43.2. Adventurer
So these are the heroes of Silvergrove, huh?
A man that had been sitting at Blakes table got up and strutted over to us. His companions imdiately followed after him, keeping a small distance behind from him as they made their approach.
Equipnt seems rather diocre shabby, even. Levels are decent, but nothing particularly impressive. Im surprised you three managed to take out that so-called Destroyer that rampaged through Falisfield.
The receptionist shrunk in her desk as he ca to a stop just before us. He wore the sa clothing that Blake and the others wore, however it was different sohow. It seed more decorated? As in he had jewels adorned into parts of his vest, and the crest on his chest had a helt added in between the pickaxe and the sword. He produced a gleaming silver badge and smiled.
Its a pleasure to et you, Miss Salvos. Im Stephen, a Platinum Rank adventurer from the Iron Champions Company.
I blinked and identified him.
[??? - Lvl. ???]
Does he have a Necklace of Obfuscation too? No I didnt see anything hanging around his neck. I had a feeling his level was just too high for to see.
I had heard about the havoc this Greater Demon had been causing to my ho province, so I rushed back as quickly as I could. But it seems I arrived a little too late, since I ca back to hear only the singing of praises for the three adventurers that slayed the [Djinn].
He brought a hand forward with a smile and I stared at it. It took a mont to rember Edithes lesson on Human courtesy and how you should always shake an outstretched hand, but I quickly recovered and took it.
Hi, Im Salvos.
...I know.
Stephens lips twitched as he brought his hand back after we shook. He gestured at us, then back at the group behind him adventurers who I assud were part of his company with Blake.
Ive heard many things about you, Miss Salvos. Nothing good, really. That youre rather brutish and prone to violence, causing trouble in the guild even though you werent and still arent an adventurer. Especially your unpleasant run-ins with so of my company mbers.
He gave Blake a sharp look at the tall adventurer flinched.
However, Id like to confirm such things myself: are any of these rumors true? Did you, perhaps, hit my friend here in a rather deaning place when you two first t?
I nodded and replied simply.
I did.
Stephen quirked an eyebrow, looking over.
And why exactly did you do such a thing?
He deserved it, thats why.
Hm, perhaps.
The Platinum Ranked adventurer turned around, evaluating Blake who blanched at the offhand remark from him. Then he faced .
Such things are possible. I do admit that our criteria for accepting new mbers arent very strict. However, Ive heard other things about you too. For example, you broke into our company building here in Hazelbury and stole a rather important resource to us and distributed it to the public. Is that true?
I opened my mouth to answer, but Edithe stepped in front of and brought an arm out.
Alright, cut it out. What do you want?
Hrmph, Miss Edithe, was it? Gold Rank adventurer from that annoying Valiant Drears Company. I take it that that theft was your doing then?
So what if it is? Hoarding the location of dangerous Dungeons is not sothing the guild likes.
But it isnt banned by the guild either, is it not?
He chuckled as Edithe just glared at him. At this point, Daniel thought to join in.
Just because its allowed, doesnt an its right.
And the knight in shining armordecides to step in to save his ladies. Tell , Mister Daniel, how many people do you think youre fooling with that artifact of yours? Or did you think hiding your level also hides that Necklace of Obfuscation hanging around your neck?
Blakes eyes widened and Daniel clenched his fist.
Leave us alone. Were just minding our own business.
Ah, but your business is my business, you see?
Stephen walked around Daniel and Edithe and approached with a smile. He gestured at before turning back to the two.
What you have here is soone special. Soone extrely rare. Or did you think no one noticed how she has doubled her level in the span of two months since she first ca here?
A susurration broke out in the crowd of adventurers watching this scene; Edithe grimaced and Daniel glanced around with a frown. Stephen continued, ignoring either of their reactions.
Of course, leveling at such speeds is only possible in the lower levels. However, to do so requires a level of risk and talent, sothing which over 99% of adventurers at even Gold lack. So Id like to offer this deal to you, Miss Salvos: join the Iron Champions Company, and not only will all your past transgressions to us be forgiven, but youll have access to all resources we can offer. Locations of Dungeons, dium Grade and even High Grade equipnt, and even the best ntors anyone can offer. It will all be free, specifically for you, as long as you decide to join our company here and now.
I stared at the Human man, blinking as he went on.
It is a generous offer, Miss Salvos. Sothing we dont give everyone. Wed be treating you as we would a Platinum Rank, despite you having only just reached Gold. Itd be wise to accept this if you truly wish to reach such high levels in no ti. Additionally, if theres anything you might want, well be able to pool together our vast resources to help you get it. We might not be one of the Honorable Companies, but Id say were getting close to their size.
In your dreams. The Iron Champions Company is nowhere near large enough to stand amongst those three
Was I talking to you?
Stephen spoke over Edithe and gave her a dark look. She flinched, instinctively raising her staff. He did nothing else, turning back to face .
So Miss Salvos, what about it? Will you join us?
I looked at Stephens outstretched hand, before directing my gaze over his shoulder. Edithe was chewing her lower lip, and Daniel had nothing to offer either: both seed resigned, unable to say anything.
I turned back to the Platinum Rank adventurer. If I join the Iron Champions Company, Id be able to level faster. And maybe I can make them find a way to reach the Netherworld. There was almost no downside to this offer; everything about it seed right to .
So I smiled, raising my hand and accepting the proffered handshake by Stephen. Daniel sighed, and Edithe averted her gaze. Stephen was smirking, while Blake had a look of terror on his face. I opened my mouth
No.
...pardon?
Stephen lowered his hand as I brought my hands back to my hips. I spoke again, slower this ti.
I said no.
Uh, but you took my hand
Because its common courtesy to do so, of course. However, I do not want to join your company.
The Platinum Ranked adventurer slowly blinked. He sputtered in indignation.
But why? You have only things to gain from joining us! I am literally offering to give you a VIP treatnt that only the closest friends of our founders get. What sane reason could you give to reject such a deal?!
I shrugged.
My companions dont like you, and I dont like you either. Also, Id probably have to leave them if I joined your company. I dont want that.
He opened his mouth in fury then slowly closed it. He shook his head, resting his forehead on the palm of his hand.
I shouldve known you would say this from the way I saw you act. Youre like a child. A petulant, bratty child.
I am not a child. I am a Gr
Daniel and Edithe snapped their gazes to . I quickly corrected myself mid word.
Grown woman!
Stephen stared at as I shook a fist at him. He just sighed.
Alas, such potential is wasted on a fool such as you. Unfortunate.
He turned around and began to stalk off. However, he paused right at the edge of earshot distance and craned his neck fractionally to face us.
You will regret this decision, Miss Salvos. And as for you, Miss Edithe. Your Valiant Drears Company will get whats coming for them. Or did you really think our company will take all your interference in stride?
Edithe grit her teeth, biting back a reply. Then the Platinum Rank adventurer and his group left the guild hall. And all that was left was silence.
So, uh, how do I sign again?
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