Akatsuki Translations

Adventurer’s Guild, City of Greed Branch, Training Facility 

“Ah, so bored. So peaceful. It’s the best.” 

Glen, an instructor affiliated with the Adventurer’s Guild, threw himself onto the desk in his office on the 3rd floor of the training facility, indulging in lazy slumber. Of course, napping was not his job. His job was to train rookie adventurers to ensure they didn’t die at the very least. In other words, he was slacking off. However, the fact remained that he currently had no work to do. 

The reason being, just last week, he had expelled all the students who were attending the training facility. 

The majority of those who came to him with aspirations of becoming adventurers were Nameless, the lowest strata of this world. 

Among the city dwellers, there were few who wished to become adventurers… or so it seemed. Some city dwellers, despite having a stable life and guaranteed employment, felt dissatisfied with their current situation, harbored ambitions, or even aspired to become adventurers out of pure and foolish envy. But when compared, they were still a minority. 

In essence, adventurers were primarily “Nameless,” and most of them lacked the education that city dwellers took for granted. In other words, to put it bluntly, they were a gathering of ignorant fools. 

And dealing with fools was exhausting. 

Glen disliked feeling tired. Therefore, it was best if there were no students in this training facility. 

But unfortunately, the stream of fools visiting this training facility was incessant. 

This was Greed, the City of Sin. 

It was the Adventurer’s Guild of the Cities of Sin that boasted the largest dungeons, the Dungeons of Sin, on the continent. Countless fools sought to use them as a stepping stone to elevate themselves. Due to being Nameless, they had no restrictions on their origins like city dwellers did. So, they swarmed toward the dungeons without end. 

And even though they were mere Nameless, it would be a problem if the mountain of corpses were to grow too large, and that was the role of this training facility. It was a gathering place for idiots. It was depressing. 

In this manner, Glen savored the precious moments of respite to his heart’s content. It was his right. Thus, he spends the day in indolence. The Spring Spirit, Spriggal, was particularly active during this season. The warm weather and pleasant breeze facilitated his afternoon naps. 

However, he suddenly sensed an intruder invading his sanctum, or rather, his instructor’s office, and abruptly sat up. The intruder looked at Glen and said, somewhat exasperatedly, 

“Ara ara, it seems like you’re wasting away your life quite fruitlessly, Glen.” 

“…Rozz. Just so ya know, I ain’t slackin’ off. There’s simply no work.” -Glen 

“I don’t think that’s something you should declare so proudly.” -Rozz 

A visitor had appeared. It was a woman called Rozz. At first glance, she was a beautiful woman, but her personality was intimidating. She worked at the reception of the Adventurer’s Guild, which meant she was one of those women who brought work to Glen. Therefore, Glen hated her. 

“I sent off some promising youngsters just recently ya know. I’m supposed to be on break.” -Glen 

“I’m presenting you with a fresh batch of promising youngsters.” -Rozz 

“You’re shitting me. Fuck off.” -Glen 

“I’m just doing my job.” -Rozz 

Glen booed ungraciously, but Rozz shrugged it off calmly. Well, this was their usual exchange. 

“By the way, there’re too many people bein’ shoved onto my plate. Are they overprotective or what? Leave the reckless dumbasses be. As long as they don’t die, they’ll learn from painful experiences.” -Glen 

“Even if they’re Nameless, it’s problematic if the number of unnecessary casualties increases and the exploration of the dungeon and collection of magic stones stagnate. We simply follow the current policies.” -Rozz 

“It’s just a buncha bureaucratic bullshit. Have more pride in your own job, damn it.” -Glen 

“I have more pride in my own work than someone who naps in their workplace.” -Rozz 

With that, Rozz left, notifying that they would be coming around noon, as if giving a warning. Glen, left behind, imagined the flood of delinquent wannabe adventurers who would soon come rushing in, and heaved a melancholic sigh. 

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The City of Sin, Greed 

Located in the southeastern part of the Isralia continent, Greed is a city known for its Dungeon of Sin. To the north lies the Apas Mountains, while the southern region is dominated by the coastline. Beyond that lies the “Edge of the World,” an expanse of nothingness. In short, despite their relatively confined locations, the vast amount of magic stones produced by the Dungeons of Sin directly contributes to the cities’ prosperity. 

Furthermore, beyond the boundaries of the city that seals the Dungeons of Sin, there exist many medium to small-scale dungeons, with new ones being born regularly. 

