. . . "We're here."
Eduardo stopped in front of a garden.
"Eduardo, is this the Adventurer's Guild?"
"Yes."
Outside, two fountains and a garden decorated the path leading to the guild gates. In addition, the thick walls, brutally made of granite, were covered with animal hides.
On top of the roof, several guards with bows, arrows, and cannons carefully protected the place.
The windows gleamed in the sunlight, revealing weapons and magical objects.
"Hahaha, so this is where the demons hide. I can feel that there are very powerful demons inside this hell. . . As my master said: 'Lyra, if you want to gain power, you must enter hell.'"
"Hey, stop drooling on my arm. This isn't hell."
What kind of people come to the guild?
"When I enter the Guild Tavern, all the adventurers will want to work for me."
Donkey puffed out his chest.
"Why do you assume that, Donkey?"
Seraphine was combing Donkey's hair.
"Seraphine, when the adventurers find out that I am the royal and noble Horse of King Asterium Pegasus, they'll say: 'Wow, you're the King's noble Horse. Please, don't work. Let me carry that for you.'"
"Hahaha, or the opposite. They'll force you to pull a cart when they realize you're a Donkey."
"Kaela, don't be jealous."
Don't ask me for help when you're in danger.
"Mortar, no man will touch you while I'm around. Last night was special."
"Dorian, you pervert."
I. . . I don't even want to imagine it. It gives me chills.
"Idiots, you're going to get slaughtered in there."
"What did you say, Eduardo?"
"Nothing. Let's go inside."
". . ."
As we pushed open the heavy oak doors, we were hit by a wall of sensations. The air was thick, filled with the metallic smell of oiled armor.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild Tavern. I'm Aiko. I'll guide you on your journey."
There were several receptionists assisting newcomers. The Main Hall was spacious and noisy. A crowd of adventurers squeezed together, murmuring strategies as they looked at the Quest Board.
My friends were fascinated by the atmosphere.
"Thank you. My name is Kaela Orion, and these are my teammates."
What a charming receptionist.
"Hmm. . ."
She stared at me.
"Huh?"
The receptionist adjusted the dark fabric cuffs around her forearms to keep the ink from smudging the parchment. She wore a light linen shirt, protected by a sturdy leather vest with the guild's iron crest attached to her chest.
"Hmm. . . So you're the commoners."
"And?"
"Get lost!"
Aiko looked us up and down before walking away.
Everyone in the tavern fell silent. The clinking of coins that had previously filled the atmosphere disappeared.
The scratching of quills against parchment and the ringing of bells at the counter ceased.
"Tremble in my presence, demons. I have arrived to turn you all into chickens for my army. Hmm. . ."
I covered Lyra's mouth.
"She's just joking, everyone."
"Hahaha, little girl, you're going to turn me into a chicken?"
An adventurer dressed in armor, carrying a sword and shield, was cleaning some treasures while eating with his companions.
"So, these are the adventurers King Asterium welcomed into his castle?"
A group of archers who were buying arrows discussed our arrival.
"This is the first time I've seen a group led by a Donkey."
Whoa, wait a minute. What's this about the Donkey being the leader?
"Yes, I'm the leader here."
Donkey walked over to the group of archers to greet them.
"So it's true that this is the talking Donkey. I thought it was just a rumor."
We barely arrived at the guild, and everyone already wants to screw us over.
"Eduardo, you idiot, say something."
Where is he?
"Kanade, serve me a beer."
We didn't come here to drink.
"Hahaha, little girl who wants to turn me into a chicken, so you're a demon hunter?"
"Yes. I've already made many of them eat feces."
How did Lyra already make friends with them?
"Let me cut your hair. I won't charge you anything."
Seraphine was running after a group of dwarves.
"Girls, say hello to my wife."
"Get away from me, pervert."
Well, someone here has to do the hard work.
"Come on, Donkey. Let's register with the guild."
"Donkey, give me your autograph."
"Hey, Kaela, don't tear it."
"Grrrr!"
". . ."
And so we arrived at the guild.
What kind of powers will I gain?
I can't say for sure.
But if I had to choose one, I'd probably want the power to disappear forever.