As I went with the others to the tar guild, the first thing that ca to view was tram stop where the monster pulling wagons were. This is a mining town, so transport jobs are naturally the most popular jobs around here. Following that logic, there’s a lot of large-sized monsters, most of which either look like a cow or a horse. There are also so boar-like ones.
It seems small monsters can be taken inside the guild without any problem, so I could bring the slis with us as long I have them use the shrink skill.
It was mostly humans inside the guild, but there were so goblins here and there carrying luggage.
Reinhart-san led us to a counter.
“Welco to the Tar Guild Gimuru Branch. How may I help you?” [Clerk]
“We will be registering my daughter and this child. We will also be submitting new information.” [Reinhart]
“Very well. Please follow .” [Clerk]
The person manning the counter led us to a room and served us tea. A few minutes later, a man dressed in clothes better than the other staff mbers ca with carrying so writing implents.
The man had a hair of red and white in a ratio of 8:2, arranged properly as if he had taken the ti to get it done. He looked fairly old.
Light reflected off his hair as he looked toward us through his golden-rimd glasses.
“It’s been a while, Reinbach. I see the young lad, Reinhart, and Elize’s daughter is well.” [Well-Attired Old Man]
“It’s been a while.” [Elize]
“You seem to be doing well, Taylor.” [Reinbach]
Apparently, he’s an acquaintance of the ducal family.
“Not bad, anyway. As for the two of you, this will be our first ti eting. I am Taylor Smith, the man in charge of the Tar Guild Gimuru Branch. By the way, Reinbach, since when did you have two grandchildren? I’ve heard of your granddaughter, I’m sure, but lately I’ve been forgetting things, so do forgive if I’m mistaken.” [Taylor]
“Elialia is my only grandchild. This boy here is Ryouma-kun. By so stroke of fate, we t him a few days ago. We would like to register both him and my granddaughter to the tar guild, and I would like you to raise his rank as soon as possible.” [Reinbach]
Can you really ask sothing like that!? I yelled inwardly.
When I glanced at Reinbach-sama’s face, he said this.
“Ryouma-kun, Taylor is an old friend of mine, he’s a man you can trust. There won’t be any problems.” [Reinbach[
When Reinbach-sama said that, the branch head, Taylor, spoke as if nothing at all was amiss.
“I can accommodate him to so extent since you’re the one introducing him, but a quick rank up will require that he has the skill for it.” [Taylor]
“Don’t worry, in the first place, the reason I’m asking this is because Ryouma-kun is far too skilled for his age.” [Reinbach]
“So you want a position that will prevent so strange people from ssing with him, I see… I’d love to sit down and hear about his situation, but for now, let’s go ahead and proceed with the registration.” [Taylor]
Taylor took out two sheets of paper from the bundle of paper he was carrying by his armpit and handed them to and Elialia.
“Fill in the necessary blanks. Ryouma-kun, will you be needing an amanuensis?” [Taylor]
“Thank you, but I can write a little, so I’ll fill the blanks in myself.” [Ryouma]
I quickly filled in the blanks and submitted the paper to Taylor. The necessary blanks were na, age, race, and how long I’ve known Monster Taming or Conjuration.
“…So the young lady completed her first contract just a few days ago. Congratulations.” [Taylor]
“Thank you very much.”
Taylor smiled at Elialia, then he glanced at the paper I submitted.
“Ryouma-kun, you completed your first contract 3 years ago. What familiars do you have with you now?” [Taylor]
“Slis.” [Ryouma]
When I said all I had were slis, Taylor made a difficult face.
“If all you have are slis, I’m afraid it will be difficult to raise your rank… The jobs in this town revolve mainly around transporting goods or luggage. You need to at least have a goblin or a kobold if I’m to introduce you to a job. I can’t just give you work you’re unsuited to, after all.
To raise your rank, the first thing needed is a rit of so sort. That’s sothing you can normally build up by fulfilling one job after another. In other words, a person who can’t work can’t gain rit.” [Taylor]
Well, yeah. After all, if the guild can’t get any work done, no one will trust them.
