"This is the beginner town, huh."
Walking on the cobblestone path, busy carriages transported goods back and forth. Red brick houses lined both sides of the street, with most residents being ordinary people, though occasional elves and beastfolk could be seen.
"Such a peaceful city."
Eiji, who had recently been facing various Magical Creatures, couldn't help but sigh.
Unlike the frontline village where adventurers constantly came and went, this several times larger town had surprisingly few adventurers in sight.
"According to intel, Axel's essence is that of a beginner village," Airi explained. "The surrounding monsters are all very weak, ideal for adventurers' early development. But precisely because the monsters are too weak, adventurers find it hard to gain experience once they reach mid-level and must journey elsewhere."
Thus, the town was full of novice adventurers serving as the nation's fresh blood supply, but consequently had almost no powerful adventurers.
After explaining, Airi turned to Eiji.
"So then, what should we do next, Your Majesty?"
A passerby who overheard this shocking address immediately jumped in fright, staring blankly at the two, hesitating whether to kneel in reverence.
"Forgot to take your meds when leaving home?"
Eiji gave her a benevolent smile.
"The doctor repeatedly warned you not to stop your medication!"
"Ah, just another crazy person."
The passerby sighed in relief before walking away.
"Tch."
Airi clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"To the guild first!"
After asking directions from a local, Eiji became spirited.
"How can we visit a beginner town without registering as adventurers at the guild!"
"?"
"Why are you looking at me so surprised?"
"You've never registered as an adventurer before?"
"First time today!"
The corner of Airi's mouth twitched as her face grew even paler.
This person actually claimed he wasn't an adventurer yet!
Despite having strength enough to storm the Demon King's Castle, he still wasn't an adventurer. The more she learned about this guy, the more numb Airi felt inside.
Following the cobblestone road to its end and turning right, they soon came upon an impressive building where armored men and women came and went, the aroma of food wafting from within.
With a creak, Eiji pushed open the guild's doors.
Instantly, all eyes turned toward the entrance as the entire hall fell deathly silent.
The guild hall appeared quite spacious, with over a dozen tables and chairs arranged on both sides. At the far end stood a prominent bulletin board covered in numerous requests.
"W-welcome!"
A red-haired waitress hesitantly approached.
"Will you be dining? Or perhaps drinking?"
"Does this double as a tavern?"
Eiji surveyed the people around them.
Though it was still early morning, many had already gathered in small groups.
Some studied tasks at the bulletin board while others feasted at the tables.
"Yes, yes. Since this town is a beginner village, relying solely on adventurer services couldn't cover expenses," the waitress explained. "So the manager came up with a brilliant idea..."
Eiji merely asked a simple question, but the waitress immediately launched into an enthusiastic explanation, practically ready to disclose the color of her underwear on the spot.
"What a hunk!"
"And he's got a female companion—living the dream!"
The men drinking at the tables glared with envy, while the women stared unblinkingly at the side profile beneath his hood, as if drawn into a black hole.
"I'd like to register as an adventurer."
"Right this way!"
The waitress eagerly led Eiji to the counter.
"H-Hello, how can I help you?"
There were several service windows at the counter.
Eiji glanced around and, without hesitation, chose the one right in the center.
Not because the blonde girl behind it was particularly beautiful, nor because her cleavage was prominently displayed in a deep V-neck—though that certainly didn't hurt—but mainly because she seemed more approachable and mature.
The blonde girl blushed slightly as Eiji approached, her words stumbling.
"I'd like to register as an adventurer."
"O-Of course! The fee is 1,000 Alice per person. Are you registering together?"
The blonde beauty flashed the most flawless smile she could muster, determined to make the best first impression on this super-hunk.
"...Hold on."
Eiji paused, then pulled Airi aside into a corner.
"Do you have any money on you?"
"What do you think, Your Majesty?"
The witch replied with a hollow smile.
When they left the Demon King's Castle, Eiji had forbidden her from leaving his sight for even a moment. Thanks to that, she hadn't even had the chance to use the bathroom without him watching—let alone prepare this country's currency.
"Fine, then use your charms to get us 1,000 Alice!"
"I suggest you handle that yourself, Your Majesty."
The witch sneered coldly.
"Um, if you're having trouble, I can cover the fee for now!"
The blonde girl had been watching them and, noticing their dilemma, tentatively offered.
Covering the fee meant they'd have to pay her back—which meant another meeting!
Such was the wisdom of a mature woman!
"Oh, that would be a huge help! Thank you!"
Eiji immediately returned to the counter with a smile.
"As thanks, please allow me to treat you to dinner tonight!"
Airi clicked her tongue in disbelief.
This man's tastes were way too straightforward!
She glanced down at her own chest and sighed dejectedly.
Maybe she should ask Sylvia to enhance her bust when they got back?
"I'd be honored!"
The blonde girl was overjoyed.
She had only hoped for another meeting, but getting a dinner date the same night?
The blonde girl introduced herself as Luna and happily processed Eiji's registration.
"Please fill in your basic information here!"
"Does it have to be my real name?"
"Preferably, since this is how people will address you from now on."
Eiji glanced at the form, thought for a moment, and began writing.
Airi's eyes sharpened as she subtly peeked at what he was writing.
"Alright, Mr. Nangou, please place your hand on this object!"
A box-like device was pushed forward, and at the same time, Luna retrieved a card about the size of a driver's license.
When the three were placed together, magical light shimmered, and text automatically appeared on the card.
Eiji could clearly feel a surge of magical energy infiltrating his body, scanning him like an X-ray.
It seemed that while technology remained at a medieval level, magical engineering was quite advanced.
Before long, the registration was complete.
"Amazing! Truly amazing!"
The blonde beauty glanced at the card and couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment.
"Muscle strength, vitality, agility, magical power—all stats far exceed those of an ordinary person! Even intelligence is remarkably high, and luck is displayed as a question mark... Well, that's not important, but this is undoubtedly an ultra-rare attribute set!"
Instantly, the attention of everyone in the hall was drawn to him.