章節 38: "Godling"
Earthenshire Branch of the Merchant Guild, Capital City of the Earthfolk.
"Congratulations on officially licensing your business, Mister Grey." Said a brown-skinned female receptionist with short brown hair and brownish eyes under gold-rimmed eyeglasses.
Receiving the rectangular-shaped license, the proof of recognized business, Grey simply nodded while expressing his gratitude, "Thank you."
On the other hand, Moly, who accompanied him, whispered, "I'm surprised you have that much budget."
Every business, especially those that catered to the needs of an adventurer, was required to consult the Merchant Guild. With this in mind, to officially establish one, the founder needed a certain range amount of wealth, which would be used for purchasing or renting a building.
'Thanks to the wasted resources of the dead holy warriors and conscripted mercenaries around six months ago.' Grey recalled his experiences as a newly reincarnated alien species, having to witness the aftermath of the war against the Death Lord.
"I have my ways." Grey chuckled.
Leaving the guild's premises, Moly asked, "Why didn't you register in the Capital City of Candela?"
Hearing this, Grey's tracks stopped. Looking at her, he couldn't help but ask, "Moly. I am confused. Am I tripping or that the Capital City of Holy Empire bears two names, Candela and Lumen?"
[Master…]
'No, let Moly tell me. Trivial things like this can make a conversation worthwhile.' Grey cut off the Extraterrestrial System's attempt to interject.
"I see. So you don't know, huh?" Moly said before the two of them slowly walked down the streets towards Grey's owned business branch.
According to what Moly had said, the Hero Bloodline exclusively imposed to call the Capital of the Holy Empire Lumen and that the Mutants had no right to speak such a word. It was a blatant racism, to say the least.
On the other hand, Candela was named after a Holy Saintess who existed around a thousand years ago. She was the one who introduced the laws specifically giving rights to the Mutants to blend amongst the human society.
Hearing this, Grey frowned, "I see. I guess if they couldn't erase the history of Candela, they should just create their own. What racist bastards."
'This world isn't that much different on Earth, I guess.' Grey inwardly mumbled.
After a few minutes of traversing the land of the dwarves, both of them eventually arrived at a tavern-style building. Waiting in front were familiar faces whom Grey had saved from being killed by a bunch of monsters.
"Are you our first customers? I hope that'll bring me good luck." Grey said, seeing Winter, Khan, and one of the managers of the Adventurer's Guild – Earthenshire Branch, Rahk.
"Grey! How are you?!"
"Mister Grey!"
"Grey, let's talk for a moment."
Simultaneously, upon seeing him, the three adventurers expressed a kind of greeting. But then, noticing Rahk's baffled expression, Grey said, "Let's go inside for now. And Moly, prepare something for our guests."
"Yes, Grey." Moly smiled before excusing herself as they entered the tavern with a conspicuous, antique-designed plaque where the name of the store was engraved thanks to an artisan introduced by Old Heskan.
***
"Truth Agency…? Seriously?" At the wooden table, with delicacies prepared by Grey's secretary, Rahk questioned his decision with a hint of concern.
"Why? You think my business will fumble because of the Shadow Guild?" Grey chuckled.
The nature of business of the Shadow Guild led by Borax and the Truth Agency was roughly the same – information provider. It was foolish for Grey an unknown business owner to compete against one of the most renowned guilds throughout the world.
"You know very well. Also, operating just around the Adventurer's Guild… I don't know what others would think."
The Truth Agency's base of operation was on the street behind the Earthenshire Branch of Adventurer's Guild. However, contrary to the possible flock of crowds, this place was ordinarily occupied by dwarves and a few elven restaurants.
"Sigh, don't worry about it. Trust me, it'll bloom." Grey said with confidence. But Rahk couldn't help but worry.
"I see. I guess we'll just have to look forward to it, huh?"
"Grey, if this place is similar to the Shadow Guild, how much do you charge for the information?" Winter, who was munching a fried pork, interjected.
Grey pondered. He then said, "Winter,
"It depends on the information being asked… and distance."
Even Moly, who joined them at the table, looked at him with incredulous face.
"Distance…? You better close this store, Grey. Or else, you're going to be financially broken." Rahk facepalmed.
"Mister Grey! Hire me as a janitor or a waiter!" Khan said amidst the confused faces of the others.
"If you believe adventuring isn't worth your time, then I'll hire you. I need a helping hand, after all."
The interior of the Truth Agency was as simple as it could be; a few wooden tables with wooden chairs, a receptionist desk, a kitchen for food orders, and the like. If not for the name of the place, it could be mistaken for a cafeteria.
"Yes!" Khan rejoiced.
On the other hand, Winter remained silent, contemplating whether this job would be suited for her.
After a while of disharmony, Rahk tried Grey's capability to at least gauge the future of the business.
"Grey, let's test it. I mean, for sure it's not only me that does not understand the 'distance' as a basis for your service fee."
"What do you want to know?" Grey casually said, the other's eyes on them.
"I am looking for a Dark Salamander's Heart, something that's freshly procured. Where do I get it? If so, how much for the information?"
Grey fell silent. Krishnaya already provided him with the information acquired through the Alien Archive.
"It will be 4,537 gold coins for the distance and ten percent of it for the specific information," Grey said after two seconds.
"Wh-what? How?! That's a robbery!" Rahk complained even though he had yet to hear the specifics.
Grey then erased his doubt, "A Dark Salamander is currently located approximately 4,537 kilometers from here. Also…"
'Command.' He inwardly muttered.
In an instant, Grey and company vanished and arrived at the exact location thanks to the Pillar Beam of the Anon Oriken Spacecraft, which was still hovering above the Alien Village.
"That's a fresh one right there." Grey smiled while the others were left dumbfounded, realizing the service provided by the Truth Agency, which included [information] and [instant access].
"This is unreal! Let's kill it!" Rahk said with excitement.
However, with Grey's command, they were returned to within the serenely quiet tavern.
"I've provided you with information for free. If you can't pay then there's no service. Find it yourself."
Hearing this, Winter and Khan laughed. M0ly scoffed, and Rahk was instantly dejected.
"Anyway, that's enough for today."
***
Anon Oriken Spacecraft, Quintella Sector.
Eleven months since the foundation of the Truth Agency… which seemed to become a failed business.
The slumber of Princess Quintella of the Holy Empire of Lumenasia ended as her eyes which were previously crimson slowly opened.
In his headquarters, the Extraterrestrial System's voice echoed…
[Master, the Godling has been born.]
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