The Water Magician

The next day, Ryo's plans went awry from the morning.

Initially, he intended to go to the North Library early in the morning, but his plans fell apart when he tried to have breakfast at the guild cafeteria.

"Out of stock already?"

He arrived at the cafeteria at the usual time, just after seven in the morning, only to find that they had run out of food.

"I'm sorry, Ryo. The academic research team from the royal capital came and took all the breakfast food. As for lunch, I'll go to the market and buy the ingredients, so it will be fine... Sorry to everyone else too."

The head chef, who usually cooked happily in the back of the kitchen, bowed his head apologetically.

The head chef was, of course, a former adventurer, a bit older than the Guild Master, and a former c-rank adventurer.

To the young adventurers, he was like a father figure who always prepared delicious meals.

When someone like him bowed his head, it was hard to say anything strongly against it.

On the contrary, the impression of the so-called "academic research team," which had caused such a situation that made the head chef bow, had already turned to the worst at this point.

The academic research team is dispatched from the royal capital to investigate any abnormal occurrences within the kingdom, examining the cause, the progress, and future outlook.

Scholars from the Royal Central University, researchers from the Magical University, or even the Royal Magic Guild itself may lead the investigation.

This time, due to an unprecedented large tsunami occurring in the only dungeon of the Central Nations after about ten years, the scale of the academic research team was unprecedentedly huge.

The Royal Central University, the Magical University, and the Royal Magic Guild sent as many members as they could.

The total number was five thousand.

Normally, an investigation team would consist of about fifty people, at most exceeding a hundred.

But with five thousand... the city's accommodations were completely overwhelmed.

Many who couldn't find lodging, often lower-ranking members of the research team, porters, and escorts, ended up having to sleep outside the city.

"What on earth do you think you're doing?!"

Hugh's angry voice echoed in the Guild Master's office.

Before Hugh stood three executives of the research team.

Clive Staples, President of the Royal Central University.

Christopher Bratt, Chief Professor of the Magical University.

Arthur Velasis, Advisor of the Royal Magic Guild.

All of them could be considered big shots in the academic world of the royal capital.

Especially, the President of the Royal Central University was personally leading the investigation team, showing their commitment.

Clive Staples, the president, exuded both an academic and bureaucratic aura.

Without a doubt, he was one of the top figures in the academic world of the royal capital.

However, such matters were of no concern to Hugh.

While he understood that opposing them would lead to troublesome consequences, he felt that this was simply too much.

"Upon arrival, you confiscated all the food from the adventurers' guild. And now, you're asking to lift the blockade on the dungeon because you're going in? Moreover, you're asking us to send adventurers as escorts? Enough is enough!"

Hugh's angry voice seemed to have little effect on the three in front of him.

President Clive wore a cold expression, Chief Professor Christopher looked elsewhere, and Advisor Arthur sipped the tea that had been served with a weary demeanor.

"Master McGrath, for this investigation, His Majesty the King has appointed Secretary of Internal Affairs Count Harold Lawrence as the leader of the research team. We have received full power of attorney from Count Harold Lawrence, the team leader."

McGrath is Hugh's family name. His full name is Hugh McGrath.

With that, President Clive presented a sealed letter and the full power of attorney.

"Full power of attorney, huh..."

This literally meant that those holding the power of attorney had full authority... in other words, the three before him were not individuals to be disregarded, just like their leader, Count Harold Lawrence, and the king who appointed him.