Seeker 262.1

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Chapter 262.1. Port Town Baren

A sea breeze, carrying the scent of the shore, blows from the emerald-colored sea below. 

Various ships, ranging from large vessels to small boats, are docked at the pier.

One can observe seafaring men engaged in cargo handling, either from ship to land or vice versa.

Barren, the port town, is a medium-sized city with a population of about two thousand.

Nestled in a settlement built on coastal cliffs, it faces the sea to the north.

We're entering the city blocks from the south gate.

The first encounter is the downhill townscape with a panoramic view of the sea beyond.

"Ah…! You can smell the sea, and it feels like the ocean."

"Well, the freshness lasts only at first. Eventually, you'll start to notice the stickiness of it all."

"Rebecca-san, you're killing the mood right away. Are you still an adventurer?"

"Hahaha, sorry, sorry. It's just that when you've been to a place before, it's different, you know."

The three, Kazane-san, Rebecca-san, and Yuzuki, share their impressions while gazing at the scenery of the port town. 

I, too, was lost in my thoughts, listening to the cries of seagulls and the sound of waves.

The mini Griffin perched on my shoulder seems to be in good spirits, chirping happily as always.

Having traversed the Earth Dragon's Nest and proceeded north through the Landram Mountains, we finally arrived at the port town of Baren. 

It took about a day and a half to depart from the capital of the Holy Kingdom.

It's now mid-afternoon, and under the blue sky, a delightful landscape unfolds. 

It's worth noting that upon reaching Baren, I received a notification about the completion of a special mission.

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Special Mission Completed: Reached the port town Baren via the Earth Dragon's Nest!

All party members gain 30,000 experience points!

Musou Daichi levels up to level 44!

Kodachi Kazane levels up to level 44!

Current Experience Points:

Musou Daichi... 81,6254/91,4112 (Next level: 97,858)

Kodachi Kazane... 83,4146/91,4112 (Next level: 79,966)

Yuzuki Hotaru... 91,0071/91,4112 (Next level: 4,041)

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After defeating the Earth Dragon and gaining experience points, Kazane-san also leveled up, aligning the three members at level 44.

 It seems like reaching the next level is becoming more challenging, with the experience required to level up approaching 100,000 points.

I expressed my concern to Rebecca-san and asked about our future plans.

"We heard it takes about an hour by boat from this port town Baren to the 'Mermaid Rock,' right?"

"But before that, you mentioned there's some 'preparation.'"

"How do we get to the underwater city in the sea?"

Yuzuki and Kazane-san supplement the information. 

Rebecca-san chuckles.

"Don't worry too much. Let's first grab a bite. I know a place with delicious seafood."

Rebecca-san seems to have visited Barren several times before. 

Following her guidance, we enter a popular eatery and enjoy a late lunch. The seafood dishes, especially the pasta with shrimp and squid, are exceptionally delicious.

Having satisfied our hunger, we move on to the next destination. 

Following Rebecca-san, we navigate through narrow alleys until we reach a modest-looking shop.

Rebecca turns around in front of the shop and smiles.

"We're getting 'swimsuits' here. Boys, you're in for a surprise."

"A surprise...? Wait, so the preparation for going to the underwater city involves buying swimsuits? I thought we were preparing for something like special items to enter the sea."

"Hehehe, well, that's not entirely wrong."

"Huh..."

I exchange glances with Wind Sound and Yumitsuki, and we all shake our heads in mutual confusion.

Rebecca, don't be so mysterious.

Ignoring our puzzlement, the client confidently steps into the shop. Still baffled, we follow her inside.

Upon seeing the interior, I can't help but doubt my eyes.

"Hey, welcome! Long time no see, Rebecca."

"Hey, Latte! It's been a while~♪"

It's a small, seemingly privately owned shop. 

The person behind the counter, presumably the owner, welcomes us warmly. 

Rebecca-san, apparently familiar with the owner, rushes to the counter. She extends her arms and exchanges a hug with a seated staff member behind it. 

The owner responds with a calm demeanor, also extending their hands to clasp with Rebecca-san's.