The E-Rantel Adventurer’s Guild.
Following the receptionist’s guidance, Iel stepped into the inner sanctum of the guild.
Unlike the clamor outside, the hallway was silent.
The wooden floorboards were aged but meticulously maintained.
Hanging upon the walls were old commission notices, adventurer rank charts, and records of monster subjugations.
Copper.
Iron.
Silver.
Gold.
Platinum.
Mithril.
Orichalcum.
Adamantite.
The adventurers of this world were categorized thusly.
Human strength.
Experience.
Achievements.
Fame.
And the degree of risk they could withstand.
All of it was organized under the name of 'Ranks.'
The receptionist stopped before a door at the end of the hallway.
“The Guild Master is waiting for you.”
Iel nodded.
The door opened.
Inside the room sat a middle-aged man.
The E-Rantel Guild Master.
Ainzach.
He had various reports spread across his desk.
The undead incident that had occurred in E-Rantel the previous night.
The remnants of Zurrernorn.
The unidentified group of followers.
The number of refugees.
The death toll.
The count of the injured.
The status of damages suffered by the guild’s adventurers.
Every report was densely packed with black ink.
Those black letters were not mere numbers.
They were the terror the city had endured.
They were the failure the guild had been unable to prevent.
Ainzach stood up as Iel entered.
“Welcome.”
He bowed politely.
“I am Ainzach, the Guild Master of the E-Rantel Adventurer’s Guild.”
Iel also bowed her head quietly.
“I am Iel.”
Ainzach gazed at her for a moment.
Violet hair.
A black robe.
The Genesis Staff.
And eyes that were excessively calm.
He recalled the reports from the previous night.
Thousands of undead.
Zurrernorn.
Followers serving a Black Goat.
And the unidentified mage who had overwhelmed it all.
Ainzach gestured.
“Please, sit.”
Iel took a seat.
Ainzach sat back down as well.
He turned a page of the report on his desk and spoke.
“First, I would like to express my gratitude for you saving E-Rantel last night.”
Iel spoke flatly.
“I simply did what I could.”
“That ‘what you could’ was something impossible for an ordinary person.”
Ainzach’s voice was composed.
Yet, it was heavy.
“Thousands of low-tier undead appeared within the city. Remnants of Zurrernorn and unidentified sorcerers moved simultaneously. E-Rantel’s guard forces and the Adventurer’s Guild failed to respond properly.”
He paused for a moment.
“I will be honest with you.”
Iel looked at him.
Ainzach did not avert his gaze.
“Since last night, the trust in this guild has been severely shaken.”
A brief silence filled the room.
Ainzach placed his hand atop the reports.
“The citizens are asking. Where was the Adventurer’s Guild? Why did we not know such a ritual was being conducted within the city? Why could we not stop an organization like Zurrernorn?”
He pressed his finger against the edge of a report.
“And those questions are justified.”
Iel listened in silence.
Ainzach leaned forward slightly toward her.
“Lady Iel. I heard you wish to register as an adventurer.”
“Yes.”
“May I ask your purpose?”
Iel thought for a moment.
“I wish to know this world.”
“This world?”
“Yes. I know almost nothing of the nations, races, magic systems, monsters, lifestyles, or dangerous regions of this place.”
She continued calmly.
“To obtain information, I require a status that allows me to move freely.”
Ainzach narrowed his eyes.
“So, an adventurer.”
“Yes. I heard that adventurers can travel to various regions and see the field through commissions.”
“You are not wrong.”
Ainzach clasped his hands together.
“However, an adventurer is not a mere traveler. It is a profession that requires taking requests, assuming risks, and sometimes putting one's life on the line.”
“I am aware.”
“And the guild manages adventurers through a ranking system. Generally, one must start from the lowest rank.”
He slowly recited the ranks.
“Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, Adamantite. There is a procedure.”
Iel nodded.
“I do not mind following the procedure.”
Ainzach fell silent for a moment after hearing that answer.
He studied Iel’s face.
There was no arrogance.
There was no attitude of trying to flaunt her power.
If anything, she was humbling herself too much.
That made her even more dangerous.
When one with power humbles themselves, people tend to exalt them even higher.
Ainzach knew this well.
He spoke slowly.