Should I talk about my research here? As I thought that, I looked to Reinbach-sama and the others for confirmation. When I saw them nod, I went ahead and explained about the 2 new slis I discovered, as well as my findings on the thod to ta the Big Sli.
Taylor didn’t show much of a reaction to the two new variants, but as soon as I ntioned the taming thods of the Big Sli, he quickly hushed before I could even say anything. After that he made a difficult face and fell silent.
“Hmm… If you’ve really figured out the thod to ta the Big Sli that would indeed be a big achievent, but…” [Taylor]
“Is there a problem?” [Ryouma]
When I asked that, Taylor made a face that looked like he’d eaten a bug.
“There’s a current trend among Monster Tars wherein only those who can ta powerful monsters are considered excellent.” [Taylor]
“That’s nothing new. Those people were around even when we were still children ourselves.” [Reinbach]
“That’s true, but the trend has been getting stronger lately. People who share those sentints have increased among the upper brass of the Tar Guild. I’m in charge of the branch here, so I’m able to keep an eye for any discrimination of the sort, but transport jobs are still the main jobs here, so there are definitely a considerable number of people who share that sentint. One’s abilities aren’t really ant to be dictated by such aningless standard, but unfortunately…” [Taylor]
We’ve digressed from the topic a bit, but after asking again, it seems I can indeed raise my rank by submitting my research findings. Only, the details of the promotion would require the details to be sent to the main branch, which will then scrutinize the information I’ve submitted and decide whether I’m worthy of a promotion or not. If they decide I’m unworthy, I’ll end up being investigated and I might even be demoted.
Moreover, because of the recent trend, sli-related matters aren’t currently valued, so I might not be promoted even if I hand over the information on the big sli. In that case, I’ll only be calling trouble to myself.
I think it’ll be better if I just give up.
Volu 1 Chapter 15 part2
“A lot has changed since I was active.” [Reinbach]
“It cos with the years. The old retires one by one, and now, even the upper brass are getting younger. Because of that even the opinion on familiars is changing. Ah, forgive , I’m starting to rant.
Anyway, let’s continue with the registration. Once you’ve been registered you’ll be able to purchase feed from the guild at discount and you’ll be able to receive tutoring from your seniors if you wish. There’s nothing amiss with your docunts, so all thats left now is to confirm your skills. You can show the Monster Taming skill on your status board as proof or you can choose to show your familiar. Up to you.” [Taylor]
The ojousama and I decided to show him our status board.
“No need to do it directly. Just Place your status board on top of this stone plate.” [Taylor]
The stone plate he presented had a hollowed part on it just like the one at the baptism hall. But this ti there was a tal plate inside the hollow part. It seems we were supposed to place our status board on the empty part.
The ojousama went first then . When we inserted our status board a character appeared on the tal plate.
“And with that, your registration is complete. We of the Tar Guild welco you as our new mbers.” [Taylor]
After that the branch head, Taylor, asked about my circumstances. I told him the sa thing I told the ducal family.
“In that case, why don’t you play it long for the tar guild and register at the Adventurers Guild as well? If you can live in a forest for 3 years alone and even hunt a black bear, then you must be quite the hunter. The Adventurers Guild should be able to accommodate your promotion.”[Taylor]
“I thought it would be safer to rely on you, so we ca here.” [Reinbach]
“I see. Sorry for not being able to help.” [Taylor]
“Well, it’s not your fault. I’m sure Ryouma will do just fine at the Adventurers Guild.” [Reinbach]
The Adventurers Guild can’t give jobs to people with no abilities either, but the basis of their ranks mainly revolves around one’s survival abilities and battle prowess, so I probably won’t have any problems with them.
“Although I couldn’t help you with your rank, feel free to drop by anyti you have a problem. I can at least lend you an ear.” [Taylor]
I thanked the branch head and went with the others to the Adventurers Guild.
Adventurers Guild.
We didn’t happen along any thugs or any such cliché developnts along the way. I walked up to the reception desk normally and asked to register.
