Inside the buzzing guild, at the designated meeting area by one of the pillars near the reception desk, Alum introduced himself to an elf named Turen. A rather tall and handsome-looking one. With a friendly smile, he'd reached out to shake Alum's hand.
Alum, although in disguise, had the same face, same cool eyes, and same deadpan nonchalant face. And what's changed was the color of his hair and eyes—then again, the disguise didn't need to be too elaborate. Most people remembered him by his outstanding cold-gold eyes and black hair, after all.
"Aah, I was wondering what kind of person you'd be," Turen smiled cheerfully as he carefully inspected him from head to toe. "Mm! A mage's just what we need!" he winked, flashing a playful grin.
…Quite the bright person, Alum thought, chuckling a little.
"I'll be in your care," he replied, smiling faintly.
"…" Turen's eyes widen at the handsome smile before leaning closer, whispering, "You look like quite the lady-killer, ey? So? Got a girlfriend or fiancé or something?" teasingly.
Alum scratched his cheek. "I have a fiancé who I dearly love," he replied softly.
Satisfied with an answer, Turen backed out, seeming apologetic, and he scratched the back of his head. "Oh, sorry, sorry. Must've been a pretty rude question to ask right out the gate, right?"
"I don't mind."
"Is… that so? Hmm… anyways, you've probably heard that I'm married and the other pair are lovers, right? I just wanted to make sure so that you wouldn't feel uncomfortable being stuck with couples, hahaha!"
Alum lightly shook his head. "There's no need for concerns, I knew going into this."
"Hmm, I suppose that's right? Even though you're supposed to be in disguise, is this how you normally are?"
"I suppose. Though my name and outward appearance differ, I needn't act differently."
"Hahaha! I see, that's assuring, it'd be difficult to connect with you if it's all forged, haha," Turen laughed lightly.
"…"
—Connect? Is that so?
Alum pondered for a moment. Bonds are forged by trust, whether it be the adventurers or soldiers; some form of camaraderie was essential. And as someone who's mostly worked alone, Alum wondered if this was one of the things he was here to learn.
Despite coordinating well with others, unless it was a close friend, they wouldn't trust Alum the person, but the soldier's skill. And a party or a team was… significantly more personal.
"In spite of that. Please, I'll be in your care," he conveyed utmost sincerity.
"Oh…" Turen seemed surprised, but in a good way. "Likewise!"
..
And so, finding himself at a restaurant with the rest of the members, he was met with a mature smile from an elf woman and two neutral smiles from the beastmen. Turen, who was by his side, grinned and waved.
"Hey, I brought the boy!" he called out cheerfully.
The fox-eared woman sighed, seeming exasperated. "We can tell," she sighed.
"There, there, Jua," the blonde elf woman sulked, puffing her cheeks. "You needn't be too harsh on Hunbun!"
Jerking backwards a little, Jua refrained from any comments. Beside her was a calm-looking beastman with similar features to the woman; white haired and blue/grey eyes, fluffy white and black tail, a pair of the proud Zederes Foxes.
"Hello," he said as Alum and Turen came closer.
"Hiii~" the elf woman said.
"Hello," the fox woman followed.
"Mm, hello," Alum replied.
As they took a seat, Turen cleared his throat.
"Ahem. So. This is Ailz, he'll be joining us for this job; as you know, he's in disguise, and as a friendly reminder, try not to pry into it. He's sincere, and the inside hasn't changed."
"We know that much," the beast woman rolled her eyes. "Nice to meet you, Ailz, I'm Jua, the team's archer," Jua introduced herself as she smiled gently.
"And I'm Jan, the scout and combatant," Jan followed with a handsome smile.
"Hii again~ I'm Nuli, Turen's wife!" Nuli said.
"…" Both Jan and Jua heaved a small sigh. "Nuli… you're supposed to state your role before that…" Jua voiced, clenching her forehead with a scrunched face.
"Hmm~ I'm the cleric, healing and buffing specialist!"
"And of course, I'm her husband Turen—also a vanguard, haha!"
"…" Jan and Jua blankly stared at the couple.
"Hey, what's with the look? You two are lovers as well—why don't you be more lovey-dovey! C'mon, don't be shy!" Turen exclaimed.
