Akatsuki Translations

Adventurer’s Guild, City of Sin, Lust Branch

“Then, we will promote both Ur and Shizuku to copper first-class.”

With that oath, Ur and Shizuku raised their copper rings, now worn on their fingers. The “Promotion Examiner,” a magician of the Adventurer’s Guild in front of them, dedicated an aria to their rings and touched them. The light that lit up on the copper ring changed from three to one, a sign of first-class.

Several days had passed since the celebration. While Ur and the others were busy with healing and rehabilitation, the Adventurer’s Guild had deliberated and decided on their promotion.

Today was the day of their promotion ceremony.

Although calling it a ceremony might sound grand, it was not. In a room of the Adventurer’s Guild, the settings of the adventurer’s rings that Ur and the others wore were simply adjusted.

“With this, you are now copper first-class, the top of the copper rank in the Adventurer’s Guild. It’s not quite silver, but you are still ahead of many adventurers. Please do not forget the heavy responsibility that comes with this.” -Promotion Examiner

“How do we get to silver then?” -Ur

“Listen to what people are saying.” -Promotion Examiner

Ur got a chop on his head from the old man who was the promotion examiner.

“We are aware of your circumstances. However, reaching silver is a testament to being a top adventurer, not something taken lightly.” -Promotion Examiner

“I get that, but I want to know. I want to be prepared. I’ve been looking into it myself, but I don’t have a clear idea of where my current achievements stand and what I should aim for.” -Ur

Indeed, the path Ur has taken so far is quite unique. Within a month of becoming an adventurer, he had defeated a tenth-class monster and a bounty crystal golem, fought a dragon worshiper necromancer and a gashadokuro in the next city, toppled a bounty bird in the City of Sin, Lust, and contributed to the interception of the 【Sin Dragon ・ Lust】.

Not all the credit goes to Ur and his group, there were coincidences and help along the way, but still, they had achieved results worthy of speedy promotion.

But it’s unclear if they can continue at this pace to reach silver.

Rising within the ranks of copper and changing from copper to silver are two different things. From what he has heard from various people, the difference between copper and silver is significant. It’s not just about blindly doing things.

Sensing Ur’s concern, the promotion examiner cleared his throat.

“Well… there are several conditions for moving up to silver. One is a high contribution to the guild.” -Promotion Examiner

“Is taking down bounty heads considered a high contribution?” -Shizuku

The examiner nodded at Shizuku’s question.

“Bounty heads are indeed challenging adversaries that even the Adventurer’s Guild struggles with. Completing quests from the guild will also raise your rank.” -Promotion Examiner

Thinking about it, Ur and the others hadn’t been actively completing quests distributed by the Adventurer’s Guild. They were busy moving between cities for Diz’s protection and defeating bounty heads in between, leaving little time for other requests. Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at them.

“Now that both of you are copper first-class, you should also receive direct requests from the guild. Of course, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the local guild to some extent.” -Promotion Examiner

“I see… Next, I’m not quite clear about the achievements needed for dungeon exploration.” -Ur

Ur raised his hand this time.

“Dungeons are both a threat to and the crux of human survival in this world, and therefore, dungeon conquest is also crucial for promotion to silver.” -Promotion Examiner

“What does that involve specifically?” -Ur

“For a Dungeon of Sin, reaching the middle layers and excavating a certain amount of magic stones, or conquering several small to medium dungeons.” -Promotion Examiner

Dungeons in this world aren’t limited to Dungeon of Sins. There are various sizes of dungeons that have appeared on the surface. From small dungeons with only a few levels to medium-sized dungeons with several layers, not as big as Dungeon of Sins, conquering these contributes greatly to the city and the guild.

“If you defeat the dungeon’s owner[1] and bring back the 【True Magic Core】, that would be a surefire way. Many who have reached silver rank have conquered dungeons and brought back their spoils.” -Promotion Examiner

“So it’s essential to have this achievement for silver?” -Ur

“Not necessarily, but without it, you’ll need other substantial activities and achievements.” -Promotion Examiner

“Hmm…” -Ur

There is a time limit on Ur and his companions’ activities as adventurers. It’s difficult to leisurely stay in one place for long. Whether they can fully conquer a dungeon in the short time they have is honestly doubtful.

“The choice is yours, but aside from being daring, don’t be reckless.” -Promotion Examiner

“Thank you, Examiner.” -Shizuku

Shizuku smiled brightly, and Ur bowed his head.

