Cheers echoed throughout the city.
This was the return parade for the subjugation force sent to eradicate the Orc settlement that had appeared near Gilm. Given that they had successfully neutralized the threat to the residents' doorstep, such a reception was only natural.
"Look, sitting on the driver's seat of that lead carriage. That's Elk, the leader of the Rank A party, the Axe of the Thunder God."
"I know that. But... wait, look at that!"
While nodding at his companion's words, the man's eyes were drawn to an unexpected sight.
It had the lower body of a lion and the upper body of an eagle, with massive wings folded upon its back. In other words...
"A Gryphon?!"
Why would they bring back an even more ferocious monster after going to hunt Orcs? The question flashed through his mind for only an instant before he reflexively tried to bolt—only for the man next to him, the one who recognized Elk, to grab him by the collar.
"Hey, what are you doing? Let go, I have to run!"
"Calm down. That Gryphon is a tamed monster. It won't attack people."
"Hah? Taming a Gryphon? You've got to be joking!"
"I'm serious. Think about it. If that Gryphon were a wild monster, why would it be walking peacefully right next to the carriage?"
"..."
The man realized his friend was right. However, the presence of a Gryphon was far too overwhelming to accept so easily.
"How do you know all this?"
"Yeah. Didn't you hear the rumor a while back about a newly registered rookie who thrashed a Rank D party called the Falcon's Claws right in front of the guild?"
"Now that you mention it, I think I heard something like that..."
"I was actually there when it happened. The rookie being picked on was the one who tamed a Gryphon. That's the same creature right there."
"Are you for real?"
"Yeah. Besides, that Gryphon walks through the city quite often. Look around. Is anyone else trying to run away?"
Following the man's suggestion, he scanned the surroundings. Indeed, most of the residents weren't fleeing. On the contrary, many were busy explaining the situation to those who were on the verge of panic, just as his friend was doing for him.
Furthermore, some of the residents watching the parade were actually throwing pieces of dried meat and other treats toward the creature.
The Gryphon expertly caught the dried meat and other snacks in its beak mid-air, swallowing them down before letting out a happy-sounding cry: "Guruuuu."
"See?"
"I-I guess you're right. Still, a rookie taming a Gryphon... it's hard to wrap my head around."
"I thought the same thing at first. I'm sure everyone who sees it for the first time feels that way. But the truth is, there hasn't been a single report of that Gryphon harming anyone. In fact, it’s incredibly popular with the food stall vendors. Well, I suppose it helps that the owner buys out their stock without a second thought for the cost."
"Merchants really are something else..."
If it were him, he would have fled even if the Gryphon approached as a customer. As that thought crossed his mind, he suddenly realized something else.
"Hey, wait. If the owner just registered with the guild, does that mean he participated in the Orc subjugation?"
"It would seem so. But with a Gryphon on his side, I imagine a few Orcs wouldn't be much of a problem, right?"
"Ah, I see. Man, I'm jealous. If I could tame a powerful monster like that—maybe not a Gryphon, but something strong—I’d become an adventurer, let the monster do all the fighting, and just rake in the easy money."
"Idiot. A monster would never let itself be tamed by someone like you."
The man gave a wry smile and lightly cuffed his friend on the back of the head.
"Eeeek! Big Sister, look over here!"
Just then, high-pitched cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Ow! Go easy on me... So, who's that?"
He asked his friend while looking toward a woman who was receiving enthusiastic screams from the young girls lining the street.
"That's Mirene. She leads the Rank C party, Scorching Wind. She's quite a talented youngster, and as you can see, the local girls adore her and call her 'Big Sister'."
"Big Sister, huh?"
The parade continued in this fashion until the Orc subjugation force finally reached the guild.
"Man, I'm beat."
Having been made a public spectacle under the guise of a parade, Elk let out a heavy sigh as he climbed down from the carriage in front of the guild.
Despite remaining energetic after fighting Orcs all night, his face was now etched with deep fatigue.
