It is Wrong to be the Warrior Captain in the Dungeon?

by oblivon2991

Thank you for reading my fanfic!

My mother language is not English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.

I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.

I don't own Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka novel, and anime series, written by Fujino Ōmori.

Thank you!

Please enjoy the story!


Chapter 4: The Warrior, the Guild Girl, and the Pig:

"MMmmmmm!" the adviser stretched her limb, looking very groggy.

This girl with pink hair was never a person who woke up easily. In truth, she would prefer to take the afternoon shifts — it would be certainly better than waking up this early.

Laying all day in her bed, lazing around… it was such a good dream! Unfortunately, this was still a distant dream. She was the employee of the guild; their work started at the early morning, usually ended late, often working until late night descended.

"I had no idea how Eina-san can do it. Staying fresh all day, it is such a bother. But I suppose, it cannot be helped… at least we get a good coin for this job."

Sighing, the girl shook her head, remembering in a few days she will have a free day. But now, the guild was busy, with a few exceptions, it was always a crowded place.

Different people came and went daily base exchanged stones for the coin, asked their advice. And this is exactly why she loved her job! Because she can speak and interact with people. It was her favorite thing, and here, she can do it, even getting pay for her favorite thing!

"Misha…" opening the door, one of the guild employees called for her, and she opened one of her eyes, glancing at him. "Yes?" Damn! And when she wanted to rest a little bit.

She liked to be around people, but time to time even she needed a short alone time. In that time, she usually hid one of the boxes, snoring a little bit.

"How many times I had to say, don't hide in the box. I know beauty sleep is important, but the day just started a few hours ago." Rehmer, her chientrope superior watched her strict. His ears are twitching angrily.

"Eh…! I-It's not like that! I swear! I just finished the paperwork after my last client! You see?" she jumped up right away, pointing the messy mass of papers on the table.

Damn! Her perfect hiding place busted, her secret exposed! And when she thought no one would figure out. Indeed, one needs to be specially moron to bust open a door where from the sign "occupied" hung. "I just finished the paperwork after the last adventurer, you see?"

once more, she pointed at the papers on the table, on her face a forced smile.

"I see…" Rehmer still looked suspicious, his eyes staring her down.

Not as she did this often, but she had a rough night, she needed this much relaxation; else she felt she would collapse. The Guild Head was a slave driver; it cannot be helped.

"Please don't tell anyone!" she muttered, utilizing her puppy eye technique, and it was evident, it was pretty effective, the chiantrope section leader backed, looking away embarrassed.

"Ju-Just don't do it again, or I will report it to Royman…"

"Thank you; you are the best, Rehmer…"

"Yeah! Yeah…" the man sighed in defeated before his serious expression returned, fixing his tie. "But now! Return to your work; this room will be perfect. There is a man who wishes to inquire about the guild. His name is Zeff. Quite a strange figure…"

"I see, I prepare the necessary papers then. And pick him up from the reception…"

"Umu…" the man was on to leave, muttering something like: "I am the section leader… running around to search for employees shouldn't be my responsibility…"

And thus, Rehmer left, leaving Misha who sighed a sigh of relief. "That was close…"

This place was busy, almost like the adventurer guild back home. Gazef visited the place a few times. Not as an adventurer of course, but for other reasons. Reasons those are consisted of hiring adventurers for monster extermination or seeking information on how to handle problems connected with this area of expertise.

Guilds like these existed for this sole reason after all. And if you looked that way, adventurers were nothing more than mercenaries who specialized mostly for monster extermination. Seeking the required information here was not a new thing. More so, as Mia explained, this "guild" actually was quite widespread, handling most things going through this city, everything connected to the adventurers and their so-called "Familia."

He was sure, here, he will get the information he seeks — both when it came to knowledge, and where to start his search after the lost royal treasures.

'Pat! Pat!' patting the bags filled to the brim, an employee already showed him where he could exchange his magic stones and monster parts. Hesitating not he did so, gaining a hefty sum for them. Filling at least two purses with coins.

Gazef always said; it is never hurt to ask. This was a saying that he honestly admitted was useful. Who can't even do that, that person will surely not find what they seek.

After all, maybe a few monsters could read minds, unfortunately, no matter how monstrous a few people were, humans were never amongst them. Even with magic, he doubted anyone could do that.

"Of course, mind control is an entirely another matter…" Yeah, he hated that kind of thing. It was a dirty trick. Fortunately, it can only be applied to those who had weak mental resistance or lacked the enchanted item to protect them. A properly trained warrior should be resistant against most attempts to control their mind.

"I wonder where it ends…" Gazef sighed, wondering how the hell he will get home. How far the said home was, and where the other items disappeared? He needs to find them before returning, or he will remain ashamed for the rest of his life.

Naturally, setting up goals was easy enough, reaching them was entirely another matter. But remembering the skinny kid he was, knowing where he ended up, it was evident he was never a man who gave up easily. More so, he was a man who pursued his goals until he collapsed, then pushed himself further to reach them.

"Zeff-san?"

Opening one of his eye, a girl with pink hair came to his vision. "Yes?"