To prevent dungeon disasters caused by the overflow of monsters from dungeons and to increase the mining of magic stones, the transfer of mining rights to civilians is allowed. Though it comes at a high price, the right to directly sell a considerable amount of magic stones and, above all else, the True Core Magic Stones which are the cores of the dungeons, to the city is an extraordinary privilege. Consequently, this city attracts many ambitious individuals striving for success. 

It is a place where desires and ambitions converge—the City of Sin, Greed. 

Within the Adventurer’s Guild branch located in the City of Greed… 

“Is this the place?” -Shizuku 

“Yeah, it’s the headquarters of scoundrels.” -Ur 

The building of the Adventurer’s Guild stood tall before Ur’s eyes, mirroring the architectural style commonly seen throughout the city-state. It was visibly aged and lofty. Proudly displayed above the main gate was a symbol of a dragon and a sword, with the color crimson as its base. It was the emblem of the Adventurer’s Guild, representing those who slay dragons. 

It was something familiar to Ur. He had accompanied his father to the Adventurer’s Guild numerous times. However, this was his first time visiting the Adventurer’s Guild in Greed, the City of Sin. 

Now then, Ur looked beside him. A remarkably out-of-place beauty stood there, gazing at the massive structure with a tourist-like expression. 

“I know it’s not my place to ask, but are you really okay with becoming an adventurer?” -Ur 

In response to Ur’s question, Shizuku nodded decisively. 

“It seems that I lack the necessary power and must train.” -Shizuku 

“It vanished. Your magic.” 

“It indeed vanished…” 

She wore a troubled expression but quickly faced forward, as if rousing herself. Ur didn’t fully understand her circumstances, but it seemed that she was determined to become stronger. While he briefly considered suggesting alternative means, he shook his head. He had neither the obligation nor the right to meddle in her life to that extent. 

“Well, let’s both do our best.” -Ur 

“Yes, let’s do that.” -Shizuku 

Ur opened the heavy, old door. Beyond it lay the den of adventurers. In his memories, the Adventurer’s Guild was filled with rough and filthy men, drinking at the taverns operated alongside the guild. 

His memories were of the branch within the satellite city, but now, in this City of Sin, how different would it be? 

“Oh, it’s surprisingly clean.” -Ur 

The interior was far from what Ur had imagined. Although the construction, much like its exterior, indeed bore the marks of age, cleanliness permeated the space, and the guild members were dressed uniformly in standardized uniforms. There were individuals resembling adventurers clad who were armor, but naturally, or rather, as expected, they weren’t drunkenly causing trouble around them. Some were earnestly studying what appeared to be posted request forms, while others engaged in amiable conversations with their companions at the discussion tables. 

“They seem to be prudent with their cleaning.” 

“I guess when it comes to the Adventurer’s Guild of a City of Sin, even its customers understand the importance of maintaining a certain standard.” 

Brushing aside the slightly unsettled feeling in the corner of his mind, Ur made his way to the reception desk at the front. Standing there was a young and beautiful woman, far from the image conjured by the words “Adventurer’s Guild.” Clad in a uniform of the same crimson color as the guild’s signboard, she smiled warmly upon seeing Ur and Shizuku. 

“Good afternoon! Are you interested in registering as an adventurer?” -Receptionist 

“Uh, yes… Yes, I am.” -Ur 

“Then please take a look at these documents. We will conduct an evaluation and provide further explanation later.” -Receptionist 

“…Wow, this is going by pretty fast.” -Ur 

The procedures flowed astonishingly smoothly, causing Ur to feel slightly taken aback. 

“After all, there are just soooo many people who want to become adventurers. Especially those who are ‘Nameless.’” -Receptionist

“I haven’t even introduced myself.” -Ur 

“Your appearance.” -Receptionist 

Ur glanced at his own and Shizuku’s appearance. Ur was still in tattered clothes, worn and torn from the battle with the Giant Tusked Boar (he had washed off the mud but couldn’t remove the bloodstains). Shizuku, on the other hand, wore a robe of unknown origin that they found in the small dungeon. Indeed, if someone of the city saw them, they would suspect they had been in some kind of accident. Ur understood and started examining the documents. There were many illustrations, probably meant for those who couldn’t read. Ur could read to some extent; during his long stay in a certain city, he had learned to read and write and do basic calculations from eccentric priests who mingled with the city dwellers. 

