Reincarnated in the game world ~ A gamer's beginning to [Dungeon job hunting recommendation]-Chapter 635Vol. 11 - - Strange, why is Yuri-senpai and Dean mediating Challenge?

At the end, Kasanda-senpai suggested we discuss the situation at their guild house, however since we're fast approaching curfew, we decided on the next afternoon, after classes.

At the same time, Kasanda-senpai also had received a message from someone, seemingly urging him to get on immediately. I didn’t know what it was, but he looked pale, like someone who had seen a ghost.

And then, the following day—

...Let me begin with this first—no, I had no, not even by light years of distance, inkling why the situation was as it is right now.

Let's take it from the start. In the guild house of «Temple Saber», we were sitting behind round-table. You know, the kind you would see during a conference meeting.

It was attended by me, Sierra, and Celestine as representatives of «Eden». Across us, there was Renandol-senpai, the guildmaster of «Temple Saber» , their sub-guildmaster Tabase-senpai, and Kasanda-senpai. For some reason, Renandol-senpai and Kasanda-senpai's expressions appeared extremely ill.

This was well within the expectation, right? But, there were more than two parties currently beside us. On my right, which was at the extreme end from the entrance, some familiar faces—Yuri-senpai, and Dean were there. Just why?

But that wasn't the end. On my left, closest to the entrance, there was Dias-senpai, the guildmaster of «White Saber», and his sub-guildmaster Ningron-senpai.

This was the overall structure of our today's meeting that we're supposed to have with «Temple Saber» in their guild house.

Frankly, there was just no simple way to describe the vibe of this meeting.

Once everyone was in their seats, Yuri-senpai rose to his feet.

"Now then, I would like to proceed with the ammendment pertaining to the «Duel» between «Eden» and «Temple Saber». The proceeding will be coordinated by me in my capacity as «King Absolute»'s guildmaster, and Dean. Rest assured, everything will be judged fairly."

The expression of boys from «Temple Saber» took a turn for the worse when they heard him...

Just how did a simple meeting between two guilds suddenly blow up to require two top guns? Let's backtrack on my memory lane.

So... it all began when I dropped the Letter of Challenge in the Dean's office. ...Sure enough, I did guess that's where I dropped it. Anyway, it was picked by Yuri-senpai, who then turned it to Dean.

The envelope had no name or address for the recipient, so they decided to just open it—or not, just kidding. They were both people of caliber with etiquette. So, instead, Dean apparently came to visit «Temple Saber» to ascertain things.

Hmm? What did he want to confirm? Duh, obviously, he wanted to confirm if the challenge was meant for him, or Yuri-senpai—... Alright, that was also a joke.

Ahem. It appeared Dean was quite concerned about the sudden downward spiral of the former A-rank guild, and on that pretext, he made his visit with no prior contact. When the top-gun of the academy suddenly came to visit them, it's obvious «Temple Saber» would be at their edge.

But, what nailed the apprehension in them was when even Yuri-senpai, who was supposed to be busy in his exploration of Advanced Dungeon, showed up. They might not have done anything wrong, however the sudden situation must have made them appear like they're some wanted criminal.

It wasn't a completely unexpected outcome. After all, the «White Throne» that «Temple Saber» had wanted was currently in possession of Yuri-senpai's little sister, Lana. Like rats in the bag, they're scared silly by the unannounced situation.

The rest required no explanation. They're unable to hide the reason behind their unprecedented downfall—from A-rank to C-rank—and the gnawing trouble that had currently plagued them. Everything about them was out in the open.

The Dean certainly didn't look at their handling of the situation favourably, and received quite a negative evaluation from the academy.

To think the Letter of Challenge they'd pinned their entire hopes on would come back to become the albatross of their neck... truly, it was like a casualty meeting its effect.

Alas, it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't dropped the Letter of Challenge. I felt a bit responsible for their current predicament. That said, I had wanted to avoid incurring their grudge, so I asked them to wait for a while for my answer.

Then, one thing led to another, and after some discussion, that I was omitting since it would be winded, «Eden» agreed to accept the «Duel» from «Temple Saber», just as they'd wanted. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

I, too, had some vested interest in it as well. Just like Rina had handled «Best of the Best, the Great Star» in the guild battle, once we won in this «Duel», «Temple Saber» would no longer have anything to complain about. Besides, it would appear like we're only acting on a challenge, and that would also save their face.

I just thought, to clear myself from the mess, it would be far easier and quicker to go through «Duel» and score a clean victory.