“However, I have no intention of letting you start as a Copper.”
Iel raised her eyes slightly.
Ainzach continued.
“Produce a single achievement.”
His voice became clear.
“A commission that the guild can officially recognize. An achievement that the citizens and guild members can accept. If you do that, I will leave your origins unquestioned.”
Iel looked at Ainzach without a word.
“And I will immediately promote you to Adamantite rank.”
A brief silence descended upon the room.
Iel asked.
“Are you saying you won't ask where I came from?”
“Indeed.”
“Nor where I was born, which nation I belong to, or which faction I am affiliated with?”
“I will not ask.”
“Why?”
Ainzach nodded as if he had been waiting for that question.
“There are two reasons.”
He held up one finger.
“First, your power has already been proven. Many people witnessed the battle in the square last night. Guards, Warrior Captain Gazef Stronoff, surviving citizens, and even adventurers belonging to the guild.”
Ainzach lifted a sheet of the report.
“The testimonies of the witnesses vary slightly, but the common point is clear.”
His gaze turned serious.
“If not for you, E-Rantel would have fallen.”
Iel said nothing.
Ainzach held up a second finger.
“Second, the guild needs you right now.”
That statement was blatant.
Iel asked quietly.
“Are you trying to use me?”
Ainzach did not flinch.
“I am.”
Iel’s gaze deepened slightly.
Ainzach immediately added.
“But I have no intention of hiding it. The guild lost the citizens' trust last night. The very fact that Zurrernorn prepared a ritual of that scale within the city is the guild’s failure. We failed to weed them out in advance, and we failed to protect the citizens sufficiently.”
He let out a low breath.
“In such a situation, the person who saved E-Rantel joins the Adventurer’s Guild.”
Ainzach’s voice lowered.
“The citizens will think this: that the guild has not yet collapsed. That the guild still possesses the power to protect this city.”
He looked straight at Iel.
“If you join the guild, the citizens' dissatisfaction will be diluted at once. The authority of the Adventurer’s Guild will also be restored. That is what I want.”
Iel answered slowly.
“You are honest.”
“It’s because you don't look like someone who can be persuaded with lies.”
Ainzach gave a bitter smile.
“And I also know that you intend to use us.”
Iel tilted her head.
“I do?”
“Did you not say you need the status of an adventurer to obtain information? You want the guild’s request network, records, monster data, regional information, trade route details, and dangerous zone reports.”
Ainzach asked quietly.
“Am I wrong?”
Iel was silent for a moment before nodding.
“You are right.”
“Then we use each other.”
Ainzach placed both hands on the desk.
“You obtain the status and information of the guild. The guild restores its trust through your name and power. In exchange, I will not demand absurd loyalty from you.”
Iel’s gaze sharpened.
“Loyalty?”
“I will not demand loyalty to the Kingdom, nor blind obedience to the guild.”
Ainzach spoke slowly.
“However, you must follow the Adventurer’s Guild regulations. No killing of civilians. Adherence to commission contracts. Protection of guild members. No indiscriminate use of magic within the city. No unauthorized sale of information acquired during commissions.”
Iel nodded.
“Those are only natural.”
“And one more thing.”
Ainzach’s voice dropped.
“Do not put E-Rantel in danger again.”
Iel looked into his eyes.
Ainzach said softly.
“I do not know the extent of your power. The strength you showed last night is beyond my common sense. But when one with great power moves, their surroundings are bound to be shaken.”
He paused for a moment.
“No matter who you fight or what faction you become entangled with, the aftermath could fall upon the citizens of E-Rantel.”
Iel lowered her eyes upon hearing that.
“I know.”
“If you know, then that is enough.”
Ainzach pulled out a document.
“Then, I will state the conditions.”
He pushed the document toward Iel.
“Currently, residual necromantic mana remains around E-Rantel due to last night's ritual. Undead remnants are scattered in the graveyard district and the northern forest paths, and several hideouts related to Zurrernorn have been identified.”
Iel took the document and read it.
“A request to deal with the remnants?”
“Indeed. But it is not a simple cleanup.”
Ainzach pulled another document from under the desk.
“We need to know how Zurrernorn was hiding within E-Rantel. We must uncover who supplied the corpses, who turned a blind eye, and through what routes the necromantic materials were brought in.”
