Chapter 23: An understanding between Man and Bear

It has already been three hours since we have met Zanac and started travelling towards the town of Reflet. After spending my time free flying, doing some nonsensical as I do so, and messing up with my new phone, we have finally, and safely arrived.

I have landed beforehand and just sprinted towards the gates, where Touya and Zanac were waiting.

As for why I did that, we'll obviously don't want to cause unnecessary commotion.

A lightly armored soldier, possibly a gatekeeper, met us at the entrance and threw us some questions before letting us pass.

And from what I have seen with the other's at the entrance, if not for Zanac then me and Touya would've had to wait in line, along with the rest of the travellers entering the town, so I'm a little grateful for that.

The carriage rattled down the street with me sprinting ahead of it, already have the general location of Zanac's store, and waited for them to arrive shortly.

After that, I asked Zanac for informations about the common magic beast materials sold at the Guild.

I waved Touya and Zanac goodbye, with me and Touya decided to meet up in the Silver Moon Inn, right after Touya got a new set of clothes and receive his payment.

With a final wave towards the two, I took out my phone and followed the map, arriving at the Guild in no less than a minute with me sprinting lightly.

Oh! Another fact that I found out was that even though the letters and their language are too far to be similar with the ones in Terra, I could still read without issues, and if my guess is right, then I'll say that I can even write in the said language without problem.

I went inside the Guild and made my eyes wander around.

The first floor of the Guild's building was laid out like a restaurant. It was a lot more cheerful than I thought it would be. I'd pictured it in my head as a bar where ruffians would hang about, but it looked like my fears were unfounded. The female receptionist met me with a lovely smile as I approached the counter.

I put on my own smile, which were slightly concealed because of my donned hood.

"Yes? What may I help you with today?"

"I would like to sell some of my magic beast materials, please."

"Oh! You mean monster materials! Yes, you may approach the clerk that handles that matter. He's the one right by that corner."

She answered and pointed me towards the clerk.

I nodded my head and thanked her before going for the said clerk, with a thought in mind,

'Monster materials. It means that they call the beasts here as monsters instead of magic beasts, how could I forget about that... *Sigh* Anyways...'

I quickly settled myatters with the clerk who were caught by surprise with the sudden appearance of dozens of monster materials out of nowhere, but he knew better and just did his job and began calculating the price of each said materials.

I didn't bring out the materials I got from the wyvern and dragons, as I'm sure that will cause me unnecessary trouble and uncalled attention.

I only brought out the ones from the canines that I have killed yesterday from the group, and some others that I deemed to "fit" in this situation.

I knew that the monsters in this area are not that strong and some are even non-existent with the usual ones I usually kill from Terra, so I only chose those who have some things in common, like the wolf types and such.

After getting my pay of twenty gold coins and ten silvers, I left the Guild and made my way to the Silver Moon Inn.

It was not that hard to find even without the help of my map as it was in the main road, so I arrived just after a short while of walking.

I found the sign for the Silver Moon. The logo had a crescent moon design. Fairly standard, all things considered. The building, which was made of brick and wood, looked like it stood three stories tall. It certainly seemed sturdy enough, at any rate. I passed through the double-leaf doors. The room inside resembled a bar or dining hall with a large counter on the right. To the left, there were stairs leading next floor above.

"Oh? Now this day couldn't get any better! Welcome. Are you here for a meal, or is it a room you want?"

The lady behind the counter called out to me.

She's got a nice red hair on the lighter shade, tied up in a ponytail. She looks lively, and seem to be in her early twenties.

"Ah, I would like a room please. How much for a night, by the way?"

"It's two coppers! Meals are already included. Oh, and you'll have to pay upfront as well."

Two coppers? Too cheap... If I remembered correctly, it caused me at least ten times when I stayed at an inn at Sihnia while I was waiting for the classes to start last week...

I took a gold coin from my Inventory and placed it on the counter.

"I'll stay for a month please. Oh, and are there still food ready to eat? I'm a little hungry, you see."

I added right after I stated my time of stay and lightly rubbed my stomach that's about to growled.

"Hais, why are you kids carrying so much money in you? Oh well, just like I have told the one from earlier, I'm out of silvers so I'll give you your change in coppers. And yes, there's still a some left. Would you like to have that as your lunch?"

