[D.C] Ch 11: The Guild

 — — — — — —

At that moment, Tione spoke up:

"We've covered your bill."

"Really sorry about what happened with Bete earlier."

"Hope we didn't cause you too much trouble."

Tione Hiryute—currently a Level 5 adventurer, known by the title Jormungand —was an Amazon with tanned skin. She is the older twin of the Hiryute Sisters.

With the bill settled by Tione, it meant there were no more debts between them and Klaus.

Klaus knew the Loki Familia placed a lot of importance on personal bonds.

And now, just like that, he might've missed his shot… with Riveria?

Finn scratched his head, visibly troubled. He spoke in a calm and friendly tone: "So, your name's Klaus, right?"

Snapping back to the moment, Klaus nodded. "That's right."

"I'm Finn," the Pallum introduced himself.

Unlike that hot-headed werewolf Bete, Finn was surprisingly approachable. Total opposite energy.

Klaus had some rotten luck—he showed up at their doorstep, and who did he run into? None other than that guy, Bete!

If it had been anyone else from their group, the situation probably wouldn't have spiraled like it did.

Finn glanced between Klaus and Syr, then said with a polite smile: "Well, then… we'll let you finish your meal."

With that, he turned to his Familia.

"Alright, everyone—let's head back and get ready."

"Roger that!" Tiona responded with her usual boisterous tone.

Tiona Hiryute—also Level 5, title Crusher.

Outgoing, cheerful, full of wild energy. Also an Amazon, and Tione's younger twin.

The main difference between the two sisters?

Tiona didn't share her big sister's… big assets. Her chest was flatter than a board.

— — —

As the entire Loki Familia left, Riveria hadn't said a single word.

But in truth—

Riveria had already made up her mind.

It just wasn't the right time or place to say anything.

Maybe the others saw Klaus's earlier comment as nothing more than a joke.

But Riveria? She wanted to know.

What kind of magic did he use? How could he casually claim to have ninety-nine types?

Was it possible… he was like her?

A single magic that could be cast in multiple forms?

Magic, by nature, was unique and diverse.

Riveria herself had three types of magic—but could easily use them in nine different ways.

Then him…?

Could he really cast ninety-nine variants?

If that was true… wasn't he a little too terrifying?

That was Riveria's suspicion—something she quietly pieced together from his words.

What exactly was his magic?

Honestly, she couldn't help but be curious.

---

Klaus glanced at the clock and said, "Food's gonna get cold."

"Let's dig in."

Syr puffed out her cheeks, turning her head away in an exaggerated huff.

Then she muttered under her breath, "…Mr. Klaus."

"Do you have a crush on Lady Riveria?"

"Huh?" Klaus froze.

That… was the last thing he expected.

She figured him out just like that?

Talk about sharp!

Shaking off the surprise, he started eating while trying to play it off. "I don't think so?"

Syr crossed her arms and scoffed, "Hmm, liar!"

Damn it!

He completely forgot—she's a goddess!

For a moment… Klaus felt awkward as hell.

He did like Riveria. No denying that.

But still—he had the ambition to become the King of Harems!

He didn't get isekai'd just to settle for one woman!

This was a new world—not the boring old one with that one-man-one-woman rule. Here, as long as your fists were strong enough… you could live however the hell you wanted!

After a beat, Klaus grinned slyly and leaned back.

Then, he turned the question around on her: "So, Lady Syr… how'd you figure that out?"

"Oh, and don't you have to get back to work?"

Syr opened her mouth to reply—but stopped.

That second question totally threw her off.

Klaus could barely hold back a laugh.

…

After finishing their meal, Klaus and Syr finally parted ways.

That lunch had taken nearly two whole hours.

Turns out… Getting a free meal wasn't as easy as it sounded.

Still, Klaus felt sure this wouldn't be the last time he ran into Riveria.

He shook his head and pushed the thought aside, heading off on his own toward Babel Tower.

As for that cat-person, Allen?

He'd vanished the moment the Loki Familia left.

...

Babel Tower stood right at the heart of Orario, the dungeon city.

At its base was the entrance to the dungeon.

The main headquarters of the Adventurers' Guild was nearby, just off the northwest street. Before entering the dungeon, one had to register at the Guild as an official adventurer.

The closer Klaus got to Babel, the denser the crowd became.

Dwarves lugging around massive battle axes. Beastmen armed with spears. Amazons carrying greatswords.

Elven mages with wands in hand. Supporters hauling oversized backpacks…

Supporters—a unique profession.

They prepped weapons, gear, and supplies for adventurers. They also recovered monster drops like magic stones and loot after a battle.

Sometimes, they'd even run in mid-fight to toss a potion or weapon to a struggling adventurer.

All in all—it was a tough gig.

Most supporters were Level 1.

Because of their lower power and status…

Supporters were often looked down on—and sometimes outright mistreated.

…

About ten minutes later—

Klaus arrived at the Adventurers' Guild building.

It was a grand structure, built from enormous blocks of white stone. Above the entrance hung the Guild's emblem, carved into a wooden sign.

It was as majestic as he imagined.

The Guild managed both the dungeon and the city itself.

Founded by the first god to descend to the Lower World—Ouranos.

Klaus took in the sight for a moment, then stepped inside.

What greeted him was a wide, spacious hall.

At this hour, the place wasn't quite as packed as he'd expected.

Klaus glanced around in awe, his gaze flicking from one thing to the next.

What immediately caught his attention—Was a giant bulletin board in the center.

It was covered with job requests.

As long as you completed the task, you'd be paid in valis—plain and simple.

And for someone like Klaus, flat broke and freshly arrived, this was the fastest way to make money.

So instead of heading straight to the reception desk to register, he wandered over for a look.

Most of the requests were basic:

Collect certain materials.

Recover gear dropped while fleeing monsters.

Missing persons notices for Familia members.

Merchant escort missions to the 18th floor...

Hmm?

Expedition Team Needed?

{Requirements: Must be at least a Second-Class Adventurer.}

{Mission: Unite with the Loki Familia to explore deeper dungeon floors.}

{Reward: 5,000,000 valis.}

{Posted By: Riveria Ljos Alf.}

Klaus stared at the notice.

Honestly? It was tempting.

Five million valis!

Too weak, and you'd die trying.

Too strong, and you wouldn't even bother.

But for Klaus? It didn't matter...

He needed that kind of money—badly.

.

.

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