In a single heartbeat, the rooftop disappeared.
Renji and Mizuki reappeared in front of a massive stone building.
The Reukago Adventurers' Guild.
Tall banners hung from the walls, each bearing the guild's crest. Adventurers walked in and out of the large gate, their armor clinking softly as they moved.
Renji blinked rapidly.
"…Teleportation still makes my head spin."
"You will get used to it," Mizuki replied calmly.
Unfortunately, their arrival had not gone unnoticed.
Several nearby adventurers turned their heads.
Whispers began spreading through the crowd.
"Isn't that the new kid?"
"The one with all elements?"
"I heard he fought a Hell General."
"No way. He's too young."
Renji rubbed the back of his neck.
"…Why is everyone staring at me?"
"Rumors spread quickly in guilds," Mizuki replied.
They stepped inside the guild hall.
The interior buzzed with activity.
Metal mugs clinked against wooden tables. Adventurers discussed quests loudly while others examined job boards filled with requests.
Behind the reception desk—
Rika suddenly looked up.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Renji?"
She quickly stepped out from behind the counter.
"You came already?"
Renji shrugged.
"The Guild Master summoned me."
Rika nodded.
"Follow me."
As they walked through the hall, more people turned to stare.
Renji whispered quietly,
"This is awkward."
"You will experience worse later," Mizuki replied.
"…That doesn't help."
Rika stopped in front of a large wooden door.
"The Guild Master is inside."
She knocked once.
A calm voice answered from within.
"Enter."
Rika pushed the door open.
Inside the office stood a tall desk covered with documents and maps. Behind it sat a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes and silver hair tied neatly behind her head.
She looked up immediately.
Her gaze locked onto Renji.
"Welcome."
Her voice was calm, but authoritative.
"I've been expecting you."
Renji stood straight.
"Yes?"
The Guild Master leaned forward slightly.
"What exactly happened in the forest?"
Her eyes narrowed.
"I intend to send an investigation team."
Renji glanced at Mizuki.
Then spoke.
"Mizuki and I were gathering medicinal herbs."
He paused briefly.
"Then suddenly… a demon appeared."
The Guild Master's expression hardened.
"A demon?"
"Yes."
She leaned forward further.
"Was it an Elite Hell General?"
Before Renji could answer—
Mizuki spoke.
"Yes."
Her voice was firm.
"It was."
The Guild Master fell silent for a moment.
"Did you fight it?"
Renji shook his head.
"No."
Mizuki added calmly,
"It disappeared almost instantly."
The Guild Master rested her chin on her hand.
Inside her mind, a thought surfaced.
Perhaps it was a higher demon…
Or perhaps they misidentified it.
After a moment, she nodded.
"I will send experienced adventurers to investigate."
Renji bowed his head slightly.
"Then… may I leave?"
The Guild Master stood up.
"Not yet."
She turned to one of her assistants.
"Bring the compensation pouch."
A small bag was placed on the desk.
Renji frowned.
"What's this?"
"Three hundred gold coins."
His eyes widened slightly.
"…Why?"
"You nearly died."
Her voice remained calm.
"An E-rank quest should never involve a demon of that level."
She slid the pouch toward him.
"That encounter is equivalent to an A–S rank threat."
Renji shook his head.
"It wasn't your fault."
"Take it anyway."
Her tone left no room for argument.
Renji sighed and accepted the pouch.
"…Alright."