“Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild Erykos branch. What brings you here? If you’re here to participate in the Landekrihen offensive, please head to the Erykos cathedral or the nearby embassy. Mention that you’re here for the Landekrihen offensive, and they’ll open the gates for you. Haaam…”
As soon as we entered the guild, a receptionist who looked utterly exhausted greeted us with a blank stare.
There was no need to analyze why; her desk was piled high with documents, forming what could only be described as a wall of paperwork.
Additionally, it struck me how unusually quiet and empty the Adventurers’ Guild seemed.
“No, we’re not here to participate in the Landekrihen offensive. To be honest, I wasn’t even aware there had been one until just now. We’ve come to help settle this person’s accounts… What exactly is this Landekrihen offensive? Could you explain it further?”
Myungho greeted the frazzled-looking receptionist and asked her about the Landekrihen offensive, clearly indicating he had no idea what it was.
The receptionist lifted her almost drooping head, scrutinized us carefully, and replied with a voice that sounded like her soul had left her body, seemingly curious about us instead.
“Pardon me if this sounds rude… but haven’t you been out on a mission deep in the forest or some dangerous area? If you’re gold-ranked adventurers, there’s no way you wouldn’t know.”
“Due to circumstances involving my party members, I’ve been away from recent news. We went from Korbo to the Elves’ Forest and then all the way to Germodai Volcano, so I’m quite out of touch with current events.”
Just as I was about to ask her who she thought she was to judge us, Myungho stepped in and explained our situation. The receptionist sighed briefly and began her explanation.
“I see. About ten days ago, demon tribes were spotted near Landekrihen. Fortunately, the knights of the cathedral who were patrolling nearby captured them and interrogated them, leading to the revelation of an entire demon community led by none other than the Demon King himself.”
“The Demon King? Wasn’t he defeated? How can he be leading them?”
After hearing the story, Myungho asked a question.
“Yes, the Demon King was defeated 200 years ago by the first Hero. However, the church suspects that someone has taken his place or perhaps it’s his offspring… Anyway, when we attacked their community, we discovered remnants of the pureblood demon tribe that we thought had been wiped out, causing nationwide panic. Moreover, once they were discovered, they immediately fled towards Landekrihen, which is why this is happening.”
After finishing her long explanation, the receptionist almost collapsed but suddenly perked up, stretched her arms wide, and cleared her desk of papers before asking what we wanted to settle.
The coachman, who had been silent until then, started shifting the sack he was holding under great effort. Seeing him struggle, I offered to help and moved it for him.
With a thud, the sack landed on the table, causing some papers to fall to the floor and souring the receptionist’s mood.
“…I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. Mistakes happen. But judging by the sound, it seems like you’ve brought an incredible amount of something… Oh my… Are these all… magic stones? Where did you…”
Trying to maintain a smile, the receptionist opened the sack and was visibly astonished at the sight of the dark violet magic stones spilling onto the table.
Her previously lifeless eyes lit up instantly upon seeing the rare stones, which were not easy to find.
“No, one night, waves of monsters suddenly attacked the village. Thanks to these people, we survived. Otherwise, we would have all perished.”
“Just a moment. Aren’t these items belonging to the people here? Why are you…”
“Oh, they said they have more than enough money and kindly insisted we use these resources to revitalize our town.”
Though that wasn’t entirely Myungho’s intention. He had half-jokingly given them as condolence money, thinking that without us, such an incident wouldn’t have happened to the village.
Still, it was true that we had plenty of money. There was still leftover from what I’d received in Golsamet. And if it ever runs out… well, I could always dig up gold or jewels from the ground.
“Just… This amount could even restart the teleportation device that’s been halted! I’ll buy them for 70 gold! What do you say?! Normally, it’d be 10 gold, but due to the rising value of magic stones…”
Upon hearing “10 gold,” the coachman’s eyes widened, and he quickly agreed to give them all. When the receptionist struggled to carry them, I helped her, earning her gratitude.
“…69, 70. Yes, here’s your 70 gold! Be careful not to lose it on your way back!”
“Thank you, heroes! You will surely be blessed! I will never forget this kindness!”
“Yes, safe travels! Don’t spend it all at once!”