"He-Hello, my name is Misha Flott, your appointed advisor. According to my colleagues, you seek certain information about the guild."

"That's right, that's why I am here…" Gazef stood up, bowing respectfully. "My name is Zeff; please take care of me!"

"Eiii!" The girl was taken aback a little bit, seeing the sudden movement of the muscled man. "Compared to how muscled he is. He is fast!"

"Please, come with me," she muttered quietly, definitely a little bit intimidated.

"Certainly, please lead the way."

"But before that…"

"Yes…?"

For Gazef's inquiring question, the girl pinched her nose. "Please, take a shower. You have quite an odor."

Sniffing himself, indeed, the sweat and monster blood on his cloth mixed into a fragrance which left him less desired than anyone initially liked. "Maybe that's why no one approached me until now…" Until now, no one approached him, watching him with a kind of look.

Though, initially, he thought nothing of it. Considering it as the end result of "unsettling" appearance, or some other, unknown reason — amongst them, how he smelled — though, he doubted the latter. Adventurers, as such bunch, diving in the monster-infested ruins daily base usually already accustomed such smell. It was rare any of them can be deterred with that.

"Please follow me; I will show you the shower area…"

"Umu…" and thus, Gazef trailed the girl close behind.

Following the girl, after a minute they reached the showers — the guild operated just for adventurers.

It was nothing new for Gazef, as back in the kingdom they as well had showers. Most nobles even had bathing institutes, which automatically set the temperature just the right degree, providing constant comfort.

Taking a shower was refreshing, that was an understatement. Wearing clean clothes was even more so! With magic cleaning clothes was easy — that's what the [All Clean] spell used back home. Here, Gazef had no idea what these people employed. But it was definitely effective. So bad it can't repair his torn clothes.

"So, Zeff-san, are you here to register in the guild?"

Just now, the two retreated in a private room, a room, or better called "box," which the guild employees usually reserved when they wanted to discuss private matters with their clients.

"No, that's not the case."

"I see…" the girl nodded understanding, but somehow disappointed. She was always happy when a person joined their organization. It just filled her with a sense of purpose. Made her feel she did her job just right. She did not share Eina's pessimism — or more like, excessive realism — the girl with the pink hair still believed in fairy tales, and the fact, heroes, need to struggle to grow.

"Then? What can I do for you?"

"I…" Gazef suddenly remained silent, thinking about what he can share, and what's not. "I am here because I am seeking information. Information about a few lost items disappeared not long after my arrival in the city."

"Ah! I see that we can help you with."

"Then?" a new light lit in Gazef's eyes, hoping his search will be much easier after this.

"We can help you with that. Thought, investigation operations cost a hefty sum. Please understand…" the girl looked around suspicious, leaning closer to the man, whispering.

"The head of the guild quite a haggler, he would even tax his mom if he could. According to the guild policies, we need to liquidate every request coming from outside. The head of the guild just calls it "involvement tax"…"

"I see…" he hummed and was not even surprised. From the guild part, it was an unnecessary involvement. They had the right to charge some money in exchange for their service. "How much it exactly cost?"

"I need further details about the lost items to assess the expenses. But please forgive me, you don't look like a person who can pay for it. Most of the time, it cost millions to find an item of high value. It is not rare the investigation cost more than ten million. If we can't find it in the city, then we need to request the other branches of the guild to look for it. It is a costly and long process."

"Hmm…"

Squeezing his pouches on his side, making a quick calculation, even with all he earned, he had less than the girl mentioned. Being he sought after three items, it will be most likely much more than the girl said.

"Even if I try it alone… I am but one man. One cannot be everywhere, less find items of high value. Searching the whole city for them is an inhuman task by itself, searching the whole surrounding — not speaking the country — impossible. I am in a completely unknown environment. In the time I find the first trace, not speaking about finding the meaning behind this strange part of the world, the royal treasures will disappear from the scene, exchanging owner most likely in the black market. I need to hurry!"

Gazef recognized when he needed help. And in the current situation, the task proved to be too much for him. He was never a detective, but a brawler, a warrior. He can ask people as much as he wants, the said items most likely never find their way back to him.

Immediately, Gazef gritted his teeth. He either needed a job to create the monetary background for the investigation or look for it alone. The latter, he doubted he could ever pull out.

"Zeff-san?" the girl looked concerned, watching the nervous man staring his clenched fists, most likely thinking.

But why he was surprised? This place was like home. Like the adventurer guild and magical association of Re-Estize, they would move not a finger if you asked them nicely. Like sellswords, asking money for everything.

"Is there, any other way to request help…?" But why he was surprised? He can only ask for an alternative deal.

"Well…" the girl grabbed her chin, thinking hard. It was evident she really wants to help. "Maybe, there is a way… According to our policies. We can't share sensitive matter affect the guild with outsiders. And our policy states we need to ask money for every service, unless…"

"Unless?"

Gazef leaned closer, the light of hope lighting up in his eyes.

"Huh! Royman will kill me…" she muttered, but decided, it is the right thing to do. She really doesn't want a lie to anyone. Less milk an innocent man who just wanted to get back his items. "According to our policies, for guild members, under certain cost, the services of the guild are free. And above a certain value, they gain cost reduction, depending on the rank of the adventurer. The higher ranked the person, the more the cost reduced."

