I cannot read this script—Narberal cannot either... I should have anticipated the language barrier. Itachi thinks to himself, standing before the job board with practiced composure. His fingers tap thoughtfully against the side of his face as he examines contract after contract, the foreign lettering appearing as incomprehensible symbols. A man approaches tears away a contract, and walks toward the attendant. Itachi's dark eyes focus on a particular posting.
"This one appears significant," he murmurs, taking the contract and walking gracefully toward the front desk. The guild attendant stands with her hands folded, maintaining a professional demeanor in her fine green dress. Interesting—facial markings beneath the right eye seem commonplace here, he observes as he approaches, recalling the muscular red-haired woman from earlier.
Placing the document before her with deliberate precision, he says calmly, "I wish to accept this assignment."
She glances down, reads briefly, then looks up. Her gaze catches his copper adventurer's plate, and she offers a practiced smile. "I apologize, sir, but this request requires Mithril-ranked adventurers only." She slides the contract back toward him.
"I am aware of the requirements," Itachi replies evenly, his voice carrying quiet confidence as he returns the paper.
Foolish woman, Sephiroth's voice resonates in his mind with disdain.
The receptionist blinks, clearly confused. "Sir?"
"Which is precisely why I am requesting it," he states with the faintest trace of amusement.
"Sir, you must understand—should you fail, innocent lives will be lost." She emphasizes the gravity of the situation. Itachi's expression remains unchanged, though his eyes seem to darken slightly.
"You will find that my companion and I possess capabilities that transcend your ranking system. She is a Third-tier Magic Caster." He gestures subtly toward Nabe. Those within earshot turn in surprise.
"Third Tier! At such a young age?" someone whispers in amazement.
"Impossible!"
"As for myself—while I am not a spellcaster, I have... other skills that compensate adequately. Your plate system is unfamiliar to us. Where we originate, assignments are given based on ability, not arbitrary rankings." His voice carries absolute certainty without arrogance.
Despite her surprise, the attendant maintains her position. "I sincerely apologize, sir, but I cannot authorize this request." Her tone carries finality. Itachi inclines his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"I understand. Then please provide us with the most challenging assignment available within our current classification." His request is spoken with calm authority.
The attendant's expression softens. "Of course, sir." She turns toward the filing system.
A minor setback, nothing more. However, I should prioritize learning this world's written language... As he waits patiently, a small group approaches. A young man with dirty blonde hair steps forward.
"Excuse me, sir. Would you be interested in collaborating on our assignment?"
Itachi turns, his gaze measuring. "Explain."
"Perhaps we could discuss this privately?" the young man suggests. Itachi considers briefly, then nods. He addresses the receptionist.
"I will return shortly." His words are polite but final as he follows the group to a private meeting room.
"Allow me to introduce our team—we are the Swords of Darkness! I am Peter Mauk, our leader." The young man appears earnest, wearing modest but practical armor. His equipment suggests competence without ostentation.
"Our scout and archer, Lukrut Volve." Peter indicates another blonde man.
"Pleasure to meet you both," Lukrut says, his attention immediately drawn to Nabe with obvious interest.
"Our healer and nature specialist, Dyne Woodwonder." The large, bearded man projects warmth and experience.
"An honor," Dyne says with genuine warmth.
"And our strategist and spellcaster, Ninya." Peter gestures to the final member. Itachi's perceptive gaze immediately recognizes what the others have missed—the individual's true nature despite their masculine presentation.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Ninya says, clearly frustrated by Peter's diminutive reference.
"Your companion possesses a talent, I presume?" Itachi inquires, his tone neutral but interested.
Talent holders... an intriguing concept. The ability to accelerate learning in specific areas. Not unlike certain bloodline abilities, though more common here.
"Four years of magical study compared to the typical eight," Peter confirms proudly.
"Remarkable efficiency," Itachi acknowledges with a slight nod. The young person's humility reminds him of students he once knew.
"There is another in the city more accomplished than myself," Ninya deflects modestly.
"Ah, Bareare!" Lukrut exclaims.
The name carries significance here, Itachi notes mentally.
"I am Itachi, and this is Nabe. What abilities does this Bareare possess?"
"If you're unfamiliar with him, you must truly be from distant lands," Peter observes.
"Indeed we are," Itachi confirms without elaboration.
"Nfirea Bareare can utilize any magical item regardless of its requirements or restrictions," Peter explains.