Iel spoke quietly.
“It’s a combat request and an investigation request combined.”
“Exactly.”
“What must I bring back to prove my achievement?”
Ainzach answered briefly.
“One of three things.”
He held up his fingers.
“First, the capture of a key surviving figure of Zurrernorn.”
“Second, ledgers or documents proving their organizational network and sponsors.”
“Third, evidence of a connection between Zurrernorn and the unidentified group of followers that appeared last night.”
Ainzach looked at Iel.
“Bring just one of those. Then, by my authority as Guild Master, I will list you as a candidate for special promotion, and the E-Rantel Guild will draft an official letter of recommendation.”
He took a breath.
“The procedures of the Royal Capital’s Guild Headquarters will remain, but combined with last night’s merit, an Adamantite promotion is well within reach.”
Iel looked down at the documents.
The guild needed her.
She needed the guild.
But this was not a simple transaction.
Zurrernorn.
Shub-Niggurath.
Nivs.
And the white angel, Michael.
Too many factions were already entangled in this city.
Iel raised her head.
“What if I clash with the Thousand Kingdom while performing this request?”
Ainzach’s expression stiffened.
The Thousand Kingdom.
Caesar.
The god-like being who had defeated a demon in the Royal Capital.
The mysterious powerhouse that had established diplomatic ties with the Re-Estize Kingdom.
That name had already spread to E-Rantel.
Ainzach did not answer for a moment.
Iel asked again.
“Is the guild free from the influence of the Thousand Kingdom?”
Ainzach gave a bitter smile.
“It would be a lie to say we are free.”
He looked out the window.
“The Kingdom has officially recognized the Thousand Kingdom. A Commissioner has arrived, and their shadow is falling over the politics of the Royal Capital. E-Rantel is ultimately a city of the Kingdom. The guild cannot be entirely unrelated.”
“In that case, if I clash with the Thousand Kingdom, the guild will not be able to protect me.”
Ainzach looked at Iel.
“We cannot protect you.”
He spoke honestly.
“But we will not abandon you.”
Iel listened to him quietly.
Ainzach continued.
“The guild is not a nation. It is not an army, nor is it a temple. There are limits to what we can do. However, as long as you are registered as a member, your commission records and achievements will remain.”
His voice became even more serious.
“We will record the fact that you saved E-Rantel, and we will grant you the status of an officially recognized adventurer of the guild.”
He spoke slowly.
“Sometimes, records become a shield.”
Iel’s gaze changed minutely.
Records.
That word was not light to her.
Ainzach continued, seemingly unaware of this.
“The strong can kill people. Those with power can silence people. But a record that everyone sees is not easily erased. At least, as long as the guild is alive.”
Iel let out a small breath.
“Very well.”
Ainzach asked.
“Will you accept?”
“Yes.”
Iel placed the document back on the desk.
“I will take the request.”
Ainzach nodded.
“Then, from this moment on, you are a temporarily registered adventurer of the E-Rantel Adventurer’s Guild. Your rank will formally start at Copper, but you will be categorized as a special review target. As soon as the results of the request are confirmed, I will initiate the Adamantite promotion process.”
Iel said.
“Follow the procedures as they are. However, I have one request.”
“Speak.”
“Even if my joining the guild is used politically, please do not hide information necessary to protect the citizens of E-Rantel.”
Ainzach looked at her.
Iel was serious.
“Whether it’s Zurrernorn, the followers of Shub-Niggurath, or the Thousand Kingdom. If there is danger, I must know.”
Her voice was low but firm.
“If I do not know, I cannot protect.”
Ainzach was silent for a while.
He realized that Iel was not trying to become an adventurer simply for fame or money.
At the same time, he knew that such a person was the most dangerous.
One who moves for themselves can be negotiated with.
One who wants money can be stopped with money.
One who wants fame can be appeased with fame.
But one who seeks to protect people is difficult to stop.
Ainzach gave a low chuckle.
“I will make that promise.”
Iel bowed her head.
“Thank you.”
Ainzach pulled out a registration form and stamped it.
Thump.
The Guild Master’s seal was clearly left on the paper.
Iel.
Temporarily Registered Adventurer.
Formal Rank.