"Ah, that makes sense…" Yes, even the adventurer guild of his home worked the same.

Basically, the higher ranked the adventurer was, the more concessions the guild, and their surrounding gained them. Even if the nobles thought them as simple mercenaries for hire — constantly urging the king to restrain them with laws, force them to leave their neutral ground the guild warranted — most people thought them as heroes or individuals with an extraordinary talent — people who protected the realm of humans from the menace of monsters.

Above mithril plate, usually, the various smiths, shops, traders and similar people basically begged them to be their sponsors. In exchange the sponsored adventurers used only their sponsors' products or helped them with specific tasks either free or for a discounted price, requesting their service directly from the guild. Such tasks usually entailed simple escort mission, monster extermination, collecting rare ingredients from hazardous zones, and many more things — basically, everything that the job of an average adventurer entailed.

"In that case, let me ask. Is it entail any obligation or commitment?"

"Huh?"

The girl just blinked, never before heard a similar question from anyone. But thinking of it, it was entirely sensible. A person who only sought information, wanting to recover his lost items not likely want any obligations, or ties what the membership entailed.

For a simple adviser like her, the situation was weird, any newcomer who came to the guild usually wished to join, never before she experienced it otherwise. Meeting a person who only wanted to recover his lost items, and when offered a chance right away inquired about the drawbacks… Certainly, this Zeff figure was strange, but not in a stupid way.

"Well…" she starched her face blinking. "There are a few. But not like we would hold you back to leave the city, or demand you to report us periodically. Though, consulting with your advisor is well recommended before going in the dungeon."

"Hmm, in that case, before I make my decision, can you speak about this organization of yours? I have the basic information, but I would like a little bit more before making my choice."

Though, Gazef felt himself slightly miserable doing this. He really wanted to find the remained three items before returning home. For that, the best way was to join this guild and use their resources in the search. True, he was never such a man who used others to reach his goals — stepping on them in the process — but in his current situation he can't do otherwise — Else, he will never find the kingdom's treasures.

But seeing it from a different angle, it was beneficial for both parties. He was sure of it, with his person, this "guild" will gain a great asset. He was not accidentally considered a threat both by the Empire and the Theocracy.

"Equivalent of exchange. Heh? As the old granny said." Remembering the famous saying of the old granny — the youthful lady adventurer who led the Blue Rose before retiring — he can't help but remember her with a good heart. Indeed, he learned many things from her. Things without he would be different today.

"Gladly!" and with that, with a beaming smile, the pink haired girl started her long explanation. The explanation that took quite a time to finish, but under all of that, Gazef listened to her with great attention.

"Hmm, I see… So no small text." At least, nothing that would severely burden him or block him to investigate things himself.

"Nope!" she shook her head happily. "Nothing that entails enslavement or anything. So, do you want to join? Hmm?" her joke was quite tasteless, and Gazef can only smile bitterly, but he decided, if he wants to use the services of the guild — between reasonable price frames — he needs to register. Using a "nickname" and identification data, he will remain well hidden until it served his needs.

"Very well, I will join."

"Splendid! Here are the papers!"

The girl was prepared, immediately recovering a stock of papers from the drawer.

"Is it…?" watching the papers confused, Gazef felt, it will not end well for him.

"Yeah… I know it is intimidating, but the guild has strict policies about registration. Unfortunately, we need to chew this through before proceeding. But don't worry!" she playfully waved her index. "I will help you with them!"

"Ah, in that case, please take care of me…" glancing at the papers, not as he could read them. He can only trust the girl will help him out.

"Then… first. Your name, Zeff, right? Any family name?"

"Simply Zeff, no family name…"

"Right…"

And thus, the two spent more than an hour, filling the papers diligently. Reaching a certain question.

"So, you don't have familia, which means you lack Falna as well… am I right?" Misha watched Gazef slightly curious, though, her pink eyes hid a slight worry. It was easy to read her; she cannot really hide her emotions.

"I don't, I mostly work alone…" came the firm answer right away.

"Ahhh! Zeff-san!" and with a frustrated sigh, Misha shook her head, massaging her temple. "You need a blessing, a Falna! Or the monsters will kill you down there! Every adventurer has one…"

"Well, if that's the case, then bring the priest or any faith-based magic caster, and I will accept that blessing!"

"What are you speaking about…?" her flat expression made Gazef furrow his brow. It was evident she had no clue what the man is spouting just now. After such a lengthy discussion, it was the first time the man saw the girl turn irritated.

But it cannot be helped. Between the man and the girl, there was a major misunderstanding of what the concept "Falna" entailed. It was a blessing, that both understood. But both party thought about a different blessing — offered by different kind of people. The difference between one and other can hardly be bigger.

"Blessings… faith-based magic casters can buff others, no?" He explained simply.

In truth, the word "buff" appeared in the people's dictionary after the arrival of the six great gods. Being the six always referred blessings simply as "buffs," the people as well started to use it. Nowadays, it was so widespread it was rare anyone referred to them otherwise.

