Chapter 136

136th Episode

*The Sun, the Moon, and the Sword

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Delphina of the Hidden Sword.

It was a name that seemed both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.

Most names in this world had an oily, spaghetti-like quality to them—many sounded alike and were difficult to remember.

“Delphina of the Hidden Sword,” I repeated in my mind. There might have been someone like her among the Silver Tier adventurers of Kolkata.

Just as I was trying to jog my memory, a female knight with cropped blond hair and a revealing light-scale armor leapt onto the podium with a flashy jump.

“Here I am!”

She spun in the air a few times before landing gracefully, much like a rhythmic gymnast performing a jump routine.

Why did she need such an extravagant entrance? Still, it seemed that the adventurers from Kolkata, much like budding YouTubers, enjoyed ostentatious and flamboyant displays.

“That person is an adventurer from Kolkata? Quite formidable.”

Crossing his arms, Hippolyte added a few words of evaluation. If Hippolyte, known for his high standards, found her strong, she must indeed be skilled. After all, Kolkata was said to be full of seasoned veterans, like an upper-level dungeon, so it was expected that a Silver Tier adventurer from there would be powerful.

The blue-eyed Delphina confidently addressed the crowd, “Citizens of Sodomora! I am Delphina, an adventurer from Kolkata! Now that there’s this chance for friendship between Sodomora and Kolkata, you’ll see me around often. And let me show you the difference between the incompetent adventurers here and true experts! Give lots of love to the Silver Rosette!”

She sounded like a newly debuted idol group. In some ways, adventurer groups were similar to idol groups, as both relied on fame to secure jobs and needed to promote themselves effectively. The setting was a party, after all, and her flashy attitude seemed intentional to draw attention.

Still, calling the adventurers of Sodomora “incompetent” all at once piqued my curiosity about how Hippolyte would react to that.

Just then, amidst the murmuring crowd:

“How dare you call anyone incompetent? You’re nothing but a country bumpkin from that backwater called Kolkata.”

A sarcastic voice cut through the murmurs, drawing everyone’s attention to a corner of the party.

There stood a person, hugging a long greatsword almost as tall as a person. With long black hair tied back in a ponytail and an unexpectedly slim build, I initially wondered if they might be female. But their sharp eagle-like eyes and the scar running across their left eye from forehead to cheek clearly marked them as a wild, untamed man.

“Altair.”

“A silver-tier adventurer from the Minerva Guild named Altair.”

Someone whispered an explanation. Yes, I’d heard the name Altair before. Whenever people spoke of exceptional adventurers in the Minerva Guild, Altair, a Silver Tier adventurer, was mentioned without fail.

I had imagined a hulking brute with axes in both hands, but this man looked more like a sleek and elegant swordsman who would fit right in with a straw hat and bamboo staff. Still, judging by his aura, I was certain he could cleave through someone like me with ease.

“Who are you?”

Appearing startled by his retort, Delphina tilted her head and smiled—a smile that was cheerful at the edges but devoid of warmth in her eyes, making her look quite intimidating.

“I’m Altair,” the man replied, “a swift-sword adept. If you’re planning to operate in Sodomora, you should at least know your co-adventurers’ names, country bumpkin.”

“Altair? Never heard of you. Are you really not famous?”

“Huh?”

“And what’s this talk about ‘co-adventurers’? Sodomora isn’t such a soft place that it considers others’ feelings. Here, if you’re not in a party, you’re an enemy. You seem like one of those frogs that doesn’t understand the vastness of the ocean.”

“Impossible to tolerate. Your words slander my honor, and I won’t accept any more of this.”

“Well, they’re true. All of you adventurers in Sodomora are incompetent. That’s why you can’t even exterminate the thieves’ guild lurking deep within the city.”

“…”

Thieves’ Guild.

At the mention of this name, Altair remained silent, his lips tightly shut. The people around us, who had been murmuring, also seemed to avoid inserting themselves into the conversation, exchanging nervous glances instead.

Standing on the podium, Delphina seized the awkward moment and continued, “Our Silver Rose team discovered that the materials in the Baldes Mountain range and siege weapons like ballistae were supplied by the thieves’ guild here in Sodomora. Interesting, isn’t it? The real enemy has always been within Sodomora—not the cultists outside the city, but the thieves inside.”

I wasn’t entirely sure what was happening, but Delphina’s momentum seemed undeniable. No one dared to object to how recklessly she acted.

“But I understand. A healer can’t usually treat their own illness, and they can’t operate on themselves by cutting open their own stomachs. That’s why they need someone else’s help.”