"Mm-hmm!" Nuli nodded, palms pressed together.
"Not everyone is like you two!" Jan and Jua retorted.
"…"
"…"
"Pffts…" Alum chuckled lightly. "Mm, how nice. Please to meet you all," Alum chuckled softly, breaking the flow. "Albeit temporary, my name is Ailz, a combat mage that specializes in water and lightning."
"Ooh!" the four clapped their hands. Turen, though, seemed proud.
Alum then handed them his spell list: Mana Armor, Physical Enhance, Static Field, Static Burst, Water Barrier, Cleansing Waters, Water Walk, Plasma Ray, Droplet Bomb, Plasmic Mist, Infused Plasma, Abyssal Depths, Brittle Tomb.
"…Hmm," the four hummed in unison as they looked over his very short spell list.
From what they've been informed, he was a skilled combat mage focusing on raw elemental manipulation; they didn't expect his spell list to be… this short.
And while spells are essentially elemental manipulation, named, mastered, and consistent in output, relying solely on raw elemental manipulation was rare—rather, inconvenient.
Will this be okay? They wondered as they exchanged eye contact. Then thought—probably… since the one who sent him their way was none other than Ateles himself.
Even though some spells were unknown to them, just by the names alone, they had a rather destructive name—either that or overly flashy names for what they are...
—Well… he's young… Jua remarked
—Yeah, I was at that age at one point too, Turen nodded.
And so, their orders arrived.
…
..
With the logistics already taken care of, the only thing Alum had to do was to bring some personal belongings. He couldn't bring too much since the void storage ring had a limited capacity. Depth Cutter took a large portion of the weight inside; thus, he was only able to bring some simple survival gear—a rope, a knife, and cookware.
The rest were some foods, mostly Amethely's homemade snacks—essential for someone as pragmatic as him. Then there was a change of clothes, his three golden-geared emblem—lastly, PARC-PN6, a magazine of AAP6, and four of V-T's.
Although he doubted he'd need the artillery-grade magazine—or the PARC-PN6 to begin with, he'd at least have something to rely on.
Heading to the east gate with the levethren with Night Ouen, they all chatted away, carefree as they'd randomly bring Alum into the conversation—though, they were met with a distilled reply.
But… when asked about Amethely, he'd have the smile of a boy in love—somewhat naïve, hopeful, but grounded for someone his age.
"So… her name is Amethely? Same as The Saint's, huh?" Turen voiced, not all that surprised.
"Mm," Alum nodded.
"Oh? Is she as pretty as her?" Turen followed by a teasing nudge.
Hearing those words, Nuli huffed, her cheeks puffed as she pinched Turen's ear. "Hunbun! You shouldn't ask such questions, it's rude—I'm sorry, Ailz, he can be somewhat… Direct."
"Ah, my bad," Turen scratched the back of his head. "Sorry."
"I don't mind. And I don't mind answering either," he said, looking Turen in the eyes. "She—more than a saint, more than any public figure. She's the prettiest in my objective truth."
"…I see," both Turen and Nuli said, surprised but amused by the unexpectedly serious reply.
"…Must be rough having the same name as a saint," Jua muttered under her breath.
"Mmhm! I can imagine that," Nuli added, resting a palm on the cheek as she happened to overhear.
Right beside the two girls, Jan, crossed-armed and leaning back, said, "But that doesn't matter to him, so… it's fine, isn't it?" as he lightly chuckled, meeting the two with an eye open as if he'd woken up from a nap.
..
As they arrived at the east gate, they officially exited the city. Right outside the walls were tents of merchants and adventurers. He'd only seen the view from the sky, but this is where most parties prepare for their journey; either through airships, carriages, or mounts.
"Curious about the airships?" Turen asked, seeing how Alum's eyes lingered on them. "Aww, too bad we're not that wealthy a party, hahaha!" he added.
"We make a decent amount, though," Jua shrugged.
"Yup! A comfy amount!" Nuli cheerfully said, hugging Turen's arm.
"…I see," Alum simply said.
Though… thinking about his own economic situation, it was… not a disaster per se. Having lost all the wealth from his previous world, he wasn't all that bothered, though; his equipment and the ones he'd accidentally damaged—to put it bluntly, he was currently in debt.
