Manuke FPS

Chapter 114

The next day, I left the administration building during the early morning hours. The knights and the General Guilds staff had also started the days activities, heading inside the Labyrinth to clean up the monsters. Count Blitz, the leader of the Bargas branch of the General Guild, as well as Count Themis the leader of the Magician Guild, had been studying the Terra Chaos armor the entire night. They had been resting when I left. 

Count Themis asked me a lot about the magic I used to kill the black knight. But since there was no such thing, I escaped by saying that itd been a secret technique that happened to be a forbidden curse. As for the magic armor itself, with its stone broken, it had lost all its characteristics as a magic armor and thus, was impossible to repair. 

I had been asked about whether or not I would keep my loot, but when I heard Count Themis mentioning I want to study it and It will greatly contribute to the future of magic toolcraft, I didnt have the heart to say yes. So, I decided to sell the armor to the Guild on the spot.

I greeted Viscount Caymon who was overseeing the procession outside, then headed off toward Fort Barga. But that had just been a fluke. I originally planned to leave immediately after killing the black knight but I ended up spending the night in the admin building instead. There was a possibility that Cactus was watching me, so I needed to be this careful. 

Once I reached the point where people could no longer see me clearly, I immediately turned the FLIR mode on and hastened my pace. After confirming there was no one watching, I activated my TSS and took out the Kawaski KLR from my garage. Then, I sped off northward. The area I was heading towards was populated with hills. Even if they could somehow trace where I was heading, itd be pointless if they couldnt physically catch up with me. 

From there, I switched my avatar setting to Schwartz, then headed to the Fort Barga through the hills. When I finally arrived at the city gate, it was just before they closed. 

Leisurely, I walked beneath the magic powered streetlights thatd be on for a few more hours. My destination was Schwartzs permanent residence, the Labyrinths White Flower. I was welcomed by the smiling face of Mirana-san, the landlady, as usual. I returned to my room and checked if I made it in time for dinner. As it turned out, there was still some time left until last order. I promptly headed to the dining room.

Youve finally returned. 

I heard a familiar voice as I entered the dining room. It was filled with people enjoying their supper but there was a single table occupied by one person. With some nearby vacant tables nearby, Remi tapped on her table to signal me to sit with her. It couldnt be helped, Id already thought about meeting her anyway; the timing was a bit unexpected, but there shouldnt be anything wrong with it, right?

Its been a while, Remi-san.

Its been  a while, Schwartz-kun. I havent seen you for a month or two. Were you out on an expedition?

Sitting across from Remi-san, I ordered something to eat from the waiter before I replied to her. I told her Id been exploring the Labyrinth as usual, then was in the northern hills area for a while. 

I see. Come visit the General Guild to take requests from time to time. Itll be good on your resume after all.

Ill think about it. 

I took the chance to observe Remi-san while I dug into the food the waiter brought. Tonight, Remi-san wore a white shirt similar to the clerks instead of her usual armor. Whats more, she left some buttons undone, showing a fair amount of skin. 

You seem dressed differently tonight.

Nn? Ah, its because Ashleys tenure as an instructor has ended. I havent been taking to the field lately, just coordinating investigations and other office work everyday.

Then whats Ashley doing now?

She already quit the guild. Originally, she didnt plan to stay in Barga too long. She only aimed to get the investigator qualification and get some experience. Afterward, shed return to the territory where her parents lived. Its a bit earlier than expected, but I think she should be leaving the capital by now.

I see

Fuhn, do you want to see her?

Yes, of course.

Oya, you make it very clear there. But do you know what it means to be a Zephanel?

The meaning? What about it? Although, I do know that its a family name.

Hoo Schwartz-kun. Do you still remember what I said to you before?

Which one?

In response to my reply, Remi-san chugged the entirety of her glass before looking me straight in the eye and asked once more.

Schwartz Powder. You appeared all of a sudden here in the Fort City of Barga, in the kingdom of Kurtmerga. A mysterious man with your peculiar set of skills and surname, From the time I gave you a task until now, Ive been digging around for any trace of your background to no avail. What is your goal? Why are you here?

This question It was similar to the one Remi-san asked me when I was still new to this world, back at the Myral Village inn. 

Youre still troubled by my peculiar name and skills up until now?

Are you disappointed?

Im not. Its just that its not something I kept secret to begin with. As for my purpose Well, in a nutshell Living day by day I guess?

Living?

Yes, nothing special. Eat meals, drink delicious tea, interacting with someone of the opposite sex, hanging out with friends, and sleep peacefully. Get myself a job, make money, and get myself a place to live; thats all. 

Is that really all? Then why did you appear in Barga of all places?

Its a coincidence, or let us just say, because of something beyond human control. By the way, I heard the Wolf Labyrinth has finally been conquered?

Yes. I will be busy again starting tomorrow.

I dont know how convincing my answer was, but its not like I was lying either. I just didnt say the entire truth, although even if I did, I doubt anyone would believe it. In any case, Im already a resident of this world. 

Do you want to buy a map? Unfortunately, its only up until the 20th floor.

You already gone that far?! Thanks, I will be sure to buy it tomorrow. If possible, Id like you to draw the map for the floors beyond that as well.

Im afraid Ill have to decline. Ill be heading on a trip soon. And I dont know when Ill visit Barga again.

I see. Thats a shame. I have a feeling like you have more to offer, but its too bad if that time isnt right.

Im grateful that I got to meet you though. 

Thanks to the map assignment, I finally found my goal in this world.

Youre such a charmer. But I must warn you that women are creatures of jealousy, so you should only say that kind of thing to one person.

Ill keep that in mind. Alright then, Ill return to my room now. Ill deliver the map at noon tomorrow.

Alright, thank you.

Thank you for buying.