"Okay, here we are, The National Bookshop," Mateo introduced the shop while making a presenting pose in entrance of the shop.

Claustrine was already excited as she saw the stacks of books inside.

"There are... So many... Books," Claustrine whispered with awe.

The two entered the bookshop and were instantly greeted by the familiar smell of paper, which made Claustrine even happier.

"So many books... It's comparable to an academic library."

Claustrine inspected every row of books and noticed something.

"Wait... These books look different."

"What do you mean?" Mateo asked.

"These books... Are not stitched. Also, not leather-bound."

Mateo realized Claustrine's confusion, and he smiled.

"Ah, I don't know what the real term is, but basically, those are mass-produced versions."

"MASS-PRODUCED, YOU SAID?" Claustrine tried to hide her surprise. Hearing Mateo's explanation finally made sense to her about why there were so many copies of each single book.

"Yeah. Those are easy to make in mass quantities."

"What happened to the leather-bound books? Also, how mass-produced are we talking here?"

"Hmmmmm... Pretty much, there are machines that can copy a single book and create hundreds of copies in a single day. And I repeat, it's not magic."

"A-amazing." For Claustrine, everything sounded like magic.

"Also, to answer your first question. Leather-bound books are just too outdated in terms of our world's technological progress, expensive, and hard to make. That's why they only do leather backs for a select few as collector's editions."

"I understand now. It must have taken hundreds of years for your people to make this transition."

"Yes."

Claustrine really wanted to open the books, but they were protected with some sort of transparent film, so she gave up on the idea, as she wouldn't understand the text anyway, just like she couldn't read the signs.

"Anyway, why did you suddenly want to visit a bookstore?" Mateo asked out of curiosity.

"I want to learn the language of this world," Claustrine answered with a smile.

"Wait... You can't read the language of our world?" Mateo is surprised.

"Yes. And it's super weird. I can easily understand people's words when they speak, but I don't understand a single symbol used in your language."

"I see. That's definitely weird, considering I experienced the same problem since my arrival in Natunia."

"It also happened to you?" Claustrine asked in curiosity. Mateo nodded.

"In my first arrival in your world, I had no problem communicating with the locals. Then I realized that I couldn't read a single letter of your language. It took me months to learn enough to make my life a little bit easier."

"It must have been tough for you." Claustrine felt sad as she imagined Mateo's hardship. A man with no connections in her world struggling to survive every day. Mateo just smiled.

"It is, considering that my early transfer is like some twisted isekai novels."

"Isekai?" Claustrine was intrigued by the word.

"It means 'another world' in Japanese. But we can talk about that later once you learn to read our language," Mateo said. Claustrine just pouted, her curiosity remains unanswered.

"Fine. I'm going to learn your language. So you have a responsibility to teach me. Is that clear?" Claustrine ordered as she gave a cheeky smile.

Mateo sighed, followed by a little smile.

"Fine. Just always visit me at my home in Natunia."

The two decided to only buy books about Filipino and English language to help Claustrine adapt.

"Wait a minute. How many languages does your world have?"

"Hmmm... Hundreds. Pretty much each country has its own language."

"Hundreds?" Claustrine asked. Mateo answered her question by opening a roll of Earth's map.

"You notice every segment has its own colors? Each one of them is a country."

Claustrine was overwhelmed by the information, as in Grimael, it consisted of vast empires that owned a huge amount of land. To think that something like Earth's countries existed was unbelievable for her.

"Also, each country also has its own different dialects. But we don't need to learn each country's language. We're only going to focus on Filipino and English?"

"And why is that?"

"Filipino is the main language of this country, and English is the established language used in foreign communication. Also, most of the books are written in English."

"I see." Claustrine just accepted her confusion. But a realizations hits her mind.

"Wait a minute... Why your world map looks a lot... larger?"

"Ah you notice... If my estimate is correct, if you combined all the lands of Grimael. The size is comparable to this continent." Mateo explained then he points his finger on the map, pointing to Australia.

Claustrine suddenly gets dizzy and almost slump to the ground but Mateo manages to catch her.

"Are you telling me... That our... World... Is a lot larger... Than it seems?" Claustrine's disbelief.

"Yeah. Grimael is just a continent like Australia."

Claustrine sighs.

"This might flip common sense in my world if they realized that the world is a lot larger than it seems." Claustrine holds her head as she feels dizzy.

.

.

.

"You know, this shop is not only focused on books. It also sells other kinds of things." Mateo tries to change the topic.

"What do you mean by other things?"

Mateo picked up a ballpen and showed it to Claustrine.

"Like writing essentials and papers. This ballpen might be a good choice for you," Mateo explained as he proceeded to write his name on the sample paper in Grimael's text.

Claustrine was intrigued and also wrote her name in Grimael's language. She loved how smooth and fine the lines were on the paper compared to the fountain pen she primarily used. She also noticed its portability and disposability.