"What is a faith-based magic caster? Do you mean mages? And what is buff?" tilting her head, Misha never heard anyone calling mages as magic casters, not speaking about "faith-based" magic casters. The concept "buff" was only the encore after this…

For Misha, Mages were mages… That's it! She was more and more convinced the man came from very far away, just like he said; he came from a so-called nation he only referred to as "The Kingdom."

"Well, they are basically magic casters so that way you can refer them as simple mages. Even if they are not the same…" it was unprofessional calling them that way, any high ranked magic caster would be told it in the girl's face right away, explaining the differences between the different branches of magic casters, and simple mages for a long time.

For the girl's luck, Gazef was not a magic caster. Thus, he could accept the customs here are different, pursuing the matter no further.

"I think, we are not speaking about the same thing…" hitting the paper with her pen, the girl felt someone really misguided this man, or she was the one who misinterpreted the whole thing from the beginning.

"Let me start at the beginning."

"Please do so."

And thus, she started her story time. Explaining; long ago, the monsters were everywhere. That, humanity and every other race struggled to survive the endless onslaught of the creatures. That, the people's last bastions were their cities. Cities with reinforced, tall walls they hid behind. Living their days in fear and worry. That, the guild established initially by the heroes who used their own power to fight.

In that time, the people carried no blessings — in another name, Falna — instead, used their sheer will and power to fight back against monsters — making pacts with spirits to gain more power. Only a few selected race possessing innate magic back then — races like elves, Renards, and spirits. Aside from them, not many born with natural, inherent magic.

It was sad, but according to the legends, back then, the people pushed in the verge of extinction. The dungeon existed back then as well, serving as the source of the constant monster infestation.

More than a thousand years ago, a building similar, but a lot more dilapidated and inferior stood in place of Babel — the tall tower stood in the middle of the city. But at the moment it was finished, the gods destroyed it intentionally.

"How nice of them…" Gazef could only shrug hearing this; those beings already made him remember the legends of his own people.

"Please continue…"

The girl continued the story, explaining: not long after the arrival of the gods, they rebuilt the place to its today image, giving their blessing — Falna — to the people. With the new, stronger generation of adventurers emerging — supported by the power of their respective gods— the people not only managed to banish the creatures back to their original nest. But not long after that, the first "real" adventurer dived in the place, hunting monsters for magic stones.

Since then, Orario built around the tower, prospering thanks to the income they gain from trading magic stones.

"It is the only place where you can find magic stones, making Orario the center of trade, and gaining attention from all around the world. And…" the girl sighed a little bit sad. "Earning us quite a few enemies…"

Hearing this shocked Gazef slightly bit. "Eh? So it was not mistranslation? Damn?" Remembering what Mia said, the wobbly explanation, and how she called the leader of the Familias — "god" — started to make sense.

"So, let me guess… they are real gods."

"Yes."

"They come here and just give their blessings to you. Just to fight monsters."

"Well…" the girl looked away, smiling embarrassedly. "It is not the entire truth."

"Then, why they came down?"

'Sigh!' "They were bored up there…" she said it out. And it was not a mistake. They admitted their reason openly.

"…" Gazef backed surprised; the air whistled between them. "What?"

"Well, according to them, they were bored up there. Seeing us down there, they were a little bit jealous and wanted to have fun. If you want more detail, their own reason, or what they seek, ask the respective god, or goddess, they will most likely tell you. Most of them quite direct."

"Huh! This is a lot to take." Gazef looked away a little bit embarrassed and shaken.

He expected many things, but this? This was staggering. But after a moment of thinking things through, he was not even surprised. Remembering the greed kings and a few more legends, most of the times, gods were described as selfish beings, only seeking their own enjoyment.

"So, Zeff-san, now you know this, your next task will be to find a Familia, and accept the Falna. After that, you can dive the dungeon."

Gazef pondered for a moment. He wanted to get home, recover the missing artifacts. He wanted the power to defeat Ainz, to save and protect his people, his kingdom. But to descend that deep to accept the offered power, and in the same time bind himself forever to these "gods"? Losing his humanity in the process?

No… until now he managed without the power of gods. Refused to take the barter many demons offered, enticing him under his life, living without magic. And now, he will be damned to trade his humanity to some damned power these beings offered!

He was a human! His will, his life his own! His power earned through sheer effort and will, not through deals and "blessings."

It may sound selfish, but he refused to return in exchange for his humanity. And thus, his answer was…

"I am sorry, Misha, but the answer is no."

"Wha-What are you speaking about?"

"I refuse to take this blessing."

"Wha?! But you… you will die without it! You can't…!"

"Is there any rules against it?" his demeanor was cold, just as his words, staring the girl with a dead stare.

"Well…" the girl pondered, looking away concerned. "We-Well, actually, I don't think so... Bu-But, please, think about it, Zeff-san! Many adventurers died down there, even those with blessings, high-level adventurers. A normal human without Falna cannot hope to survive!"

"In your story, they managed just fine…" Gazef deadpanned, making the girl squirm angrily.

