Chapter 57

"Should I become an explorer soon?"

"Hmm? Ah, sure, why not."

At the Rock House, I casually asked Gustav for confirmation. I had intended it to be like consulting my parents about living alone, but Gustav, without looking up from his papers, replied as if it were nothing.

"The headquarters is on First Street, but there are branches in each district. If you register there, you should be fine."

"I don't really know how to go about it. What exactly does registration involve?"

"You should at least go and check it out..."

Gustav sighed, exasperated.

"I've been there a few times, but it seems not many people register..."

In fact, I had gone there many times, invisible. However, I had never seen anyone register, and without any explanations, I only had a vague idea of what they were doing.

"...Do you know the layout and what's inside?"

I nodded silently.

"First, when you go in, there should be a row of large counters. Go to the one on the far left."

"That's where I register?"

"Right. There might be no one there, but if that's the case, just ring the bell, and someone will come out. Then, tell them you want to register. After that, it should go smoothly."

"Is there anything I need to bring?"

"Nothing."

Gustav was firm.

"Basically, you can join the guild with just yourself. The only restriction is age, and there's no real screening. Don't worry about it."

"If you say so, Gustav..."

Is it really that easy to get a job?

"The guild was originally created with the idea that more people are better. You won't be turned away for trivial reasons."

"...I understand."

If that's the case, then it's fine.

Today, I will register, get a job, and become a citizen of the city.

"It's been almost four years since you came here, hasn't it?"

Gustav mused, looking a bit more wrinkled than when we first met.

"Yes. Finally, I can have a home."

Thanks to Gustav's encouragement to walk around the city, I have finally achieved my goal. This way, I can become a citizen of the city, free from discrimination.

"I'll prepare a place for you. It's a parting gift, and I'll give you a discount."

"I can always come back, you know."

It's not like we won't see each other anymore, so a parting gift seems a bit much.

Gustav didn't respond to my words.

After finishing the small talk, I put my hand on the door and turned around.

"Then, I'm off."

Apparently, my house will be ready by today. They say a small cottage can be prepared quickly. I don't have any particular preferences for the location or the room, so I'm grateful.

Once I become an explorer and return, my house will be ready.

Imagining my future, I walked with a light step.

I stood in front of the Explorer's Guild.

My feelings were like those of a student starting their first job hunt. I'm not sure if I've ever done that, but it must be something like this.

Opening the heavy wooden door, I saw the row of counters as expected. As expected, there was no one there, and no one was in line.

The other counters had receptionists, but no one was in line, and they were just organizing papers.

To the left of the counters were bulletin boards and tables, where a few people were scattered. Judging by their large backpacks and weapons, they were probably explorers. Soon, I would be in the same position.

Standing at the registration counter, no one seemed to notice me. I thought someone might come, but it seemed I had to ring the bell to call someone.

"Excuse me."

I rang the small handbell and called out. The receptionist at another counter looked around and, reluctantly, came over.

"Registration?"

She asked with a sigh, a woman in her late twenties. She pulled out a chair from under the counter and sat down quietly.

"Yes, please."

"Then..."

She took out a thin book while speaking.

"Do you know the guild's rules and regulations?"

"No, not at all."

"In that case, please read this book. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, but for now, please take a look."

The book, about twenty pages long on A4 paper, was densely written with rules in small print.

"...I understand."

The receptionist's gaze, which was staring at me in a businesslike manner, was uncomfortable. I should have asked Gustav for more details.

I opened the book bound with a string.

The content was written in a difficult way, but it seemed to be mostly common sense.

The guild buys items obtained from exploration.

If someone requests something through the guild, the guild manages it. However, this does not apply to requests made by specific individuals.

The request fee is paid through the guild, from which the guild takes a cut.

If a request is canceled due to circumstances, a fee must be paid to the guild.

The guild does not interfere in disputes between explorers unless it affects the guild.

If there is no transaction of five gold coins or more with the guild in a year, expulsion may be considered.

There are many other details, but I only needed to remember these.

After reading for about five minutes, I looked up and met the receptionist's eyes. Had she been watching me the whole time?

"I've finished reading."

"Yes, thank you. Do you have any questions or anything you don't understand?"

"I think I'm good."

When I smiled and said that, the receptionist handed me a sheet of paper.

"Then, please sign this contract. Can you write?"

A quill pen and ink were placed next to it. I was already used to using a quill pen.

"...Is this okay?"

After signing the contract, which stated that I would abide by the rules, the receptionist finally smiled. It was probably more a sign of relief that her work was done rather than a welcoming smile.