He had thought of utilizing this skill for work in the city, but it was only natural for city dwellers to be able to do such things, and unfortunately, he would be given no special treatment. 

Putting aside such digressions, Ur cleared his mind and continued reading the documents. The contents were less about the Adventurer’s Guild itself and more about guidelines and prohibitions regarding exploring the dungeon. Since modern adventurers seemed to focus primarily on dungeon exploration, Ur thought it made sense and continued reading. As he did, the receptionist tilted her head, observing his actions. 

“By the way, is the young lady with you your sister?” -Receptionist 

“Huh?” -Ur 

Ur glanced to the side and saw Shizuku staring intently at the documents being handed out to him. Strangely, she didn’t have the same documents in front of her. 

“Do we look like siblings?” -Ur 

“No, not even in the slightest.” -Receptionist 

He didn’t even feel to urge to call out her rudeness. Shizuku was beautiful to the point where even if he were told that she was given birth to by a human, he would have a hard time believing it.  Shizuku was a stunningly beautiful girl with a mix of black and white, messy ash-colored hair, and sanpaku eyes [1]. She bore no resemblance to the short Ur. 

Well, the bottom line was that she didn’t seem like an aspiring adventurer at all. 

“She also wants to become an adventurer.” -Ur 

“Huh?… Huh?… Um… sure?” -Receptionist 

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, clearly showing her skepticism towards Shizuku’s career aspirations that didn’t match her appearance. In response, Shizuku simply smiled and accepted her gaze. It was unclear whether she was bold or just slow to catch on. 

Eventually, the receptionist shrugged her shoulders. 

“Well, fine. Here are the documents. I’ll prepare them for both of you, so please wait a moment.” -Receptionist 

Is that alright? Ur was about to voice his concern, but as mentioned earlier, it seemed that aspiring adventurers were a constant stream, so there was no end to it if he worried about every little thing. Most likely. 

Anyway, Shizuku should be able to read them on her own. As Ur thought that, for some reason, she tilted her head when the documents were handed to her. She wore an obvious expression of confusion. 

“…Can’t you read?” -Ur 

“I can’t.” -Shizuku 

“…Wanna read together, then?” -Ur 

Shizuku smiled. 

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“The above is the process of converting magic stones collected while exploring the dungeon into money. Do you have any questions about what has been covered so far?” 

After completing their preparations, Ur and his companions were led to a room where they received brief instructions from the guild member. After listening to the explanations from a woman named Rozz, Ur raised his hand. 

“Can I ask something?” -Ur 

“What is it, Ur-kun?” -Rozz 

“The information I heard was mostly about dungeon exploration rather than the Adventurer’s Guild. Is that alright?” -Ur 

Her explanation was just an additional supplement to the materials they had received earlier. It covered what would happen when they entered the dungeon, what risks were involved, what kind of monsters they would encounter, what guarantees were provided and how far those guarantees went, and the exchange rate for magic stone conversion. 

It wasn’t specifically about being a guild member of the Adventurer’s Guild. 

“It’s fine. After all, you haven’t officially joined the Adventurer’s Guild yet.” -Rozz 

“We haven’t?” -Ur 

“It’s temporary.” -Rozz 

“Temporary?” -Ur 

According to the explanation, while the Adventurer’s Guild was in a position to manage dungeon explorers, it was not possible to recognize all explorers as guild members. Among dungeon explorers, there were criminal-like people or even actual criminals mixed in. It was natural because Nameless made up the majority of the dungeon explorers. 

So, it was difficult to easily recognize them as guild members, however, the magic stones obtained from the dungeon were crucial resources closely related to city operations. It was undesirable to reduce the number of dungeon explorers, but it was also not desirable to allow illegal transactions to flourish without going through the Adventurer’s Guild. So, what to do? 

“And thus, the Adventurer’s Ring (temporary) was created. Also known as the 【Chalk Ring】.” 

“It’s white and cute.” -Shizuku 

“When you say Adventurer’s Ring…” -Ur 

Ur was familiar with it. It was a ring worn by guild members recognized by the guild. The color and decoration represented the rank within the guild. Ur remembered that his father also had one, and many Nameless adventurers he had encountered wore them on their fingers. The white color specifically. 

“Originally, the ranks within the Adventurer’s Guild are divided into gold, silver, and copper, and they are further subdivided. However, this ring is white, the lowest rank that falls outside of those categories. It recognizes one as more or less an authorized explorer by the Adventurer’s Guild, but it only provides the minimum guarantees and those who were it are not officially recognized as a guild member. It’s that sort of ring.” 

