Chapter 134 – But we wanted a guide!
The five of them went to the counter and said that they wanted to take on Tromerai. And so their ranks were checked.
Normally, Dungeon Tromerai was open to C-Rankers, but it was seen as dangerous these days, and so you had to be A-Rank and above.
Menew’s party fulfilled those conditions, but the guild worker still looked unconvinced. Indeed, she probably felt as if she were sending these people off to their deaths.
“Um…are you sure that you wish to go?”
She asked them once again. They all looked at each other and nodded.
“We are sure. Don’t worry. We won’t die.”
Menew said. He looked more naturally relaxed than confident. And so the guild worker nodded somberly.
“The road to Tromerai is complicated. And so I will send two guides to accompany you. Could you also guarantee that they will return alive?”
“Uh… As long as they do not run off alone…and they move back when we tell them to… Then I can guarantee it.”
The real problem is that they might try to help during combat, and end up getting in the way. You could not protect someone if they were blocking your attacks.
“Very well. I shall give you permission to take on Tromerai then. We will take one day to select the guides, so please come back the morning after tomorrow.”
After making plans with Sety, they agreed to meet in front of the guild on that day.
And then Menew and the others went around in order to buy the supplies that they had discussed earlier. Such as vegetables, rope, and walking sticks. As it was a town near a mountain, there was a store that sold mountain-climbing gear. But while the boots with spikes looked convenient, Ralph insisted that for a long journey, it was best to use shoes that you were comfortable wearing. But Menew wondered if Mofusen would be alright, as he wore wooden sandals.
Regardless, the day of departure soon came, and Menew and his party arrived in front of the guild in light traveling clothes. As for Sety, she carried a backpack.
Menew took her belongings and they entered the guild. Inside, a very strong-looking shield bearer and a swordsman was waiting for them. Ralph immediately narrowed his eyes. If these two were to be their guides… Well, they looked like the type who would interfere during combat.
The guild worker then came out from the back and introduced the two guides.
“The shield-bearer is Marco. He works directly as a guide for the guild. He is A-Rank, so don’t worry about him getting in your way.”
She said.
“And then we have swordsman Zaha. …Well, he is accustomed to guiding people to the dungeon. And fighting too.”
They showed each other their statuses and introduced themselves. The two looked especially suspicious when they saw Menew and Totto’s statuses.
Why were they both A-Rank? Also, the way they were so relaxed suggested they underestimated the peril. The two did not even try to hide how uncomfortable they were. It was clear that they saw Menew and Totto as baggage.
“Surely you could have found someone more suitable?”
Ralph asked. And then the two guids protested loudly.
“Sorry, but there is no one more suitable than us. Judging by your levels.”
“Couldn’t we at least leave that Summoner and Alchemist? I don’t know if I can protect them.”
Menew scratched his head awkwardly. He had made his request quite clear the other day. They were to be people who would back down when asked to.
Perhaps the guild worker wanted to ease her mind by sending someone strong. But this was not what was promised at all.
“Mr. Marco. Mr. Zaha. This job is yours. However, please promise me two things.”
“What?”
“Eh? Say it.”
Menew looked troubled but said it bluntly.
“Do not run out by yourself. Stand back when we tell you to. You must follow those two things no matter what. You do not need to participate during combat. Just focus on being our guide. Is that fine?”
However, they were not ready to accept such words from someone who was a lower level than them. Not only that, but from a mere Summoner!
“Don’t worry, we will protect you.”
“Just be thankful that you’ll be able to reach the dungeon without getting hurt.”
It was no use. They would not listen at all.
And so Menew gave up trying to talk to them. He just muttered, ‘I see’ and then they all left the guild.
Ralph was about to say something, but closed his mouth when he saw Menew’s eyes. Menew was more stubborn than he looked, and so he must have a plan.
—
After leaving the town, they reached a hut that was at the foot of the mountain. There was a record book there, which they all had to sign.
And then Marco and Zaha led the way to the dungeon. When Totto became tired, Kanon grew in size so that he could carry him up the rough and rocky mountain.
There was suddenly the sound of a falling boulder. They turned their heads and saw that a Chimera was there. They had not been climbing for half an hour yet. It was almost strange that it never appeared in the town.
“Mr. Marco. Mr. Zaha. Please stand back.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! While I distract it, Zaha and that swordsman over there can attack!”
Sety sighed with exasperation. Mofusen watched quietly. Totto wondered why they were choosing the hardest road for themselves.
“I see. Very well. Well, please don’t hurt yourself then.”
He had given fair warning. Now it was up to them to protect themselves.
Menew took out his brush and drew two circles in the air. And then balls of fire and wind that were two meters in diameter were summoned.
“Summon! Torum and Faris!”
Marco and Zaha had looked stunned.
Torum shot towards the Chimera, faster than the eye could follow. And like that, it kicked the lion’s head from below. As the monster fell over, Faris slashed at it mercilessly, cutting open the exposed underside. The wound was deep, and blood sprayed out. The ground shook under the falled Chimera.
And like that, it turned into a crystal. Marco and Zaha were still frozen. They had never seen an Adventurer defeat a Chimera so quickly.
“Mr. Marco. Mr. Zaha. You can have the crystal if you want it. But unless you are confident that you can defeat it more quickly, please stand back next time.”
Menew patted Torum and Faris on the head as he said this.
The two were not so stupid that they would answer in any way other than a quick, ‘Yes.’