Chapter 313

While casually discussing the request, Leah, suddenly struck by a concern, directed a question toward the Guild Master, Ippolito.

"If I may, you mentioned earlier that this is an unprecedented crisis for this country. Could it be that the pathogen is still spreading?"

"…Indeed, that’s correct. For now, we’ve deployed several specialized magical tools to establish a barrier around that region, so this area remains safe."

"The phrase for now is rather unsettling"

"Yes… for now, indeed. The pathogen is still proliferating limitlessly. According to our analysis team’s calculations, if it continues unchecked, all barriers will collapse in two years and three months. At that point, it will spread rapidly, engulfing over half of Casapisti’s territory. If it continues to spread from there, it could eventually cover the entire country."

"That sounds like it could potentially threaten not just the country but the entire world"

"Precisely. That’s why we want to resolve this as soon as possible."

"Who currently knows about this situation?"

"The upper echelons of this country, a select group of soldiers, all Guild Masters in the country, two individuals deemed trustworthy by the Guild Masters, and those involved in analysis and experiments. That’s the extent of it. The King of Casapisti has requested that no evacuation notices or information be shared with the public or other countries until one day before the six-month mark, so only the absolute minimum number of people are aware."

"What about the soldiers at the border? Were they informed?"

"The border soldiers? Well, we’ve stationed tamers with flight capabilities there to ensure immediate action once suitable personnel are found."

"I see."

"Is that so?"

Tatsuro and the others recounted their encounter with the border soldiers, and Ippolito, understanding the context, gave a wry smile.

"I may have jumped to conclusions. Please understand our urgency."

"I get it. It felt unsettling because we didn’t know the reason, but we’re not upset about it anymore."

"Good to hear."

With the unease cleared, the group considered all the information and, after discussion, agreed to seriously consider accepting the request. In other words, their decision hinged on the rewards.

"The reward depends on the outcome, but in the ideal scenario where you identify the cause, you’ll receive 12 billion Shis, the Hyalva Medal awarded to all party members involved, and one item of your choice per person from Casapisti’s treasure vault. These are the rewards directly offered by the King of Casapisti."

"From the King himself? Well, that aside, what exactly is this Hyalva Medal?"

"The Hyalva Medal is awarded to those who save Casapisti from a dire situation. Recipients are granted noble status and a plot of land in a town of their choosing. However, this applies only if you become a citizen. If you continue as adventurers, you’ll be treated as equivalent to nobility, and you can still receive land if desired."

"So, in short, even if we don’t become citizens or nobles, we can enter the Purple Ground and get land somewhere, right?"

"Correct."

"Land, huh?"

Tatsuro had been thinking that, since he could now travel between this world and his own, having bases around the world would be ideal.

This seemed like a perfect opportunity, and his interest grew. Then, something else occurred to him.

"You mentioned these are earlier, implying there are rewards beyond what the King offered?"

"Yes. This request carries the potential for global catastrophe, making it of utmost importance. Therefore, the Adventurer’s Guild is considering rank advancements."

"Ranks? For the entire party?"

"Of course, for everyone involved."

"How high are we talking?"

"It’s not set in stone, but depending on the duration and success of the mission, it could reach individual rank 11 or party rank 12, which are currently the highest ranks issued."

"Rank 11!?"

"Isn’t that a rank held by only one group currently?"

"We believe this deed warrants such recognition."

Before Tatsuro could voice his surprise, Leah’s outburst echoed through the room, helping him regain some composure.

(Even now, it’s treated like some grand lord’s authority, with significant influence. What happens if it goes that far?)

A flicker of unease crossed his mind, but they were already deeply involved.

At rank 6, they were already drawing attention, so climbing higher might not make much difference.

In fact, standing out so prominently could serve as a form of self-defense.

Plus, if Leah received a rank, the Adventurer’s Guild would likely treat her favorably even if she were alone.

(Wait, this might actually be a great opportunity.)

Tatsuro recalled that in Obsul, the first town they visited in this world, Leela at the Adventurer’s Guild had suggested that publicizing their dragon-slaying feat could earn them individual rank 8 or party rank 10, which they had declined.

Now, with their forces fully prepared, standing out no longer seemed risky.

With that in mind, Tatsuro decided to accept the request this time. After discussing it telepathically with Ai and subtly consulting the others, they agreed to take it on.

"That’s great to hear!"

"But can we set some conditions?"

"Yes, within reason, we’ll do our best to accommodate. What are they?"

"First, if we investigate and find it’s beyond our capabilities, we want the option to immediately withdraw from the request."

"That’s fine. Given the stakes, we wouldn’t want you to take it lightly. What’s the second condition?"

