Published: July 3, 2025
Chapter 163: 12:00
Chapter 163-2: 21:00
The largest city in the south, Acre.
The three members of Room 10 had come to this city on a commissioned request from the Run Adventurers' Guild.
It is quite rare for a party that has only recently been promoted to D rank to receive a commissioned request.
Of course, commissioned requests offer higher rewards compared to regular requests, and contribute more to the Guild. It is said that successfully completing just one commissioned request is equivalent to the points of two regular requests, which certainly raises their motivation.
Upon arriving in Acre, the three headed straight to the Acre Adventurers' Guild.
While a brief explanation of the request had been given by Run, a detailed explanation was said to be provided in Acre.
Given that there was a possibility of being told to "move" right upon arrival, it was common sense for adventurers to head to the Guild before booking accommodations.
Though there are water attribute mages in the world who may not know this common sense, the three in Room 10 had been completing requests and were somewhat accustomed to such procedures.
Once they entered society, they realized the importance of common sense...
At the Guild's reception, after presenting their introduction letter from the Run Adventurers' Guild along with their adventurer cards, they were led to a meeting room at the back.
After waiting for only twenty seconds, a man entered.
"Hello, thank you for coming. I am Warren, the Guild Master."
He had an intellectual aura about him, and one could sense he had been a mage or priest during his active days.
"I am Nils from Room 10. And these are my party members, Eto and Amon."
"It's been a while since we last met at Kairadi for a request. Please, have a seat."
This Warren had formerly served as the sub master at Kairadi.
He was referred to as the "conscience of Kairadi" by Goro, the daimyo of Kona Village.
As Warren invited them to sit, a Guild staff member arrived with four cups of tea.
"Have you been briefed on the request and its background?"
"I received a brief introduction, but I would prefer to hear the details once again, if possible."
In response to Warren's question, party leader Swordsman Nils answered on behalf of the group.
Having gained experience, he spoke skillfully.
"I understand. The origin of the matter is that our C rank party, Rokka, discovered a shrine."
“A shrine...”
Priest Eto murmured.
"Yes. On paper, it is referred to as a 'shrine,' but the priest of Rokka believes it is 'likely a hidden temple.' However, she has never seen a hidden temple herself, so it would be best to confirm with someone knowledgeable. Currently, there is no one in Acre who knows, and calling someone from the royal capital would take too long. When I consulted with Master McGrath, he introduced you all to us."
"I see."
Nils nodded and glanced at Eto sitting next to him.
"Indeed. In fact, we encountered a 'hidden temple' during the request we took at Kairadi..."
Eto nodded in response to his gaze and spoke.
"Certainly. I read the report. This time, there is a location called Azone Village about half a day's journey from what is believed to be the 'hidden temple.' You will first go there, meet up with Rokka, who are currently on a separate request, and they will guide you to the temple."
"Rokka will proceed to the temple while also handling a different request...?"
Eto asked with a hint of concern.
"Ah, I understand your worries. It's unpleasant to have to manage another request while in the middle of one. However, the request they are handling is related to the temple matter, so there shouldn't be any issues. In fact, the rewards from the Guild will be increased, so they are quite pleased about it."
"That's good to hear."
Nils responded with a significant nod.
Beside him, Eto and Amon also nodded in agreement.
Two days later, at the inn in Azone Village.
Though Azone was referred to as a 'village,' it had established itself as a key supply point for agricultural products to the largest city in the south, Acre, making it a considerably large 'village.'