The Guild hall buzzed with energy, laughter and cheers echoing through the space as adventurers reveled in their ale-fueled camaraderie.
Haru, caught up in the festivities, accepted every toast, his laughter mingling with the crowd's. It was the first time in years he had truly let go. Even among the other heroes, he had always kept his guard up, his true intentions hidden. Not that it mattered—they never cared for him anyway.
Feeling flushed, he decided to take a break. As he sat down, a familiar voice reached him.
"Mind if I join you?"
Haru looked up to see Tanna, a playful smile on her face and a glass of ale in her hand.
"Not at all." He gestured to the empty seat across from him.
Tanna sat down with a curious look in her eyes. "Two subjugation quests in just a few days," she said, swirling her ale. "Not bad for a newcomer."
Haru shrugged. "Just lucky, I suppose. Getting caught in a goblin-dire wolf turf war wasn't the plan, but it worked out."
"Lucky?" Tanna raised an eyebrow. "Venturing deep into the forest with only starter gear, stumbling on a territorial dispute, and coming out on top... that's more than luck." She seemed to be probing for more.
Haru gave a slight snicker as he met Tanna's inquisitive gaze. "Maybe it's because I'm actually from the future, and came back with knowledge of the future to live life better this time around."
A beat of silence hung in the air as Tanna processed his words. Then, she burst into laughter. "I didn't know you had such a sense of humor!"
As she laughed, Haru narrowed his gaze. 'Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing her in my previous life either. The receptionist for this guild was someone completely different.'
> World Knowledge Lv2
Having leveled up [World Knowledge] previously, the details he could see had changed and more information that had previously been omitted now came to light.
> Name: Tanna Lin
>
> Race: Human
>
> Gender: Female
>
> Occupation: Receptionist of the Adventurer's Guild Crown City Branch
>
> Current Status: Healthy
>
> Age: 31
'Examine'
> Tanna Lin
>
> Description: Receptionist for the Adventurers Guild of the Crown Almighty Branch. She is proficient in the use of dual blades and utilizes aura. Once a high-ranking adventurer, she was once known for her exceptional combat skills and strategic mind.
>
> Physical Characteristics: (Height: 5'4") / (Weight: 113 lbs) / (Auburn hair, black eyes, lean frame)
>
> Potential: A
>
> Equipment: Duel Blades
>
> Rank: VI
Haru performed a spit take.
'What the hell am I looking at?!'
Despite her unassuming appearance as a receptionist, Tanna's stats painted a different picture.
Humans or more accurately, beings of consciousness, could not be ranked the same way as monsters. Their adaptability, resourcefulness, and ability to utilize tools and strategies all culminated in vastly different results against different creatures. For instance, a full party of Rank B adventurers would have trouble facing off against a Rank 4 Ravager and might even lose. But given enough planning, strategy, and resources, even a Rank C group could emerge victorious. At a glance, one wouldn't know exactly how strong Tanna was without actually looking at her skills.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Unfortunately, [World Knowledge] was not yet at a level that allowed him to see her skills. However, her ranks and potential already showcased her capabilities of a top-tier adventurer. At rank 6, the Greater Ravager and Greater Goblin wouldn't stand a chance against her. Even at her current level, she was already considered one of the stronger adventurers. In the capital city of any kingdom, you might find only a dozen or so of individuals at her level, and those ranked higher were even rarer.
For context, Lance, even before his regression, had only ever reached the esteemed rank of 8 according to [World Knowledge]. A Rank 9 being, at least in Haru's experience, was unheard of in the current time—either they didn't exist, or he simply hadn't encountered one yet.
The question now was, what was someone like her doing in a place like this, working as a receptionist?
"Is something the matter?" Tanna inquired, her brow furrowed with concern as she observed Haru's sudden change in demeanor.
Haru coughed, attempting to regain his composure. "Ah, i-it's nothing," he stammered, forcing a wry smile. "Just swallowed a bit too quickly."
