On the second day of the New Year, I strolled through the festive streets of Selen.
Once again, there were nurous stalls selling Golem dolls.
While the Golem walls took on various forms, the dolls ca in even more varieties, from oddly cute to resembling animals.
I casually stopped and gazed at the stalls.
Should I buy so for Quinns and the others?
Unlike Ted and his group, they seed young for their age.
It must be because of the presence or absence of guardians; the environnt truly shapes people as they say.
I randomly picked eight Golem dolls and had them packed into a bag.
If I choose two of each, even if preferences overlap, it should work out sohow. If there are any leftovers, Ill decorate them at ho.
With the bag hanging from my belt, I started walking again.
As I reached the central intersection of Selen, a puppet show was being perford.
The play depicted the battle of the Four Heroes, the defense of Selen against the Alphas faction.
Not long after Alphas secluded himself, Selen was attacked by a force of two thousand led by Marquis Gotimas.
Their aim was to bring the gathering magicians under their control.
At that ti, the outer Golems had not yet been deployed, and Alphas and his faction had not yet seized control of Selen.
Facing the besieging Gotimas army, Alphas tactic was terrifyingly simple.
They deployed one person in each direction.
Alphas, the hero Ragnas, the sage Telper, and the puppeteer Klukra.
All of them were formidable fighters, and Ragnas and the other two were later praised as Alphas allies in the future.
And with just four people, they annihilated the two thousand troops.
It was such a huge defeat that people said His Imperial Majesty turned to appeasent policies.
The puppet Ragnas swept away the Gotimas army with [Multiple Chants], Telper utilized nurous magical tools to bring about destruction, Klukra summoned a large number of Golems to trample, and then Alphas swiftly killed them with a giant fireball, eliciting thunderous cheers from the crowd gathered in the alleyway.
Passing by the Adventurers Guild with the excitent behind , I could still hear cheers from there.
They werent performing a puppet show.
Curious, I entered through the door, only to find Rebecca absentmindedly inside the quiet room.
I approached the counter and greeted her.
Working from the start of the year, huh? Guild staff have it tough too.
Its unrelated to monsters. Isnt that right, Tenko-kun? Youre here for work?
Unfortunately, Im just passing by. By the way, it sounds unusually noisy outside
Turning my gaze to the back, Rebecca smiled unamusedly.
Its the usual. Zerett-san is involved again.
Ah the usual. So, whos the victim this ti?
Its a guy nad Hashou. Hes an adventurer who moved his base here about half a year ago.
Those guys.
They said they often received escort requests, but I hadnt t them.
Theyre troubleso people, but they an no harm.
They seem to be providing entertainnt for adventurers, which is healthier than causing trouble behind the scenes.
I declined Rebeccas offer and headed to the backyard.
Stepping out into the square, it was more bustling than ever.
The Adventurers surrounded by cheering were clashing with Zerett and Sekies.
The other Hashou mbers were only with Amber, as I couldnt spot Varner or Velott.
And there were only Zerett and Barden from Mannenmanzaku.
Crossing paths with each other as we peeked into the Guild for a pasti that was probably the usual scene.
Zerett was receiving cheers from Barden, holding his own against the superior Sekies.
Mannenmanzaku might be D-rank, but Zerett and Barden were combat-specialized.
They were surprisingly strong in a one-on-one fight, especially with no tricks.
On the other hand, Sekies was a balanced warrior, displaying his true strength through support and coordination.
Nevertheless, Zerett was holding his own against Sekies more than equally, making Sekies seem like he had several aces up his sleeve.
Wooden hamrs swung, wooden swords flickered.
Sekies seed to have already discerned Zeretts traits, giving him room to spare.
And when a forceful swing missed its mark, Zerett was brought to his knees as his abdon got mowed down.
His fighting spirit hadnt faded yet, but,
Brothers revenge!
Unable to wait any longer, Barden leaped forward.
Hes always avenging soone, that guy.
Even though he suddenly switched from heavyweight to balanced type, Sekies calmly dealt with it, quickly pushing Barden back.
Is this Sekies second win? Do you think so?
Suddenly, a voice ca from the side.
Looking up, I t eyes with a familiar man.
No one had approached.
Did he intrude into Haleysts vicinity himself? I had been completely careless.
As I tilted my head in silence, Haleyst smiled.
Those two are troubleso, but they serve as a asure of the newcors strength.
Have you been asured too?
In the past. It usually ends on the spot, but I didnt know there was more to it. Right, brother?
Stop it.
Zerett and his group only call and Markant brother.
They seem to like us a lot. But Im not particularly pleased.
By the way, which do you think is superior, Serps or Hashou?
Why ask?
Just a simple curiosity.
I returned my gaze to the two exchanging blows.
If they fight, Hashou would win. But the more outstanding one is Serps.
Haha, is that so? Should I thank you?
Its just a fact.
Even if I said it plainly, Haleyst laughed happily.
Serpsespecially Haleystis outstanding.
Except for the special case of Mannenmanzaku, they skillfully unite adventurers every year through exercises.
Serps may be ranked C in combat ability. But with attributes not listed in the stats like leadership and reliability, Haleyst was an adventurer who could achieve results beyond his abilities.
Ignoring defense, Barden swung his wooden sword, while Sekies responded carefully, adding attacks accurately.
It was only a matter of ti before Barden fell.
As the two of us watched, Haleyst casually spoke up.
By the way, what should I call you?
Tenko.
Got it. So, is Tenkos future set?
Whats with the strange question?
Just curious.
Haleyst looked down at seriously.
With high combat power and sharp wit. Not to ntion education. You have the potential to reach Rank B.
Surprising. Youve barely talked to , yet you evaluate that highly?
How many years do you think weve been doing that job? Youre exceptional, my friend.
While Haleysts evaluation was gratifying, it also made feel guilty.
Im only an adventurer while Im in Selen.
Once I return to Reedvart, Ill be a knight who subdues monsters. I wont take any requests.
Perhaps because of that thought, the words that slipped out of my mouth were frivolous.
Even so, Im stuck at Rank B, right?
Because thats the limit when youre solo.
Without showing any signs of offense, Haleyst responded calmly.
Above B is a real monster. Its better not to think of them as the sa as humans.
Oh, is that so?
For exampletheres a woman nad Selpha in Rank A. Known as Compassionate Selpha, she reached Rank A all by herself. If I were to face her as an opponent, Id run. With all my might.
Haleyst stated it as if it were obvious.
I believe Selpha is an adventurer operating in the northern part of the Empire.
I thought she was part of the party called Compassion, but perhaps it was her nickna.
Anyway, its an interesting story.
Just as I was about to ask for more details, the square erupted with excitent, interrupting us.
It seems Barden was also defeated.
While looking down at Barden, who was lying face down, Sekies lowered his wooden sword with a sigh.
And as he tried to return to Ambers side, Zerett blocked his path.
Its Bardens revenge!
You lost just now! Are you still going at it!?
This is a new pattern. Their interruption caused an incomplete combustion.
Ignoring Sekies protest, Zerett swung his wooden hamr.
At that mont, his movent ca to a sudden halt.
This is I can feel it. I feel it, the passionate gaze of my brother!
Oh no, Ive been found out.
Quickly hiding behind Haleysts back.
Barden also noticed , and the two of them started looking for .
Sorry to interrupt the conversation, but Ill take my leave.
You have it tough. I want to help. But please spare from those two.
Then, see you in six months.
Yeah. Lets et again, in a different role.
I activated [Stealth] and fled from the Guild.
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