Chapter 258: Request
“Was it Bear of Silver Rank? You’re affiliated with Anoma, right? As the Vice Guild Master, I hereby command you. Hurry back up and secure the blockade beyond the Twentieth Layer. And please prepare the capture ropes and iron cages at the Guild. — I’ll write the instructions now.”
While speaking, the bespectacled man skillfully jotted down notes, handing the written paper to the party leader known as Bear.
A change from a request to a more forceful command. It seems urgent.
“Are the capture ropes the ones made from the Spirit’s Branch that can ensnare Spirits? So, they’ll be tied up along with the possessed individuals and transported to the surface in iron cages, right?”
The Butler confirmed, likely explaining it for my benefit. Can you really buy ropes that capture Spirits? Now that I think about it, I might have heard about such things from Yukihyo… or was it Uma?
In any case, we’re still capturing the Black Spirit by force.
“Yes. We will transport them to the Fortress City and drop them off using the Spirit’s Branch. Bear, if you could deliver this to the labyrinth management and this to the Guild, the Guild will handle the rest.”
The bespectacled man finished writing and handed over two documents.
“Alright, make sure the reward is generous. Are we leaving behind a person or the cargo?” Bear accepted the documents with a nod.
“I’ll add to the reward for the cargo. If you can’t see the Spirits or lack offensive means, it would be dangerous to leave anyone behind.”
At the bespectacled man’s reply, Bear called out to his party to start sorting through their supplies.
It seems they’ll be leaving behind much of the gear they had prepared for a few days’ stay. Lighter loads will make climbing the cliff easier, and it’s probably to give us remaining members some leeway. Adventurers sure are quick to make decisions!
“Lord Balmoa, would you accept this request?”
“…The leader here is Dean.”
Dinoss pointed at Dean with his thumb.
We belong to Kanum, and since we haven’t registered our stay in the Fortress City, the bespectacled man is being quite polite. Technically, he could exert strong authority over anyone above Silver Rank, but it’s not something to be taken lightly. Perhaps he’s being cautious since the other party is led by the King Wolf.
“The request is to rescue the preceding Adventurers. Lord Dean, I understand you are here to rank up to Gold. Once one of your party rescues the specified individual, both Dean and Chris will be supported for their promotion to Gold Rank by Iskal, the Vice Guild Master of Fortress City Anoma.”
The specified individual.
So, there’s someone important that brought the bespectacled man here? That’s a bit disappointing. Maybe I should help out anyone but the specified person. While I was lost in thought, Letze lightly tapped my back while keeping his gaze on the bespectacled man.
Could you please stop reading my mind?
“—Your expression is quite easy to read.”
The Butler whispered so only I could hear.
I’ve lived a life known for my poker face, haven’t I? Those two must be skilled observers with rich life experiences.
“I also dislike prioritizing lives under these conditions.”
Ash said in a low voice.
Wait, “I also”? Ash can read my thoughts too!
“Anyone will do, huh? That’s unsettling, so I’ll pass.”
“Same here.”
Dean and Chris had smiles on their faces, but they weren’t really smiling.
“I’ll rescue them, but I don’t intend to prioritize the specified individual. To us, they’re all equally strangers.”
Yeah, Dean’s right. If someone close were mixed in, we’d prioritize them instead.
Even in that situation, there might be people who would help everyone equally. But I definitely side with Dean on this.
“I apologize; I seem to have been hasty. I retract my previous statement and request the rescue of everyone. However, it may be difficult to proceed without adequate equipment or someone capable of using magic.”
The bespectacled man bowed his head. Oh, he’s quite gracious for a Silver Rank.
His evaluation of me is fluctuating wildly.
“I have this equipment.”
“—Please don’t let it slip to the Hero during your stay!”
Letze and Ash subtly revealed the Spirit Sword to the bespectacled man, ensuring Bear’s party couldn’t see.
“Oh…”
The bespectacled man let out an awed voice.
While Letze and Ash are trying to keep the Spirit Weapons hidden, the two of them, aiming to rise as Adventurers, are different. However, they decided to wait to show it off until Amedeo was far enough away.
Amedeo would be the scapegoat if my sister, who loves new things, wanted the Spirit Sword. In fact, a counterfeit had recently appeared in the Fortress City where Amedeo and the others had been, so it’s no laughing matter.
Besides, my sister seems more interested in bows than swords due to her personality. I think she’ll try to get both the sword I have and the Spirit Weapon bow that the party members possess.
Thanks to Amedeo and the others boasting about it, we can be more discreet.
“I’ll take the lookout role with Karn. If the Black Spirit appears, I’ll give a warning. If we find the possessed individuals, I can inform you about where they’re attached, and we can respond accordingly. It’s easier for these guys to assist, so our party will remain here.”
Dinoss wrapped things up despite all the chatter.
What about me?
“Are you a swordsman or a mage? If you can use magic, I’d appreciate it if you could stay.”
“Yeah, I can use it. I’ll join the rescue.”
I accepted Karn’s invitation.