"Thi-This is serious!" the girl jumped up, swiping her hand furious. "Don't joke with such a thing! You heard it yourself how the people struggled before the blessing! They almost went extinct. You heard how dire the situation was before the gods descended. Without them…"

"With all respect, Miss Misha. But without them, you most likely would overcome this hurdle, sooner or later emerge victoriously…" Gazef cut her, freezing the girl in her place.

"Wha…" like a dead fish, the girl could only gape. Unable to understand how can be someone so foolish.

"I take my chances." Gazef crossed his muscled arms, looking entirely serious, lowering his head with closed eyes, giving the picture of a wise person. "Trust me. People are ludicrously enduring. Our greatest strength is to change and adapt. After falling, get up once more, stronger, and more enduring than ever. Learn from our mistakes. Overcome them in time. The power of change is ours; people born with it; it is not the gods' to give." or, he sincerely believed this.

"Fortunately, most monsters lack this quality. True, they are strong, true, they are monstrous, breaking many of us before we could experience this change. But strong will opens up paths never walked before. Desperate times unite people, making them learn to work together, creating wonderful things."

Even under the time of the evil deities, the people managed, gathered together, and defeated those evil things. Even under the eight greed kings, they endured, endured until those "kings" destroyed each other. And Gazef was sure, with Ainz, it will be the same.

The rule of tyrants never lasted long under the course of history. Tortured people withstood the storm, gathered, and fought back. If they can't, they simply hid away, waiting until the monster starved to death, and destroyed itself.

People, thanks to their sheer effort and will triumphed. But tyrants and monsters… they never lasted long. This is what he learned under his three-decade worth of life. This is what the granny and his master told him.

"Monsters and tyrants are chaotic; their very nature ensures their own destruction. It ensures monsters of the same, and different species often turn against each other once lacking the necessary food or prey to hunt."

"I will manage, like always." He only said as much, offering a confident smile to the girl.

"Ze-Zeff-san…"

"Trust me, I will manage." his eyes sharpened, looking like a sly fox who was up to conquer the world. "What do you think, why was my clothes that bloodied, where this money from?" he raised the tightly filled money bag. In actual, he thought those monsters quite weak; not one could scratch him. Even that monster with horns was weaker than a simple beastman soldier.

"Where?" the girl asked, confused, her rage started to settle, but she wished she would never ask… she hated the answer that she received.

"I exchanged the stones those monsters dropped."

"Yo-You!?" she backed, her face filled with horror. "You already dived in the dungeon? Without Falna!?" the girl slumped on the couch, her arms hanging, her expression turning empty. And in the next moment. "Are you a moron!? Ahhh! Why, meee!"

Brushing her hair annoyed, she can't take it anymore. Her brain will melt if this man continues like this.

"So, can we finish the registration?"

Looking at him once more, anger lit in her eyes, spending the next few minutes with her futile attempt to convince the man to search a familia, and get done with it! Nothing like enslavement comes with that, she was sure of it. He spouted nonsense!

Screaming, pleading and nagging him, using her puppy eye technique as the last effort — that, she felt almost worked — worked not, Gazef was too stubborn to be convinced. In the end, Misha gave up, tired from arguing a man who was as stubborn as an Ox, stood up ready to leave.

"Ah! I can't convince you! Why are you so stubborn!? Fine then! In that case, please, wait for a minute. I will ask my superior about this thing! But don't be surprised if they right away refuse you! Or, even if they accept, you will die down there! You were only lucky! I say this to you! Don't tempt your luck, or it will come back to you."

"Don't worry, I am confident I will manage…" with a confident smile that radiated his thinking — and may look a little bit arrogant for an outsider — Misha froze, her mouth gaped like a suffocating fish. "Ehhh… Arghhh!" in the end, churning her expression into rage and unbelief. "You are impossible! Fine! I don't care! Wait here!"

And thus, she left, only coming back around a half an hour later, returning with a short man — a short and fat elf with the expression of a dead fish. His suit definitely lots better made than the girls were.

"Hmm…"

Just standing in the door, the pig watched him, his face definitely not carried the elegance and beauty that was his race's own. A look, which bore no life, an expression that unnerved even an experienced man like Gazef.

"…"

Gazef nodded, smiling friendly, but the elf still stared, his facial muscles not even moving, glancing at Misha who only nodded sighing, the girl was definitely exhausted.

"…"

Then one moment to the next the greasy elf started his stroll, clumping to the table, continuing his lifeless stare all along, moving with steps those mirrored his leisure lifestyle and stature. Yet, from his movement it was evident he still carried some noble blood in his veins, indeed, despite all the laziness covered his body Gazef recognized the small traces. In the end, the man stopped before him, staring him down.

"Zeff-san, let me introduce the guild head, Royman Mardeel-dono."

"It is good to meet you, guild head-dono." The former warrior captain said so, standing up respectfully, offering his hand as a man intended so.

Yet, the old elf just stared the offered hand, looking at Misha for a moment, refusing to shake it. Like it was offensive if a man extended his hand to the other, yeah, the "pig" simply ignored it.

"So, you are that Zeff…" sitting down, his tone filled with a kind of passive arrogance, giving Gazef the feeling he cannot care less of him, that, in his eyes, he as well was just another foolish adventurer he thought nothing about.

