Elfaria Chapter 3

003. Fixers Guild

　I think I saw a description in some magazine that the basis of RPGs is to get information from the people in town.

(Me. I'm so glad I'm not having trouble communicating ......)

　It was more inconvenient than I thought to be able to understand the language but not be able to read, and it was a hassle to have to talk to people every single time just to check where I wanted to go.

　But fortunately, the people in town were all kind and answered my questions politely, so I was saved.

　And then...

「So this is the Hanaria branch of the Association of GuardiansFixers' Guild.」

　Although it does not look much different from the surrounding buildings, it is a three-story building with quite a lot of people coming and going.

　The premises are large, and the cafes, eateries, inns, and stores attached to the building are as busy as those on the main street.

(According to the people in the town, this is the best place to get a job.)

　This is probably the equivalent of the adventurers' guilds that appear in novels, manga, and similar stories.

「15 years old and up. Basically, anyone can become a member of the association as long as they are mentally and physically sound and have no criminal or medical history in the past.」

　Fixers Guild―A worldwide organization with more than 10,000 members, with branches not only in Hanaria but all over the world.

　Its influence is said to exceed that of even the smallest country, and those who are ranked among the top are said to exert tremendous influence over politics and even history at times.

　In any case, there was no point in standing around here, so I ventured inside.

(Ahhh~ It sure looks like a fantasy.)

　There were people equipped with swords and armor everywhere, as well as beastmen, spirits, dwarves, and other races exchanging information with each other.

　Of course, there were also many people who looked like ordinary people.

(...... is it just my imagination?)

　At first glance, I felt that the percentage of women was quite high.

　Half and a half ― no. I went to the reception area and stood in front of a woman with chestnut-colored hair in a braid. Then, 

「Welcome to the Hanaria branch of the Fixer Guilds!」

　She said in a cheerful voice with a sales smile on her face.

「My name is "Hannah Lumiton," and I will be handling your case today. How may I help you?」

「Ah ...... You see, I just came out of the countryside and I don't know what's right and left, but I came here because I heard that I can get a job if I come here.」

「So that means you are interested in becoming a member of our guild? Then, please fill out this form――and before you do, can you read and write?」

「Sorry. I can't.」

　When I said it, Hannah-san smiled and said, "Very well," and conducted registration work in a question-and-answer format.

　Then, after a detailed explanation of rules, cautions, penalties, area matters, how to receive requests, the rank system, affiliations, duties, and responsibilities, etc.

「Well then, Yuuto-san, our guild welcomes you! Please do your best for the sake of peace and tranquility!」

　With a voice full of power, she handed me a neck-tag-type guardians certificate.

　I hung it from my neck.

「Hannah-san. Do you have any job recommendations for me?」

　Right now I'm a rank "G", a rookie.

　If I wanted, I would like a job where I can earn a lot of money with ease, but I have experience working part-time, so I understand that there are not so many good opportunities lying around.

　In addition, I had just arrived in another world and was at level 1―there seemed to be a lot of jobs I could take, so what should I do? It was a problem.

　――That's when it happened.

「Hey, you. If you want, why don't you form a party with us?」

　Suddenly, I was grabbed by the shoulder and turned around to see four men and women of about the same age standing there.

　They all looked like normal people, but judging from their appearance, they were swordsmen, fighters, healers, and folsis.

「Actually, we are newcomers too, having just registered with the guild today! It's a coincidence that we met here, and from the looks of it, you are reasonably well-equipped.」

「We were just talking about going on a goblin extermination mission, and we were thinking of gathering at least one more trustworthy companion.」

「As you can see, we are a party of three girls and one guy―」

　It seems that having at least one more man in the party is safer and more secure.

「We are aspiring "Busters" who specialize in exterminating demonic beasts, and we are also the most sought-after personnel by the guild!」

「It would be much safer for you too, I think than if you were to act alone, though?」

　I put my hand on my chin and thought about it.

　It's just an impression, but from what I saw, they didn't seem like a person who would think of doing something evil in their heart.

　As for me, since I've been transported to a game-like world, it's not a bad idea to accept the invitation and spectacularly make my debut―I thought so, but,

「Sorry! I'm glad you invited me, but ...... You see, I'm still at level one!」

　I clasped my hands together and said so after a moment of anguish, which was immediately followed by a cry of "Whaat!?"

「Oi, come on. Are you for real!?」

「No matter what, level 1 is――」

「Even if you live a normal life, by the time you reach adulthood - 15 years old - you should be at level 3 or 4.」

「I find that a little hard to believe.」

　The way they looked at me changed instantly.

　I guess it's only natural for them, though――

「Well, if that's the way it is, it can't be helped.」

　The light brown-haired fighting girl standing next to the boy swordsman shrugged her shoulders.

「People have all kinds of circumstances, and I'm sorry to say that we didn't have a chance to meet this time.」

「...... too bad」

　With that, they walked away from me. Then,

「Is it okay?」

　Hannah-san asked me with a curious expression on her face.

「From the looks of it, you seem to have a certain amount of skill, and even though the request is to take down dangerous goblins, there is a good chance that four of you can accomplish it. And the reward is not small either.」

　But why――? Hannah-san said, and after thinking about it for a while, I said

「There is a saying, "Haste makes waste," and I was thinking that even though I was armed with a sword, it would be too risky to take down the goblins.」

　I don't care if people say I'm timid, I'm afraid of what I'm afraid of, so I can't help it.

　For example, if you had a sword and magic, would you be able to storm into a crime syndicate's office and pick a fight with the Yankees? If you ask me, I would do my best to scream, "Noooooo!"

　I'm just an ordinary person.

　I'm just caught up in another world.

　I looked at Hannah-san's face as I said this, and after she murmured, "I see," I asked her about her recommended work.

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