"Heh heh heh. Being a hero is hard work."
Bobbs climbed down from the carriage as well, a wry smile playing on his lips at Elk's dejected state.
"Hmph. Easy for you to say since you got to relax inside the carriage."
"It couldn't be helped; the driver's seat only fits two. Besides, the people of this city needed to see the leader of the Axe of the Thunder God. It was the only way to make them truly feel that the Orc threat was gone."
"I know that. But let me complain a little, would you? This kind of thing just isn't my style."
"That also can't be helped. It was a direct request from Margrave Larkus, the Lord of the City of Gilm."
"Pah!"
Elk turned away petulantly, behaving like a child. Leaving him to his mood, Bobbs addressed the other subjugation force members as they descended from their respective carriages.
"Everyone, you all did excellent work. Thanks to you, the Orc threat has been purged from this city, as evidenced by the parade we just passed through. As for what comes next, we're disbanding for the day. You can collect your rewards at the guild reception starting tomorrow. Also, regarding the Orc Proof of Subjugation Parts—as I mentioned before, we will be purchasing them for five silver coins instead of the usual three. High-ranking species will also be bought at a premium. However, be aware that these special rates only apply when you claim your Orc subjugation reward."
The adventurers nodded in understanding before scattering into the city toward taverns, inns, weapon shops, and item shops.
Rei also took a step forward, intending to find a dining hall or a food stall to fill his stomach along with Set, when...
"Rei, stay back for a moment. I need to talk to you."
Bobbs called out, stopping him in his tracks.
"Guruu?"
Set rubbed its head against Rei as if asking what was wrong. Rei lightly stroked the Gryphon's head before turning his attention to Bobbs.
"I thought you said the rewards and everything else were starting tomorrow?"
"For the others, yes. You can wait until tomorrow to get your pay as well, but I wanted to talk to you about your rank."
Rei considered this for a few seconds. He continued to stroke Set’s head while pulling several sandwiches out of his Misty Ring.
"Sorry, Set. I have some business to take care of. Go to our usual spot, eat these, and wait for me."
"Guruu..."
Though Set looked slightly dissatisfied, Rei left the creature behind and followed Bobbs into the guild.
Set watched them go, let out a small cry, and then took the sandwiches in its beak before heading toward its usual resting place.
"Ah, Rei. Welcome back!"
"Rei? Oh, thank goodness you're safe!"
As Rei and Bobbs entered the guild—or rather, as soon as they saw Rei—Lenora and Kenny called out to him with joyful expressions.
"Sorry, but I have business with Rei. You can celebrate his return later."
Bobbs cut them off and headed for the guild 2F. Rei gave the two receptionists a light wave before following after him.
Once they were gone, Kenny let out a massive sigh of relief.
"Whew. I'm so glad Rei is okay."
"Yes, it's definitely good news, but..."
"Lenora?"
"They were subjugating a massive group of Orcs, right? We'll get the full details later, but I'm certain some of the members didn't make it back."
"That's... well, it's the nature of the job. Everyone who registers as an adventurer does so knowing the risks."
"I know that, but... it's still hard to see familiar faces disappear."
Lenora let out a small sigh.
Being an adventurer meant combat was the default state—whether it was monster subjugation, labyrinth exploration, or escorting merchants. Even for gathering requests, people only hired the guild because the items were too dangerous for civilians to collect themselves.
Danger was the foundation of the profession, and deaths were an inevitable part of it. Lenora understood this intellectually, but she could never fully harden her heart to it.
"Hey, look on the bright side. Most of them made it back, right? You should show a little more joy. It’s that gloomy attitude that keeps your figure so meager, Lenora."
Lenora's brow twitched at the word "meager," but she maintained her composure.
"I am not meager. I am perfectly normal. Average. I’d say it’s much better than having a body designed solely to flirt with men like a certain someone."
"...Oh? And who might you be talking about?"