“Are you saying you’ll be our healers? Hardly. Thieves are like rats. No matter how much you try to stab at them with your inferior swords, they’ll just burrow deeper inside and gnash their teeth even harder.”

“Understood. But, rats usually flee when you set fire to their homes. We happen to have some exceptional flames. You can look forward to it—everything will burn.”

“Anyone can make fancy speeches.”

Altair, the Silver Tier adventurer from the Minerva Guild, turned out to be a surprisingly patient individual.

Despite the fierce demeanor Altair carried, there was a calmness to him, surprising many. Of course, from my perspective, I’d agree it’s wrong to immediately draw swords out of spite…

But then Delphina said something.

“So, how about a bet? Will Sodomora’s adventurers cut off the Hydra’s head first, or will we adventurers from Kolkata?”

“Who would fall for such childish provocation?”

Just as Altair scoffed and shrugged it off, somewhere in the crowd, clapping broke out.

“That sounds amusing.”

It was Count Hawkins Sardechi with his golden beard, having silently listened to the conversation before smiling and applauding as though enjoying an interesting tale.

“Quite an intriguing story. A bet, however, requires a supervisor. Allow me to serve as the witness. Lord Clementor of Kolkata, what do you think of this bet?”

“Hmm… Sorry, but our city’s adventurers tend to be rather free-spirited…”

“That’s the amusing part of life—nothing ever goes according to plan. What do you suggest we make the bet’s reward?”

With a hearty expression, the bearded Count Hawkins turned toward the confident silver-tier female adventurer and asked, “Of course, the golden necklace—it was said a Gold Tier adventurer would be inaugurated today. If our side of the Silver Rose team manages to apprehend and eliminate the leader of the thieves’ guild first, allow us the privilege to duel for a spot in the Gold Tier.”

“Impressive… intriguing. But that decision exceeds even my authority. We must consult the rightful parties directly.”

The crowd’s gaze turned toward our table. Luna and I clutched each other’s hands and trembled silently. Then, Hippolyte, arms crossed and observing the situation, spoke up.

“Fine. We’ll oblige them. It seems we’ve been underestimated quite a bit. If you think a whole team can challenge me, then so be it?”

“Altair might be new to me, but Hippolyte, your name is no stranger. A demigod with awakened divinity. The earthly proxy of Mars. If we defeat you, our team’s name will certainly spread across the continent.”

“You’ll just be another among the countless who’ve forgotten my defeat. Very well, then I suppose I shall participate in this bandit extermination operation myself. I was feeling restless recently, dealing with no enemies other than the cultists. Ah, correction needed.”

Hippolyte declared a correction before speaking again:

“Not just me, but our entire party will participate as well. A member of our party—Hassan of Samaria, and Luna Noxdotty.”

Hassan of Samaria.

Samaritan.

At Hippolyte’s mention, murmurings spread through the crowd, people whispering familiar words. The scattered attention slowly turned and focused on my dark-haired head, making me feel dizzy.

—

The celebratory feast for contributions ended in a haphazard way due to the unnecessary chatter, fading out in confusion.

Shevel, how could an official event about someone being honored be derailed and then end due to lack of time?

I realized once again just how inefficient the administrative procedures in this world are. Seriously, is this real life?

Frankly, I was quite excited to see what reward I would receive, but in the end, all I got was a small badge shaped like a bolt of lightning. Just a badge—a decorative accessory meant to be worn on the chest.

I half-expected it to be something precious, a relic with glowing letters or quantifiable achievements, but when nothing appeared, I was left with a sense of disappointment.

What kind of badge is this?

Did someone skim off their portion? We’re not even talking about old war heroes from a poor nation; it feels almost disrespectful to offer such a meager reward.

As we walked home and I stared at the lightning-shaped badge without blinking, Hippolyte, who had been walking with us, spoke up.

“The emblem of the traveler. You’ve received quite a valuable item. There isn’t anything better than this for you, and even I find it somewhat covetable.”

“The emblem of the traveler? What does that mean?”

“Occasionally, the gods are said to have walked the world in human form. The Sardechi family of Sodomora earned their blessings and rose to prominence after recognizing and hosting Jupiter, who was disguised as a human.”

Do the gods really walk the world in human form? I couldn’t understand why they would do such a thing.

“Why would gods do such a thing?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps they seek to enjoy the pleasures of human life, or maybe they desire to meet a mate on earth and have children. Come to think of it, finding a mate is quite important.”

Coughing awkwardly, Hippolyte continued his explanation.

“In any case, the ‘traveler’ identity comes from this idea. Like the gods who enjoy freedom from social constraints, this badge allows you to be treated as a traveler, free from rigid class systems. It’s a privilege usually granted to distinguished visitors from other continents, like Samaritan.”