“By the way… have you not registered for a guild?” -Promotion Examiner

“We are affiliated with the Adventurer’s Guild though?” -Shizuku  

“The Adventurer’s Guild is a ‘Great Guild’ directly under the Grand Federation. Apart from that, you can form your own guild and register that guild again with the Adventurer’s Guild.” -Promotion Examiner

“What are the benefits?” -Shizuku

“There are various minor benefits. Although there are some restrictions, guild members can receive the same benefits from the ring as you, the guild leader. Distribution of requests and bounty rewards will also become much smoother.” -Promotion Examiner

“What are the drawbacks?” -Shizuku

“The paperwork is a bit of a hassle.” -Promotion Examiner

“Hassle.” -Ur

Ur tilted his head at the unserious word coming from the seemingly serious examiner. However, the examiner was not joking and was quite serious.

“Registration with the Grand Federation is necessary, so you’ll have to submit more documents. There will also be reports regarding revenue when the guild achieves results. Of course, there is support from the Adventurer’s Guild, but they can’t handle everything.” -Promotion Examiner

“…That sounds quite seriously bothersome.” -Ur

“We don’t have much time, do we?” -Shizuku

Under Diz’s guidance, Ur and his companions’ days are “long.”

But that doesn’t mean they have plenty of time. Ur and his team aiming for rapid promotion have a mountain of tasks: training, studying, researching, moving, and guarding. Adding paperwork to that list would honestly overwhelm Ur.

“It’s also an option to delegate the paperwork to a trustworthy guild that specializes in that sort of thing.” -Promotion Examiner

“That would cost money.” -Ur

“We provide some financial assistance from our end…although you’ll need to apply for that as well.” -Promotion Examiner

“What about joining another guild now?” -Ur

“It’s likely many guilds will refuse to take you in at this point, fearing the disruption of power balance within the guild, especially since you’re copper first-class. Plus, most adventurers nowadays are sticking to activities in one city.” -Promotion Examiner

“That makes sense… So, it’s better to start our own then.” -Ur

Ur and Shizuku looked at each other.

“Then, Ur-sama, you will be the guild representative.” -Shizuku

“Me, huh?” -Ur

“What shall we name the guild?” -Shizuku

“Let’s call it The Walkers.” -Ur

And just like that, Ur and his companions’ guild was formed.

　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

“That’s fine. You’ll be the guild leader.” -Lynne

While having lunch at the Adventurer’s Guild’s tavern, Ur and the others discussed their future plans. As a matter of course, forming a guild requires the consent of the other members, so they confirmed with them.

As a result, Lynne readily agreed to Ur’s guild formation and becoming the guild leader.

“If you promise not to tarnish the name of the White King Formation, I have no objections.” -Lynne

“You’re unshakable, aren’t you?” -Ur

“If you don’t have a guild emblem yet, I’ll draw it.” -Lynne

“You’re definitely going to draw it with a motif of the White King Formation, right? I don’t get it, but whatever.” -Ur

And then there’s Rock.

『HAHAHA, looking cool, Guild Leader. Why not puff out your chest a bit more? 』-Rock

“To be honest, I don’t want to do it. If you want to, feel free, Rock.” -Ur

『 have decided to live my second life freely. 』 -Rock

Rock chuckled, and Ur sighed.

The freedom sounded enviable. Ur too wanted that. Being a guild leader seemed to bring more responsibility than benefits. Yet, he understood that, given the current situation, there was no one else but him suitable for the position.

Lynne was excluded based on the timing of joining the team, and Rock was essentially Shizuku’s familiar. That left Ur or Shizuku, but Shizuku had already decided to support Ur rather than take the forefront herself.

So, it had to be him. What a hassle.

“Well, it’s still just three people and one entity. It’s no different from a traveling party. The guild formation might just be a formality. Only the way we receive work and rewards will change slightly.” -Ur

“But it looks like we will gain more companions, doesn’t it?” -Shizuku

“Huh?” Ur tilted his head at Shizuku’s words.

Shizuku glanced towards the tavern’s exit. There, the companion she mentioned was present.

“Is that…” -Ur

Not only Ur, but other adventurers also involuntarily turned their gaze to the flashy armor. A “knight” clad in dazzling armor, not for protection but to demonstrate the majesty of the Sun God, was heading straight for the table where Ur and the others were seated.

Ur recognized that armor. It couldn’t be anyone else. It was the Sun Knight, Echelle Loine Raleigh, who had rampaged during that inquisition.