From cartridges, clothes, and the many practice weapons melted by his lightning, it had added up throughout the month. Although Depth Cutter was a gift, he still planned to pay it back—it was just going to take some time, considering it cost 1 million Lech to produce.
"What's wrong?" Jan suddenly called out to him. "Troubled by something?"
"You could tell?" Alum tilted his head slightly. "Mm, I was simply thinking about Lech."
"Oh?" Jan raised a brow. "That's certanity honest… hmm, let's see. The current job pays reasonably well, around 100k Lech or so. The guild will take a small cut for taxes and stuff, leaving us roughly 90k.
"I see."
"Hm? You don't seem surprised—most newbies usually get really excited to learn that adventurers have a reduced rate."
"Mm, I already read about that, usually around 10%, right?"
"That so? Typically, civilians aren't really aware until hearing it from their trainer—but it is public knowledge, I suppose." Jan softly chuckled, but then said, "Though you said you thought about Lech, it doesn't appear it's what's driving you."
"…Mm. Although I do require it for something, does that count?"
"Oh? I didn't think you'd be the type to ask a redundant question, you already know the answer, no?"
Alum shrugged. "Social courtesy," he chuckled.
"Mm-hmm. That's one way to put it," Jan laughed heartily, covering his mouth with a fist. "Either way, did Turen tell you about our split?"
"Each member receives 10% of the pay. The rest is for food, lodging, and equipment."
"Is that fine by you?"
Alum tilted his head slightly. "No complaint," he said, thinking that's why they were comfortable. Although each member got a small cut, they don't have to worry about spending their own money on equipment, food, or housing.
Meanwhile…
'Hey, aren't those two getting along well?' Turen whispered.
'Mnh! They are!' Nuli replied huskily.
'What? You think my Jan is still socially inept?' Jua remarked, crossing her arms.
'My… Jaan~' Both Turen and Nuli grinned as they reiterated her words playfully.
As the realization slowly settled in, Jua's face flushed crimson. She clenched her fist and turned and walked ahead, muttering, 'Whatever!' to herself.
And so, they arrived at their destination, meeting a merchant who'd already finished loading the carriage with his assistants.
"Oh, you guys are… oh? This is the young man who'll come with us?" the bearded lizardmen asked. "Oh, pardon me, my name is Hul Zlear."
"Mm, nice to meet you. I'm Ailz."
"That's right," Turen joined in, patting Alum on the shoulder. "He's our temporary member, so be nice to him, kay?"
"How rude, I might love Lech, but I certainly would be generous to someone I'd entrust my life to," Hul laughed, his smile sharp, yet honest. "Very well, would you like to inspect your cargo again before we depart?"
"Again?"
"Oh, you should know, Miss Jua is fast, haha."
"What are you guys standing around for? Time to depart," Jua said as she stuck her head out of the carriage.
Hul shrugged. "Time is Lech," he said, laughing as he stroked his beard.
—Interesting. He acts similarly to the merchants in the books Noel used to read, Alum noted in his mind.
..
With the sound of chirping birds, cool, gentle winds caressed his warm skin. White strands of hair fluttered, looking as soft as the snow on top of the mountains to the north. A gentle sapphire gleamed, reflecting clouds and the blue heaven.
The noise of spinning wheels, the sound of the rattling and recoil—a smooth ride despite the rugged, unkempt road. Alum looked around, resting a chin on his palm. He turned around, seeing Jan standing on top of the other carriage that was being pulled by an earth bird.
In the sky, a green bird-like spirit hovered, overseeing the area—then suddenly, its feathers burst into flames, looking more majestic as it grew in size.
"—!?"
Alum, as if his body was on fire, mana rapidly coursed throughout his body—strength surged and his senses heightened.
"We've officially left Ilifel. Feels liberating, doesn't it?" Turen grinned, seeing Alum's slightly widened eyes. "After such a long time inside the barrier, we tend to forget how the world actually breathes. Don't you think?"
"I… suppose," Alum replied, taking a deep breath.