"I want to buy an entire box. Is that okay?" Claustrine asked.

"No problem."

"Also, I noticed some blank papers nearby. Can we also get those?"

"Sure no problem." Mateo answers in kind.

Then the two proceeds to buy more things like markers, scissors, pencils and others stuffs. Each items makes Claustrine curious and happy.

Mateo laughed as he look on Claustrine's shopping spree.

"Is something funny?" Claustrine was confused.

"Hehe. It's like we're buying for a back-to-school student. Don't worry. Leave everything to me," Mateo said with confidence.

Claustrine blushed a little, then smiled.

"Thanks a lot, Mateo."

And they continue to pick more stuffs until Mateo warns her thay they going to exceed their carrying capacity.

Claustrine and Mateo exited the supermarket holding bags of clothes and writing materials. Mateo then proceeded to forcefully put them in the large top-box of the motorcycle.

"Okay, there's only one thing we need to buy."

"What is it?" Claustrine asked.

Several minutes later, Mateo and Claustrine left the drive-thru with Claustrine holding bags of burgers, fries, and fried chicken.

"So... Jollibee is really a restaurant," Claustrine's only words.

"To think that you really listened to my phone calls."

"Eh? What do you mean?"

"Nevermind,"

The two now went home as the sun was already setting down. As darkness engulfed the surroundings, lights also started to appear from everywhere. From streetlights to buildings. Claustrine was mesmerized by the brightness incomparable to what she commonly saw in the capital.

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And the two safely returned home with no issues. They entered the home, and the first thing they saw was the family waiting for them.

"Sooooo... How was the date?" Shiva's opening line.

"W-w-what!? D-d-date!?" Claustrine's flustered reaction.

"Geez... Stop joking like that." Mateo says while looking to Shiva with disbelief.

Shiva just laugh after seeing their reaction.

Mateo put the Jollibee food on the table, making Jade excited as she noticed the food.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Jade's happy words.

"So you were expecting this, huh? Then buy two bottles of cola," Mateo said, then he gave 200 pesos to Jade.

"No problem. But I keep the change," Jade said, followed by a cheeky smile.

"Ughh... Fine," Mateo was lost for words.

"Yey," Jade said, then she proceeded to go outside to buy some cola.

"Iha... What do you think of our world?" Ligaya's question. Claustrine gave a satisfied smile.

"This world is fun. There's just so many things I want to learn."

"So you truly are an academic, just like what Mateo says," Shiva said, as she viewed the school supplies and books they bought.

"But it seems that you two also bought something special," Beatrice said, as she pulled out a dress and showed it to everyone.

Reymundo gave a job well done to Mateo as he viewed the things they bought as a great gift for Claustrine.

"I can't wait to see you wear all of these!" Beatrice's anticipation made Claustrine a little bit nervous.

"Claustrine, what are you going to do after this?" Ligaya asked.

"Hmmmm. We're going to continue our job as adventurers as usual. But if Mateo agrees, I really wish to return to this world," Claustrine's honest response. The family looked at Mateo as he was the one who managing the door to another world.

"It's fine by me. I already decided when we're strolling in the supermarket. But I only agree when Trinne follows my rules."

"Rules? What rules?" Claustrine is intrigued.

"It's simple, really, but essential to keep the existence of the door a secret to both worlds," Mateo said.

"Ahh, I understand. Then, what are these rules?" Claustrine asked with a serious face.

Mateo elaborated on the rules as follows:

1. Never bring anything that might cause an imbalance in both worlds. Examples include bringing a huge amount of gold and jewelry from Grimael to Earth that could cause a market imbalance and suspicion of wealth or bringing advanced technology from Earth to Grimael that could make Grimael advance for better or worse.

2. Never bring any suspicious items from both worlds like magical artifacts or Earth items with obvious earthly origins.

3. Bringing consumables from Earth is fine, as long as you don't leave evidence everywhere, like plastic wrappers from packaged foods, empty cans and bottles, any forms of plastics, etc. Hold onto it and only dispose of it on Earth.

4. Never perform superhuman feats or any magic on Earth, but in case of emergency, ensure maximum secrecy.

5. Always maintain secrecy about the existence of both worlds. Avoid writing in diaries/journals about Earth or posting pictures or anything on social media about Grimael that could raise suspicion. Never leave any hint that could jeopardize both worlds.

"And you really follow these rules all the time?" Claustrine asked with doubt.

"Of course. Just think, why did it take several years before you discovered my secret? Because I strictly follow those rules."

"But... What about the smartphone?" Shiva asked in an attempt to catch Mateo off guard.

"Oh, right! Why did you bring your smartphone?" Claustrine followed.

"Of course, I need some sort of communication with all of you!"

