Intertwining Objectives

"Guild Master wants to meet the two of you tomorrow. So come to his room after the strategy meeting in the afternoon."

I remember Rimikia's words. That's why Miika and I go to Guild Master's room after the meeting(?) ended while Rimikia tying up all the troublemakers outside except Veilene.

However...

I can see Guild Master sitting on the sofa while hanging his head with depression.

Both Miika and I are sitting on the sofa while facing the orc Guild Master in front of us with only 1 short table that is placed between Guild Master and us.

Few minutes after sitting here and no one says a word. I am waiting for him to start the conversation.

"... sorry about that. Those guys are always like that."

"Don't mind it."

I reply Guild Master' statement immediately. This guy may look incompetent but hoping for a normal person to organize those guys is a bit too much.

Even if he is a male, I'll just be thankful that the Guild Master is someone I can reason with. A rare trait for a person to have in this guild.

"More importantly..."

I look at Miika who is sitting besides me before continuing my statement. He is paying attention to our conversation.

"What is this matter that you want to talk to us about?"

"..."

The Guild Master look at both Miika and me as if he is gauging our emotion. Then he finally reply to my question.

"There are three things. Firstly, it's about this thing called Sweet World."

"!"

Miika looks surprised a bit. Though it is already obvious to me at this point.

"Just to make sure, have you two seen the Sweet World item?"

"Yes..."

Miika replies while looking down.

"No."

I reply after Miika's answer. I remember that I fought Panthos without seeing that Sweet World that caused him to go insane in the first place. On top of that, I fainted immediately after the fight and never try to go back to that place again because it is near Darlia Lake.

"I see. Then..."

Guild Master stands up, walk to his desk and open the drawer.

He pulls out a small wooden box out from the drawer.

Then he walks to us and opens the box revealing a syrin-...

Wait, is that... a syringe!?

I am surprised an item that exactly looks like from my previous world. What is it doing here?

"Is this the Sweet World that Panthos bought?"

Guild Master says that while looking at Miika.

"... y- yes but..."

Miika observes the syringe before continue talking.

"The pink liquid... is no longer there..."

"The liquid is the drug called Sweet World. After some investigation, it seems that the needle on this bottle is able to transfer the liquid into the person's body after it pierces the skin of the target."

Guild Master explains the function of that item to Miika.

Yup, it is definitely a syringe. But I never expect to find that kind of item here.

Forget about that needle that totally looks like Hypodermic needle, I don't even see anyone use plastic after living for eight whole years in this world. And the container of that syringe really looks like that it is made from plastic.

"The liquid itself can indeed increase the amount of mana inside a person's Astral Body. How it can do that is still under Pepprica's investigation, however..."

Guild Master look at both of us before he continue talking.

"This liquid will most likely make the affected person goes insane and attacks people. Just like a monster..."

Monster... an evolved animal or plant that attack mankind on instinct. The information regarding how they are born is restricted but the Astraea Church regards monsters as the enemy of mankind.

Some people made a theory stated that mankind like humans, elves, dwarves and other races are immune to this monster transformation because mankind has Astral Body while normal animals and plants do not have one.

But I never hear anyone ever prove that theory.

"You know quite a lot about that Sweet World huh..."

I said that question to gauge Guild Master's reaction. The facts that he knows a lot about that Sweet World is kind of suspicious.

"This is not the first time that incident like this happened. During my travel, I encountered similar incident across other towns. I want to stop this incident but there is too little info to investigate."

Then Guild Master looks at Miika.

"Rimikia found this near Panthos' corpse. Are you sure that this is the same bottle that Panthos bought?"

Miika silently nods at Guild Master's question.

"I see."

Guild Master is about to close the box. However, there is something I want to confirm.

"W- wait!"

"?"

Both Miika and Guild Master look at me with questioning expression after my interruption.

"That sy- I meant, bottle... Can I touch it?"

Guild Master closes the box while replying to me.

"I know that you are curious but we still don't know what kind of danger that this mysterious bottle can bring. Please understand."

"... yes."

Not good huh. Well, it is a sound argument.

I am a bit curious as to the relation between that syringe and the Sweet World drug. But I cannot overstep my boundaries.

"So... you call us here to show that bottle?"

I ask Guild Master for confirmation.

"Not only that. I want to hear from Panthos' sla-, ehem, former slave about what happened to Panthos. So-"

Before Guild Master say anything further, there is something that I need to tell him.

