Chapter 47 – Ursphere (1)

Ursphere was indeed a city. It was so vast that if you got lost once, you might never find your way back to the inn…

I had thought Alrba was quite a big town, but in comparison, it was merely a speck of dust.

With the Karahan Mountains looming behind it, Ursphere felt like walking through a painting.

“We’ve returned the carriage and left the horses at the stables,” Rubia said. “Shall we head to the guild now?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“I wonder how long Hephaestus will take. She said she’d be back by evening at the latest…”

Right. Hephaestus had gone to purchase various materials we needed.

I’d suggested we hurry to Karahan after finishing our repairs, but she insisted on being fully prepared. She was so stubborn that I had no choice but to agree.

She kept saying her master wasn’t someone who could be easily defeated.

And if I remembered Yuria correctly… she wouldn’t die easily. It should be fine.

Anyway! I’m okay with it!

Actually, I didn’t just agree because I had no choice. I was excited!

I’m eager to experience the effect of the shard as soon as possible!

I couldn’t quite remember if it was supposed to be the “Thirst” or the “Frenzy” shard… maybe it was both?

Whatever it is, I hope it happens soon!

I’ll be without my greatsword again today, but since I’ll be staying at the inn with Rubia, it should be fine…

Wait, but… she’ll stay with me again, right?

She won’t leave me behind and go out… will she?

“While we wait for Hephaestus, should we take a look around the market?” Rubia suggested. “We can also buy some wild raspberry jelly. What do you think?”

“Ah…! J-Jelly… I’d love that!”

“Hahaha… Alright, then let’s head to the guild first.”

I tightly grabbed her outstretched hand and began walking toward the guild in the distance.

After we had been walking for a while, I finally voiced something that had been on my mind.

“Um… Rubia, earlier at the checkpoint… was it really okay to do that?”

Normally, Rubia always wore her concealing robe pulled low over her face, but at the checkpoint, she had removed it as if it was a nuisance.

Because of that, we ended up attracting everyone’s attention…

People gathered around us in a crowd… ugh…

Even though we didn’t have to wait in line and got through quickly, it was really tough for me…

“Oh… yes. It’s fine now,” Rubia replied, her expression guarded.

“If people report us and the knights come running, like before…”

“Don’t worry, Jure will take care of it. It’s still fine for now.”

The way she said “for now” bothered me a bit.

But for now, I nodded.

Rubia must have a plan.

And if the knights show up, I can protect her.

Once I get used to the shard, even if I’m not a Master, I’ll be able to take on a Platinum rank, I’m sure of it.

The shard was just as effective in the game, after all.

Sure, there are some penalties, but…

The effects are amazing enough to put up with them.

I was imagining how I’d deal with the knights when they arrived when—

“Oh, we’ve arrived,” Rubia announced.

We had reached the adventurers’ guild of Ursphere.

It was on a completely different level from Alrba’s guild.

A massive building made of luxurious-looking marble.

Even though I couldn’t see the color, it had to be gray… definitely gray.

Anyone could tell it’s gray!

“Phew… shall we go in?” Rubia asked.

“Y-Yes…!” I stammered.

Rubia, looking tense, opened the door to the guild.

As soon as we stepped inside, a heavy atmosphere washed over me.

In Alrba, the guild was run more like a tavern, loud and boisterous.

But here… it was completely different.

Hmm… how should I describe it?

It felt more like a bank.

Or maybe… the kind of place you have to go before joining the army… like the military examination center?

Anyway… I hate it.

I really hate it…

“Noah? Is something wrong?” Rubia asked, concerned.

“Oh, uh… no… just some memories from… before.”

I must have squeezed Rubia’s hand without realizing it.

She was looking down at me with a very worried expression…

“Um… I’m fine… Let’s just head to the reception desk.”

“…Alright. But if something’s troubling you, promise me you’ll say something, okay?”

“Yes,” I agreed.

I loosened my grip slightly and walked ahead of Rubia.

The reception desk was at the very back of the guild.

On the way, there were enormous request boards, an aptitude testing area, and several reception counters.

Everything was neatly organized.

It was nothing like Alrba.

Screech—Thud—Screech—Thud

…I was trying to move as quietly as possible, but thanks to my greatsword dragging on the floor, several adventurers started staring in my direction.

And then the murmuring began…

This part is just like Alrba…

“It’s true… Noah really does attract attention. Haha,” Rubia teased.

While I was curling into myself from the embarrassment, Rubia grinned mischievously.

“R-Rubia, you’re just as suspicious-looking, you know…” I retorted.

“That’s because I’m cute.”

“I’m not cute… I’m c-cool.”

“Oh really—? You think so, Noah?”

What’s with that smug, teasing tone…?

“Ugh… I don’t like you, Rubia…” I grumbled.

Feeling a bit sulky, I yanked my hand away from hers.

I could hear Rubia’s startled voice behind me, but I ignored her and strode toward the reception desk.

When I arrived, the receptionist noticed me and—

“HELLO!! WELCOME TO URSPHERE!! I’M SCHUR, THE RECEPTIONIST!! HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAYYYYY!!”

“Ahhhk!” I yelped, instinctively flinging myself backward into Rubia’s arms.

“R-Rubia… that person is weird…” I whimpered.

