MTLNOVEL Volume 1 Chapter 71 - Do you still need a cloak?
Kaede-chan and I left the house and got into the taxi we had called.
Using a taxi to commute is a luxury, but I don’t like trains, and I don’t have a car. I have the money to buy a car, but I’m a paper driver and lack the confidence to drive.
As we were chatting away in the taxi, we arrived at the back door of the guild. Kaede-chan got out of the taxi, bent over, and peeked inside.
“See you later, Senpai. I start at 8:30, so please come after that.”
The current time was 8:10.
“Got it. Do your best.”
“Yes, you too, Senpai.”
After watching Kaede-chan head towards the back door of the guild, I asked the driver to take me to the front entrance. Naturally, since it’s just going from the back door to the front door, we arrived almost immediately.
I paid the taxi driver and got out, then entered the guild.
As expected, there were no other adventurers in the guild lobby. It’s a concerning sight, although I did expect it since there are hardly any adventurers active from the morning or even during the day.
First, I decide to head to the changing room to change. Unsurprisingly, no one was there; I had the place to myself.
“Having an empty place like this in the city is definitely not a good sign…”
Is it really okay?
Rather than relying on my alter ego Elenora-san, I resolve to make this place popular with my own strength as Okita Hajime and start changing. I take off my clothes, put on an inner suit and jersey, then look at myself in the mirror provided in the washroom.
“A jersey, huh… If I reach A-rank wearing this, I’ll probably be known as the ‘Jersey Swordsman’…”
Not that I plan to wear armor. It’s heavy, looks hot, and seems pointless. However, I should probably reconsider the jersey.
Maybe I should wear a martial arts gi instead? But that would bring back uncomfortable memories of strict club activities…
“Ah, whatever. I’ll think about it later.”
I’ll consult Fashion Master Kaede-chan.
After changing, I pull out my smartphone and start looking up information about Fluffy Grass. Surprisingly, quite a number of sites came up.
Fluffy Grass seems to be a weed that grows in the Kuner Ruins, just as Kaede-chan said. It’s not poisonous and doesn’t appear to be dangerous. However, it looks exactly like a cat toy.
“Hmm…”
It’s 8:30 while I’m looking up Fluffy Grass, so I put away my smartphone and leave the changing room. Kaede-chan was sitting at the reception desk, so I head straight over. She was no longer in her cute casual clothes, but was now in the guild uniform, with her hair tied back in a single ponytail.
“Long time no see.”
“Yeees, long time no see.”
I go to the reception and greet her, and Kaede-chan returns the greeting with a 100% smile. Kaede-chan is definitely better like this. I don’t like the formalities when she’s Elenora-san.
“What do you think of my outfit?”
“It’s a jersey… That’s all that comes to mind. I can’t exactly say it looks cool.”
Well, even if she said it was cool, I’d think it was a lie.
“Does it look lame?”
“It looks beginner-ish, which is fine, isn’t it?”
Well, I am a beginner.
“Do you think I should continue with this? Won’t I be called the ‘Jersey Swordsman’?”
“Some high-rankers also prefer light clothing. Armor is heavy, hard to run in, and simply tiring.”
Come to think of it, Saegusa-san also wore light clothing.
“Hmm.”
“Maybe you could opt for some stylish training or sportswear?”
“Maybe I will.”
“I think a jersey is fine, though.”
Kaede-chan really isn’t interested in my fashion.
“Show a little more interest, will you?”
“You’re going to the frontier, right? I wouldn’t want you to wear a jersey when we go out together, but fashion doesn’t matter for adventuring. Prioritize functionality. I don’t want an accident to happen because you’re overly concerned with fashion.”
Fair point. That’s something an idiot would do.
“Got it. I won’t think about it too much.”
“Please do. You’re confident, and you’re actually strong, but the person waiting here is worried. So just focus on coming back safely without worrying about other things.”
I can understand that. If roles were reversed, I’d be worried if she prioritized fashion.
Alright, Nanapon, I’m talking about you.
“Okay.”
“Good. Here’s your status card and sword.”
Kaede-chan nodded and placed my status card and sword on the reception desk. I picked up my status card and looked at it.
Name: Okita Hajime
Level: 7
Job: Swordsman
Skills
≪Swordsmanship lv6≫
≪Conversational Skill lv1≫
☆≪Alchemy≫
The levels do sync up. I’m at level 7, and I have the skill for conversational ability. Except for the name, everything else is identical.
“By the way, do jobs change?”
“They can change. For example, if a mage like Nanaka-chan learns swordsmanship skills, her job might change.”
So if Nanapon has a level 2 skill in fire magic and gains a level 2 or higher skill in swordsmanship, would she become a Swordsman? Or maybe a Magic Swordsman?
“Does it matter?”
“They say it’s about aptitude. A Swordsman would find it easier to increase their swordsmanship skill, or so they say… But it’s still under investigation.”
Well, I shouldn’t worry about it. I can only use a sword, so being a Swordsman is fine.
“I see. I’m heading out now.”
I put the status card back in my bag and pick up my sword.
“Take care.”
I leave, waved off by Kaede-chan, and head for the gate. Then, I pass through it and head for the Kuner Ruins, which I haven’t visited in a while.