"He already has a name called Miika."

Guild Master looks at me for a moment after my statement and then he looks back at Miika.

"I see... Miika huh... then from now on, I shall call you Miika. Is that okay with you?"

Miika nods awkwardly at Guild Master. It seems like he is uncomfortable by the topic which involves his former master's death.

"It's a bit sudden but... Miika, can you recall the time when Panthos acquired the Sweet World?"

"!"

Miika is surprised again by Guild Master's statement.

"It's not like I want to force you to speak. But it would be really helpful if you can tell us."

Guild Master crouches so that he can look at Miika's face at the same height level.

"..."

Miika still looks hesitant to talk. Or he is probably too nervous to talk.

"Um.. you see.. er..."

That's all he can say in front of the Guild Master. It looks like he does not know where to start... oh well.

"Miika."

Guild Master and Miika look at me after I call Miika's name.

"You said that Panthos bought that Sweet World after I took Ean's quest, right?"

"Y- yes..."

Miika answers my question just fine. Then I'll just keep asking to make it easier for him to tell us what had happened.

"When did Panthos buy the Sweet World?"

"N- night after you left for the quest."

"Where did it happen?"

"At the tavern..."

There is only one tavern in this town which is the one that is near the inn...

"How did Panthos buy the Sweet World?"

"... a person wearing black hood approached us in the tavern. Then he-"

Before Miika continue, Guild Master asks him a question.

"That person in hood, can you tell me more about his appearance?"

"Um... I'm not sure. That person's black clothes cover the whole body."

Guild Master continue pressing his question hoping to find out more about that hooded person.

"What about his size? And what his voice sounds like?"

"H- he's a little bit higher than me... and voice sounds like an adult male..."

Miika is taken aback by Guild Master's questions. Guild Master then realizes that and backs off from Miika.

"Ehem, sorry about that. Please continue."

"... Then he greeted mas-, I meant Panthos... saying that he heard about Panthos often buying strengthening pills from travelling merchant."

Strengthening pills... I heard about that item before. A consumable that was invented by a famous young genius from Wilderystal Continent.

It's effect is basically a permanent boost in physical strength of the consumer. But the effect is pretty small and I heard that there are hazardous side effects from eating too much of that pill.

With that in mind, I ask Guild Master a question.

"Why would that Panthos guy buy that dangerous item?"

Guild Master thinks for a moment before answering.

"... it's probably because he wants to beat Veylene."

"Huh?"

I say that out of reflex. I still don't really understand what he meant by that. Then Guild Master continue talking.

"Before Veylene registered here as adventurer few months ago, Panthos held the title of the strongest adventurer in Liasr Guild."

I remember the time when Panthos killed 4 Sword Wolves with one swing of his spear. He is indeed a strong adventurer. Guild Master continue talking while I remember Panthos' strength.

"However, when Veylene tried to register as an adventurer, Panthos... harassed her a bit. Then she asked Rimikia to arrange Panthos to become her opponent for Fighting test."

Before Guild Master says more, i wanted to confirm something so I ask a question.

"Is it a sexual harassment?"

"... yeah."

Guild Master sighs after saying that. This is why males are just...

"Anyway, Veylene beat Panthos so easily that she did not use any magic. She didn't even unsheathe her sword and it truly shattered Panthos' pride to pieces."

Served him right.

Guild Master continue talking while I am satisfied with that outcome.

"On top of that, she starts calling Panthos by the name 'Pathetic' from that point onwards. She really likes giving people names as she pleases..."

After few seconds of silence, Guild Master clears his throat.

"Ehem, we're getting off topic. Anyway, from that point onwards, Panthos starts on his obsession about being stronger so that he can beat Veylene. That's why he always buy strengthening pills from every merchants that come to this town. It strengthens him but he is dissatisfied by the small effect that it gives."

"I guess there are limits to how much those pills can strengthen someone?"

I ask that question as I also need to strengthen my physical strength as well.

"It is purely from Panthos' statement. I never consume it myself so I don't know much about it."

"I see..."

Well, I'll just think about it once I see the pills myself.

"Panthos' attitude became more violent and obsessed in getting stronger. Which is why the item that can increase Astral Level must have sounded really appealing to him even if the item itself is suspicious. So what happened after that?"

Guild Master looks at Miika again asking him to continue.

"Panthos and I followed him to back alley and that's where he showed that strange bottle to us."

