Chapter 30:

A Guild Master’s Authority

Fist of the Bancho Rider


Reiji is forced to undergo extreme training with Xenon himself, in one of the nearby dungeons of Tristan. During this time, Nraltia is sent to the elven village with Souma, to go train and unlock the sage class.

During their time in the dungeon Reiji masters the Yin-Yang Ki, able to use it constantly. He also learns how to recycle Ki to use it longer as well as actively recharge Ki. 

During the training, Reiji is attacked by baldy’s adventuring party, where he is forced to overcome more of his short comings. But this battle reveals his status as an other worlder. This eventually reaches the ears of the Knight Order of the holy Saintess, who are here to apprehend Reiji.

“So we’re supposed to just travel around the continent and hope that we find it?”

“No.” Xenon shakes his head. “I will assign that job to some gold rank adventurers that I trust. They should be able to cover more ground that way.”

“Eh? Then what the hell am I supposed to do?”

A cold smile creeps across Xenon’s face, one that sent chills through Reiji’s spine.

“You will be undergoing some extra training, after hearing how you defeated the Minotaur. I believe that you’re strong enough to handle most of the other jobs I had originally planned. So I’m going to change our agreement, you will be spending time in the Grand Dungeon, where you will be undergoing daily challenges and battles assigned by me.”

“What? You can’t do that! Once a contract has been signed, it can’t be changed unless both sides agree to it.” Reiji slams his hands on the table, knocking the empty tea cups into the air. 

“Yes, but since I’m the Guild Master… My authority allows me to do whatever I want.” 

“As for you miss Nraltia, you are clearly already at a higher level, but I would also like you to train. As of now you are the only person that has the requirements to unlock the Sage class. Seeing as your mission is tied to the corruption, I assume you won’t refuse.”

“Um… yes.” She answers, unsure of what to make of the situation.

“Very good. As an aside, I will also task the adventurers to look for any Rabbitfolk villages on the continent. Unfortunately, your kind are rather secretive. Rare few step out of your village to interact with the outside world.” A reassuring smile crosses his face. “But I’m sure we’ll be able to find them. Perhaps then, they might be able to help you retrieve your lost memories.”

“Tha-Thank you.” Nraltia bows her head deeply.

This is the power of the guild master. It wasn't just his incredible skills as a swordsman, but it was the authority that allowed him to maneuver and control multiple high level parties of adventurers at once.

“Now that its settled, I suggest you both rest up, tomorrow morning we’ll head directly to the grand dungeon.” Without missing a beat, Xenon rings the bell summoning Serena. “Serena please ask Souma to take care of these two in the orphanage. After their fight in the grand market, it wouldn’t do if they were to meet with any other Knights of the Holy Order.”

“Wait-“ Reiji protest, but he was already escorted out the room by Nraltia and Serena.

"Dammit. Why don't I get a say?"

"Just accept it. If not for yourself, then for Nraltia." The goddess smiles knowingly.

"Tch. Fine." Unable to argue, Reiji reluctantly accepts his fate.

---

"Ah, Soumas back" Taryn calm voice rings out, followed by the excited Noah and Wuelle. "And Reiji too, and some one else!" 

The three kids run out to greet the three of them as they stepped into the orphanage. The familiar smell of stale wood and damp cloths greet him, followed by the energetic noise from the orphanage kids as they go about doing their chores. 

"Whos this pretty lady?" Wuelle ask as she stares at Nraltia with impressed eyes.

"Hello, I'm Nraltia. You must be Wuelle, Taryn and Noah." She smiles as she kneels down to their eye levels. "I've heard about you all from Souma and Reiji."

"Na-Nar-Nral-tia? That's a bit of a mouthful." Noah pouts, having trouble pronouncing her name. 

"You can call me Tia instead if you want. I don't mind."

"Tia!" The three children cry out.

"Feel free to call me Tia as well, Reiji." She smiles, catching him look at her, but he quickly averts his gaze. "Y-yeah."

Leading them to the same table, the plates were already placed, ready for them.

"Please join us for dinner." Sister Mary smiles, pouring stew into their bowls.

"Uh, sorry to intrude again. I know this isn't a charity but an orphanage, so let us pay you for the stay." Reiji scratches his head awkwardly as he sits on the table.

"Don't worry about it, the guild master already supplied us with enough gold to look after you two, and everyone else in this orphanage for a week." The oni speaks as he sits at his place.

"Yeah. Thanks to the money from Big Bro Souma's last job, and the funds from the guild master, we can have stew this week!" Noah almost bites his tongue as he jumps excitedly.

"We're able to get new clothes and supplies for the orphanage too."

"Ah I guess that explains the mixed scent of woods and oil." Nraltia says as she digs into the curry infront of her.

"So is it true? Did the both of you fight of the Knights of the Holy Saintess?" Wuelle ask.

"Unfortunately, a certain someone charged in without thinking, dragging me into the conflict." The luporine teases, as she shoots a side eye at him.

"It's not like the City Knights were stepping in. I just did what everyone else was too scared to do."

"Thats... so cool!" The ever excitable Noah eyes glitter brightly.

"Don't listen to him Noah. It's not wise to antagonize them without a plan. Only a fool would do that." Taryn coldly douse Noah's excitement.

"That's right. Only a fool acts without thinking." Souma grunts in agreement.

"Oi. I'm fine with Taryn, but the way you say it just pisses me off." Reiji slams the table as he glares at Souma.

"Its normal to call a fool, a fool." 

"Grrr. Why you. Why don't we take this outside." Cracking his knucles Reiji stands up, ready to go at it.

"Hmph. Why bother? You'll obviously lose."

"Those are some fighting words!"

"Snrkt. Hahahaha." The tension between the two is broken, by the snort of Nraltia, as she and the kids burst into laughter. 

"You two are such good friends."

"Friends? With this guy?" The two of them repeat at the same time, staring at each other, before sitting back down to eat their meal. Reiji taking out his aggression on the food, while Souma continues eating calmly.