"Sus. You just can't live without a phone. I remember the very first thing you did after you returned to this world was to buy a smartphone." Beatrice's teasing, then both her and Shiva laughed.

"Sigh. Fine, fine, you're right. And how can you blame me? It's been 5 years after my transfer before I even managed to return to Earth. Of course, the first thing I was going to do is connect to the internet!"

Claustrine heard another word that made her curious.

"Mateo? What is the internet?" Claustrine asked.

"Don't worry about it. You're going to learn about it after you finish learning our language. Right now, just remember my rules and follow them."

"O-Okay."

Jade finally returned holding two big bottles of cola.

"All right, that's enough everyone. Let's eat," Ligaya's invitation.

The Agbayani family enjoyed the huge amount of burgers, fries, and fried chicken.

"Even though we already drink this in the supermarket. The tingling sensation still really surprises me," Claustrine said as she looked at the dark-colored drink bubbling.

"But that makes it even more delicious," Mateo's response.

"True," Claustrine said as she smiled.

And the next day, Mateo and Claustrine finally said their farewells and returned to Grimael with all of the things they bought in Earth. After that, Claustrine said her farewell to Mateo as she was excited to put all of the clothes and supplies in her room.

~~~~~~°~~~~~~

One week later, Grand Ecstasy decided to meet at the Adventurers guild as it was time for them to do another quest.

"So what are we going to hunt this time?" Beltrand asked confidently, as if anything was good for him.

"I hope it's not another desert region hunt," Shirna wished.

"Maybe it's time for us to do a Volcano region hunt," Sophia suggested.

"Oy!" Shirna refused, which made Sophia chuckle, as she was just joking.

"Wait a minute... Something smells nice."

Beltrand follows the flowery scent until he reach Claustrine.

"Well well well... How ironic." Beltrand's smug words while looking at Claustrine.

"What?"

"You always complain about me and my perfume but now you're using a very fragrant perfume yourself." Beltrand teases Claustrine.

"So what? It's not like my perfume smells revolting, unlike yours." Claustrine fights back.

As Grand Ectasy talked to each other, some adventurers glanced at them, but not with hostility, but with admiration and respect.

The five just looked at the request board while the other adventurers picked their choice of quests. But as usual, only a few people took the Gold-rank missions. Mateo thought that maybe other Gold-rank adventurers had just recently finished their big quests and were now on a day off.

Mateo picked up a piece of paper that caught his attention.

"Then how about this one?" Mateo showed the mission to his party members.

"Investigating the deeper layers of Reverse Tower of Jhulzihar?" Claustrine recognized the name.

"Wait, are you sure? We already visit that so many times." Beltrand asked. He visibly unamused.

"Whats wrong? Besides the unexplored two Layers, we just need to investigate the other Layers and find potential dangers or new discoveries just like we always do. Easy money right?" Mateo explained.

"So? We don't need to completely enter the remaining two layers, and we pretty much just scout the area?" Shirna asked.

"Yes. And also, we can also get materials we find while we traverse the tower. So pretty much..."

"We're just going to use this investigation as an excuse to go to the deeper parts of the Reverse Tower and loot valuable goods. Why am I not surprised," Claustrine said with an unamused reaction.

"Exactly!" Mateo feels proud to himself.

"And how many layers does the Reverse tower have according to them?" Shirna asked.

"Explorers estimate that the tower has 10 layers. Layers 1 to 5 are open for adventurers below silver. But 6 and below is when things get difficult, and they only allow Gold or higher-tiered adventurers," Claustrine explained.

"What do you think, guys?" Mateo asked.

"It's fine for me," Claustrine agreed.

"Me too," Sophia followed.

"Well, it's just an investigation, so it must be okay," Shirna agreed.

"Well, I really need money, so this mission is a great way to earn it. Count me in!" Beltrand finally agrees.

After everyone agreed on the mission, Mateo went to the beautiful receptionist and gave her the paper. The receptionist frowns.

"Is there something wrong?" Mateo was concerned about the receptionist, a lady he had befriended over the past years.

"Ah, nothing. Good luck on your mission, Mateo. I wish your party safety," the receptionist gave a rolled paper to Mateo and also a warm smile, unlike the fake smile she commonly used to other adventurers in her daily routine.

"Thanks a lot, Ms. Emma. Don't worry, we'll surely come back safe and sound," Mateo reassured Emma.

Mateo returned to his party, who were waiting for him at a table.

"So, did we get the approval?" Beltrand asked.

"Yes. So let's spend the rest of the day preparing for our departure tomorrow morning," Mateo said.

"Okay!" The four responded with approval.

As the party finished their meal in the Adventurers guild, a group of people approached Mateo from behind, and one of them came closer and put his hand on Mateo's shoulder. Mateo looked back and was delighted to see a familiar face.

"Long time no see, Mateo," the guy wearing a very fit red armor said, followed by a confident smile.