"That's my name, Royman-dono. If I can guess, Miss Misha already told you about me." the man nodded passive, simply waving, and like a servant, Misha moved, leaving for now.

"Yes, she did so…"

As he squirmed on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position, the fat almost escaped his tight suit; the whole man basically rippled with each movement. If Gazef had to make a comparison, he would compare him to a wrinkled pig, or the mayor of E-Rantel, Panasolei Gruze Day Rettenmaier — but in all actuality, Royman at least had more greying hair on his nob, this gave him the edge over the mayor.

"The two definitely in the same weight class." Just remembering the mayor of the fortress city, he can't help but wonder how a person can let himself slug that much.

"Hmm, indeed, Misha told me about your request."

"Is it against the rules? According to Miss Misha, there are no such rules a person can't go down there without Falna."

"As she said… there are no rules for that…" Royman leaned forward, hiding his mouth behind his folded fingers. Without his mouth, his green eyes looked even emptier. "But there is a good reason for that…"

"And that being?"

In the next moment, Misha returned, bringing a tray with some tea and crumpet.

"No one that irresponsible and stupid to try their luck without Falna. That's the reason… and being no one tries it, there was no reason to make a rule for that."

"That means I can go down there…?"

"Serve yourself… I have no time to care…" Royman said so passively, grabbing the spoon and spooning a few spoonfuls of sugar in his tea, pouring some milk in the drink.

"Then it is solved, I am…"

Misha looked around desperate, definitely worried about their client. How can the guild head be so irresponsible, so uncaring and cold, she can't understand. "Ro-Royman-dono! Bu-But…" but in the next moment, Royman raised his hand, cutting both of them.

"You can go down there as much as you like, Zeff-san, but if you are not part of the guild, no legal source will exchange your stones, nor your monster parts."

Even saying this, Gazef remembered how easily he exchanged those stones and monster parts. Basically, after asking where to do so, waiting out the line, he just handed the rocks to the figure behind bars and received the payment. It was easy as that… no questions asked.

"They really need to tighten their security…" he could only offer a cold shoulder and a bitter smile for such thought.

"I see, that's a problem. Still, I am unable to understand why I can't join the guild without joining this so-called "familia"?"

The elf, first time since they meet, showed a little emotion, the traces of annoyance sneaking on his face as he furrowed his brow. "Of course, because of the guild tax. Every familia pays taxes for the guild, taking assignments from us. In exchange, we offer our services."

"Ah, I see…"

Just now, Gazef remembered, it was the same with the Adventurer's Guild — and every other institute if it comes to that. In the Adventurer's Guild case, instead directly asking this tax from the adventurers, they deducted a certain percent from the reward and the dispatch fee, charging it as a service fee.

"I still not see what the problem is. In that case, I simply tax from my income directly, not through the "familia." Taking assignments in the side."

The fat man huffed annoyed, making some piggish sound.

'Puee!' "You are but one man. You have no team, no familia to support you under the missions. No Falna to give you power. You will simply die down there." Royman cracked a biscuit under his teeth, looking very bored. "Sorry, but this is a bad investment…"

"I see, too bad…" Gazef was not desperate, no, in fact, he smiled.

The man met his fair share of nobles and traders. Now, as they spoke a few words, even if he know not exactly, but suspected what motivates Royman. "Of course, money… the old geezer wants money…"

Serving the king directly, meeting his fair share of traders under his years of being a sellsword, he somehow glimpsed the surface of their thinking… It made Gazef able to discern what they really want. Even if not accurately, but close on what motivated them.

"But even so, what you can lose? A simple registration fee? Dear Royman-dono. In this case, you can only win with this deal." He knows right away how to appeal. Royman's kind was greedy; the best appeal was money. Like a bee to a honeypot, he will lure him. Appeal his greed and motivation, using his arrogance against him.

Taking out one of his full bag of money, pushing towards the man, Royman inspected it, sighing.

For him, it was not a significant sum, but it was enough to pique his interest. "This was from my first run yesterday. And I did not even break a sweat. The strongest enemy I encountered was some bull beastmen with horns."

"A-A minotaur!?" Misha yelped, knowing well enough how dangerous such a monster was.

"A minotaur? From one run? Without blessing?"

Gazef nodded. "As for the assignments. If it comes to that, I can even join other groups who lack a member, do escort missions for the guild. Like a mercenary, you may call it. Or, do solo missions, I am quite good with the sword." that was no question, Gazef was one of the most esteemed swordsmen in, and around the kingdom. Very few can rival his skill.

"Mercenary you say…" This made Royman shut his mouth for long moments, pondering what to do.

No, it was not right; something was not right; he felt it. Yet, if this man speaks the truth, what he will lose? He can only win. If the man dies, he dies, if he survives he will bring the tax — a win-win situation both for the guild and him. One dead adventurer or less, it posed no difference for him. One foolish youth with a little bit of sensibility will take his place. Until he brings the money, it will be fine.

"Ok…" and thus, Royman agreed, still maintaining his passive expression.

"WHAT!?" Misha yelped, hearing the guild head's simple reply.

"I authorize your registration and to dive in the dungeon. But I have a few conditions."