“Noah, don’t you think you don’t need me anymore? After all, you just walked off on your own just fine,” Rubia replied, sounding upset.

Wh-What do I do…

“Uuuh… s-sniff… I’m s-sorry… hic…” I sniffled.

With everyone staring at me, the receptionist scaring me, and my own strange yelp earlier…

As more eyes gathered on me, and with Rubia pushing me away…

Tears began to stream down my face.

I cursed my abysmally low charisma and social stats…

“Sniff… b-but… Rubia… you… y-you teased me first… hic… but I-I’m still sorry… please… help me… hic…”

The more people murmured around us, the more I trembled.

And the tighter I clung to Rubia’s sleeve.

After a moment, I felt Rubia’s body begin to shake.

I had narrowed my senses to block out everyone watching, but when I expanded them slightly to check on Rubia…

But then…!

“Rubia… sniff… a-are you… holding back laughter right now…?” I accused.

“Pffft—hahaha! Oh my… Noah, you’re so precious… I’m sorry, I was just teasing… Forgive me,” Rubia laughed.

I hate her.

I hate her so much right now…

But… if I say I hate her… she might act like before again…

So I can’t say it…

“Sniff… if you’re sorry… then help me… her voice is… t-too loud…” I pleaded, burying my face in Rubia’s chest.

I could feel myself calming down… slowly but surely.

“Haha… alright. Let’s go,” Rubia said gently, stroking my head before taking my hand and leading me forward.

I followed quietly behind her, nodding.

I’m pathetic… so pathetic.

At least in Alrba… it wasn’t this bad.

Maybe it’s because it’s so quiet here…

And… it’s unfamiliar… and crowded with so many people…

I feel like I’m forgetting how to walk.

How did I move my arms when I walk again?

What angle should my neck be at?

What kind of expression should I have…?

W-Where do I even put my tongue in my mouth…?

Ugh…! I feel like I’m going insane…!!

It’s all because of these stupid stats!!

I didn’t use to be like this!!

“Ahem, hello. I… I’m sorry about earlier. I’m new here, and I think I got a little too eager…” the receptionist, Schur, now bowed politely and spoke in a calm voice.

If you could’ve just done this from the start…!!

You didn’t have to embarrass me like that!!

I hid behind Rubia and gave a small nod.

“T-Thank you… so, uh… what can I do for you today?” Schur asked.

“I’ll explain,” Rubia said, her voice soft and measured as she began detailing what had happened in Roholon.

The more Rubia explained, the more Schur’s expression shifted to one of shock.

“So… that’s why we’re here. Where do we claim the bounty?” Rubia finished.

“W-Wait… are you serious…?” Schur stammered, looking beyond shock as she stared at me with a pale face.

Why… why me again…?

“Uh, Schur?” Rubia prompted.

“Y-Yes…”

“Could we see the head of the Ursphere guild, please?”

“Is something wrong?” a new voice interrupted.

Before Schur could answer, a woman walking toward us stepped between us and the receptionist.

Rubia glanced quietly at the woman before speaking carefully.

“We have a payment to collect from the head of the guild.”

Huh…?

R-Rubia…?

Why does that sound like something a loan shark would say…?

“…Excuse me?” the woman asked, her face hardening.

“We have money to collect. From the guild head,” Rubia repeated.

“You… have money to collect?”

“Yes. So, please call them for me.”

Rubia frowned, clearly annoyed by the attention we were attracting.

“I am the head of the Ursphere guild. ‘Rebuge’. And what payment do you think I owe you?” the woman declared.

“Well, that makes things easier. Since there are too many listening ears here, let’s discuss this in private,” Rubia suggested.

A trace of anger appeared on Rebuge’s face.

“What is the meaning of this…”

Rubia hesitated briefly before speaking again, this time with a hint of frustration in her voice.

“We’ve come from Roholon.”

Her voice echoed quietly through the tense guild.

At that, all eyes were on us.

“Gasp…!” I couldn’t help but exclaim.

The murmurs died down instantly.

“I see… I should have checked your registration first,” Rebuge said, glaring at Schur, before bowing slightly and gesturing toward a back room.

“There’s more we need to discuss beyond the bounty. Please, follow me.”

“…Yes, thank you,” Rubia replied with a small nod, grabbing my hand tightly.

Then, she whispered quietly to me.

“I expected the rumors to spread, but this is faster than I thought.”

“S-Seems like it…” I agreed, nodding slowly and leaning closer to Rubia.

“I tried to push to meet the guild head directly, but… I didn’t think it would turn out like this. I’m sorry, Noah,” Rubia apologized.

“No, it’s… it’s okay. I was surprised, but… I know you didn’t mean it like that… so it’s fine.”

“Ha… thank you. But now I’m curious about how much the rumors have been exaggerated. What do you think those people see you as, Noah?”

Hearing Rubia’s words, I extended my senses.

Everyone was staring at me with… strange expressions.

Well, thank goodness.

At least no one thinks I’m a monster or a beast or anything…

Maybe Schur just overreacted?

After all, Luchi was the one who defeated Carpeng.

“Hmm… it seems like—” I started to say.

[A girl with black hair… and a greatsword… she’s… she’s a demon who drinks blood!] I overheard someone whisper.

“Pfft—! A demon who drinks… hahaha!” Rubia burst out laughing.

Oh.

Seriously?