After hearing Miika's statement, Guild Master ask another question.

"He showed only this bottle?"

"Yes. He said that there is only one bottle left... Panthos then tell him to prove that the Sweet World is not poisonous."

So he is at least cautious on that part.

Miika then look at the wooden box that Guild Master is holding before continue talking.

"Then the hood guy told us that Panthos can try stab and press that bottle for a bit to see its effect immediately... so Panthos grab my arm and stab it with that bottle's needle."

"!"

I can see Guild Master being surprised by Miika's statement. Well, me too.

"So you actually consumed Sweet World too? Are you... okay?"

"I felt really hot at first but that's about all..."

After Miika's reply to Guild Master's concern, I begin to remember the appearances of Panthos and Miika back then.

The next time I met Panthos after I ran away from a wolf, his eyes already became pink-coloured.

When Miika almost died from having his chest stabbed by Panthos' Emeraldian, Miika's eyes also turned to pink.

Perhaps... those things are related to Sweet World too...

Miika then continue talking about the incident.

"After that... both of them continued talking but I couldn't hear them because my head became dizzy from the heat."

"I see."

.....

....

...

Around five minutes have passed. Miika talked about the incident from when Panthos ordered him to search more about Sweet World until the time when I killed Panthos.

Apparently Panthos was dead drunk when he told Miika that unreasonable order. But he still beat him up because he was in bad mood.

I probably better forget him before the sympathy meter in my heart drop even further from zero to minus value.

"Understood."

After saying that, Guild Master then stand up from his crouching position. Wow, he actually can crouch for minutes without getting leg cramps. I guess Orc's muscles are indeed sturdier than normal human's.

"Thank you for your cooperation. You guys can leave this matter to me while preparing for the upcoming monster fight. Now for the other two things I need to talk about-"

*knock! knock!*

A sound of door knocking can be heard from the only door in this room.

"Come in."

After Guild Master's call, the door opens revealing Rimikia who is holding the door knob.

"Excuse me."

Rimikia says that with a firm and feminine voice as she goes inside the room and then closes the door. Then she asks a question to the Guild Master.

"How did it go?"

"We just finished talking about Panthos' action. I'll tell you the details later."

"Understood."

After talking to Rimikia, Guild Master walks away and puts the wooden box inside his desk.

Then he look at both me and Miika before stating his intention.

"The next thing I want to talk about is about the Fiend Kraken."

Both Miika and I pay attention seriously to Guild Master while he's talking.

"The guild members and some people from outside of the guild have been preparing for that fight. So you guys will help in that preparation as well."

"What kind of help that you need from us exactly?"

I say that to clarify more about his intention.

"I heard that you helped goblins in their quest before. I want you to meet them again and convince them to help us in defeating the Fiend Kraken."

"!? What do you-"

If I hear him correctly, he wants the goblins to help him fight that dangerous monster...? But before I can ask, Guild Master raises his right hand a bit while talking.

"Calm down, I just wanted them to help Pepprica in making potions and other consumables that will be used for the fight. I won't put any of those kids into danger."

I am about to stand up but manage to calm myself down because of his statement.

"I see... so you want me to ask for their help."

"Yes. As someone who helped them before, they will most likely hear your request. I will reward you 10 silver coins if you are successful. What do you think?"

While the rewards are indeed tempting, I am still curious about his motives.

I look around and see Miika waiting for my reply. Then I look at Rimikia who is preparing some kind of hot drink by heating a water-filled kettle with her red magic circle that is placed between her right hand and the kettle.

"... may I ask why?"

"Hm?"

While Guild Master is looking at me with questioning look, I rephrase my question.

"Is there any specific reason for you to ask those goblins to do that? Pardon me but I think I will be more helpful in assisting Pepprica."

Not that I know about Ean and others' ability, I just want to see his response.

"I know. Pepprica talked a lot about your alchemy knowledge. He said that you're amazing despite being so young. But what I need is not only helping hands but also the fact that the goblins helped in fighting against the Fiend Kraken."

"...?"

Both Miika and me are confused by what the Guild Master meant. Guild Master probably knows that and then continue talking.

"The shape of the society in this Elverwad Continent can be summarised by one phrase. Do you guys know?"

"..."

Miika looks confused while I have a rough idea of the answer. But as someone who just arrived here for few months, I don't want to make assumptions so I just stay quiet.

Looking at us who are still silent, Guild Master answer the question himself with serious look.

"The strong one is the right one."