"They say, the more mana you have, the heavier the punishment," Turen grinned. "Don't worry, we won't pry—your reaction was just a little amusing," he added.
"You don't feel it?" Alum inquired, tilting his head as he rapidly slowed down the coursing mana, adapting.
"I dooo~" Nuli replied, smiling.
"Somewhat—I notice it, I guess?" Jua said, shrugging. "I don't exactly have a massive mana reserve."
"I feel it too, it's sooo freeing!" Turen laughed and stretched. "Anyways," he gently voiced. "Sugarbun, you should rest."
"Okaay~" Nuli replied, snuggling closer to Turen, resting on his lap.
Turen jawned, as did Jua, bringing forth a pillow from her voidbox.
"You should rest too, Ailz, we need as much energy as possible for the night."
"I'm fine—"
"Perhaps," Turen cut him off. This time, a serious expression as he looked into Alum's eyes. "But I strongly advise you to. The nights are cold and lethal—we're not under the barriers' blessings anymore."
"…" Alum looked at the candy pouch, then at Turen, the sleeping Nuli, Jua, and at Jan, who looked around, crossing his arms. "Understood."
"Goood~" Turen jawned, falling asleep as he stroked his wife's hair.
"…"
Alum closed his eyes, the world was still bright—but in a blink, it was night. The carriage's barrier activated, sheltering them from the plain's cold night. The scent of food tingled and tickled his nose.
Opening his eyes, he was greeted by the starry sky. Turning to where the smell came from. People sat around a campfire—then, he heard light breathing. Jan was sleeping in the same place where Jua had previously slept.
Alum clenched his fists, stretching lightly as he got up. He jumped out of the carriage, landing softly.
"Hmm~? Slept well?" Nuli gently asked as she stirred the pot.
"Mm. Smells nice. But where are Turen and Jua?"
Nuli poked her cheek as she stirred the broth. "Hunbun's on patrol and Jua is hunting~"
"I see—"
Suddenly, the ground trembled. Jan shot up from the wagon—the bird spirit erupted from the gem on his glove, and it carried him into the air. It was only for a moment before it released him, and he landed smoothly.
"We're fine, it's just a flock of elemental bulls north of here—they're being hunted by a pack of khemps—would you like to see, Ailz?" he asked, reaching out a hand.
"Sure—"
As he replied, the spirit bird dove down when Jan whistled. In a brief moment, they left the comfort of the barrier, and looking down, it blended in with the dark night. Gazing north, he saw an elemental clash between the bulls and khemps.
The faint light of mana and elemental magic clashing revealed the khemps as two-legged creatures. They were covered in fur, their heads were long, and their talons sharp; they jumped, diving into the pack of bulls, which tried to fend them off with elemental magic.
But at the same time, the night flashed bright, lightning crackled, and the source was an arrow; Jua, taking advantage of the chaos, snatched a bull that had run away from the flock. In a split moment, she dashed toward it, dismantling the good parts and swiftly making her way back to the camp.
"…"
Jan, with a soft smile on his face, quietly watched her. Jua noticed them and waved, then looked ahead.
—That's a C-Rank? Alum mused, then he noticed a fully armored elf patrolling, his shield slightly covered in what seemed like yellow blood.
But then, the bull's course changed, and it was heading straight toward the camp—Krrch—BOOM! A beam of plasma from Alum's hand made them change course as the heat beam had melted the ground in front of them, glowing a melting orange.
"…" Jan looked at the boy to his side—though many questions popped up in his head, he refrained from voicing any. "You acted very fast," he said calmly. "Good work."
"…Mm," Alum nodded, realizing he'd acted before being told. "Sorry, I acted on my own."
"It's fine, but do tell next time," Jan replied, chuckling softly. "Themp's shaking a little," he added, looking up.
Alum's gaze followed, seeing how the spirit bird trembled slightly.
"My bad…"
"It's fine. But do keep in mind that Themp isn't good with lightning."
"Mm, got it," Alum nodded.
A little while later, everyone gathered and had a meal while Themp circled the sky—Hul and his assistant told stories of their previous adventures with Night Ouen, making the other members nostalgic and laugh.
"…"
Alum quietly ate his portion, listening as he faintly smiled to the warm yet chilly night.