"Yes, thank you. Please take this."

Placed on the table was a badge. It looked like a lizard and was shining dully in silver.

"This is..."

"Proof of your guild membership. Without this, you cannot use any guild facilities except for posting requests. It cannot be reissued."

"But it seems easy to forge..."

"There are several anti-counterfeiting measures, so it's impossible. Also, if it's found to be a forgery, the guild's disciplinary department will take action, so be careful."

She smiled and cleared her throat, then returned to her serious expression.

"Then, that's it for registration. Thank you for your time."

After saying that, she stood up and quickly returned to her counter.

"...I'll go back."

I clenched the lizard badge, feeling a mix of accomplishment and loneliness.

I can look for requests later.

"I'm back."

The door of the Rock House creaked open.

Gustav was sitting there as usual.

"Hey, that was quick."

"It was just a simple contract to sign."

That was all it took to register. I had expected interviews and screenings, so I was a bit disappointed.

"In the early days, they had to let anyone in. It's probably a remnant of that."

"Is there a shortage of people?"

"At the time, yes. The magical artifacts obtained from ruins were directly linked to the country's power, and the government was actively promoting the work."

"Is it different now?"

"Yes. The promising ruins have been explored, and no significant magical artifacts or relics have been found in a while. Exploration of ruins is almost non-existent now."

So, it's become more of a jack-of-all-trades job. It doesn't seem like a very promising career.

"I recommended becoming an explorer because it's the earliest you can legally do so... but it's a tough industry, both financially and physically. If you can get another job, I'd say go for it."

"What's that, so pessimistic?"

Or is he worried about me? That's unusual.

"Then, do you think I can make it as an explorer, from your perspective?"

"Ah, well..."

Gustav hesitated, resting his cheek on his hand.

"You can make it. Whether as an explorer, a guard, or starting a shop somewhere, you can do it."

"Huh? You're really praising me."

"Haha, I guess I'm getting old."

He sighed, stood up, and took a piece of paper from a shelf.

He spread it out on the counter. It looked like a map.

"This is the house I prepared for you. It's vacant, but it shouldn't be damaged."

"Oh, finally!"

I clapped my hands, but then stopped. I hadn't asked about the price.

"How much is it?"

I have some savings, but if it's too expensive, it would be a problem.

"Twenty gold coins."

"O-oh, is that cheap...?"

I don't know the market price. Gustav looked a bit annoyed and then chuckled.

"I said I'd give you a discount, didn't I?"

"Ah, right, thank you!"

In transactions, Gustav doesn't lie.

Gustav stared into space as if making a decision, then narrowed his eyes and looked at me.

"Now, you're a citizen."

"Yes."

Now, I am legally protected in this city. I can use the city's facilities normally and won't be discriminated against.

Gustav took a sip from his water flask, then looked at me directly after swallowing.

He hesitated, then opened his mouth as if it was hard to say.

"So, the next time you come here, it will be when you receive a request through the guild from me. Only then."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'm telling you not to come here anymore."

As he said this, Gustav rubbed his nose and looked away.

What does "not to come here anymore" mean? I was confused and flustered.

Is he worried about my reputation? I don't think that's necessary.

"It's fine. Just coming to a familiar shop."

Even as I said this, Gustav wouldn't meet my eyes. He pursed his lips and ran his hand through his hair.

"Ordinary people don't come in and out of here. You should draw the line."

"But..."

Interrupting my protest, Gustav continued.

"You're becoming an explorer. You're moving on. That means leaving something behind. That's what growing up is about."

He said this and took a deep breath.

Growing up. Hearing that, my heart skipped a beat.

I thought becoming an explorer was like consulting my parents about living alone.

Indeed, in that sense, this was a farewell. That's what it was.

But, to say goodbye like this suddenly is too much.

I can't accept it. I clenched my fists.

"...I understand. But, I'll come back anyway."

"What?"

No matter what he says, I won't give in. I don't have to give up everything.

I forced a smile and showed it to Gustav.

"Gustav said that as an explorer, I can use anything that's useful."

Gustav gave me a disapproving look, but I didn't back down.

"So, when this shop is useful to me, I'll come without hesitation."

Gustav sighed and laughed.

We talked a bit more, then I left the Rock House.

About becoming an explorer, the types of requests I should take, and common pitfalls.

It wasn't an exciting final conversation, but it was fitting for Gustav and me.

I started walking from the Rock House.

I didn't look back.

It was a sudden farewell, but I'll see him again.

So, I didn't look back.

And that's how I said goodbye to the slums.