Act 2: Chapter 13: Pass

Act 2: Chapter 13: Pass

「I never expected that Pomera-dono would come personally to 《Mithril’s Cane》. Though I might not necessarily have specific business with you, I can’t help but want to know more about Pomera-dono in person.」

Gannet, the middle aged magician, spoke gently to Pomera.

「N-No, Pomera just... Pomera isn’t such a big shot...」

Pomera stuttered with her speech.

Maybe she got really confused by this sudden development.

Hearing that, Gannet became even more delighted.

「OOh! It seems you really are as humble as the rumors said. But, you’re being too humble you know. Because the number of the humans who can drive out 《JinMaRyuu》 from the city can be counted on one hand. And I only know of one such person who happens to reside in this city where mages all over the country have gathered, with you now being the second one.」

The more Gannet spoke to Pomera, the more the expression of the receptionist and Kevin paled. They’re literally sweating like waterfalls.

「I think the one who drove out the 《JinMaRyuu》 is another person... Pomera was just doing her best to suppress the damage. And Pomera thinks that person who’s far more amazing than Pomera is... close by.」

Pomera sent a glance to me and Philia.

「Hoo~... I see, you must have some sort of extraordinary circumstances for you to be such a humble person despite having such strength. Don’t worry, I won’t press you more about this matter and my apologies if my previous remark made you feel uncomfortable.」

Gannet apologized while bowing his head, and then took a deep breath.

「As a matter of fact, I’m not hostile towards Pomera-dono. I just wanted to confirm the rumours about Pomera-dono. I mean, I’m what you might call the representative of this city. I have no more intentions other than introducing myself. That’s why you can put more trust in my personality.」

Though Gannet’s move was a bit too fast in my opinion, it seems he only wanted to meet the person who could potentially become an S-rank adventurer in person.

Maybe he wanted to prevent the relationship between Pomera and this city from worsening.

The personal level disparity of each person in this world was way too big after all.

I mean, even someone like 《Evil God Apostle; Notes》 was a designated disaster individual who could single-handedly wipe out Aarburg city from the map.

That’s why there was no such thing as being too vigilant.

「E-Eh... I see...」

Pomera seems to be having a hard time keeping up with this kind of conversation.

She might be hesitating over whether it was okay for her to talk about me.

Well, I was bound to get involved in trouble once my level was known.

I feel sorry for her to be the only one who carried such a secret, but it would make things easier for me to deal with any foreign enemy aiming for Pomera if I remained outside of their radar.

Well, this matter about Pomera didn’t seem to be a big deal for anyone outside of Aarburg at the time of the incident.

There’s no need to increase the risk anymore.

A battle junkie like Lovis might come to challenge Pomera, but the one who might come for my life might be an extremely powerful being such as Zorophilia, or worse, a Lunaire-level being.

「I-It’s nothing!」

The receptionist quickly withdrew her remark and bowed to Gannet.

At any rate, it was thanks to Gannet that we could enter 《Mithril’s Cane》.

I heaved a sigh.

「... Eh, the one who led you guys is...?」

I finally remembered our guide when he asked.

It seems he regarded Kevin as one of Pomera’s followers.

「Gannet-sama, that man over there is just the inhabitant of the magic city who guided them to this place.」

Upon hearing that, Gannet went towards Kevin.

「Uhm, I see now. Good job in guiding Pomera-dono. Sorry for the trou-...」

Gannet stopped before he finished his sentence.

「... Almost all citizens of this magic city should’ve known that almost all outsiders who apply for the pass will be rejected and yet why did you guide Pomera-dono to this place?」

「A-A-A-AA, I... I just...」

Kevin was sweating like crazy, colour quickly draining from his face.

Gannet then looked at the receptionist, mine, and Pomera’s face.

A wrinkle appeared on his forehead as he guessed the general situation, and then, he glared at Kevin.

「It’s because of scoundrels like you that Manarak got an infamous reputation as a city filled with haughty people. Shame on you, how are you going to compensate if your actions ended up hurting Pomera-dono? 」

「N-No, I-I just...」

A small puddle of sweat was already forming beneath Kevin’s feet.

「Enough, get out of this place. I will remember your face. Though I won’t go as far as kicking you out from Manarak, you must never show your face again in the vicinity of 《Mithril’s Cane》.」

「Y-YES!」

Kevin left in a hurry, as if trying to escape from calamity.

Though Gannet kept glaring at Kevin’s departed back, his face was smiling again when he turned his face toward Pomera.

「Let me guide you around this place after we’re done with formal procedures for the pass application.」

Though his adaptability in showing kindness is spot on... he was a scary person.

It has a peculiar impact.