“…Hmm, what a place full of worthless nobodies. Typical of a guild that scavenges monsters’ carcasses.” -Echelle

The adventurers, who had been puzzled, were taken aback by the high-pitched insult.

“The tavern is filthy and vulgar. I struggle to understand why you would gather in such a place.” -Echelle

The tavern owner, appointed directly by the Adventurer’s Guild, quietly chopped meat with his knife.

“How dare you have me come to such a filthy place. “ -Echelle

“My apologies.” -Ur

Ur quickly pulled her arm and left the tavern with her.

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“Don’t touch me with those cursed, filthy hands! What do you think you’re doing!” -Echelle

“I’m sorry. It seemed like you were about to be killed, so I…” -Ur

As soon as they stepped outside, Ur was hysterically berated by the Sun Knight, Echelle. While bowing his head, Ur explained the reason, and she, after widening her eyes a bit, haughtily crossed her arms and snorted.

“I am a Sun Knight. What could those Nameless nobodies possibly do to me?” -Echelle

“Well, no one would directly oppose you, but…” -Ur

Just as he was about to continue, Ur felt an intense gaze from behind. He glanced back, and Echelle followed his gaze to see…

“””””……………………….”””””

At the guild’s entrance, several adventurers were glaring. They said nothing, and of course, they weren’t holding weapons. They were just glaring. However, many of them were battle-hardened adventurers with a murderous intent in their eyes capable of turning away monsters unarmed. Even Ur felt a chill down his spine.

It was understandable that Echelle let out a tiny scream. Ur stepped in front of her and bowed, apologizing. The murderous intent seemed to dissipate, apparently appeased for now.

After hiding behind Ur’s back for a while, Echelle’s face, initially pale, gradually changed to an expression of astonishment.

“What are those people!? I hold a temple rank, you know!!” -Echelle

“Basically, the ‘Nameless’ don’t pay much respect to internal urban official titles, so please be cautious.” -Ur

The blessings provided by the priests are tremendous. They can utilize the power of higher beings, the spirits, even if only partially, as their own. They distribute that power for the protection and prosperity of the city. To the “city dwellers” living in the city, they might seem almost godlike.

However, for the Nameless, it’s not the same. They basically aren’t allowed to permanently reside in the city. For them, the city is more like a temporary home. No matter how much the priests bless the city with their powers, the Nameless are not in a position to directly receive those benefits.

Even if they become adventurers, obtain a ring, and gain the right to permanent residence in the city, the consciousness of the disparity they once felt likely won’t change so easily. For many of the Nameless, priests are nothing more or less than “privileged individuals of the city-states with the power to communicate with spirits,” not someone who can protect them.

There’s an undeniable disparity between the nameless, city dwellers, and priests, but not everything is a simple hierarchy.

“Well, that being said, it’s not like there are people who would resort to violence against priests… but not everyone simply prostrates themselves just because someone is a priest.” -Ur

“E-even here…?!” -Echelle

“Huh? Even here?” -Ur

When questioned, Echelle was taken aback, shook her head, and then, arching her chest again, displayed a clearly disdainful attitude toward Ur.

“Quiet. There’s no reason for you to be lecturing me.” -Echelle

“My apologies.” -Ur

Ur bowed his head. He didn’t have a deep respect for this Sun Knight, but he wanted to avoid making a mistake with a priest who might become a long-term associate.

“So, what brings you here today, Echelle-sama?” -Shizuku

Shizuku followed from the tavern and asked Echelle with a smile. Ur also wanted to know. Despite grumbling so much, there must be a reason why she came to visit them alone.

Questioned, Echelle cleared her throat with a cough, attempting to regain her composure. She changed her anxious youthful expression back to an exaggeratedly haughty one and pointed at Shizuku.

“This is a directive for you. Listen gratefully.” -Echelle

“I understand.” -Shizuku

Shizuku respectfully bowed, and Ur followed suit. Echelle nodded in satisfaction.

“It is a mission quest from the Gradol Sun Knights. From here on, you are to head to 【City of Sin, Gradol】, specifically to its 【Satellite City, Uuga】.” -Echelle

“…So it’s Gradol after all…” -Ur

“What are we going do there?” -Shizuku

Ur frowned and muttered, while Shizuku encouraged her to continue. Echelle continued, still ostentatiously puffing out her chest.