“It sounds like it’s just a substitute for a bunch of excuses.” -Ur 

“That’s right. It’s neither above nor below the permission for dungeon exploration.” 

In other words, Ur hadn’t even reached the starting line as an adventurer, or so it seemed. And from now on, he had to become a gold-class, the highest rank within the Adventurer’s Guild. The absurdity of his own statement was gradually dawning on Ur. 

“So, can I have this 【Chalk Ring】?” -Ur 

“Depends on your answer to this last question.”  

Another voice spoke, different from Rozz’s, it was a man’s voice. 

Rough, yet conveying a strong core, the firm voice was heard from behind Ur and his companions. When they turned around, they saw an old man with deep wrinkles, fitting the voice. However, his physique was large and sturdy. It was clear that he had aged, yet he didn’t give off the impression of being old. His demeanor was filled with vitality. 

“Ara, Guild Master, you’ve come again. I could have handled the transfer of the Chalk Ring myself.” -Rozz 

“Even if it’s temporary, I have decided to be present at the adventurers’ start as much as possible.” -Guild Master 

“I wish you could share that earnestness with Glen…” -Rozz 

While exchanging such words, the Guild Master stood next to Rozz. Standing before Ur and the others who were seated, he exuded an intimidating presence like that of a giant. Ur slightly leaned back and then stood up, bowing his head. Shizuku next to him did the same. But the Guild Master lightly shook his head. 

“My name’s Jiro. There’s no need to be formal. I won’t ask anything significant. I won’t pry into complicated circumstances. It’s not an examination, you see.” -Jirou 

Saying so, he first looked at Ur. From between the deep wrinkles, his golden eyes displayed profound thoughtfulness and a sharpness that could pierce through anything. 

“What’s your name?” -Jirou 

“Ur. I don’t have a surname since I’m Nameless.” -Ur 

“Ur, why do you desire to become an adventurer?” -Jirou 

“…I have special circumstances. I need to buy back my sister, who was sold. It’s a lot of money. I want to earn gold.” -Ur 

Ur briefly explained his situation. Jirou nodded in understanding. 

“Many adventurers spend their days chasing weak monsters in the shallow levels of the dungeon, making enough money to just get by.” -Jirou 

Ur was well aware of that. The pseudo-adventurers around him all followed that pattern. He himself had engaged in similar activities in the unregulated maze outside the Adventurer’s Guild. Therefore, he could vividly imagine that scene. 

With a strong sense of ambition, and the patience to endure relentless effort, you too can become one among them. I don’t believe that’s a bad thing. But, you’ll never achieve your goal. Do you have the resolve to not let that happen?” -Jirou 

“I won’t silently watch as my sister is separated from me.” -Ur 

Ur asserted. Giro nodded in agreement with Ur’s determination. Then, he turned his gaze to Shizuku. 

“What’s your name?” -Jirou 

“I’m called Shizuku. I don’t have a surname either.” -Shizuku 

“Shizuku, why do you desire to become an adventurer?” -Jirou 

“To become stronger.” -Shizuku 

“And what will you do when you become stronger?” -Jirou 

“I will fulfill my goal. Without fail.” -Shizuku 

Shizuku’s response compared to Ur was concise and clear. Yet, within her words, there was an unwavering determination. Jirou also nodded in approval of Shizuku’s answer and stood up. 

Then, he raised a silver ring adorned with the emblem of the Adventurer’s Guild, which was displayed at the guild’s main gate, before the two of them. 

“Under our beliefs and oaths, I bless the birth of new comrades.” -Jirou 

At that moment, a small radiance descended upon Ur and Shizuku. Upon closer inspection, a faint, human-shaped figure appeared behind Giro’s back, with its hands stretched out. 

“A spirit,” Shizuku whispered softly. Ur was familiar with it as well. 

Spirits, magical beings that rank higher than humans in this world. They dwell in all phenomena of this world and can wield their power. They are the servants of the “One True God.” 

“It’s a minor blessing from the Spirit of Conditions, Pris. As long as you adhere to the rules you read earlier, it promises a simple protection… at most, it will make you less prone to catching a cold.” -Jirou 

“The Guild Master is a priest, then?” -Ur 

Only the temple’s priests have the ability to borrow the power of spirits. It is beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. Ur thought that if the Guild Master belonged to the Adventurer’s Guild, they would also be Nameless, but apparently, it wasn’t the case. 