The Adventurers Guild has 8 classes starting from Rank G. Normally, one can only take jobs of the sa rank, but it’s also possible to take bigger jobs after forming a party. There are also tis when the guild itself will gather several parties to execute a large-scale operation. Doing a job with other people, whether it’s with just one party or with several parties, greatly reduces the difficulty of the job, so it’s possible to take jobs even one or two ranks higher.
The minimum age for registration is 10 years old, so I have that covered. Only, since I’m under 14, the guild will have to check my abilities, and I won’t be able to work on jobs even if it’s the sa rank as without the guild’s approval. This rule was implented to avoid children with no self-control from doing reckless things. That limit is lifted upon turning 14, but at that point, one has to take responsibility for all failure. One would have to pay the penalty for breaking the contract, and there’s also the possibility of losing one’s life.
After the reception desk explained that, it was decided that I will be taking the combat examination.
“You want to go all out?” [Ryouma]
“Yes… You should do your best here and show the guild your worth.” [Sebasu]
“That would be for the best.” [Reinbach]
“We’ll support you if anything happens.” [Elize]
“Good luck!” [Elialia]
“Just relax and do what you normally do.” [Reinhart]
As everyone encouraged at the back of the training area, the receptionist from before ca with a big burly man with a scary face.
“Are you the one taking the test?” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
“Yes, I am Ryouma Takebayashi. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” [Ryouma]
“I see, and those people are your chaperons?” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
“That would be correct.” [Reinbach]
“Feel free to watch, but please don’t interfere during the test. It won’t be necessary.” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
“But of course.” [Reinbach]
The man turned to after saying that.
“So your choice of weapon is a bow, huh. Alright, let’s start right away. First, shoot those 5 targets from the line. You have 5 arrows. Shoot them one at a ti.” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
The targets he pointed to were simply lined up along each other. Following his orders, I stood at the line and aid at the first of the targets.
I stood with my legs shoulder-width apart as I nocked an arrow and pulled the bowstring. I executed the entire thing smoothly without halting for even a mont as I shot the first arrow. There was no pause to my movents even as I drew another arrow and shot at the second target.
I neither made noise nor panicked. I simply nocked one arrow after another as I quietly shot each target dead center.
I was pretty good at archery even back then, but ever since coming to this world, my archery has reached a whole new level thanks to all the hunting I did in the forest. I definitely couldn’t shoot these targets as quickly in my previous life.
By the way, the school of archery I study under isn’t Kyūdō but Kyūjutsu, so there’s no need to stop like the kyūdōka (people who practice Kyūdō) do with their eight stances. I could stop if I want to, but the principle my father taught was to focus on speed after confirming that the arrow would hit. In the past, my dad would hit and yell at if I stopped for even a mont.
I started reminiscing after shooting my targets, but I quickly snapped out of it and looked toward the examiner. He was already walking toward the targets. After checking every one of them, he ca back.
“Everything was hit dead center. They may not have been moving, but that’s still an amazing feat. Not bad. Next up are moving targets. Look at that wall over there.” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
The wall the man pointed to with his thick fingers was directly opposite the entrance. There was a pillar standing on one part of it, beside which was a gaping hole.
“A long ti ago, a magic weapon called shotgun made that hole. It was a projectile weapon made by a famous adventurer called Kengo.” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
That’s obviously an otherworlder. What was he thinking bringing a shotgun to a sword and magic world?
“It eventually stopped working, though, and his rank stopped at C. But because he was able to co up with this device, he still managed to live affluently. That’s just how useful this device is.” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
Stopped working? Did he fail to maintain it or simply ran out of ammo? …He definitely pissed Gayn and the others off! Otherwise, they would have at least given him the ability to maintain and reload it. Besides, I doubt they would have given him such half-hearted support if he’d just properly talked to them.
As I was thinking that, the examiner continued.
“Targets will co shooting out of that pillar’s hole. Just shoot them as they co. There will be 50 targets all in all, and you’ll also be given 50 arrows. Your grade will depend on how many you can shoot down.” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
In other words, he wants to play clay target shooting with a bow.
“I understand.” [Ryouma]
“Alright, we’ll start at my whistle. Good luck.” [Scary-Looking Big Man]
The man handed a quiver and stepped away.
I wielded my bow and waited for the signal.
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