"Mm, that's fine. And yes, please. By the way, did Touya already checked in?"

"Oh? So you two are acquainted then! Yes, he did. But he left right after eating, said he want to look around the area to familiarize himself."

She said as she placed forty coppers on the counter.

I nodded and kept them in my Inventory.

"I see. That's just like him, I guess."

Plot armors be damned...

With that sorted, the lady brought out what appeared to be a hotel register from behind the counter. She opened it up in front of me, then handed me a feather pen.

"Oh, just curious. How'd you do that appearing and dissappearing trick?"

Appearing and dissappearing trick? Seriously? What is this, a magic show?

With a light twitch of my eyebrow, I smiled and took the pen from her and filled in the register, which proved that my guess is right, I've got no problems with the language for either verbal or written. This is most likely because of that new skill I got, 'Allspeak'.

"Well, it's part of my magic. The storage type which I can keep material things in a separate pocket of space."

But I assure you that mine is literally a whole dimension in and of itself...

"Hoo~? Now that's just useful! Say, uhm... Kross, right? Is that how you pronounce your name?"

She looked at the register and asked, to which I nodded in confirmation.

"Mm! And my name's Micah, by the way. Will it be fine if I ask you to come along with me for the next time I'll go buy the stocks? Of course, I'll pay you for the trouble."

She said with a hopeful and eager look.

I nodded and smiled at her lightly.

"Nice to meet you. And sure, I don't see why not."

"Mm! Thank you! You don't know how much this will help! Here is your key, the room's on the third floor at the end of the hall, just beside Touya's room. Oh, and you may as well use this time to go check it while I prepare your food!"

"Mm. Thank you."

I said and took the key and made my way the stairs.

I opened the door of the said room. It was fairly big, though not as big as the one in my shared dorm, but still good enough for comfort and cleanliness. It featured a firaly sized bed, a chair, desk, and a closet. And the view's also quite nice from the window.

Nodding in satisfaction, I went down and got my food.

It was simple, but still delicious on its own.

After eating, I remained seated as a couple of thoughts ran around my mind.

'It hink it would be great to teach her some techniques and tricks to better the flavors of the food, and maybe I can also teach her a few recipes. Oh, there's also Touya! I bet he knows some Japanese recipes... I'll ask him later.'

I stood up and thanked Micah before going up to my room for a short nap.

After a while, I heated voices coming from the first floor, so I guess Touya and most likely the twins and arrived.

I stood up and stretched a little. Looking out of the window, it's already beginning to get dark outside, and I think dinner will already be served in a while...

I closed the window and made my way down to the first floor, and saw Touya with two other girls along with him together with Micah tending to the girls for their lodging.

"Yo. Touya. It's just the first day and you've brought back some girls?"

I greeted him followed by a sly and teasing smirk as I made my way over.

All of them turned to me with Touya sighing while his face a turning a little pinkish.

I turned to the two girls and saw them also looking a little flustered.

"I-It's not like that! I have only met them earlier when I helped them in a little trouble!"

He flailed his arms and defended himself.

"Ye-yeah! He only helped us with those thugs earlier! Nothing of that sort!"

The long, silver haired girl said.

"Mm mm!"

With the short, silver haired girl nodding her head flusteredly.

Micah looked on with interest as a grin appeared at the corner of her lips.

"Hm... If you say so. Hais~. And here I thought I was finally getting some sister-in-laws~."

I said in fake regret, acting in an overly disappointed manner.

"Wh-what?!"

Touya exclaimed in embarassment.

"You-ju-j-"

The long haired one stuttered with her face bright red.

As for the short haired one, her face is literally steaming.

Pfft! Hahaha! This is too easy!

"Pffft! Hahaha! Alright, I'm just messing with you guys. Anyways. I'm Kross, nice to meet you."

I laughed a little and introduced myself.

Touya sighed in relief when he noticed that I have finally stopped in my teasing.

"R-Right! The name's Elze Silhoueska, and this is my little sister, Linze Silhoueska!"

"N-Nice to meet you."

Elze was the first to snap out and introduced the both of them while Linze only greeted in an embarrassed tone.

