Chapter 154: The Introduction
In the end, we welcomed the next day without any real preparations. Most of our supplies were already stored in the Dimensional Box, and there was nothing new to gather. However, there were still some thoughts swirling in my mind.
“That turtle… I wonder what long-range magic might be effective against it…”
We had tried various spells while on the turtle’s back, but I had refrained from using flashy magic. If I were to consider which attack, infused with the same amount of Magic Power, had the most effect…
“It seems like we have no choice but to attack physically.”
“Yeah, I think so too.”
That turtle’s shell felt incredibly thick and hard. Because of that, I doubted that any kind of magic would yield significant results. The most effective attacks had been those of the Shock Penetration Type Physical Attack, but those wouldn’t be usable for this mission.
“If only I could infuse magic with the Shock Penetration Effect…”
“That sounds difficult.”
Indeed, while I could deliver a shock with my fists, magic operated differently. Since I was trying to penetrate with shock, I wondered if it would have to be a spell that released shockwaves. That would mean using a non-attribute shockwave spell, but those weren’t typically used for long-range attacks. If I wanted to play it safe, I could just hurl a chunk created with Earth Magic.
“Hmm…”
Lost in thought as I walked, I soon found myself at the Adventurer’s Guild. As usual, I stepped through the door and made my way upstairs.
Upon entering the floor in front of the counter, I noticed the atmosphere was different from usual. It was a quiet space filled with a palpable tension.
The only one who seemed oblivious to the mood was Nil. He surveyed the surroundings before letting out a loud yawn. No, there were other adventurers who also failed to read the room. One of them was clinging to Nil, enjoying a fluffy moment. Well, go ahead and indulge; I’ll gladly share the comfort.
“Well, well… So you two are Shu and Rio.”
A slender man with graying hair, looking quite dashing for his age, spoke up from in front of the counter, arms crossed.
“That’s right, but who are you?”
“Oh, my apologies. I’m Linford Badereel, an S Rank Adventurer. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Oh, yes. I’m Shuu, a C Rank Adventurer. Nice to meet you.”
“And I’m Rio. Nice to meet you as well.”
“And this here is my Tamed Monster, Nil.”
“Wafuu!”
Nil managed to greet him properly as well.
Given that an S Rank Adventurer approached us at this moment, it seemed he was one of the members the Guild Master had mentioned.
“Haha, you’ve got quite the intimidating Tamed Monster with you. I can see why you were recommended.”
“Hmph—”
However, not everyone was friendly. There was a man who snorted and glared at us, but Linford merely shrugged it off.
As silence reigned for a while, the Guild Master emerged from the back of the counter, surveying the room.
“It seems not everyone is here yet. Well, it’s still early, but those involved should gather in the conference room on the third floor.”
Thus, the members preparing to assault the Sea Emperor Turtle were gathered in the Adventurer’s Guild’s conference room.
We were led to a larger room than usual on the third floor. Besides Linford, there were three other men and three women, all of whom appeared to be capable of long-range attacks, resembling mages.
Meanwhile, Nil was curled up in a corner, enjoying a nap.
Before long, a knock sounded at the door, and in walked a woman with pointed ears, accompanied by Lowell.
“You’re late, Saskia.”
“Am I? I thought I was right on time.”
A striking blonde woman was scolding a light blue-haired elf.
“Hmm. It seems everyone is here now. I would like to proceed with introductions, but it appears Shu and Rio are the only ones meeting everyone for the first time?”
As the Guild Master scanned the members, nods of agreement were returned, but no one denied it.
“Um, I’m Shuu, a C Rank Adventurer. This is Rio, and the Tamed Monster sleeping over there is Nil. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you.”
As I introduced myself, Rio bowed her head, and the introductions began. Three men introduced themselves as B Rank Adventurers, and the man who had snorted in dissatisfaction at the counter was among them, introducing himself as Rex. The introductions continued with the two B Rank female adventurers.
Next came the A Rank Adventurers.
“I am Adelie, an A Rank Adventurer. Please remember my name.”
With her shining golden hair flowing, she performed an elegant curtsy. Every movement was graceful. Who was this person? Was she perhaps some noble lady?
“I’m also an A Rank Adventurer, Saskia.”
“I already introduced myself, so I’ll skip it.”
“Very well. Now, let’s have a brief discussion.”
With Linford’s final words, the Guild Master began to steer the conversation.
However, the atmosphere among the B Rank Adventurers felt off. Rex was overtly displeased, but the others seemed to share a similar sentiment towards us.
I see, so that’s how it is. Even if flames and ice were launched from the same ship, they might annihilate each other before reaching the turtle.
While we had no particular weaknesses against any attributes, it seemed that hurling high-density materials of earth or ice at that turtle would be the best approach. If used at sea, ice would likely consume less Magic Power, but earth had the advantage in hardness.
This was a good opportunity, so I decided to use my appraisal skill.
＝＝＝＝＝
Name: Linford Badereel
Race: Human
Class: Grand Sage
Status: Normal
Status: HP 6427
MP 12087
Strength 4533
Vitality 3589
Agility 2433
Dexterity 10089
Spirit 6809
Magic Power 8675
Luck 120
＝＝＝＝＝
Linford was indeed impressive for an S Rank. Despite being a magic user, his dexterity was remarkably high. I wondered if he skillfully wielded magic with that dexterity.
As for the blonde Adelie… her full name appeared as “Adelie Silphons.” Being of a noble family, she must indeed be a noble lady. For an A Rank magic user, her Magic Power exceeded 3000.
Saskia, being an elf, also had impressive Magic Power, surpassing 5000. The others were somewhat lacking in comparison.
Among the B Rank Adventurers, one had over 3000 Magic Power, while the others didn’t even reach 2000.
In the end, no one seemed to notice that I had used my appraisal skill during the meeting.