“When you reach the Silver Rank, you will be granted certain ‘official’ privileges equivalent to an official position by the temple. I’m not a priest, just merely borrowing power from the priests.” -Jirou 

“What happens if the conditions are broken, even though I don’t intend to break them?” -Ur 

“The blessing will disappear. If you go too far, you may also face punishment.” -Jirou 

The deliberately ambiguous statement was somewhat threatening. In reality, Ur had no intention of breaking the rules after hearing that. The power of the spirits was immense, surpassing the capabilities of humans. He didn’t want to experience any kind of punishment issued by those spirits, no matter how mild it might be. 

In essence, this gathering was both an orientation for aspiring adventurers and a moment to intimidate those who would challenge the dungeon. They would offer assistance as long as the rules were followed but would show no mercy if they were broken. 

Then, Jirou received chalk rings from Rozz’s and handed it to Ur and Shizuku in turn. Ur and Shizuku silently put it on their fingers. Observing the two, Jirou nodded. 

“Now, welcome to the world of adventurers, new comrades. I pray for your success.” -Jirou 

With those words, Jirou left the room without lingering. Ur understood that the Guild Master must be busy. So, in the room, only Ur, Shizuku, and Rozz remained. 

“Now, with this, you have obtained permission for dungeon exploration. From here on, you’re free.” -Rozz 

“Free…” -Ur 

“Whether you dive into the dungeon and earn magic stones or complete the guild’s posted requests, both should be reported to the guild. If you continue your work diligently, you will eventually become a recognized guild member, known as a 【Copper Ring】” 

How far is eventually? he wondered, but he set that thought aside for now. What mattered more was… 

“Now then… What should we do from here?” -Ur 

“Aren’t we going to the dungeon?” -Shizuku 

“That’s true, but…” -Ur 

There was no doubt that they had to go to the dungeon. First, they had to earn magic stones and officially gain recognition from the Adventurer’s Guild. If he couldn’t even become an adventurer after boasting like that to Diz, he would surely become a subject of ridicule. 

And there was no time for that. The current situation, where they were already holding back Akane, was already ridiculous. Furthermore, she wasn’t the type of person who would simply nod and agree to wait for him to become an adventurer if he asked. Ur had realized that in their short exchange. 

In other words, they had to become adventurers as quickly as possible and pave their way to the ultimate goal of reaching Gold Rank. However, Ur didn’t possess the knowledge of how to make it “quick.” In essence, he wanted advice. 

Perhaps sensing that, Rozz wore a professional smile. 

“Fret not, lost boys and girls without a sense of direction. The Adventurer’s Guild has something called the【Training Facility】 for newcomers like you.” -Rozz 

According to Rozz, the Training Facility in Greed was a place where retired kind-hearted adventurers in between their own quests provided guidance to new adventurers. They would receive various instructions on the intricacies of dungeon exploration, combat techniques against monsters they inevitably encountered, how to navigate within the Adventurer’s Guild, and how to climb the ranks. It sounded like the perfect place for Ur. 

“But, I’m broke.” -Ur 

“As long as you pay a small fee, the training is free. Even as a ‘Nameless,’ you won’t have to worry about the typically incurred 【Nameless】 stay fees since accommodations are heavily discounted. You won’t get meals, but the benefit of receiving guidance from a retired, powerful adventurer for a month is significant, I believe.” -Rozz 

“That’s quite an offer.” -Shizuku 

“What benefit do they gain from doing all this?” -Ur 

“The country doesn’t want to suffer from a decrease in magic stone mining due to a negative image. They want to avoid new adventurers recklessly losing their lives. So, retired adventurers who have extra money and time provide support. Do you understand?” -Rozz 

Well, from Ur’s perspective, it was simply a lifeline. He wasn’t naive enough to think he could jump into the world of adventurers without a second thought and instantly achieve success. He definitely wanted advice from those who had already experienced the bitter and sweet aspects of this world. 

“In that case, I’d like to enter the Training Facility. Is that alright?” -Ur 

“Alright, understood. But before that, let me tell you one thing.” -Rozz 

Rozz said so and smiled warmly at Ur and Shizuku, patting their shoulders. 

“Don’t worry.” -Rozz 

“Where are you taking me now…?” -Ur 

Suddenly, uneasiness crept in.