“In a pioneer city outside the human survival zone, a dragon disaster has occurred. You are required to investigate and resolve it.” -Echelle

“Ah… Is resolution mandatory? Like Shizuku said, we are no match for dragons.” -Ur

“It is mandatory.” -Echelle

“Ah…” -Ur

Ur swallowed the words “Understood.” Shizuku just silently smiled. Taking that as an affirmation, Echelle continued the conversation.

“Contributions to the Order of the Sun Knights will directly reflect in your evaluation. Make an effort!!”

“We will give it our all.” -Shizuku

It was foreseeable that they would be brought into dragon-related troubles. Since they had taken notice of Shizuku’s abilities, it was natural they would seek her power. However, asking for a resolution was another matter. In the worst-case scenario, they might need Diz’s assistance secretly, without her knowing.

“Furthermore, it has been decided that I will personally monitor you.” -Echelle

“Echelle-sama herself?” -Lynne

As the conversation continued, Lynne, who had been listening on the side, opened her mouth in surprise.

“We don’t know when we’ll be able to undertake Echelle-sama’s quest. During that time, will Echelle-sama be monitoring us? Continuously?” -Lynne

While not explicitly stated, her question implicitly wondered if Echelle had that much free time, but Echelle seemed unfazed by the question and answered.

“I am currently the ‘Acting Overall Supervisor for City Construction’ of the 【Satellite City, Uuga】 and am residing in that city. There’s no problem at all.” -Echelle

“…I see.” -Lynne

Lynne seemed to ponder over the answer but then nodded and backed down without saying anything further. Echelle, satisfied with the silence of everyone as an acknowledgment of her explanation, pointed sharply at Ur.

“I will return to 【Uuga】 first. You are to depart as soon as you are ready!” -Echelle

With that, Echelle boarded a prepared carriage and left briskly. Ur waved goodbye and, after her carriage was out of sight, spoke up.

“…So basically, she wants us to solve the construction problems of the city she’s in charge of?” -Ur

“It seems so.” -Shizuku

『Is this why they wanted Shizuku? To use her for this? 』-Rock

Ur, Shizuku, and Rock nodded, seemingly convinced yet troubled. Ur, in particular, was getting a headache thinking about the dragon problem and how Echelle would hardly be satisfied until it’s resolved. He might need to think of some way to persuade her.

And as for Lynne, she was frowning for a different reason.

“…Fourth rank, Loine, and yet, city construction? Acting…?” -Lynne

“What’s up, is something wrong?” -Ur

“Doesn’t it seem strange?” -Lynne

Lynne tilted her head, and so did Ur, Shizuku, and Rock. The conversation wasn’t aligning. Despite becoming adventurers, the clear gap in knowledge between Lynne, a regular priest, and the three others was evident.

After a while, Shizuku raised her hand.

“Excuse me, Lynne-sama. May I?” -Shizuku

“What is it, Shizuku?” -Lynne

“I haven’t been deeply involved in the establishment of cities so far, so there are parts I don’t fully understand. May I ask you to explain the relationship between knights and priests once, as well as about the 【Sun Knights】?” -Shizuku

At Shizuku’s request, Lynne looked at Ur. Ur nodded. Even Ur himself, being a Nameless, wasn’t very knowledgeable about the structure of cities. It seemed necessary to organize their knowledge.

“Alright. Let me give you a brief explanation then.” -Lynne

Saying this, Lynne pointed out. What she indicated were, perhaps, knights currently patrolling the city, donning the emblem of the City of Sin, Lust.

“First, there are the 【Knight Orders】 that exist in each city. They are the guardians of the law and the city itself. Their main objectives are to combat criminals who break the law, monsters that harm the city, and to eliminate dungeons that pose a risk.” -Lynne

The knights she pointed to glanced over in suspicion but shrugged and left after receiving a nod from the group.

“The members are 【city dwellers】. The 【Nameless】 can’t become one, and neither can 【Priests】.” -Lynne

“【Priests】 can’t?” -Shizuku

“It’s forbidden by the laws set by the Grand Federation for the 【Temple’s】 【Knight Orders】 to interfere. It’s too influential for someone holding an official title to join a knight order. If they do wish to join, they must renounce their official title.” -Lynne

Such whimsy is rare, though. And Lynne excluded herself from this category. After all, she hasn’t renounced her title. She doesn’t need anyone’s permission to accompany the nameless.

Then, Lynne pointed to the temple towering at the city’s center.