"State them…"

"First, the guild will not borrow you money. If you want starter gear, or anything else, you will need to pay the whole sum."

"That's sensible…"

"Secondly. You will pay thirty percent of your income as tax…"

Misha bit her tongue; for normal familias, this was only around twenty percent.

"Thirdly. We will assign you to tasks several times a month. Depending on your performance, we will assess your value and skill. And fourthly…" the guild head stopped, staring deep in Gazef eyes. "Fourthly, you are required to report your progress periodically to your chosen advisor, at least once a week. Fail either of these perquisites, and you will be expelled and fined heavily."

"Hmm, these, are acceptable terms…" Gazef lowered his head with a crossed arm.

"Umu, in that case. Good luck to you. We will monitor your progress. And please, don't spread this; others might try to mimic you. That will certainly lead to many deaths."

"I will keep that in mind…"

With that, Royman stood up, grabbing the purse greedily, heading towards the door. Not even bothering to shake hands before going away. "Take care of the paperwork, Misha, I had other things to do."

After closing the door, Gazef glanced at the still trembling girl. "Well, I have to admit this Royman is an interesting man."

"Huuuh!" the girl just groaned, slumping in the couch. "Why my life is so complicated?! Just why me!?"

"Do you need some rest?" the girl looked quite exhausted, or more like, stressed, like a person who heard the stupidest thing in her life and now was too shocked to react.

"Ye-Yeah… a few minutes would be good… This was, a little too much. Do you need something Zeff-san? I don't even offer you anything. Are you hungry, thirsty?"

"Something to drink would be good, and some snack. But if there isn't anything else today, I can excuse myself and come back tomorrow."

"No. We still need to finish the registration. And if you accept me as your advisor, I need to tell you about the basics of the dungeon. Though, you already delved into it…" the last parts she only muttered, looking away somewhat flat faced.

"Oh! Then, I will accept you as my advisor. Please take care of me."

"Splendid!" she clapped her hand giddily. "I will make something yummy! Then we can start! But please, Zeff-san, please promise me something…"

"And that is…?" Gazef started to feel; it will not end well. And his fears found a stable foundation when the girl started to use once more her puppy eye technique. "Please, don't do anything stupid… don't make Misha worry!"

"Ugh!" Even for the famous warrior captain, this was too much, with a red face forced to look away. "I will do my best…"

"Splendid! I am sure; we will fit together just right!"

And thus, the girl left, making a few sandwiches bringing something to drink.

After finishing the last part of the registration, she started her long lecture, a lecture that took up several more hours, and as she said, this was only the essential things the man needed to know before diving in the dungeon.

"This is a little lot to take…" Gazef did not say out loud, but hearing all of this was mentally exhausting. Now, all he wanted to lay down and think nothing, relax a little bit.

"Well, that's it. Now you can delve into the dungeon safely. As I said, please, try to remain on the first two floors."

"I try my best, but I promise nothing…" Thought, Gazef intended his smile to be innocent, it was actually looked quite teasing for the girl.

"Why me…!?" Misha mumbled, gnawing on the last remains of her sandwich.

"By the way, you said you offer cheap armors and weapons for newcomers." Gazef's words brought her back to reality.

"Ah, right. We indeed do. But as the Royman-dono said, you need to pay for them."

"How much…?"

"Depending on the armor, it is around 4000 valis, the weapon around 1000 or 2000. Unfortunately, they are not really good quality."

Checking his other remained purse, Gazef hummed. "Please show the way."

"Please follow me."

She was somewhat relieved when Gazef asked about this. One thing diving the dungeon without Falna, an entirely another doing it without some manner of protection. Lacking the second, she considered irresponsibility. Lacking the first, she considered suicide. Lacking both, she considered insanity.

Leading the way, it took not one minute to reach the armory.

"Hmm…" and thus, Gazef browsed the goods, raising the weapons and armors, inspecting them with critical eyes.

"All of them quite bad quality… but it will do for a while…"

Like a true professional, Gazef measured the quality of armors, weapons, choosing the best that fit for his needs. The items here were quite inferior even to his usual equipment, not speaking about the Guardian Armor he wore under his last battle. Compared to that, everything around was a scrap metal.

"Well, this will do…" he nodded somewhat resigned, he definitely used to better quality.

"Do you need help equipping it?"

"No, thank you, I have plenty of practice doing so…" and under a minute, Gazef donned his armor. A simple steel plate armor it was… a chest protector with a fauld connected to it, two shoulder pads, forearm protectors, plus adding rough looking leather boots and gloves to his arsenal. All in all, he found everything his usual wear entailed.

"Whoaw! Zeff-san looks really strong now!" Misha watched him with sparkling eyes. She advised many adventurers under her short career, but Gazef looked really exceptional. The armor really fit on him.

"Well, thank you…" he accepted the praise humbly, as the last part adding a bastard sword, a small crossbow, and a few daggers for his arsenal, wrapping the golden handle of Razor Edge with a rag — just to not to be so conspicuous.

"If you allow me to ask? Why do you need more weapon? You have that golden handled sword, no? Why not use that?"