Such power could prove... problematic in the wrong hands. This individual warrants observation.
"Our current objective involves eliminating monsters in the vicinity," Peter continues, settling into his chair.
"A hunting contract?" Itachi inquires.
"Unofficial, but profitable. The materials can be sold, and the city sometimes offers rewards for dangerous creatures," Peter explains somewhat sheepishly.
Resource gathering through combat. Logical, though hardly noble work.
"Survival necessitates such measures in our profession," Lukrut adds pragmatically.
Itachi rises smoothly. "I do not derive pleasure from taking life, but when circumstances demand it, I will not hesitate." His words carry weight beyond his years.
"Well said! That sounds profound!" Lukrut responds enthusiastically.
Peter stands and extends his hand. "What say you, Itachi? Will you join us?"
"Very well." Itachi clasps the offered hand firmly. "Though I prefer to know those I work alongside." He removes his headband partially, revealing more of his face. "Let us proceed."
As they prepare to depart, Itachi begins considering necessary preparations. His current form, while capable, could benefit from certain... enhancements. The forging techniques of this world might prove useful for creating specialized equipment.
I should establish a workshop. Even in this primitive world, proper tools have their place.
"Excuse me," a voice interrupts his thoughts. The receptionist approaches with a professional smile.
"Yes?"
"Someone has specifically requested your services," she informs him.
"I see. Who?"
"Mr. Nfirea Bareare," she reveals.
Instantly, Nabe's protective instincts activate as she reaches for her weapon. However, Itachi's hand moves with lightning precision, gently but firmly stopping her motion with a light tap to her head.
"Patience," he says quietly. She immediately looks ashamed.
"My apologies, Itachi-sama."
"She is merely protective. No offense taken, I trust, Mr. Bareare?" Itachi addresses the young man who has approached.
"None whatsoever, sir. I am the one who requested your assistance," Nfirea says, stepping closer. The young man appears non-threatening—perhaps seventeen or eighteen years old, with a distinctive bowl-cut hairstyle. His herbalist's clothing and nervous demeanor suggest innocence, though his timing is suspicious.
His arrival immediately after our discussion of him suggests either coincidence or surveillance. Given his reputation, the former seems unlikely.
"You have found me at an inopportune moment. I have just agreed to assist these individuals with their assignment," Itachi states calmly.
Peter whispers urgently, "Itachi! This is a personal request specifically for you!"
"And I have given my word to these people," Itachi responds firmly.
"But it's a personal request!" Peter insists.
"Then perhaps you could explain your requirements, Mr. Bareare?" Itachi addresses all parties.
"I make regular trips to Tob Forest near Carne Village for herb gathering. My usual guards departed during winter, and I hoped to hire a copper-ranked adventurer... no disrespect intended," Nfirea explains.
"You intended to hire only myself and my companion?" Itachi inquires.
"Correct. I heard about your... incident at the inn and believed you suitable for the task." Nfirea's hands fidget nervously.
"That would be unwise," Itachi states after a moment's consideration.
"How so?" Nfirea asks, genuinely curious rather than offended.
"Consider the tactical situation. While I possess certain skills, I am unfamiliar with this region's terrain and threats. Lukrut here has extensive local knowledge and tracking abilities." Itachi's analysis is methodical and clear. "Peter provides additional combat capability—numbers matter in unknown territory. Dyne offers healing and nature magic, while Ninya brings both magical talent and strategic thinking."
Nfirea follows the logic carefully. "What are you suggesting?"
"That hiring only two individuals for a potentially dangerous journey shows poor judgment. Would you prefer four eyes watching for threats, or twelve?" Itachi's tactical reasoning is flawless.
Peter stares in amazement at how Itachi has transformed a personal opportunity into a group benefit while maintaining his commitment to their original agreement.
"Your logic is sound. I can accommodate the additional expense," Nfirea agrees after consideration.
"Then we have an accord." Itachi removes his headband completely and shakes the young man's hand. "We shall meet at the gates?"
"Agreed," Nfirea confirms before departing to gather his supplies.
Peter approaches Itachi with deep respect. "Thank you for including us."
"Honor requires keeping one's word," Itachi replies simply before turning to Nabe. "Come. We have preparations to make."
As they walk toward the exit, Itachi considers the day's developments. New allies, a potentially valuable contact, and interesting challenges ahead. The mission was proceeding according to plan.
End of segment