Vol. 12 - Chapter 682 - What Muscles Dream of, and the Condition.
Vol. 12 - Chapter 682 - What Muscles Dream of, and the Condition.
Since the other side initiated the introduction, It was time for me to follow the suit.
".....Zephyr, the guildmaster of C-rank guild «Eden»."
"I'm Celestine, the guildmaster of the subordinate guild «Arc-Arcadia». It's a pleasure to know you."
"And, thank you very much for accepting the sudden appointment... err, Muscle-senpai."
"Hahaha, you said it. I also had been thinking of talking with you and Celestine once."
Randa—I mean, Muscle-senpai burst out into hearty laughter. It appeared Celestine was right, and there was some more business.
"Ah, wait. But before we start with my stuff, let's see through your request first. Hey, you three toned muscles, fetch me that."
Muscle-senpai slapped his hand against biceps to draw attention, and instructed his guild members.
...I know it wasn't my place, but was there any meaning in clapping the biceps instead of palms? Well, the bicep muscles did make a more crisp sound, and... was that also how they refer to everyone here?
Immediately, the two named (?) guildmembers left the room, and returned a minute later.
"Thank you for your patience! Here's the requested item!"
"T-thanks."
Muscle-senpai remarked, but my attention was stolen by his backdrop. It was truly an astounding sight.
The two guild members had their sleeves rolled up, and a bandana tied to their forehead, almost as if they're out for a festival or something. What further deepened the impression was they're shouldering a construct resembling Palanquin. And topping all that was 'heave-ho, heave-ho' chant. It was like a festive convoy.
They approached in our direction, and respectfully lowered it. From it, they pulled out a golden box and placed it on the table laid between us and Muscle-senpai.
With their purpose fulfilled, the two guild members once again carried the palanquin—now nothing more than a stretcher—and walked out of the room with the 'heave-ho, heave-ho' chant once more.
"............"
The spectacle was so overwhelming I was petrified on the spot. My eyes crossed with the two guildmaster when they're lowering the palanquin. The other side had a broad smile on their face as they flashed a toothy grin.
"What in the world was that just now?"
It wasn't until the 'heave-ho, heave-ho' chant had completely ceased did my mind finally reboot, and pressed forward with this doubt the first thing.
"Impressive, Isn't it? This is how we deepen the coordination between our muscles."
Coordination between muscles? What the heck was this guild, and why was it riddled with things I never knew existed?!
"Zephyr-sama, we should focus on why we're here."
"......You're right."
Thankfully, I managed to hold myself due to my reassuring partner Celestine.
I borrowed the support of ever level-headed butler, and proceeded with the discussion.
"I supposed this is it, eh?"
"Indeed. You should open it and check out for yourself."
The box shone in golden splendor, reflecting a vibrant pattern of light.
At the words of Muscle-senpai, I opened the box gingerly, and it was there, the plushie we'd been searching for. ...Just to myself, I thought I would instead find that mysterious protein inside it.
Alright, the last I knew, the plushie was put on auction for 100 million Mir. It was a high-grade item drop from a rare boss after all. The rarity must've been why they stored it so securely. To be honest, I was glad they'd not used it as decoration or a hugging pillow like how it goes in our guild.
The fact that they'd even thought of securing it so politely was stunning to me. Just my inward thoughts, of course.
"This is certainly the «Plushie of Devil and Angel»."
Through the use of a monocle with «Appraisel» skill, Celestine confirmed the authenticity of the plushie.
Well then, it was time for price negotiation. I left it at Celestine's discreetment.
"So, the price—"
"Yes, so you see, this is where my request comes in."
Celestine proceeded with the negotiation however he was interrupted by Muscle-senpai. The latter folded his arms, and surpassed Celestine's voice.
Now, what it might be? We stopped to listen to where the story was going.
"If you are willing to accept the condition, you do not have to pay."
"Oh?"
...He didn't want the 100 million Mir at minimum price? If so, whatever the condition was, it must be worth that money, or perhaps even more. Well, they do say, there's nothing more expensive in the world than free lunch. So I wasn’t particularly thrilled with the offer.
However, it wouldn't be good to refuse without hearing the condition, so I urged him to continue.
"It's a bit of a long story, but to sort it out, we're currently going through the internal reformation of our guild."
"Reformation?"
"It's about what you had proposed, and is currently in the middle of implementation—«Job Transfer System».To tell you the truth, almost our entire guild is a part of it."
...I couldn't pinpoint, but I suddenly had a foreboding sensation. And soon, my hunch proved to be right.
"You see, our guild never had the genuine muscles in our guild no matter what. But I can tell. Our time has come! It's at last our sign to walk together with our brothers who share the same cause, and reach out for the one true «Brawny Warrior» guild!"
*Boom-Boom-Boom*
I swear I imagined the booming BGM playing out as Muscle-senpai shouted while rising to his feet.
No, wait. He wasn't alone. The other three machos appeared behind Muscle-senpai and flashed their coordinated poses.
Crazy, I tell you. But that said, was he sane?!
"As I said, we barely have any members with «Brawny Warrior» jobs in our guild. But when the system was announced, we managed to secure our spots for it. And, don't be surprised, but our entire guild has cleared the conditions for «Brawny Warriors»! Now that we're finally at the juncture, we just have to take the step!"
...I was speechless. Seriously, there were so many things I wanted to retort at!
I mean, what do you mean you're accepted?! The transfer system was supposed to be for 'students who are going to acquire a high-ranking job,' but the «Brawny Warrior» was a mere mid-ranking job. How the hell did they get clearance!?
In the name of goodness, this world seriously had a skewed optimistic perspective for the «Brawny Warrior»!!
Let's not talk about it. But what did he mean the whole B-rank guild was going for the «Brawny Warrior» job!? Did some monster seriously hit the senpai on his head?! I mean, yeah, I could see how they cleared the condition since the very first condition was «Must be a Muscular Person», but still!
"We really ought to thank you for that, Zephyr. You allowed us to achieve our dreams."
"Huh? W-wait. What do you mean?"
How the hell was I supposed to respond? C'mon Celestine, help me out!
I cued Celestine with my eyes, but the latter simply kept a smile on his face, his expression read 'please hang in there.' Damn it.
"I had thought of just handing it to you as it is to show our gratitude. Unfortunately, the item's value made it impossible. It would be a loss of guild's effort if we just put that out for no price, hence I hope to make a request instead."
O-oh no. I, I wonder if the other students even know the machos's guild was seriously transforming into the bonafide machos guild!? Did you know about it, Yumiki-senpai?
"And what's the request?"
"Your class has the members of «Machos» only guild, right? A guild only made up of «Brawny Warrior»... impressive, if you as me."
"Y-yes."
I-Impressive, he says...... I unwittingly found myself glancing at Celestine at the remark.
"I saw their performance during inter-class competition. And I must say, they've all the qualities to be amazing. In particular, I really hope to make Alan-kun my successor. And given the opportunity, invite the entire «Machos» into our guild. Unfortunately, we tried to persuade them over and again, but they turned it down every single time. So, I was hoping if there's any way you can convince them somehow? You can have the plushie if you wish at no cost."
...It turned out «All Hail Muscle» wanted to absorb the «Machos» into their guild, and the request was that I could somehow convince them.
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