"O-Okay! Micah said that dinner's already prepared. Why don't we eat together?"

Touya suddenly suggested to which all smiled and agreed.

...

We talked a lot while eating the dinner Micah had made, and after dinner, we all had some tea to drink.

'Hm, I think I'm also liking tea now... Though I still prefer coffee... And milk.'

"See, we came here to deliver a Crystal Deer's antler after those guys put out a request, but that went about as well as you saw earlier, Touya. I mean, their request was plenty suspicious, so I did figure something was up, but still..."

"...That's why I said we shouldn't accept their request... But Sis, you wouldn't listen to me..."

Linze spoke up to reprimand her older sister.

"Then, why would you accept their request if you knew it soundedsuspicious?"

Touya voiced put his thoughts, to which I nodded and looked at the twins.

"Funny story, actually... See, we'd just beaten a Crystal Deer and have gotten one of its antlers when we heard that there was someone looking to buy one. Sounded almost too good to be true. Well, I guess it was, considering we got duped and all... Suppose we'll only be accepting requests like that through the guild from now on. Hopefully that way we'll get wrapped up in a lot less trouble." Elze lowered her gaze and let out a big sigh.

"Wanna take this opportunity to get registered with the guild, Linze?"

The girl in question nodded approvement with chin held in her hands.

"...That sounds like a good idea. Better safe than sorry, after all. Let's go some time tomorrow."

Hearing this, Touya immediately perked up.

" If it's alright with you, can I tag along tomorrow? I need to get registered with the guild, too."

Now that he mentioned it...

"Me too."

I added.

To Touya's puzzlement.

"Eh? Didn't you go there earlier though? Why didn't you register then?"

Oh, right.

"... I forgot. I immediately left after the exchange."

I said and looked to the side.

This is an embarrassing mistake, seriously.

"Heh~."

And now he's teasing me?! That's how you like it, huh?!

"Why? Am I not welcome? Oh, wait. Is it perhaps that you want to keep the twins for yourself the whole day~?"

I said with my eyes narrowed playfully as a sly smirk appeared on my lips.

"Wha-Wha?!"

He exclaimed and immediately burned red.

Gyahahahaha! Pay back's a b*tch!

"Al-Alright! We'll do it like that! See-see you tomorrow! We'll rest now! Come on Linze!"

Elze exclaimed as she dragged the riped as tomato that is Linze along with her.

Touya shot me a glare but I only chuckled and also made our way to our rooms.

...

[The next day...]

The four of us headed out to the guild as soon as we'd finished breakfast. It was pretty crowded since it was right near the middle of town.

The female receptionist from yesterday met us with a lovely smile when she saw us aapproaching the counter.

Her eyes wide Ed a little when she saw me along with the group and greeted.

"Oh! It's you again! How may I help you this time?"

"Mm, we'd like to register with the Guild, please."

"Oh! And here I was wondering when you'll be registering with us! I thought yesterday that you're already an adventurer that's why I didn't bother with asking."

"Ah, about that... It slipped my mind."

I said as I scratched my head sheepishly with the rest only looked at me in a deadpan stare, to which I answered with a raise of an eyebrow.

They shook their heads and sighed.

What's with these guys.

"All right, then. That's no problem at all. Would that be four for registration, then?"

"Yes, all four of us."

Linze replied this time.

The receptionist nodded.

"Will this be your first time registering with the Guild? If so, I can provide a basic explanation of what it means to register with us."

"Oh, please do. That would be great."

The gist of it was that the Guild would take the requests of individuals or groups, publicize them, then take a small fee upon completion.That was how the guild worked.

The requests were split into ranks based on how difficult they were expected to be, so someone with a low personal rank couldn't accept requests aimed at those of a higher rank. However, so long as half of one's party were of a high enough rank, they would be able to accept such requests even if the other in the party didn't meet the rank requirements. Upon completion of a quest, one would receive payment. If one failed a quest, however, they would be charged with breach of contract.

In addition, if one continued to fail multiple quests, then they would be deemed a low-quality individual, and their Guild registration would be revoked as a penalty. Were that to happen, one would never be able to reregister with any Guild branch in any town.

