Chapter 087: The Gathered People

At this time, there were over a dozen or so people scattered around this corner of the field.

Of those dozen or so, one group were knights, while the others were adventurers. One side wore uniform armors and swords, while the other side were equipped all kinds of things in a mixed and matched style. It was very obvious just from a look.

They were gathered around several carriages. At the center of those carriages, one carriage was a cage like carriage equipped with iron bars. It was obvious from just looking that that was the carriage that was prepared for the prisoner transport.

When Shien arrived, Vivians party has also already assembled. Aside from Vivian, who was talking to another partys leader and several knights, Diere was coldly leaning on a carriage while crossing her arms. Lumia and Melika were quietly chatting next to Diere. The two of them seemed very cautious.

That was because the adventurers and knights there would nearly all end up glancing over toward them every so often. Even the patrolling knights and soldiers around would peak at them occasionally, so they were probably quite nervous, right?

After all, this is a bunch of men who spend the entirety of their days sweating under the sun as they trained and worked. If we suddenly tossed a bunch of sweat looking girls into their midst, if the atmosphere was a bit less wholesome, it might end up a scene found in doujins within moments.

Shien couldnt help but mutter a bit to himself before moving forward and joining them.

Of course, Shien wasnt joining those aforementioned men, but rather the gathered adventuring parties and knights. This instantly drew the attentions of a number of people.

Youre here huh?

Vivian who was talking with other people noticed Shien and showed him a smile.

It wasnt just Vivian. Diere, Lumia, and Melika all reacted to Shiens arrival. Although one just raised her head and looked toward him, and the other two hesitated as if they didnt know if they should come closer, it was already enough to tell everyone else that Shien was being treated differently from the other people around them.

Sorry, was I late?

Shien came before Vivian and apologized as he scratched his head.

No, youre actually still early. Right now, only one other party besides ours has arrived. Theres still one party who hasnt reported in yet. The knights are also still preparing on their side.

Vivian gently explained to Shien. That warm and approachable attitude made all the men around her feel as if they were being healed, and they all once more glanced over with an admiring gaze.

Naturally though, Shien who received Vivians gentle smile instead ended up taking everyones clear killing intent.

If it was before, Shien would end up shooting back a comment or two, but he had already gotten used to this kind of situation, so he didnt care to react anymore.

In such a situation, Vivian moved slightly over and revealed the figure of the adventurer she was just talking to.

Allow me to introduce you. Vivian spoke to Shien, This is the leader of one of the other parties that will be taking this escort quest along with us today, Alrith.

Vivian pointed to a middle aged man in his 40s who, much like herself, was wearing a heavy full plate along with a sword at his waist. He just didnt have a shield.

Youre the newbie whose news have been going around the guild right? Alrith showed Shien a refreshing smile like a sunny adult, I didnt think that youd be coming too. I though that given how overprotective Vivian is, she wouldnt have brought you along on this dangerous and important quest.

It wasnt just Alrith who thought that. The rest of the people also thought the same, right?

At the very least, a distance from them, the adventurers who seemed to be from Alriths party were quite stunned after they saw Shien. They even started chattering among themselves in surprise. It was obvious what they were discussing.

Shien didnt particularly think much of it.

This time its my own request. Shien spoke humbly, After all, its just a rare important quest. Even if I were to be fortunate enough to pass the probation and become a true adventurer, given my levels, who knows how long it might be before I can encounter a quest like this again. Thus, given such a rare opportunity, I kind of used Vivians gentleness to have her bring me along to get some experience and broaden my horizons.

That was an excuse that Shien had long since thought of.

The reason is simple. For a high leveled quest like this, it was obvious that if someone too low leveled were to join in, they would not only be unable to help, but rather, theyd probably just end up dragging other people down.

Shien didnt really want to do something like counterattacking using feigned weaknesses, but nor did he care to shout to the world just how overpowered he was. Given that, there would likely be many people who would be suspicious of his inclusion.

In that case, Shien felt that it would be better to take all the responsibilities for this onto himself. Otherwise, it would be one thing if people questioned him, but if they ended up questioning Vivians judgment, that would be whats really troublesome.

It was quite obvious just thinking about it. For a party leader who was getting ready to undertake an important quest, if Vivian were to bring along a complete noob in that situation, Shien could think of a bunch of resulting scenarios just off the top of his head. For example, people looking down on Vivian, or being dissatisfied with Vivians actions and having a lowered opinion of her capabilities as a party leader.

When that happens, Shien was completely confident that he would instantly send all those guys flying. Theres no way that hed do the old clich of hiding his abilities and only showing off to flip their worldviews later on.

Thus, no matter what, its best to first take on all the blame.

Hmm, he had gotten quite experienced in tossing the blame, so now he could even drop it onto himself. Could this be the highest level of that particular skill?

As Shien was thinking nonsense, Alrith started laughing out loud.

So thats how it is. Broaden your horizons huh? Alrith slapped Shiens shoulder and spoke familiarly, This is indeed a good chance. However, I personally dont believe that the one everyones calling a devil would be just coming along to broaden his horizons. Never mind the fact that theres no way that the Vivian I know would just randomly bring along a newbie to take on such a dangerous quest. You wouldnt happen to have some powerful hidden cards up your sleeves would you?

With that, Shien raised his respect for Alrith up a few notches.

(As expected of the leader of a high leveled adventuring party. He looks like hes just friendly, but his mind is quite sharp.)

Shien thought so.

Alright Alrith, stop bullying Shien already. Vivian pushed off the hand Alrith had set on Shien and spoke with an annoyed air, Shien might be a newbiew right now, but his potential is limitless. Even Leili didnt object to him joining this quest. So you should be helping him out with what you can as his senior rather than acting so careless.

It looks like Vivian and Alrith actually had a pretty good relationship. Their conversation were pretty lacking in formalities.

Wow, so strict. Alrith gave a laugh at that and spoke, Mah, since its a junior with great potential, of course I will also be doing what I can. Well then, allow me to look forward to your development in the future.

Thank you. Shien showed his appreciations.

Of course, at this time, an unpleasant voice interjected.

Only level 10 at 20 years old, and he hasnt learned any skills. Can a newbie like that really still be called one with limitless potential?