Chapter 275 Distinct Symbols
Aleshia was confused; she hadn't expected the guard's response and found herself at a loss for words. Fortunately, the rest of the party was ready to step in. "We are," Brian said, presenting his identification to the guards.
The guards examined the party's credentials and allowed them to pass, handing back the quest document to Aleshia. As Aleshia walked alongside her companions, she was puzzled by why the guards assumed they were from the Alliance, especially since she had only handed them a quest that was about finding a lost pet. Curiously, she asked, "I thought the guild posted this request. So why did the guards immediately ask about our affiliation with the Alliance?"
"You're partially right, but there's a misunderstanding," Kelly explained. "Both the guild and the Alliance assigned this quest. The Alliance has its own seal, which is why the guards drew that conclusion and questioned us. Besides, how else were we supposed to access the nicer districts?" Kelly joked, providing Aleshia with some helpful information. "So that you know, guild-issued quests come with a distinct symbol of their own."
"I must not have been paying much attention to notice that detail," Aleshia said, pulling out a different quest sheet. She examined the two in her hands and noticed the differences between them. "Okay, I see it now. The seals are different on these."
As they conversed among themselves, they drew disdainful stares from those around them. Some adults even shielded their children from view. It was evident that many recognized they had come from the slums and disapproved of their presence in this part of the city. As they walked by, Aleshia overheard comments such as, "How terrible that they have to come here of all places," lamented one woman. "Go back to where you came from, vermin!" shouted a man.
Aleshia tried to ignore them and refocus her attention on the quest. "Where should we search for the cat? I don't know much about this city, so the information listed in the quest is not helpful to me."
"Let me see it," Liam said. "I can figure out where it is."
Aleshia handed him the quest, and Liam analyzed it. He found a street address and a home address, which helped him pinpoint the location in the city. "I know where this place is. Just follow my directions, and we'll get there quickly."
Liam guided the group to their destination, facing looks of disdain from onlookers along the way. While the rest of the party appeared indifferent to the judgment, Aleshia seemed noticeably affected by it. Eventually, they arrived in front of the house that had posted their quest.