And that's how, we're currently having the meeting to adjust terms and conditions of the «Duel».

On that note, it appears Yuri-senpai had taken my advice quite seriously, and now, his guild is preparing to challenge the «Rank 1» dungeon «Inverted Forest after the Storm». So, in hindsight, he had quite a spare time in hand.

He expressed his gratitude when we shook hands earlier. And it turned out, he was today's notary to repay the favour, even if it's just a bit.

"For the icebreaker, let's begin by setting the ground rules. We must make sure no rule is violated, and since we have both guilds acknowledgement, hopefully there's no lingering dissatisfaction."

"Indeed. While on paper, the Duel is between a D-rank guild and C-rank guild, it's also a fact that one of them is a former A-rank guild. There's bound to be some disparity. This typically calls for an inspection from the instructor, but since «Eden» has agreed, we will skip this part in my jurisdiction."

The rules that Yuri-senpai spoke were typical; a guild could only challenge other guilds that are within margin of one rank to theirs. Albeit, when this revolves around a former high-ranking guild, and newcomer guild, academy's approval must be met. It's to prevent the exploitation of low-ranking guilds by stronger guilds, which had taken precedence in the past.

"And now, the most important thing—What will be at the wager? It's to make sure each party is paying a fair price. Let's begin with «Temple Saber»."

"...Then, excuse me."

When the baton was passed on to «Temple Saber», the response came from the hugely muscular built guy, donning a knight armor—Renandol-senpai.

"We seek the «White Throne», and nothing else."

Renandol-senpai replied, though in contrast to his mighty physique, his voice was quiet... feeble, devoid of enthusiasm.

"Guild «Eden», do you agree to wager «White Throne»?"

Yuri-senpai turned the needle in our direction. A change from his friendly expression that I knew, there was a dignified countenance attached to his face now. Just a glance, and you would know he was a person of noble origin.

Now, there was only one option I had here, and that was yes, and yes. We would have to go over everything again otherwise. ...That should be how it was supposed to be, but... I couldn't help but feel as if he was expecting me to answer differently. And there was no hint of friendliness in that gaze, must I add.

Hmm, it's not like I had no guess.

And to explain this, I would have to sidetrack a bit. Right, so there were two problems that bagged down on «White Throne» before we put it as a wager.

First, we must take permission from its current owner—Lana. Frankly, this was also the blunder of «Temple Saber». They'd not taken her permission, who also just happened to be the little sister of Yuri-senpai. All hell will break loose if we don't do it.

*Ahem,* but of course, there's never a chance I would fumble, and since I already had one day to answer «Temple Saber» for their challenge, I had laid my groundwork.

"Well, first of all, Lana's permission is already on this."

"T-This is...?!"

As soon as I brought that—Lana's letter out, Yuri-senpai's hardened expression vanished like a mist.

I truly didn't expect you would be that surprised, Senpai. Alas, it didn't have what you hoped for. It had Lana's permission written on it.

—«You've some nerves to think you can take «White Throne» from me! I will make you pay heavily for it!»

And that was the general gist written on it. It's clear she didn't even think we would ever lose. Just to be expected, eh?

Anyway, this was the first problem resolved. But, the second one was just as important to deal with it.

"Also, as a matter of fact, «White Throne» is still the asset of «Beast King Galtiger». We've yet to officially acquire it."

"Hmm? Would you care to expand on it, Zephyr-kun."

At the urging of Dean, I explained our negotiation with «Beast King Galtiger», and how we could have ownership of «White Throne» officially after we deliver them certain equipment. But, until then, we have been borrowing it with a rental fee.

"And this is the gist. This is the last obstacle we have to clear before we can wager «White Throne»."

"Hmm, that's indeed so. There's no meaning to this Duel without it."

"N-no way..."

Kasanda-senpai's dejected voice erupted in response to Yuri-senpai's remark. But hold on, Senpai. It's not yet time to be dejected. Rest assured, for I have come prepared.

"Now, there. We just have to deliver what «Beastking Galtiger» wants, and we will all be good to go."

"Heh, so you have a plan to solve this situation, Zephyr-kun?"

Yuri-senpai hurled his expectant gaze in my direction.

"If you may, Dean."

"Hmm. What is it, Zephyr-kun?"

"I would like to ask that favour now, if possible."

"Oh?"

In the end, this was the solution I came up with. To extend my lectures to the second term, I decided to cash out the favour by asking for the equipment—«Iron Sword of Headnoist Beast» that «Beastking Galtiger» wanted.