"The second is to register these ones with the Adventurer’s Guild."

Seizing the opportunity, Tatsuro brought out Cardina from his pocket and had her assume her True Form. He also manifested Jeanne in her Child Form.

Ippolito, sensing the sudden presence of these magical entities, widened his unseen eyes in astonishment at their power.

"Are those two equipped with the system?"

"Yes, they understand language and can write. Also, it’s not two but four."

"Four? You mean… the staff and coat over there are also… like that?"

"Yes, they’re equipped with the system and can read and write. We’d prefer to register them discreetly, as we didn’t want to make a big deal out of it."

Tatsuro revealed the staff and, with Secom-kun still inside the coat, summoned Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi. Ippolito instantly recognized their presence through his skills.

While Cardina and Jeanne, despite their non-human appearances, posed no issue for the Adventurer’s Guild, which included many non-human members, registering equipment was unprecedented.

However, since they had the system installed, they were considered human regardless of form.

Discrimination was not an option. Closing his pitch-black eyelids, Ippolito regained his composure.

"Understood. That should… not be a problem. Is there a third condition?"

"Those two are sufficient."

"Very well. I’ll prepare everything immediately, so please wait."

Ippolito personally fetched the necessary tools and registered Cardina, Jeanne, Amaterasu, and Tsukuyomi as adventurers.

Cardina used a pen-holding device crafted by Tatsuro, Jeanne used Tree Magic to mimic hands, Amaterasu used Dragon Telekinesis, and Tsukuyomi used Secom-kun to fill out the required forms.

"Here are the request documents."

"Thank you."

Ippolito laid out nine identical request forms on the desk, and each member took one.

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Client: Casapisti Nation, Adventurer’s Guild

Request Details:

1. Investigate the cause of the Mysterious Illness in the Banramonte Forest.
2. Eradicate the source of the Mysterious Illness or establish an effective treatment.
3. Eliminate all Shubelg Fungus subspecies.

   Note: Completing even one of these objectives may be considered mission success.

Rewards (All Objectives Achieved):

• 12,000,000,000 Shis
• Hyalva Medal awarded to all.
• One item of choice per person from Casapisti’s treasure vault.
• Appropriate adventurer rank advancement based on results.

Rewards (Objectives 1 and 2 Achieved):

• 11,000,000,000 Shis
• Hyalva Medal awarded to all.
• One item of choice per person from Casapisti’s treasure vault.
• Appropriate adventurer rank advancement based on results.

Rewards (Objectives 1 and 3 or 2 and 3 Achieved):

• 10,000,000,000 Shis
• Hyalva Medal awarded to all.
• One item of choice per person from Casapisti’s treasure vault.
• Appropriate adventurer rank advancement based on results.

Rewards (Objective 1 or 2 Achieved):

• 9,500,000,000 Shis
• Hyalva Medal awarded to all.
• One item of choice per person from Casapisti’s treasure vault.
• Appropriate adventurer rank advancement based on results.

Rewards (Objective 3 Achieved Only):

• 500,000,000 Shis

Accept / Decline

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(Just for elimination, the reward drops significantly. It makes sense that addressing the Mysterious Illness is the priority.)

Tatsuro and the others chose to accept. The request forms turned into particles and were absorbed into them as they vanished.

"We’ll inform the Casapisti soldiers and guild staff sealing off the forest to allow your passage. Please begin tomorrow or later."

"Understood. We’ll head out once we’re ready."

"Please do."

With that, Tatsuro and his party left the Adventurer’s Guild.

After they departed, an Insectoid man visited the Guild Master’s office.

When Ippolito informed him that the group had accepted the request, the man furrowed his brow with concern.

"Are those kids really up to it? Sure, rank 6 implies skill, but they’re still young and inexperienced. Sending promising adventurers to a place like that…"

"True, skill without experience can lead to unforeseen issues."

"Then—"

"But my instincts tell me those kids are seasoned fighters. Despite their age, they’ve likely been through significant trials."

Having survived the depths of a level 10 dungeon, Tatsuro and his party had endured harsh conditions.

Though blind, Ippolito keenly sensed their battle-hardened aura. His rare certainty, given his usual avoidance of jest, reassured the Insectoid man, who finally resolved to trust them.

"If that’s the case, I’ll put my faith in them too."

"My gut says they’ll achieve something significant."

"It’s tough knowing we adults can’t do more."

"Then we must support them fully to ensure their efforts are rewarded."

"Absolutely! I’ll start preparations."

"Please do."

As Ippolito returned to his desk and resumed work with a nod, the Insectoid man set off to make arrangements so Tatsuro’s group could move out as early as tomorrow.