I expected an answer along that line but I stay quiet and let him continue his explanation.

"You are always right as long as you are stronger than other people. This has been a norm for people who are living in this continent. I also had the same belief when I was young. However..."

Guild Master looks up to his right side as if he is reminiscing about his past.

"When people from other continent came to my hometown... I saw a new possibility. A new way for a person to live. Thus, I travelled around the world and see various cultures and beliefs from many places. Not all of them are what you call good place, but they are better in overall compared to the Elverwad Continent."

Then he look at Rimikia for a moment before looking at both Miika and me.

"And then, I finally realize what this continent lacks compared to other continents... a law to unite people."

... wait, is he seriously hoping for kid like Miika to understand this topic? I can see Miika's face being dumbfounded at this point.

"People of Elverwad create their own community based on their race. Elf, Dwarf, Dyrad, Beastman, Halfling and many other races... each town in Elverwad are basically based on one of these races. They formed community under the belief that only people from the same race can get along with each other. And because of that, there are no specific rules on how people from different races interact with each other. That's the reason why many people start using force to assert their authority."

... I know I'm the one who ask why but I would really appreciate it if he gets to the point already.

Of course I did not say my thoughts out loud so Guild Master still continue his speech.

"That's why I want to change that. By estabilishing a clear rule on how on people from different races should act with each other. I established this town to show people about this way of life... but it's still not enough. Especially, the discrimination against the goblin race hinders the moral value that I want to teach to others."

So he is not only the Guild Master but also the founder of this town. I see. Though there is something that I need to state.

"Human race is also discriminated in this continent though."

I just want to state that because Guild Master's statement makes it seems like he does not care much about the discrimination against human.

"I'm aware of that. Fortunately, that is not a problem in this town. Thanks to both of you."

"Huh?"

Is it just me or it feels like he's referring to both Miika and me.

"Miika has been helping various people in this town a lot despite him being not in a good living condition himself."

Oh yeah. I heard the same thing from that beastman nun.

"And Shion has been helping lots of people by taking gathering and synthesis requests that adventurer wouldn't normally take because of their small reward."

Because I could not take monster quest back then...

Guild Master smiles at us as he continue talking.

"The people here still dislike human race but they realized the fact that not all humans are bad people. As the Guild Master, I would like to say my thanks to both of you."

"You're... welcome."

That's all I can say because he thanked me all of a sudden.

Miika looks at me and start copying me.

"Y- you're... welcome!"

He does not need to copy my stutter though...

Rimikia then put two cups of tea in front of us.

"Ah, thank you."

"Ah, thank you..."

I said my thanks first followed by Miika who copy my reply again.

After Rimikia finished putting the cup, Guild Master continue his speech.

"If humans like both of you can be accepted in this town by showing your goodwill. Then I see no reason why the goblins cannot do the same thing. That's why I want to ask those goblins for their help in this mission. So that they can show the people here their good wills and have their existence accepted just like you two."

"...Isn't it a bit too forced?"

I understand Guild Master's intention but I don't think that it will happen that easily.

"It is forced. However, I think that it's worth a try. If people cannot accept the goblins naturally, then I need to do something about it."

Rimikia put a cup of tea on Guild Master's desk while he is still talking. That cup of tea is way bigger than ours to match with his big fingers.

"Once people here can accept the goblin's existence... I'm sure that it will be the matter of time before people from other town notice it. And that will be the foundation of my goal."

Guild Master drink his tea without really caring about the hot tea temperature and then continue talking.

"My goal... is to turn this Elverwad continent into a place where all races are equal."

Then the Guild Master look straight to my eyes.

"Shion. Don't you think that it would be wonderful? If all people in this continent treat others equally despite our differences?"

A serious look that asks for a serious answer.

Guild Master said all about his ideals and beliefs.

Compared to other people in this guild, Guild Master is one of few sane people that can be communicated with.

I am already thankful by that fact, but he surpasses my expectation by revealing himself to be an idealistic person that wishes for a better life for everyone.

That's why, in order to repay his kindness and determination, I shall show him about my perspective... and my way of life.

And thus I reply...

"No, I don't think so."

"..."

Not only Guild Master, but Rimikia looks surprised by my reply.

Ah, Miika is already blowing his tea. I guess I should drink this tea before it gets cold.

After softly blowing the tea two times, I drink the tea while trying my best to not make a slurping sound.

Oh my, this tea is delicious.