“Does that mean my status has changed to that of a traveler?”

“Indeed.”

I had thought it would be citizenship. But a traveler? Shevel, it’s not citizenship—it’s more like a travel visa. Still, I suppose this is an improvement from Hassan’s earlier state of illegal immigrant status, but it didn’t sit well with me.

“Isn’t citizenship better?”

“Citizenship only applies to Sodomora, but this badge is recognized across the continent. Any household or inn will provide you with a place to stay overnight when you show the emblem.”

“Ah.”

A badge that guarantees lodging for a night certainly began to feel like a significant token.

I put it carefully in my pocket to avoid losing it. Additionally, it was explained that within Sodomora, thanks to the influence of the Sardechi family, this badge functioned similarly to citizenship.

In obtaining this curious form of travel permit, a certain sense of satisfaction arose in me. But still—

“Anyway, Hippolyte, are you serious about joining our team and eliminating the thieves’ guild?”

“Indeed. From today onward, we’ll be in the same party for a while.”

At this, Luna shivered.

“sh*t, we’re teaming up with Hippolyte! Hassan, our growth rate is too fast! I must be incredibly strong!”

Even the usually composed Luna shouted out loud, her voice ringing through the backstreets like barking dogs.

However, Hippolyte corrected her, saying, “Same level, you say? There is a distinct hierarchy between us. I give commands, and you follow. No matter how relaxed the adventurer scene has become recently, the idea that we are equals is absurd.”

Despite her usual assertiveness with nobles and other adventurers, Luna’s brows crinkled in frustration.

Seemingly noticing this, Hippolyte’s armor rattled, as if startled.

“Hmm… well… but these days, the trend among lower-tier adventurers is for fair and equal teams, so I’m willing to concede to that extent.”

“Great!”

The warrior who usually held her head high and spoke confidently to others, for some reason seemed to lose her edge in front of Luna. I wondered if others noticed this inconsistency, but since Hippolyte’s defeat to Luna hadn’t spread due to some media control, there was no telling.

“By the way, Hippolyte.”

“What is it?”

“Give back my 3 silvers! Last time, you broke a jar and ran away!”

Listening to Luna’s words, I recalled the moment when Hippolyte had visited Luna’s hut, remembering how something had occurred that seemed quite suspicious. Then, Hippolyte fled, promising to return the value of the broken jar, equivalent to a significant sum of 3 silvers.

Luna had clearly not forgotten it.

“Tch, you’re someone who can’t let go. However, I don’t carry a wallet or money. Your silver is safe but will take some time to repay. Haven’t you heard the saying—Mars’ warrior never skips debts?”

“What saying? Where is such a saying?”

“I just created it, so now it exists. Hmm… well, it’s getting late. Look, your hut is in sight.”

Hippolyte safely escorted Luna and me to our destination despite being a high-ranked adventurer.

Perhaps she was concerned about potential nighttime attacks. She was unexpectedly considerate for someone so powerful.

“By the way, since we’ve come this far, are the two of you living together now?”

The direct question from Hippolyte stood at the entrance of the hut, made both Luna and me uncomfortable. We weren’t sure how to respond.

After all, Luna is officially a sworn virgin, so if rumors spread that she lives with a man, it might harm her reputation.

As we hesitated to answer, Hippolyte continued in her usual sharp tone, “Silence speaks volumes. I understand generally. One more thing, as the captain of the Virgins Brigade, let me ask you: have you done anything inappropriate together?”

With a sharp gaze, Hippolyte scanned both of us. However, having developed immunity from Nox’s rigorous questioning, I smoothly shrugged it off.

“Inappropriate actions? Wh-what are you talking about?”

“Of course… actions that violate one’s vow of purity!”

“What… what is that?”

Luna played dumb, making Hippolyte’s brow twitch.

“Noxdothy, I know you are dense in some aspects, but surely you know what I’m talking about?”

“I DON’T! What is it?”

“…This is a serious problem in itself. What it means, well… when a man and a woman… they… they cover themselves with the same blanket… What are you trying to force me to say? I won’t fall for your trap.”

Already, Hippolyte had stepped into the situation too deeply.

Still, Hippolyte declared with dramatic flair:

“In any case, these things exist. Hmm. Since we’ve reached this point, I must verify if you’ve been true to your vows. I will observe you both for a day. And since I’m here, I’ll stay overnight…!”

[Author’s Note]

Feels like I’ve been holding my breath for too long…

Can I take a brief pause and then hold it again?

Anyway… I might release the next soon…

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