Dragged Into Another World Because of My Otaku Friend
Chapter 101: Quest

Chapter 101: Quest

"Congratulations!"

POP!

The confetti burst in the air, courtesy of William.

He had already promised to treat us to a feast once we became official adventurers. Evelyn, Maya, Yui, and Linus clapped as we gathered around one of the tables near the wall inside the guild. A few adventurers glanced in our direction.

"Thank you, everyone," I said with a smile, brushing bits of confetti off my head.

It really felt worth it. Finally becoming an adventurer after everything we’d gone through.

"Thanks for the treat. You didn’t have to go this far. You must’ve known we’d get accepted sooner or later," Bob said casually.

Said the guy who almost got us kicked out of the guild before we even became members.

"It’s alright," William chuckled. "I already promised to treat you. Now please, enjoy. Linus, you too, don’t hold back."

We began eating the food in front of us. Roasted chicken, hot soup, fried rice, and fizzy soda water. We hadn’t eaten breakfast, so we were absolutely starving.

"Bob, I’m really sorry, but I think we’ll need to reschedule our date this evening," Yui said, her voice gentle.

"Why, Yui-chan?" Bob asked, visibly disappointed.

I kept eating but tuned in, my ears sharp to catch the rest of their conversation.

"Guildmaster suddenly called for a meeting tomorrow regarding the upcoming tournament, so we need to prepare," Yui explained.

"Can’t you make an excuse?" Bob asked.

"I can’t, we’re already short on staff. Sorry, Bob."

"Hmmm... it’s okay. We’ll postpone it to next time, okay, Yui-chan?"

"Okayyy~"

What a lovely relationship they have. I’m a little jealous that Bob already has a girlfriend. I’ve always dreamed of having one too. But... I don’t think anyone would like someone like me.

I sighed.

"Are you alright, Alan?" Maya asked.

"Oh, it’s nothing," I replied, giving her an awkward smile. "After this, what are you guys planning to do?"

"I’m joining Selene’s group for a quest today," Maya said.

"I’m joining Maya too," Evelyn chimed in cheerfully. "I want to train hard and enter the tournament this year!"

"The miners asked me to help check out a new mine they discovered," William added.

"Miners?" Bob raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. In his mind, mines always meant money.

"Yes. The miners are contracted by the city to work within the city’s territory. They keep a portion of the profit, but most of it goes to the city," William explained.

"How about you guys? What do you plan to do after this?" Maya asked.

"We’ll probably do a quest. Linus already picked one," I said.

"You should. Clearing quests will earn you points, and that determines whether you’re eligible for the tournament."

"Don’t worry. I have no plans to join anyway," I replied flatly. There’s no way I’d enter some event where people fight each other just for the entertainment of the masses.

Maya, Evelyn, and William exchanged glances before returning to their meals.

After around 30 minutes, Yui went back to her station, and the trio had already left.

Only Bob, Linus, and I remained.

"Let’s head out too," Linus said. He looked really happy now that we were finally joining his quest.

"What kind of quest did you take, anyway?" I asked.

He handed me the quest paper. It was made from brown tree bark. On it was an illustration of a bird, looked like a vulture or condor. Below the image, it simply read: "Collect Red Condor eggs! I will pay handsomely."

That’s it. No details at all about the Red Condor.

Bob also peeked at the paper. "Ermm... bird eggs. Must be delicious."

Looks like if food is involved in a quest, Bob is more than willing to join.

"Don’t you think we need more info about this quest? At least something about this condor bird," I said. It’s not wrong to be overprepared.

"I already asked the man who commissioned the quest. He’s a chef from one of the restaurants in this city," Linus explained. "He said the condors are passive creatures. We just need to take the eggs when the parents are away."

It sounded very easy. But somehow, I had an uncomfortable feeling about this.

"If everyone agrees, then I’ll register the quest," Linus said as he walked toward the counter, where a woman wearing a tiger-patterned headband was working.

Bob and I walked over to the door, waiting for Linus.

The staff member looked at the quest paper Linus brought. She stared at it for a long moment.

"Is anything wrong?" Linus asked.

"Oh, nothing. Just... this quest, it was only commissioned yesterday. And to think someone would actually be brave enough to take a condor’s egg..." she said, sounding a bit surprised.

"It’s fine. We have our own way of handling it. And I want to help that chef too," Linus said quickly. "Could you please register it now? We need to go."

The staff nodded and registered the quest. "All the best. Please be safe."

Linus nodded and then joined me and Bob as we stepped out of the guild hall.

"Elsa, come here for a bit," the staff called out.

"Yes, Mary? What can I help you with?"

"Do you know who commissioned that quest? That chef?"

"Hmm..." Elsa tried to recall. "Actually, that quest came through by letter post. I don’t really know the details. Why?"

"Nothing. Maybe it’s just a feeling. Thank you, Elsa," Mary said with a smile.

They both returned to their duties, but something about Mary’s expression lingered, a faint unease she couldn’t quite shake.

---

We are now in the field, near the mountain rocks. It’s about an hour from the city.

Looking up, I can see small birds flying, floating in the air, dozens of them. And of course, the ground below is littered with their poop, forcing me to tiptoe as I walk.

"Is this the place?" Bob asked.

He and I are walking in front, while Linus follows behind, scanning the area for the Red Condor nest.

As Linus walks, he glances toward me and Bob.

They were really strong back in Lily Town, able to wipe out hundreds of monsters. But it looked like they were using some kind of power-enhancing skill. I want to see what their true limit is without that skill. I’m really sorry, Alan and Bob, for lying to you. But all of this... is to save my hometown, he thought.

From his robe pocket, he pulled out a brown-colored paper,completely blank and let it fall to the wind.