“I would like to express my gratitude again. Thank you. Now without further ado, what is your name?”
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Count Beetle asked me when he arrived at the guildmaster's room of the Adventurers' Guild.
Next to Count Beetle is a man who appears to be the guildmaster.
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“I am known as Mars.”
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“What about you, the lady at the side?”
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“I am known as Clarice”
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“How old are you?”
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“”Six years old.””
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“How are you able to be so versed with swordsmanship, Mars? I heard you're even called as a sword saint.”
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“I am self-taught and have been wielding a sword for a long time. I was only called a sword saint but never claimed to be one.”
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I tried to give answers that would avoid people asking about my origins as much as possible.
Clarice noticed this too, so she just nodded next to me.
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“I see. Originally, I would like to hear more details...
But firstly, I would like you to listen to my request. As you may know, we would like you to help us maintain security here in Grantham. Well, specifically to help us cull the goblins. Of course, I will give you an additional reward. Can I trust you with this request?”
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“Please answer my doubts first, how long will the labyrinth overflow (labyrinths) continue? Is there anything we can do to stop the overflow (labyrinths)?”
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I asked the question said outside previously here to respond to his question.
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“I don't know how long the overflow (labyrinths) will last, but the overflow (labyrinths) will stop if you conquer the labyrinth.”
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“When would the labyrinth be conquered?”
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“I can't bring parties higher than B-rank in my territory here. The C-rank and D-rank parties that have gained experience in the Grantham labyrinth have gone west to the war with the Kingdom of Barkus. I absolutely cannot ask for help from other nobles. They will take advantage of us in many ways.
So, we really don't have a chance to conquer the labyrinth at the moment.”
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“I understand. Then, may I have the reward for my contribution first?”
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“Sure. Tell me your price.”
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“Promise me that the Lampard family will be safe. Baron Dames has a one-sided grudge towards the Lampard family. For my part, it’s just reaping what I sow but please show leniency towards Clarice and Lampard family who were penalized due to lese-majesty.”
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I and Clarice briefly explained our tussle with Baron Dames.
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“Seems like I have done something unfortunate. I understand…your actions, Mars.
I promise you that the Lampard family will be safe. As expected, I can't say that this is a reward. It's that much obvious from the incident. Is there anything else you want?"
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“Yes, I do. But I’m afraid I would have to add a condition so would that be acceptable?”
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“Condition?”
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“Yes. Due to some reason(excuses), I cannot stay in this town for a long time, no more than a month.
During that time, I will conquer the labyrinth. I would like to ask for your help in for the raid preparation. And after I have conquered the labyrinth, I would like to receive another reward again...”
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Count Beetle looked at me in surprise.
I guess it would seem ridiculous for a six-year-old to enter a labyrinth, much less to talk about conquering the labyrinth. He might even be doubting my sanity at this moment.
And Clarice, who was standing next to me, voiced out her disagreement.
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“Mars, it's dangerous even for you! Don't take life so lightly!”
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Clarice said. I replied that I had my way and that it would be fine. And then Count Beetle said.
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“Even a B-class party of six C-class adventurers couldn't make it back from the boss's room, you know? And no matter how much they call you a sword saint, there’s a limit for a single person.”
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If I say anything carelessly, he would ask me about my origins.
But I have to return to Irgusia as soon as possible so I can't stay here for a long time.
I was thinking about how to persuade him.
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“I'll go with you.”
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This time I was surprised. But it was not a bad idea.
If I leave this town, it is the people of this town who will protect the Lampard family and this town.
If I dived the labyrinth with Clarice for a month, I believe she’ll become quite strong.
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“You won't be able to do anything even if you go with Mars. You will only slow him down.”
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“No, I can use holy magic. I can heal the wounded Mars.”
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This time, the Count growled. Incidentally, Clarice's ability to use holy magic was necessary when she was explaining the tussle with Baron Dames so she exposed her card.
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“Hmm Mars, can you not share the reason why it is not possible for you to stay for an extended period in this place?”
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“Yes. Unfortunately...”
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Then the guildmaster, who was flanking Count Beetle, spoke up for the first time.
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“I can only allow you to enter the labyrinth if you are an E-rank adventurer or above or if you are a member of a knighthood.
Also, adventurers have to be 12 years old to be allowed...”
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“But I am already-...”
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I almost told him I was an E-rank adventurer.
If I said that, he might find out that no one here in the Kingdom of Zarkham had become an E rank adventurer at the age of six, and he might question whether I might be from another country.
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“Already?”
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The guildmaster asked.
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“I am already strong enough to be able to defeat any number of hobgoblins or goblin mages. I think Count Beetle knows that too. If you really need a status to give the permission, I would like to be a member of the Knights during the labyrinth attack only.”
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“Mm-hmm. It is as Mars said, Victor.”
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The guild master, Victor, hung his head and responded with, ‘I apologize for my outburst.’ I knew that guilds and nobles were not equal.
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“It's no use sitting still too... Mars, Clarice, I will accept your proposal.
What exactly do you want me to do to prepare and how do you want me to cooperate?”
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“I would like to have some armors that Clarice can equip herself with. I would also like two swords and, if possible, a bow.”
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“We can't provide armor that a child can wear. Though I can get you the swords right away. For the bow, I can get one for you by tomorrow. Hmm for the armors... I'm sorry but I don't think I can be of any help. Instead, I will give you this sword as a reward.”
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The Count then handed me the sword that he had been holding at his waist.
It was beautifully decorated and anyone would know that it’s expensive at first glance.
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“This is a sword that increases durability when equipped.”
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I appraised the sword and found.
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Name: Defender
Attack: 10
Special: Durability +2
Value: B
Details: HP recovery acceleration.
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He gave me a very good sword.
This is definitely Clarice's equipment.
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“After that, here take Baron Dames’s sword. I’ll handle the talk with Baron Dames.”
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Actually, this was a good sword too.
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Name: Mithril Silver Sword.
Attack: 10
Value: C
Details: A sword that easily allows the holder’s magic to pass through.
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“Thank you very much. I will start attacking the labyrinth tomorrow.”
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“I look forward to your contribution. If you have any problems, please let me know.”
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Count Beetle then tossed me a gold coin.
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“You will be well rested now.”
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Come to think of it, I didn't even have money for lodging so this was probably the most gratifying thing he could have done.
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“Again, thank you very much. Now if you'll excuse me.”
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With that, we left the Adventurers' Guild.
We had to go to catch Gray and Erna now.
After all, they would never have dreamed of Clarice diving into the labyrinth.