Other stipulations included: If one did not accept any requests at all for five years, then their Guild registration would expire; one could not accept multiple requests at the same time; Concerning subjugation requests, one must hunt the monsters in the designated area, else their work would bedeemed invalid; as a general rule, the Guild would not directly involve itself in personal dissent between adventurers, unless such dissent was judged to beharmful to the guild itself...

Anyway, we received a pretty thorough explanation of the rules. And if I make a guess, all of them were just the same with the Guild system in Terra, except for maybe a few additions in some areas. But from what I could get, then they're mostly similar.

"And that about sums up the explanation. If you have any further questions, please direct them to the appropriate individuals."

We nodded simultaneously.

"Very well. Please fill in and return these forms with all of the required details."

The receptionist handed the blank forms, but I caught Touya in the corner of my vision.

He looked at me, the moment I finished filling up my form.

He looked a embarrassed, but held it in.

"Hey, Kross. Can I trouble you a bit. I... still don't know how to write in this language."

He said and embarrassedly rubbed the back of his head.

The twins looked at him oddly, but then seemed to have realized something.

I wonder what...

"Mm, sure."

I took his form and filled it in before handing it back to him.

"Thanks."

The receptionist then took the forms and held a pitch black card in each of them in turn, as if casting some sort of spell.

Afterwards, she took out a small pin and told each of us to spill a little bit of our blood onto the cards.

I did as I was instructed, took the small pin in hand and pricked my finger with it. Well, tried to. But it just wouldn't pierce my skin. Heck, it wasn't even able to scrape it.

With a helpless sigh, I bit the tip my finger instead and let a bit of my blood drop onto the surface of the card. I got some odd looks from those that were looking, but I just ignored them.

Some white letters floated up onto it... but I still couldn't make heads or tails of what it said.

Even with the skill 'Allspeak', it's no use. The conclusion I came to, I doubt that this is even a language that posses a verbal form, that is why the skill couldn't translate it.

And besides, just the skill's name already explained all that there is to know about it, 'Allspeak', and not 'Allwrite', means it mainly revolves on verbal language.

'Hm... I think it would be best to learn inscriptions later in the future... It might be helpful in some cases... Or, just ask Touya to do it instead...'

"Each of your personal Guild Cards has a little spell on it that will make it turn gray if handled by someone other than its real owner for longer than afew seconds. It's a simple anti-forgery mechanism. Also, should you happen to lose your card, please report to the guild as swiftly as possible. For a ssmall fee, we will be able to issue you a new card."

'I see. So it's for that purpose. I wonder if the ones in Terra were the same?'

The receptionist took hold of Touya's card and stood there for a few seconds. Just as she'd said, it eventually turned from pitch black to a dull gray. The very moment she placed the card back in his hands, it snapped right back to black.

Alright, I admit. That was a really cool trick. I wonder how it works...

"With this, your guild registration is complete. All available work requests are posted on the board over there. If you see one you would like to accept, please confirm all details and apply for it through our quest clerk."

We nodded and made our way in front of the board where the quests were posted. Our Guild Cards were all black, signifying that we were at the beginner level. Our cards would change in color as our ranks rose as the clerk explained, but right now we could only accept quests aimed at beginners.

Elze and Linze busily pored through each quest notice one by oon, and I also looked through them, trying to find some of interest.

Touya though, well... he's frowning as he tried to make sense of the letters.

"Hey, hey, Linze, check this one out. The reward's pretty decent, and it seems like a good place to start. How about it?"

Elze called out as she held up a form on her hands.

Looking at it, it does seem pretty decent, but I doubt that type of monster could even take a hit from me. Hais...

"...Yeah. This one doesn't seem so bad. What do you two think? Uhm... Touya?"

I just nodded at her, having no problem with it, but...

"...Sorry. I can't make any sense of it."

He said with an embarrassed smile.

Elze who have been merrily pointing out the request in question, but her finger drooped slightly when he said that.

To diffuse the awkward silence, Linze spoke up.

"...Umm, let's see. It's a request to go out and defeat some beast monsters in the forest to the east. They want us to hunt five Lone-Horned Wolves. They're not very strong, so I think we can manage. Oh right, the reward is eighteen copper."

She explained patiently.

Man, she's a good soul~. Wait, why did that suddenly sounded weird?

