I will translate the provided text into English, maintaining the original structure and formatting:
(2/2)
I will insert three chapters on the 16th and 17th. I apologize to those whose bookmarks have shifted!
And the next morning.
While eating breakfast and checking the necessary items again, my smartphone suddenly rang.
This ringtone is from Maki.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Shota-san."
"Good morning. What's up?"
"Hehe, it's a return favor from yesterday."
Yesterday? ...Oh, I see.
Damn, she's cute.
"Can't wait to see you soon?"
"Yes. Plus, I've always wanted to try it. A morning call..."
"I see. Then I'll ask for a different one every day. Akki can hear too, right?"
"Yep, I'll do it!"
She's so energetic this early in the morning.
"Alright, see you later."
"Yes, see you."
"See you later!"
Hanging up the phone, I resumed my tasks with a bright mood.
I packed the necessary items into my backpack, cleaned up, and took out the trash.
Finally, I looked around the room one last time.
"Thank you for taking care of me for three years..."
ββββββββ
As usual, I boarded the train and proceeded to the guild.
I brought my personal items, like 'The Golden Seed,' in my backpack, but I might as well leave them at the guild. There should be lockers that any adventurer can use, though I've never used them before.
While thinking about such things, a small shadow blocked my path a few minutes before reaching the guild.
Looking down, I saw a girl in high-quality clothing. I didn't recognize her, but her gaze was clearly fixed on me, indicating she definitely had business with me.
"Are you Amachi Shota-sama?"
"Yes, but... who are you?"
Her arrogant tone and the confidence oozing from her attitude. The golden-haired twin-tailed girl said with a smug look.
"I am an adventurer. Just like you."
"Hmm?"
Despite her bratty appearance with golden twin-tails, her speech and manners were surprisingly polite. Her short stature made her look much younger... a student, perhaps?
It's a weekday, so if she were a student, she should be wearing a school uniform... but she's an adventurer, so maybe she's exempt.
In principle, anyone can start working in the dungeon-related field after graduating from junior high school, regardless of gender. At that time, they can choose to work as a receptionist or researcher at the guild or become an adventurer who explores the dungeons.
Most people, however, don't start working directly but attend specialized schools to accumulate knowledge and training before finally entering the field. Especially for adventurers, the death rate is high if you go in unprepared.
Looking closely at the girl, I noticed a badge indicating her adventurer rank on her chest. The color of the badge suggests she might prioritize adventuring over studies.
The badge shining there is a D-rank, two ranks above mine. Technically, she's my senior.
Even if she's younger, I can't treat her carelessly. This clothing might look casual, but it could be high-quality armor. She's working hard despite her young age.
I also have a badge on my chest, but it's just one rank above the lowest.
I received it from Akki when she said, "You've been promoted!" while I was earning a lot of magic stones in 'The Unlucky Hole.' ...But that was quite a while ago.
I plan to update it after today's auction, but until then, my rank remains F.
If she were just a fan, it would have been fine. But that's unlikely. While I've made significant contributions like securing a large number of skill orbs, that information is still a secret within the guild and hasn't been disclosed to regular adventurers. If I were to be a topic of discussion, it would either be about being a 'Slime Hunter' or something related to Maki's exclusive contract.
...But my 'Intuition' is warning me that it's neither. The atmosphere is unsettling.
Thinking this, I used 'Eagle Eye' as my 'Intuition' commanded.
Then, I finally grasped the current situation.
...If it were just this girl, I could handle it however I wanted.
But 'Eagle Eye' detected another presence.
"..."
About two meters behind me, a woman in a maid's uniform stood there. Her presence was clearly that of a seasoned professional. If I hadn't been looking for her, I would have missed her. It's abnormal that I didn't notice her existence until I used 'Eagle Eye,' even at such a close distance.
I might be able to escape using 'Adamantine Armor,' but my 'Intuition' is telling me to stop. Using combat skills in the city is against etiquette and would inconvenience my important girls.
When did they start following me?
I was walking leisurely without noticing until the girl stopped me. I still have a lot to learn.
"Will it take long?"
"It won't take long. It depends on your response."
The girl smiled provocatively. I have no idea why this is happening, but there's no choice.
I'll just go along with it.
"Then, let me contact my exclusive. I'll be about an hour late."
"Oh, that's the right answer. Your exclusive will wait at the entrance for at least 30 minutes, like a loyal dog."
The girl chuckled.
"Are you acquainted with my exclusive?"
"Yes, very much so."
Ah... This feels like the start of a troublesome situation.
This concludes Chapter 2. Thank you for reading this far.
I plan to continue posting daily, but on the 16th and 17th, I will insert three side stories each day.
The content will be typical low-fan fare, such as bulletin board stories, but they will be set between the first and sixth days, so I will insert them accordingly. The main story will resume on the 18th.
Thank you for your continued support!
To the Readers
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