“Next, the 【Temples】 and 【Priests】.” -Lynne

It was just past noon. Many city dwellers were gathering at the temple, likely to offer their midday prayers to the spirits and the One and Only God, Zerudia. It’s a duty of the city dwellers.

“The 【Temple】 is a governmental organization gathered under the Sun God. It’s God’s institution that reconstructed the world, which had collapsed due to the proliferation of dungeons. They govern and protect the city states with the power of spirits.” -Lynne

『Huh, what happened to the original kings then? 』

“They lost their power amidst the chaos of the dungeons, were defeated in conflicts with the Temple, and mostly ‘vanished’. I’ve heard that there are still a few city states maintaining royal authority, but they are very few.” -Lynne

The concept of kings and nobility was lost, and instead, 【Priests】 were born.

“【Priests】 are privileged individuals of the city who work in the 【Temple】 present in all cities and can commune with spirits. They are the authorities tasked with managing the city using the power borrowed from the spirits. They are also entrusted with the management of 【Production Cities】.” -Lynne

First rank, Shinra, second rank, Seira, third rank, Gran, fourth rank, Loine, fifth rank, Nuu – these five official titles represent the difference in affinity with spirits. Affinity is inherited by blood, hence the official title is given to a family.

Priests use the power bestowed by spirits to manage the city. Food production by production cities, water source securing, but most importantly, maintaining the 【Sun God’s Barrier】 that covers the entire city.

In a world overrun by monsters, it’s not an exaggeration to say that the maintenance of safe cities for humans is due to their power.

“Therefore, no city can afford to disregard spirits. Even the magic city, Lust is the same. Magic isn’t as omnipotent as the blessing of spirits.” -Lynne

The development of magic due to the mining of magic stones from dungeons is remarkable. However, humanity is still nowhere close to the realm of spirits. The position and authority of the 【Temple】【Priests】 will not waver anytime soon.

“And the 【Sun Knights】. They are the ‘armed force’ owned by the 【Temple】. Fundamentally different from the knight orders.” -Lynne

Knight orders serve the city states.

Sun Knights serve the temple.

While many equate the temple with the nation, they don’t completely align. Hence, sometimes knight orders and Sun Knights end up opposing each other.

“【Sun Knights】, unlike the 【Knight Orders】, are all official titleholders, except in special cases. Under the command of the Wise Heavenly King, they protect the order of the Temple, sometimes even across nations. By the way, including Diz, the 【Seven Heavens】, are also a part of this.” -Lynne

“She was a knight, huh…” -Ur

『Indeed… So that lady is someone important then? 』-Rock

“She holds a title, fourth rank, Loine. Of course, she’s someone important.” -Lynne

And then Rock tilted his head.

『So, is it strange for such a lady to be building a city? 』-Rock

“Normally, city construction supervision is from the second rank of Seira onwards.” -Lynne

“So, she’s acting in place of someone?” -Ur

Being a representative for someone with authority isn’t strange. However, Lynne shook her head.

“Just because she’s acting for a Seira doesn’t mean she has the knowledge for city construction. The construction methods of the 【Temple】, especially the ‘communication chambers’ with spirits and the One and Only God, are top secret. It’s passed down only within the families of higher-ranking priests, even among priests.” -Lynne

“So, what about Echelle-sama?” -Shizuku

“Normally, she wouldn’t be able to build a temple. She might be able to construct the form, but… Even if you hold an official title, you can become a Sun Knight, but qualifying as a priest is separate. Without the proper training, one cannot become a priest. Letting a Sun Knight who isn’t a priest act as a city construction supervisor…?” -Lynne

Silence fell over everyone again.

The Sun Knight who lacked an official title, the solution to the dragon disaster in a city where an essential temple is under construction, and various information uncovered offered no bright elements.

『Ah, it’s that, isn’t it? 』-Rock

“What do you mean by ‘that’? Don’t tap my shoulder.” -Ur

『Looks like we’re going to gain another troublesome character again, huh? HAHAHA!! 』-Rock

Ur deeply sighed at Rock’s loud laughter.

He felt a premonition that Rock’s words would come true, almost giving him heartburn.

“Why does it always end up like this…” -Ur

“It’s a mystery, isn’t it?” -Shizuku

Ur didn’t even have the energy to retort to Shizuku’s nonchalant attitude, almost as if she were the very embodiment of the trouble they were discussing.

TL Note(s)

[1] “Owner” was previously translated as “Ruler,” but the author gave the reading as “Owner” in this chapter, so that’s how it’ll be translated from now on.