Eighteen coppers huh. If it splt between the four of us, that would make for four coppers each, with two coppers still remaining.

But if I remember correctly, there's a policy for the Guild buying the extra materials collected, so this might just work! And it also means that I could toy with more puppies!

"Mm, alright. Let's go with that."

Touya agreed.

"Okie dokie! I'll take this to the clerk."

Elze stated and went over to the clerk.

Lone-Horned Wolves... Apparently they were wolves with a single horn on their head, sort of obvious given their name.

Honestly, I'm disappointed at how weak these monsters are. They don't even have a magic attack.

'Hais. The areas around here are too low leveled for me to find something that I could have an enjoyable fight. Well, I guess I'll have to wait for our ranks to raise further before we can get some decent subjugation quest on stronger monsters...'

"Oh, right... I completely forgot..."

Touya suddenly said, cutting off my thoughts.

We all turned towards him and gave him a curious look.

"What's wrong?"

Linze asked while Elze tilted her head to the side.

"I, uh... I sort, kind of, don't have a weapon yet."

He said, a little embarrassed.

I nodded in agreement.

Surely, trying to take on a subjugation quest unarmed would have been the height of idiocy or straight suicidal. Therefore, we decided to first make our way for the weaponstore after departing the Guild.

We took on the north street and eventually arrived at decent looking weapon shop, the Weapon Shop Eight Bears.

Opening the shop door made a small bell tinkle, announcing our arrival. The noise caused a massive, bearded old man to spawn from within the depths of the cave- I mean store! The depths of the store! He was huge. In fact, so I almost mistook him for a bear. Though, to be honest I forgot about him.

"Welc'm. Lookin' for something?"

The bear-man appeared to be the store's owner. Goddamn he's massive. He had to have been at least two meters tall. If not for his muscles, then I say that he's most likely a Sumo Wrestler without fats.

"We're looking for a weapon for this guy here. Mind if we take a lookaround?"

Elze asked with her thumb pointed at Touya.

"Go right ahead. Feel free to pick up anythin' that catches yer eye."

Mr. Bear responded to her with a gentle smile.

He's nice for a bear- I mean person! He's a nice bear-man! ... Goddamn let's play with him for a bit!

I reached for my Inventory and took out a bag of honey flavored chips. I found this delectable snacks yesterday on my way to the in.

I tore it open and put a piece in my mouth, resounding in an audible crunch, getting the other's attention.

"Oi. What are ye doin' kit?"

Mr. Bear asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Eating. Want some? It's honey flavored."

I answered and reached out in my Inventory for another bag and raised it towards his direction.

At the corner of my vision, I saw the eyes of my companions widened, especially Touya's.

I secretly smirked. I knew that the same idea also crossed his mind earlier.

"... You taken fer a bear, didn't ya, kit?"

He asked on a deadpan stare.

I stared back and made a long pause, before answering.

"... Yes."

The others' eyes widened even more, almost like their eyes would pop out of their sockets.

He stared at me, then at the bag of chips, then me again, then the bag again.

After doing it for several times, he sighed and took the bag and tore it open before tossing a piece in his mouth.

"Fair enough. At least yer honest. Besides, I love this chips anyway, so thanks kit."

"No prob."

I said before popping another pice into my mouth.

The bear-man nodded and also did the same.

I looked towards the others who now have their mouths wide open, and I couldn't stop the smirk that floated on my lips.

After while, Elze finally spoke up.

" A-Anyways. Any weapon you're with, Touya?"

"OH. Hrmmm... Nothing particular comes to mind, but... I have been trained with swords. Though, only a little."

He said after a brief pause with an emphasis on 'have'.

'Ohhh, right. He did kendo, if I remember correctly.'

"...In that case, I think a sword would be the best fit. Touya seems like more of an agile fighter than one who uses brute force, so, I think, maybe a one-handed sword..."

Linze pointed out a section of the shop where onehanded swords were on display.

Touya hummed a little before picking up a sword, still in its scabbard. He gave it a few swing to check its weight, put on a contemplating look, before lowering it again.

We just watch as he tried a sword after another, with me and and Mr. Bear who I still don't remember the name eating our chips.

Finally, his eyes set on a curved blade, a katana.