"Well, I didn't name anyone specifically, but do you have someone in mind?"
"Good grief. This is why they say women with small chests have small hearts. Honestly, poor Rei, having a woman like this practically assigned to him. If it were me, I'd be teaching him everything he needs to know... very thoroughly, very closely, and very, very intimately."
"Kenny, you...!"
The two began their usual bickering. However, the somber mood that had gripped Lenora just moments ago had vanished, replaced by her usual self.
"Take a seat."
Rei now sat across from Bobbs in the same room where they had first discussed the Orc subjugation force.
Because the last time he was here the room was full of people, the conference room now felt strangely vast and desolate with only the two of them.
After several dozen seconds of silence, Bobbs finally spoke.
"I have a lot of paperwork and post-processing to deal with after this... including the matter with the Stars of the Night. So, I’ll get straight to the point: your rank will be raised to Rank E as of tomorrow."
"Rank E? I figured I'd hit Rank F at most."
"Hmph. Given your achievements, Rank E isn't nearly enough. You handled the supply transport, Set provided protection during the journey, you acted as an independent scout during the night raid, and above all, you defeated the Orc King. To achieve all that and only go up one level would be ridiculous—especially since you're starting from Rank G. Besides..."
Bobbs trailed off at the end. Rei gave an internal wry smile.
(I suppose this is also hush money and compensation for the trouble with the Stars of the Night.)
Attempting to ambush an allied party for personal gain during a crisis that threatened the City of Gilm was a serious scandal. Considering the potential damage to the guild's reputation and the public's trust, Bobbs's decision was perfectly logical.
"Well, usually you have to complete a certain number of quests and then apply for a rank up. If you're willing to let me skip the bureaucracy and jump ranks, I have no complaints."
"I'm glad to hear that. Also, keep in mind that I'll be having you take a Rank Up Exam for Rank D in the near future."
"...What?"
Rei blurted out, caught off guard. Bobbs repeated himself as if he had expected the reaction.
"I said you'll be taking a Rank Up Exam soon."
"I see. The guild is being quite generous, letting me jump three ranks all at once."
"That's how it is. Though, frankly, considering your strength and the fact that you have Set, you'd probably be fine at Rank B... but for now, please be content with Rank D."
"It’s more than I expected, so I'm fine with it... but are you sure?"
"It’s fine. It's more absurd to have someone who can solo a Rank B monster like an Orc King staying at Rank G."
"...Understood. When will the Rank Up Exam be?"
"I can't say for sure. That's up to upper management and the examiner, not me."
Even as he said that, Bobbs suspected the exam wouldn't be far off. Every guild staff member was well aware that they were perpetually short on capable hands, and more importantly...
Bobbs thought of the letter tucked into his pocket. It had been delivered by a messenger from Gilm while the subjugation force was on its way back. The letter praised the Orc subjugation, mentioned the parade, and gave specific instructions to inform Rei of his promotion to Rank E and the upcoming exam as soon as they arrived.
(Even if some of the scouts returned early with reports, this is incredibly fast. Rei's strength is certainly Rank B—maybe even Rank A. But even so, this level of urgency...)
Bobbs had planned to propose the promotion to Rank E and the exam for Rank D once he got back. However, that was his judgment as someone who had witnessed Rei's work first-hand. He hadn't expected upper management to move this quickly based on reports alone. Which meant...
(The upper management, including the Guild Master, has their eyes on Rei. ...Maybe even the Margrave?)
Ordinarily, such a thought would be unthinkable. But the boy was accompanied by a Gryphon, a Rank A monster. Given that, he couldn't rule out the possibility.
"Anyway, I've got the gist of it. I'll be ready for the Rank D exam whenever it comes."
"Good. Keep yourself prepared."
Rei nodded and stood up to leave.
Watching his back, Bobbs found himself feeling a strange sense of anticipation for whatever chaos Rei might cause in the City of Gilm next.