Fist King - Chapter 1 - Episode 19: Adventurer Beginner's Course ⑦ An Unexpected Promise

Fist King: I Will Save the Earth from Zero in Another Reincarnation, Starting from Real World

Adventurer Beginner's Course ⑦ An Unexpected Promise

After returning to the reception desk, Shimizu-san explained that showing the guild card would grant access to dungeons and fields, as well as detailing the regular bus service that goes there.

As I nodded, confirming the details, Shimizu-san said, "Finally," and handed me a stone.

Wondering what it was, I looked at the stone, and Shimizu-san explained.

"That stone is called a Return Stone. If you hold it and pour power into it, you can warp back to this guild."

"Warp…"

"It's something we always give out when you join the guild, and each one costs 1 million yen, so be careful."

"1 million…"

As I mumbled that, Shimizu-san enveloped my hand holding the stone with both of hers and looked intently at me.

(It's a little embarrassing to be stared at by Shimizu-san.)

Since Shimizu-san didn't let go of my hand, I looked at her and saw she was looking at me with concern.

"This stone is your last hope."

"Hope?"

"With this, you can definitely return here. So, make sure you always carry it."

"Yes."

"It's a promise."

Shimizu-san seemed truly worried about me.

This was the first time I'd felt such an emotion.

Shimizu-san then gave a detailed explanation of the Return Stone.

○

You can return here from anywhere using the Return Stone.

After using the Return Stone, you must pay money to exchange it for a new one.

If you use it, you must report it to where you bought the Return Stone.

Losing it will incur a 10 million yen compensation fee.

○

"That's all; do you have any questions?"

"No, not particularly."

When I told her that, Shimizu-san let out a breath and smiled at me.

"Thank you for your hard work today! I look forward to working with you again!"

"Thank you very much, too."

After thanking Shimizu-san and leaving the guild, I saw Ōta-san sitting on a nearby bench.

Ōta-san confirmed my presence, waved her hand, and approached me.

"Done with the explanation?"

"Yes, I am. Were you waiting for me?"

"Yeah, there's something I wanted to tell you…"

Wondering what it was, I looked at Ōta-san, and she suddenly bowed her head.

Not knowing what had happened, I approached Ōta-san and asked for an explanation.

"What's wrong!?"

"I'm sorry! Can you tell me your name one more time!"

"Eh?"

Since Ōta-san wouldn't lift her head at all, I moved to the bench where she had been sitting and decided to listen to her there.

Then, Ōta-san apologized and explained that she hadn't heard my name when Shimizu-san introduced me.

She didn't have to tell me this directly; she could have just asked Shimizu-san later. But Ōta-san apologized to me and asked directly.

(I can trust people who do things like this.)

To reintroduce myself, I extended my hand to Ōta-san for a handshake and stated my name.

"I'm Satou Kazuya. Nice to meet you."

"…Ōta Mao. Nice to meet you."

Ōta-san hesitated before returning my handshake.

After that, she gave me her contact information.

(This is the first time my phone has information from someone other than family.)

Feeling a little happy, I greeted Ōta-san and was about to leave when Ōta-san asked me to wait a moment.

"What is it?"

"There's someone I want to introduce you to."

"Me?"

"That's right. Are you free tomorrow?"

Given the earlier incident with the group, I was a little hesitant when Ōta-san suddenly said she wanted to introduce someone.

But I didn't think Ōta-san would introduce me to that kind of person.

I gladly agreed and decided to meet the person Ōta-san would introduce.

"Anytime is fine."

"Understood. Where's good?"

"I live near the Ward Office in the 1st District, so if possible, around there would be good."

"Understood. Then let's meet at the 1st Ward Office."

"Please do."

Ōta-san was about to leave, saying, "Alright then," so this time I called out to her because there was one thing I wanted to ask.

"Ōta-san!"

"What is it?"

"Do Shimizu-san usually call you Mao-chan?"

"Shut up…"

Hearing my words, Ōta-san, looking a little embarrassed, lightly flicked my forehead with her finger and left without answering my question.

(Guess I should head home too…)

The sun had completely set, and it was night.

As I waited on the train platform to catch the train home, my phone rang.

I answered, and it was from the Ward Office.

They said the auction for the items I picked up in Izu the other day was over, and they wanted me to come pick up the payment.

(I'm going to the Ward Office tomorrow anyway, so the timing is good.)

I replied on the phone that I would go tomorrow and ended the call.