending like I already knew who she was.
"She supposedly fought an Obsidian Basilisk," replied the red-haired, red-eyed, and red-scarfed swordsman in front of me. "Though with her abilities, many were skeptical she would make it out alive."
"Why did she go alone?"
The red-haired swordsman shrugged. "Party drama. She keeps saying Blue Wave is hitting on her. It's all very childish."
*Could she be blowing things out of proportion? I mean, she even thought I was hitting on her...*
"Blue Wave, huh? I haven't seen him in person. What's he like?" I asked, pretending again like I knew who this other person was.
"He's as much of a playboy as the rumors make him out to be," the red-haired swordsman scoffed. "The whole Iris Party is a disaster. I hope they all go off on solo quests and... learn a lesson, if you know what I mean."
"It's that bad? Well, thanks for the info."
"Don't mention it. I've been wanting to vent about this to someone, but everyone's terrified of them. You must be pretty strong if you can talk so casually about them."
"Yeah, haha..."
*I don't know what's happening.*
"I'm Emerald," he said, suddenly introducing himself. "Let's keep in touch."
He tossed me some small item, and, before I could process anything that just happened, he walked away.
*What a strange guy.*
I studied the object he threw my way, and it resembled a translucent earpiece - perhaps it was a communication device with which he intended to contact me with. I stashed it in my pocket and carried on.
*Maybe he just needed a friend.*
I wanted to ask him a couple more things, like what an Obsidian Basilisk was, but it wasn't a big deal. I could figure it out on my own.
*I should find out what exactly caused that wound of hers.*
Was it a bite, or did she stare at the thing too long?
*Basilisks probably work how I think they do, right?*
*>System Quest: Gather herbs. Expires in 3 hours.*
*Dammit.*
Another present from my friend the system, and this one was incredibly vague.
*Herbs? What kind of herbs? And from where?*
This one expired very soon, so I had to figure this out ASAP.
*Who's gonna explain all this stuff to me?*
Like a bank, there were countless teller-looking people behind desks and thin veils. Each one had tons of people lined up in front. I picked the shortest I could find and hoped for the best.
*Please do your job quickly, Ms. Guild Receptionist, because I've got a deadline to meet.*