"Graham!"

Mateo stood up and hugged Graham, who also hugged back.

"It's been a while. Where have you been this entire time?" Mateo asked.

"Well, we just finished a mission in the north, so it took us a very long time to finish it."

Graham's other party members also greeted Grand Ecstasy.

"Hello, may the gods bless your journey," a guy wearing a priest attire and carrying a small shield and a mace said.

One of the female party members of Graham came closer to Claustrine and hugged her. Her chest pressed to Claustrine's face.

"I MISS YOUUUUU, TRINNEEEE!" The female with a slightly revealing attire cried.

"Eckk... Monica... I can't breathe," Claustrine said as she tapped Monica's shoulder.

"Ohh, sorry!" Monica apologized, then released Claustrine from her hug. Claustrine then proceeded to breath deeply.

"And what did you guys hunt in the Northlands?" Beltrand asked, as he was really curious about his friend's exploits.

"A blizzard hermit," the male priest answered.

"Ohhhhhhh, that's big! Nice one!" Beltrand complimented the party, who were pretty much big shots in their guild.

And Graham's party, called "Wanderer," was known for their nature of picking quests in faraway lands and their love for long explorations. For Graham, the travel was equally as important as the destination itself.

Wanderer consisted of three members:

- Graham, a very skilled spearman who acted as the party leader.

- Monica, the mage specialized in fire, with lots of arsenals of fire magic to boot.

- And Boltz. A Crusader Priest who specialized in both Light magic and mace and shield. He acted as both support and frontline.

"Did you also just finish your mission?" Graham asked.

"No. We already picked a mission," Mateo then showed the poster of the Reverse Tower mission. Graham, Monica, and Boltz opened their eyes wide and frowned.

"Are you guys really picking this quest?"

"Yes. We already received approval. Is there a problem?" Claustrine asked.

The Wanderers sat alongside Grand Ecstasy with serious looks on their faces.

"Everyone, listen to me carefully. When you're in the deeper layers of the reverse tower, absolutely be careful."

Grand Ecstasy felt the tension, as it was rare for them to see Graham be so serious.

"I-is there a reason why?" Sophia asked, as she started to feel anxious.

"When we were in the frontlands, rumors spread that there's something wrong in the Reverse Tower," Graham explained.

"Isn't the Reverse Tower known for that very thing?" Claustrine asked, as she knew that Reverse Tower was notorious for magic-powered traps and Jhulzihar beasts. Not surprising for a place previously owned by a well-known wizard.

"That's true, but according to the gossips we heard, a few adventurers suddenly disappeared and never came back once they entered the 6th to 8th Layer."

"If that's the case. Then why is this mission still posted on the wall?" Mateo questioned the authenticity of the rumor.

"Yeah. All branches of the Adventurers' guild should probably be informed about the disappearances and issue a ban on missions to the Reverse Tower," Claustrine explained her stance.

"From what I can learn from this issue. The disappearances just started 5 days ago, and for the reason why the tower is still not closed, is probably because of the nature of our job," Graham continued his explanation.

"It's a normal occurrence for us Adventurers to do missions spanning several days, and people assume that those missing adventurers just decided to prolong their missions. Considering how large the Reverse Tower is and its loots, I can understand if people think it that way," Boltz explained further.

"And I believe that if some adventurers tell this to the higher-ups at this stage, no one would believe him. Just my thought," Monica gave her opinion.

"Isn't the guild as a whole very serious about things like this?" Sophia asked.

"That's true, but those rumors are still rumors. The guild would not risk spreading panic and disrupting the whole Adventurer guild based on some rumors," Boltz answered.

Everyone stayed quiet for a while until Mateo broke the silence.

"I understand your concerns, guys, but don't worry, we're going to be careful. We pretty much just go there to gather information and get some valuable loot anyway," Mateo assured the Wanderers.

"But still. You should stay careful there. It's better to be cautious as adventurers, right?" Monica said.

"Of course! We wouldn't have reached this rank if we didn't take our job seriously!" Beltrand said confidently. Claustrine and Shirna nodded in approval of Beltrand's words.

"That's good to hear," Monica said, feeling reassured.

"But if two weeks pass and you guys still haven't returned here. We're going to report you to the guild. Is that clear?" Graham added a condition.

"Geez. Fine by me," Mateo agreed.

To lighten the mood, both Wanderer and Grand Ecstasy enjoyed a feast together while sharing their own tales and adventures for a while. Then the two parties separated as Grand Ecstasy needed to prepare for their mission in the Reverse Tower until night when they decided to go home.

In their home, every member of Grand Ecstasy was very concerned about Graham's warning, and doubt lingered in their minds, thinking that the mission might not go as smoothly as they wished. Especially Mateo, who decided to do some additional preparations on their own in case the worst-case scenario comes.