"Careful there," a voice chuckled from behind. "That might be your only glass left. You were generous to cover everyone's drinks, but you may have underestimated how much alcohol adventurers can put away."
A firm hand landed on Haru's shoulder, and he turned to see Becker standing there, a wide grin splitting his face.
"Guild Leader," Haru acknowledged.
"Ha, who's this respectful guy? What happened to the arrogant punk who strolled into my guild a couple of days ago?" Becker gave a helpless shake of his head before laughing it off. "Just Becker is fine, lad. 'Guild Leader' is only for on-the-job hours." He pulled up a chair and joined them at the table.
Haru returned a smile. "I'm not worried about the drinks. I can always just add more to the drink fund."
"Generous with your earnings, aren't you?" Becker chuckled. "Careful not to spend it all in one place. Crown City is notorious for lightening the bags of those with lots of money."
"That's not it," Haru explained. "I believe in building relationships with the people I work with. A few rounds of drinks today might just earn me a favor down the line. In my eyes, it's a worthwhile investment."
Becker's eyes sharpened. "You're a pretty interesting fella, you know that. Ever since you stepped in, it seems like you knew exactly what you wanted and didn't take no for an answer. Tell me, is it arrogance or sheer confidence that fuels your actions?"
The question echoed Tanna's earlier questions, prompting a knowing glance between the two. Haru, however, simply shrugged and took a swig of his ale, leaving the answer hanging in the air.
Sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere, Tanna smoothly interjected. "Speaking of investments," she began with a coy smile, "Mr. Yoma has responded with great interest in the design of Haru's clothes. He's even offered to purchase exclusive rights for its sale and marketing, along with a generous advance of 200 Klador to study the materials used."
She paused, her gaze flickering between Haru and Becker. "We're still negotiating the percentage share, but rest assured, it seems the loan Haru received will be repaid without any issues."
Becker let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear. I must admit, I was starting to wonder what would happen if the deal fell through. I even thought about hunting you down if you really fled." He laughed loudly.
Haru smiled but kept quiet as he drank from his glass. As Tanna continued with the details, Haru side-eyed Becker and used [World Knowledge] again.
> Name: Hidden (insufficient level) / Alias: Becker Zoller
>
> Race: Hidden (insufficient level)
>
> Gender: Male
>
> Occupation: Guild Leader for the Adventurers Guild of the Crown Almighty Branch
>
> Current Status: Healthy
>
> Age: 34
'Everything's still hidden despite leveling up [World Knowledge]? Only a powerful artifact would be capable of preventing me from seeing his stats. Who is he really? '
As Haru drifted into thought. Just as he was about to use [Examine] on him, Becker suddenly broke the silence. "What are you planning to do next?"
Perhaps due to the alcohol or his deep contemplation, Haru answered bluntly. "I'll probably head off to make some more money before going to the underground slave market."
A sudden hush fell over the guild hall. The chatter and clinking glasses stopped. Haru snapped back to reality, eyes darting around in confusion.
"What happened?" he asked, but the room remained silent. Every eye was on him.
He turned to Tanna, seeking an explanation, but found only disgust on her face. Beside him, Becker's joyful demeanor had vanished, replaced by a cold, menacing stare.
"What did you say?" Becker's voice was low and dangerous, his earlier warmth gone.
"Uh… joke, it was just a joke. What I meant was—"
Before Haru could finish, Becker's hand shot out, gripping his clothes with a vice-like hold. Becker lifted him effortlessly and hurled him through the air. Haru crashed through a window, glass shattering around him as he tumbled onto the cobblestone street.
Becker appeared at the guild entrance, his towering figure casting a long shadow over Haru. His voice, cold and furious, echoed through the night. "Don't ever show your face here again. If I see you again..." His hand clenched, the doorframe groaning and splintering under his grip. With a final, resounding slam, the door shut, leaving Haru alone and bewildered on the deserted street.
In that moment, he had only one thought: "WHAT THE HECK?!"