Misha asked, confused, but in actual, that was a good question. He should tell the truth. The truth about how he felt, that he is not worthy to bear the royal treasure after his loss. That, it was unbecoming to use it against a monster that caliber. That, he rather not relied overly on such a powerful weapon — because it may dull his sense of danger, making him soft. Or even… he wanted to hide it because it is too flashy, too powerful to showcase it in the open. That, it may raise unnecessary attention, the attention he needed not now.

All in all, every point mentioned above would serve a good excuse, but he came up with a different one to conceal them.

"It is a family relic. I rather not want to notch its blade before time." simply like that, for weapons and armor, durability was an important factor. True, in the case of the royal treasures, this was hardly the case — since the kingdom has them, never once he heard they needed repair or sharpening.

"I see…" Misha understood, repairing equipment was not cheap, from the golden handle, she can only guess how expensive it would be to fix a sword of such quality.

"But why the daggers? The crossbow?"

"It never hurts to have a few daggers, and a ranged weapon under the hand…" he simply replied. Under his years as a soldier, he learned, short bladed weapons quite useful for specific situations. If not for the fight, then for general purpose. Cutting rope, cauterizing open wounds, or even peeling a potato. Anything long bladed weapons — for example, a sword — too robust to do so.

As for the ranged weapon… Gazef was a warrior, his reach was short enough, a little bit of support against ranged enemies never hurt, and he found shields too restricting to use.

"Ah! I see… smart."

After paying for the starter armor and the weapons, Gazef still has some coin left. Not much, but enough to eat, and possibly rent a room for a few days. He really needed a good sleep.

Leaving the armory, the two proceeded to the atrium.

"Thank you for the today help, Miss Misha." like the gentlemen he bowed, making the girl blush.

"I-It was nothing; this is my job, after all."

"In that case, you did a splendid job, thank you…"

"Now you just flirt with me…" The girl just muttered nervous, turning her head away, and Gazef can't help but find her childishly adorable.

"Maybe… By the way, where I can find the library? And if I may inquire, there is anyone who can teach me how to read?"

"You can't read?" Misha blinked, watching Gazef surprised.

Judging how well he handled the situation — and even Royman — until now, she was surprised he couldn't read. The only thing disturbed her now was the fact he refused to join a familia.

"I can, but not your text…" Why would he hide it? Sooner or later, it would come to light. The best way to avoid trouble was to ask the advisor about it. After all, it is her task to provide information. He trusted Misha would not ridicule a stranger who came from far away.

"Ah, Zeff-san, you indeed came from very far… In that case, I can help you with the basics, and can recommend a few books."

"That would be good, thank you…"

"But not today. It is already late…"

Looking towards the window, many hours passed since the morning. The sun already started to settle, dropping a strange shadow on the building.

"Hmm, it may come to that I need to postpone my visit to that store. No matter, hopefully, one day delay will not change much."

Fortunately, Gazef already spoke with Misha about the investigation request, describing the three remained items to her. "Hopefully, they will keep this investigation amongst themselves. Hopefully, they will give back the items once they have it."

Unfortunately, he was too aware; alone, he would never find them. Thus, his only option was to trust others. Describe the items to the adviser — naturally, not their ability, that he kept for himself, believing the discretion of the guild.

"Bye Zeff-san, tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow…"

Gazef bowed smiling, then left, leaving poor girl wandering. "I wonder why he refuses to join a familia…"

What awaits him after this? Will Gazef finds his way to home? Suffice in the dungeon? Will he finally meet the white rabbit after this? You will know in the next chapter.


A/N:

Well, that's for now.

I hope this chapter was enjoyable enough! :)

I wondered if I should include Eina as advisor… but then I thought. Nah! She is overworked as it is! Let poor girl rest a little bit! She had enough problems with Bell's reckless attitude. (she might be too much for Gazef, or simply break down from the "recklessness" of the man XD)

Instead, give a chance one underused — but nonetheless cute girl.

(hopefully, I nailed her character just right, tell me your opinion about her, not much information available from the pinkette)

Hopefully, Misha is up to the task. XD

(By the way, did you recognized how much she resembles Louise from the Familiar of Zero series? I mean, pink hair and eyes, similar face structure... Is it possible the girl reincarnated, or transported here?)

Nahhh…! Misha is too well rounded to be Louise incarnation XD

"Yo-You!?" The tsundere glared at the author, raising her wand, only Saito and Siesta holding her back. "Loise! Cut it off!" "Miss Vallière!?"

Also, I never read in the books (although I am still gnawing on the third Danmachi novel) if there would be a rule to dive the dungeon without Falna… (correct me if I am wrong).

I am sure there is none because the people not as stupid (or in Gazef's case, sure of themselves) to delve without it, alone on top of that... (compared to the humans of the New World, the people of the Danmachi verse quite fragile, less likely capable to level up by themselves, having limitless potential on top of that...)

Tell me your opinion!

RnR!

Send PM if you have questions.

Good night! Good day! Good sail! Safe winds!

The new chapter will come when it is ready! :P

Oblivon2991 out!

"You vulgar ape!" (Boom!) Louise threw her void magic, devastating the scene.