"«Iron Sword of Headnoist Beast»? I think the academy does have it."

"Ooh!"

Kasanda-senpai exclaimed in excitement when he heard so.

"Then—"

"However, «Iron Sword of Headnoist Beast» is quite an expensive item. And even counting as a reward for you to continue lectures, its value far surpasses to just hand it over."

Of course, it would be so. I think the price might as well be in the range of tens to hundreds of times what lecturers were paid. And with attention drawn to the matter, they couldn't just sneak it out without a proper price.

But, I was expecting it.

"How about we buy it off... with some discount?"

"Heh."

If they couldn't just hand it over, then we just have to pay for it. After all, there's nothing more expensive than free stuff in this world? This might as well be much cheaper for us. If you could solve your problem with cash, then why bother with anything else. And we would have complete ownership of the «White Throne»!

"Hmm, since I already have asked for your favour, I will put it up for sale under my authorisation. Nevertheless, even with a discount, you would have to pay that much."

"Woah, so high!"

"Of course it would be. It's one of the best among advanced equipment, and has extremely strong ability."

The price Dean put out was astonishingly ten times more expensive than what I remembered in the game. Though he was right in one thing, that was powerful equipment.

Wait, I forgot that aspect, but advanced equipment was indeed much more expensive in this world, wasn't it? ...No, wait a minute, then, this is the price after the discount??

Damn you, Beast Prince. It's no wonder he's putting «White Throne» in exchange. Man, the price truly blew me out of the water.

"So, what would you do?"

"We will buy it."

What option did we have? There's no Duel without it.

"Heh, alright then. I will—"

"Ah, I am sorry, but spare me some time. I would like to postpone the purchase until the day of Duel. You know, it's kinda pricey, so I want to try our luck and see if we can find it ourselves."

We need it, and there's no second opinion on it. However, I wanted to hold on for an immediate purchase. It would be much better if we could deal with it by our own ability. Dean was my last resort just in case.

"Hou? Hahaha. I see, hold on, eh. Alright. You do not have much time, so give your best."

"Thank you!"

Phew. We had to go through many twists and turns, but finally, we would officially have ownership of «White Throne.» Now, whether our luck shines and we score it from the treasure chest, or we bought it from Dean, it is to be seen.

With that, there were no more obstacles. We did have another problem at hand now, but... alright, I should meet Nico later.

"It's alright. And so, it's settled on what «Temple Saber» wants. Now, what does «Eden» want?"

...At last, it was our turn to demand. So, how should we go through it? I slide my gaze at Sierra. She was giving me a silent stare. Uh-oh, she didn't have that stern glare. Scary...

Fine, I know. I had accepted Duel so It's my call.

Honestly, I was quite embarrassed to utter it. Alas, I need to take that step however. Alright, you can do it, me! I pepped myself, and made my demand.

"«Eden» wants Tabase-senpai. We want Tabase-senpai, down with every single piece of equipment she has from «Temple Saber», to transfer to our guild!"

*Rattle!!*

I had just made my request when I heard a ratting sound coming from Tabase-senpai's chair, who was sitting across from me, just on the right.

......I think I might have been a teensy bit more excited when I realised my wording. And look—not that I had wanted to—I could already feel Sierra's gaze boring into me.

On the other hand, Tabase-senpai arose from her chair, seemingly to fix her posture, and then sat back down, closing her eyes in silence. However, her cheeks were dyed in vermilion hue. Her neighbour, Kasanda-senpai was looking at her with a trembling jaw.

I had to say it, alright? One of the absolute rules in the «Duel» was that once you'd lost your wager in it, you couldn't take it back even by negotiating with the opponent.

It applied to everything, and everyone. The loser would've no right to complain when they lost their talent. Well, the person on stake, if they themselves didn't like their new place, could return to the same guild, or leave for another. But if they don't. then the fate was sealed.

Tabase-senpai was talented, and had an advanced job. We definitely would like her in our guild. «Adanced Job Ascension Ticket» was a commodity that fetched an incredible, eye-popping price. Just the last time one was put on sale, it had sold for 10 billion mir.

With Senpai already having advanced jobs, that meant one less ticket was required. Beside, the equipment she wore also came out from the advanced equipment series. In comparison with advanced weapons, I believe this should be on par.

"Hmm, that's fine, but it still doesn't match the value of the item you're putting out. No, you should ask for more. «Temple Saber», bring out a catalogue of the items you can put out for «Duel»."

However, Yuri-senpai suggested raising our demand.