Copper.
Classification.
Special Review Target.
First Request.
Investigation of Zurrernorn remnants and unidentified follower groups.
Ainzach folded the document and handed it to Iel.
“You are now part of the guild.”
Iel received the document.
“I look forward to working with you.”
“As do I.”
Ainzach stood up.
“And finally, I wish to ask one thing.”
Iel looked at him.
“What is it?”
Ainzach asked cautiously.
“Did you see that angel last night?”
Iel’s expression stiffened.
Ainzach continued.
“Several guards said they saw it. A white-winged angel. The being that severed Nivs’s arm but let him go without killing him.”
Iel answered quietly.
“I saw it.”
“Is that angel an ally?”
Iel was silent for a moment.
Then she said.
“No.”
Ainzach’s face darkened.
“An enemy?”
Iel spoke slowly.
“For now, it is closer to a watcher. But one day, it will become an enemy.”
“Does it have a connection to the Thousand Kingdom?”
Iel looked at Ainzach.
She did not lie.
“Yes.”
Ainzach took a deep breath.
A heavy silence settled in the room.
Ainzach finally spoke.
“Then E-Rantel’s troubles are not yet over.”
Iel tucked the document into her robe.
“No.”
She answered quietly.
“It is only the beginning.”
Ainzach nodded upon hearing those words.
“Then we will need you all the more.”
Iel stood up.
“I will do as much as I can.”
Ainzach looked toward the door.
“Go to the receptionist. She will finalize the registration process. And from tonight, I will authorize partial access to the guild’s archives. I will separately prepare materials related to the Spiral of Death.”
“Thank you.”
Iel walked toward the door.
Just before she opened it.
Ainzach spoke again.
“Lady Iel.”
Iel looked back.
Ainzach said with a serious face.
“The citizens of E-Rantel will call you a hero. Adventurers will see you as someone beyond Adamantite, and nobles will try to use you.”
He paused for a moment.
“The guild is no exception.”
Iel listened quietly.
“So be careful. A person with power always becomes the center. Whether they want to or not.”
Iel gave a faint smile.
“I already know.”
Ainzach said no more after hearing that answer.
Iel left the room.
The door closed.
Ainzach remained alone, looking at the reports on his desk.
Zurrernorn.
Shub-Niggurath.
Thousand Kingdom.
Caesar.
The white angel.
And Iel.
He murmured quietly.
“Too many massive things have gathered in E-Rantel.”
He looked down at the copy stamped with the Guild Master’s seal.
The name Iel was written upon it.
Ainzach knew.
The guild had just begun a massive gamble.
But after last night, there weren't many options left.
In the hall outside, the murmuring of the adventurers was growing louder again.
It was because Iel had emerged from the Guild Master’s office.
---
Iel walked down the hallway.
Beyond the door, the noise of the guild hall drew closer.
More eyes than before were waiting for her.
Curiosity.
Awe.
Fear.
Expectation.
Jealousy.
All those emotions hung in the guild like a single atmosphere.
Iel looked down at the temporary registration document in her hand.
Formal Rank: Copper.
Special Review Target.
Investigation of Zurrernorn remnants.
It was a small piece of paper.
However, that paper was her first door into this world.
To save people, one must go among people.
To obtain information, one must pass through the doors of organizations.
To guard against power, one must sometimes walk into the edges of power.
Iel let out a small breath.
Then she stepped out into the guild hall.
Instantly, the adventurers' gazes were fixed upon her once more.
The receptionist stood up and hurriedly bowed her head.
“Lady Iel, I will finalize the registration process.”
Iel nodded quietly.
“Please.”
Her name was written in the guild ledgers.
Iel.
From Sylvania.
Mage.
Temporarily Registered Adventurer.
Special Review Target.
And at that moment.
A new name was etched into the records of the E-Rantel Adventurer’s Guild.
No one knew yet.
Just how much that name would shake the power dynamics of the Re-Estize Kingdom, the Thousand Kingdom, and this other world.
But at least on that day.
The adventurers of E-Rantel saw it.
The sight of a violet-haired mage quietly becoming a member of the guild.
And Ainzach knew.
E-Rantel was no longer an ordinary fortress city.
It had become the place where massive powers first confirmed each other's existence.
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