The coachman, clutching the bag of 70 gold, exited the guild happily and quickly. Yuna waved goodbye with a friendly joke, while Akashi remained indifferent.
Checking my pocket lightly by the vibration, I realized I still had around 130 gold.
Having traveled with Myungho, I understood how valuable one gold could be, so it wasn’t surprising.
“Could it be… Are you heroes? Ah, that’s impossible… If you were the heroes and their companions, you’d already be in Landekrihen… Hmm. Wait, isn’t that the crest of Koluscia…?”
The receptionist gazed at us in admiration but then her expression grew strange.
“Yes. I am Jin Myungho, the Hero of Koluscia.”
“…What? That’s hard to pronounce. More importantly, if you’re the hero, there should have been contact… Hmm. Since you’re from Koluscia… People there are known to be a bit devious, so it makes sense. Did you leave because you were tired of them? I understand. Although you don’t necessarily have to go, I suggest visiting the cathedral at least once.”
Rather than revealing he had somewhat been chased out, Myungho simply smiled.
Upon learning Myungho was the hero, the receptionist stared at him with a mix of shock and admiration. She then turned her gaze to us, her expression stiffening slightly when she saw me.
“You’re Alterra, the half-dragon of Golsamet, right? I’ve only heard stories…”
“Am I famous?”
“Yes. Half-Dragon Alterra. Monster Hunter Alterra. The Last Dragon Slayer Alterra. Though you haven’t been officially active for long… Ah, by the way, have you heard any news about Golsamet?”
News about Golsamet? Having no clue, I tilted my head in confusion. Asking her to elaborate, she delivered an unbelievable statement.
“Golsamet has fallen, covered in molten gold.”
—
—
Alterra had been uncharacteristically quiet since then, lost in thought. Even though it was a place where she harbored no good feelings, hearing about its complete annihilation would affect anyone.
“Don’t worry too much, Alterra. There’s nothing you could have done anyway. Besides, those people also scammed you.”
However, contrary to my expectations, Alterra was contemplating something else.
“More importantly, I’m curious who did it. They said it fell due to molten gold. I wonder who could have done such a thing.”
That’s what she had been pondering. True, Alterra wouldn’t mourn for them. She stared intently at Akashi.
“What are you looking at? I don’t know either. At first, I wasn’t omnipotent either. Do you think I’m some walking news archive? Maybe an encyclopedia, but not me.”
“Well, that makes sense. Hmm… Forget it. Thinking about it just gives me a headache. Anyway, what’s going on in Landekrihen? The receptionist made it sound extremely dangerous earlier.”
I was about to explain anyway, so there was no reason not to now that you’ve asked.
“Landekrihen is the name of a republic. The country itself is dangerous, but there’s another reason why it became perilous. The geographical features of the Landekrihen region are quite… unique. It’s like the flow of ley lines, maybe? It makes wielding magic incredibly burdensome within that area.”
“So, is it extremely dangerous?”
“It’s not dangerous if you’re not attuned to magic. In fact, it’s more hazardous for mages and knights who rely on magic. Pre-charged magical items work fine, though. That’s why most creatures that use magic avoid the area; they don’t want their strengths sealed.”
Alterra grimaced in surprise at the thought of being unable to use magic. Of course, for someone who fully benefits from magical energy, it must be shocking.
“Anyway, a group of technicians ventured into that land, established the nation of Landekrihen, and advanced their technology. If the story ended there, it would be fine, but these technicians were like Akashi; they pursued knowledge without hesitation.”
“Hey.”
Akashi glared, clearly displeased at being compared to them, but what could he do?
“So, 200 years ago, during the demon invasion, they allied with the demons, providing them with weapons and gaining knowledge in return. Likely, the demons are heading there because it’s the only place that would accept them.”
“If the demons are there… Myungho, could Mari possibly be there as well?”
“Likely. I’m not sure what they plan to do with her, though.”
“In that case, we should go—”
“We should consider Alterra and Akashi’s thoughts too, Yuna.”
Alterra listened to the whole story and couldn’t hide her astonishment at the existence of such a place.
“…Well, let’s think about whether to go later. Let’s eat now. What do you think?”
We’ve arrived at the inn, haven’t we? Shouldn’t we eat first before deciding anything?
