Bottom Tier 12.1

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Dispute With Another Party At The Guild (1)

Ao-chan and I were at the Adventurers' Guild, receiving quests' guidance.

"If you're E-rank adventurers, we have some quests available. What do you think?" 

The quests she had posted didn't offer many rewards, and their time efficiency wasn't great. 

Well, I guess that's to be expected for E-rank adventurers.

"Um, is there an exploration quest for the Sky Castle?"

"Yes, there is. However, it's recommended for adventurers with a Rank of C and a party Rank of D. So, Minato-sama and Aoba-sama, we can't officially recommend it on behalf of our guild."

That's right. E-rank is just a bit beyond the tutorial stage. 

The level range is around 20 to the late 30s. Even regular E-rank adventurers would get defeated if they attempted it.

"Recommended again...maybe?"

Ao-chan looked at me with a worried expression.

"Yes. Well, maybe." 

"I knew it!?"

"We'll take the Sky Castle exploration quest."

The Sky Castle is a floating castle that can be reached by traveling through a particular mountain. 

According to the lore, it can float thanks to ancient technology from thousands of years ago, and inside, you can find treasures and useful items, essentially a dungeon. 

This quest had a perfect balance when weighing risk against efficiency, and it offered substantial opportunities for leveling up.

"We'll also be able to obtain the materials to create the fairy series that Sensei is looking for."

"Is that so?"

"We can facilitate it, but it's an off-recommended quest, so our guild won't take any responsibility no matter what happens."

"All right. That's fine."

During the quest briefing, Ao-chan listened intently to the receptionist's explanations. 

As I already had most of the data about the strategy and dropped items in my head, I was simply letting it pass over me.

The Sky Castle exploration quest combines multiple quests, including three defeat quests and two item retrieval quests. 

Some people prefer to do it multiple times on the way, but let's aim to finish it all at once.

After formally accepting the quest, we left our seats.

"Hey, you two, right? The rumored couple adventurers lately."

A man who had been in the corner of the guild approached and spoke to me.

"Couple...?"

Ao-chan blushed, looking adorable. 

However, I found his choice of words irksome. 

It made us sound like a couple of YouTubers, which I didn't like.

There were others around the man who appeared to be his companions.

It seemed they were a party consisting of 4 men and 1 woman.

The man who approached me had equipment exclusive to Holy Knights, so it was a safe bet.

"We don't know if you're an adventurers couple, but do you have a moment?"

"They say a low-rank party of Thief and Curse User defeated the Arachne. That's you guys, right?"

So what I thought, Ao-chan proudly responded. 

"Well, yes."

"How about teaming up with us?"

"No, thank you."

With that, I tried to lead Ao-chan away, but one of the men blocked our path.

Judging from his agile movements and equipment, he was undoubtedly a Fighter.

"Come on now, won't you listen to the leader?"

Ao-chan gave me a quick, inquisitive glance, and I faintly shook my head.

Perhaps they perceived our hesitation, as the Holy Knight continued.

"It's not a bad offer. Your party of two is already hitting a ceiling. If we team up, each of us can shine. We can aim for greater heights together."

Aside from the Holy Knight and the Martial Artist, the party included a Hunter, White Mage, and Magic Swordsman. 

They had a good balance between offense and defense.

But without standout elements, they might struggle in higher-level areas.

"We appreciate the offer, but it's really not necessary."

"Is your girlfriend a Curse User? Can a Thief protect her? We will support and protect the party to the fullest. Be it against monsters or humans."

Since the men had been directing their attention solely at Ao-chan since the beginning, I understood their focus. 

It seemed like I was just an add-on.

"You don't need to worry. We'll protect you properly."

"Don't need your protection."

Ao-chan had a smug expression, but was this the right time for it? 

It didn't seem suitable at this moment.

"Low-rank adventurers can be so noisy. Just follow orders, and you'll be fine."

"Well, you should consider following someone stronger."

"Or not... Hey, Reg."

The Holy Knight sounded annoyed, and the Fighter nodded.

Suddenly, the Fighter in front of me used a skill.

An effect for a [Triple Strike] skill activated. 

It was a close-range consecutive physical attack skill. 

The sound resembled a series of loud explosions.

I managed to avoid all three strikes from his glowing red fists.

"Danger---!"

"This guy!"

Fighter was often considered an upgraded version of Thief. 

It had the same ultra-close range and could attack with speed rather than a single powerful blow.

"What the hell are you doing? You weakling!"

"You're annoying!"

"We don't really need the Thief. Just hurry up and finish him."

"I get it!"