Why Defeat The Devil? - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Another Cliché?

The next morning.

Xi En was already awake at the crack of dawn. He was not a morning person, but he had acquired the habit of getting up at dawn during the past ten days of his forest survival.

It was a challenge to have a good night’s sleep in the wilderness. Usually, Xi En was startled awake at the slightest movement. Sometimes, it might be a light breeze or flashes of light. Consequently, he now found himself waking up at daybreak.

Fortunately, his slumber last night was quite comfortable.

“Getting to sleep on a bed is still the best after all…”

Xi En was content.

He then got out of bed to wash up and clean himself, preparing to depart to the Adventurers Guild.

There was no such thing as a toothbrush or toothpaste in this world. The people here brushed their teeth with a kind of rusk mixed with some unknown powder. It took Xi En, who was not used to it, some effort before he managed to freshen up for the morning.

Later, he put on some clean clothes which he had purchased yesterday, grabbed his wrapped-up Sacred Sword, and proceeded to head out for his adventure.

Looking at himself wearing the alternate universe’s outfit with a long parcel strapped to his back, Xi En could not help exclaiming, “No one’s going to doubt that I’m from another world now.”

Currently, Xi En barely resembled anyone who came from an alternate universe. It was as if he had grown up in this realm and adopted its traits and customs completely.

“Ha! This isn’t too bad.”

Xi En chuckled to himself and left his room to head toward the Adventurers Guild.

…

This morning, Lamigione was as merry as it was yesterday. Although it was still early, people from all walks of life were already busy on the streets. Vendors were calling out to prospective customers, soliciting business for the day.

The Adventurers who were all geared up were among the crowd as well. Team after team, they streamed out from the Adventurers Guild as if they were ready to leave town for work.

Xi En took in the scenery as he walked to the guild with a few Adventurers who had the same destination in mind.

Not long after, the square where the Adventurers Guild was located appeared before Xi En.

Together with the other Adventurers, Xi En stepped into the guild and entered the lobby where he had been yesterday. Perhaps, it was still early. There were a number of groups which had assembled and were selecting the commissions they wanted to take on. The lobby seemed livelier today.

Weaving through the people, Xi En headed for the counter where the guild’s staff was stationed.

She appeared to be clarifying something to several Adventurers. When she saw Xi En, she immediately waved him over.

Xi En made his way to the counter.

“Sorry, I came late.”

Out of courtesy, Xi En apologized politely.

“No, you came just in time,” the staff replied with an amiable smile. She then continued, “The Adventurers group you’re assigned to has just gathered. If you don’t have any questions, you can report there now.”

“Okay.” Xi En nodded and asked, “Where are they?”

“The second floor. Please take the stairs over there.” The staff directed Xi En to a staircase. “There’ll be someone from the guild to show you the way once you’re upstairs. Just tell them to bring you to see Miss Vivian.”

“Vivian?” Xi En sounded surprised.

It was obviously a girl’s name. Was the group that he was about to join led by a girl?

Was this not another cliché arc of the hero meeting a pretty girl?

Xi En could not help muttering in his mind, not at all aware of the Adventurers currently whispering and pointing at him.

“It’s him, right?”

“Yes, that’s him.”

“Surprisingly, there’s still a male Adventurer joining Miss Vivian’s group.”

“It’s just temporary. He’ll have to leave after staying with them for a month just like all those before him.”

“More like he may stay a month if he acts decently. If not…”

“Yes, you’re right.”

Similar conversations were ongoing among the Adventurers.

Xi En was unaware of them all. He asked the staff several more questions before proceeding toward the stairs.

The second floor of the Adventurers Guild was unlike the lobby on the first floor. It was lined with rooms which were prepared for the Adventurers. Evidently, they were not for resting but a place for them to conduct their official affairs.

For example, certain quests required the clients to explain to the Adventurers in person. If there were clients who did not want their tasks to be posted on the board in the hall for public viewing, they would have to instruct the Adventurers personally. There were also missions to trade items or deliver resources which required a place to manage the transactions. Hence, the rooms which the Adventurers Guild provided on the second floor were for such purposes.

It was also rumored that bigwigs consigning secret quests and who could not be seen in public would use the rooms as well.

Sometimes, the Adventurers would use them for group meetings or to discuss important matters. The rooms would also be utilized when the guild had to make arrangements for certain affairs concerning the Adventurers.

Thus, the Adventurers group that Xi En joined had booked a room to assemble and wait for his arrival.

Xi En went upstairs and requested a staff member to assist him to locate Miss Vivian whom he was to meet. He was then brought to a room.

When Xi En mentioned that he was looking for someone named Vivian, the staff looked astonished and mumbled, “So this is him.” It puzzled Xi En. Nonetheless, the staff did not elaborate. Xi En could only follow the staff to the room.

“Miss Vivian, the newbie you mentioned is here,” said the staff after a knock on the door.

“Please come in.”

In the next instant, an unexpected gentle voice came from the room.

As the guild staff opened the door, the room came into view. It looked like a booth, not spacious but not exactly small either. It fitted its utility for short periods very well.

Nevertheless, Xi En who was standing at the door was stunned.

The occupants of the room gave him another shock.