Noticing his sudden pause, called out.

He snapped out of his thoughts and and pointed at the the katanga.

"This."

"Oh, you're looking at that Eashen sword? I suppose it makes sense that you'd be drawn to a weapon from your Oh, you're looking at that Eashen sword? I suppose it makes sense that you'd be drawn to a weapon from your homeland."

Elze said and nodded in understanding.

"Mm. Something like that."

He said before picking it up, carefully unsheathed the sword.

The pattern on the blade shone beautifully in the light.

"Mm, now that's a good sword."

I voiced out before popping another chip into my mouth.

"Mhm. The only reason that it still wasn't sold is because no one in these could properly weild it, so it has stayed there in the weapon rack for a bit of time."

Mr. Bear added before continuing on his chips.

Nodding, Touya spoke up.

"I see. How much is this then?"

"Err, you sure? There're still a lot of choices to choose from ya know? But, oh well. I ain't denying a customer. That'll be two gold, aye. Thing is, though, it ain't exactly the easiest weapon to use. But it definitely ain't something I'd suggest fer a beginner."

"T-Two gold?! Isn't that a little too expensive?"

Elze argued.

"Well, it ain't like I usually get'em stocked often, and even when I do there's hardly anyone who can use the dang thing. Of course it's gonna be pricey!"

Elze pouted at Mr. Bear's words, but he remained steadfast and popped in another chip, and I did the same. Besides, I know it won't be long now until their money problems would go bye bye.

"I'll take it. You said it cost two gold?"

He said and returned the katana back into its sheath and pulled two gold coins out from his wallet, placing them on the store counter.

"Pleasure doin' business with ya. Interested in any protective gear while yer at it?"

He said and kept the two gold pieces before picking up his bag of chips again.

Man, gotta love his chips. Or is it the honey? Meh, details. All I know is that this is delicious, maybe I'll learn the recipe for Aia...

"Nah, this'll do for now. I'll come back when I have a bit more cash on me."

"Gotcha. Well then, here's hoping that sword helps ya earn a boat load."

The bear heartily laughed as he spoke.

Elze and Linze ended up picking some things up while we were there. Elze went for a pair greaves, for her leg protection that not only covers the legs but roughly from foot to shin too, while Linze bought a silver wand for her magic.

Right, magic. I wonder if I can use their type of magic... Gotta try that later...

I thought, and popping another chip.

"Oh, right. Kross. We all picked some weapons, don't you also have to? Because I don't really see a weapon in your possession."

Elze suddenly asked.

Oh, so she noticed... Of course.

"I don't have the need to... See?"

I answered and just transformed my hand into a claw, much to their surprise.

"Hahaha! Now I've seen everythin'! That's some peculiar ability ya got there, kit! *Munch*"

""Wow...""

"*Sigh*"

I transformed my hand back and went back to my chips.

"I know, right? *Munch*"

"Gyahahahaha! *Munch* *Munch*"

...

Weapons secured, we decided that the general item shop was next on their list of stops.

Well, don't really need a thing at the moment 'cause all I need were already in my Inventory, but meh. Oh well...

At the item shop, I saw Touya bought a small pouch, a canteen, a lunchbox, a fishing hook and some fishing line, a pair of scissors, a knife, a toolbox with plenty of handy little things such as matches, some medicinal herbs, some antidotes, and other little things along those lines. Elze and Linze already has necessities like that, so Touya was the only one who bought anything there.

Annnddd, yeah. I ended up carrying all his things, hurray.

And so, our preparations were complete at last! And my chips are almost finished, better get some more later!

Beware, horned puppies, this hungry dragon is coming to the forest to wipe you out!

Though, I still don't know if monster meat in this world is edible... Meh, I'll just put it aside for now and wait for that dragon shenanigan to try the other world's dragon meat.

Kinda weird, that coming from a dragon. But meh, details~.

I've already eaten tons of it by now, it's not the time to be sentimental about it.

-fin.

[Author's rants: A'ight! Things are about ta get excitin'!

Somewhat~😂😂😂

Sit down on yer butt cheeks and relax!😂😆😂😆😂

'Ope ye enjoyed, folks!

And we've got another breakthrough!

Chapter word count: 5,200+!]