The Greatsword Is Not My Main Body!

Sure enough, Ursphere was such a vast city that if you got lost even once, it was nearly impossible to find your way back to the inn.

(Changed from 'village' to 'city')

I used to think Alrba was a pretty big town, but in comparison, it was like a drop in the bucket—or rather, the blood on a bird's toe.

To top it off, the city was nestled against the backdrop of the Karahan mountain range, making it feel as if we were walking straight into a painting.

"We've already returned the carriage and left the horse at the stables... so shall we head to the guild now?"

"Yes~!"

"I wonder how long Hephaestus will take. She did say she'd be back by evening, but still..."

Right, Hephaestus had gone to buy some materials we needed.

Even though she said we should wrap up preparations quickly and head to Karahan, she insisted on double-checking everything, just to be safe. she was so stubborn about it that I had no choice but to agree.

she claimed that her mentor wasn't the type to falter easily, so there was nothing to worry about.

If it's the Yuria I remember, then yeah... she's not the kind of person who would die so easily. She should be fine.

Anyway!

I'm fine with it!

It's not like I agreed reluctantly or anything—I was in a good mood when I agreed!

Because I'm eager to feel the effects of the shard as soon as possible!

I can't remember if it was thirst or frenzy that drew me to it... though it was probably thirst, right?

Or was it both...?

Well, whatever it was, I just want it to happen already!

"Until Hephaestus gets back, should we take a look around the market? While we're at it, we can grab some wild berry jelly. What do you think?"

"Gasp...! J-Jelly... I love jelly!"

"Haha, alright then. Let's stop by the guild first and then head over."

I grabbed the outstretched hand tightly and started walking toward the guild in the distance.

As we walked for a while, I finally voiced the concern that had been on my mind since earlier.

"Hmm... Rubia, about the checkpoint earlier... was it really okay to handle things that way?"

Rubia usually keeps her presence concealed with an anti-recognition robe, but earlier at the checkpoint, she casually removed it like it was nothing.

Because of that, everyone's eyes were immediately on us...

People swarmed us in droves... Ugh...

We didn't even have to wait in line, and we were through in no time, but...

It was exhausting. Really, really exhausting.

"Ah... yeah. It's fine. For now, at least..."

She had a look on her face that seemed to swallow her words.

"But what if someone reports us, and the knight order comes after us again, like last time...?"

"If that happens, Jur will handle it. For now, we'll be okay."

The words 'for now' stuck in my mind, leaving me uneasy.

Still, I nodded.

Rubia probably had a plan.

Even if the knights did come, I could just protect her.

Once I fully adapt to the shard, I might not be a Master, but I should be able to hold my own against a Platinum-level opponent.

In the game, the shard's unique ability was incredibly effective too.

Of course, there were some penalties, but the effect was so amazing it was worth enduring.

As I thought about how to deal with the knights in case they showed up, I heard Rubia's voice.

"Oh, we're here."

We had arrived at the Ursphere Adventurers' Guild.

It was on a whole different level from the guild in Alrba.

The massive structure, covered in elegant marble, looked absolutely luxurious.

I couldn't tell the color, but judging by its tone... it had to be gray.

Yeah, this was unmistakably gray!

"Whew... Shall we go in?"

"Y-yeah...!"

Rubia, looking quite tense, opened the guild doors.

Immediately, a heavy, solemn atmosphere swept over me.

Unlike the Alrba guild, which felt more like a lively pub, this place had no such vibe at all.

It was... well, how should I put it?

It felt like a bank.

Or maybe like the military enlistment center where you'd go for your physical exam before joining the army...

Anyway... I didn't like it.

I really didn't like it.

"Noah? Is something wrong?"

"Ah, uhh... no, it's nothing... I just got reminded of some old memories..."

Before I realized it, I'd grabbed Rubia's hand tightly.

Rubia was looking down at me with a deeply worried expression.

"Hmm... If you're feeling uneasy, make sure to tell me, okay?"

"Y-yeah..."

I loosened my grip on her hand and took a step forward, leading the way.

The reception desk was located all the way at the back of the building.

Along the way, there was a massive request board, an aptitude testing area, a request reception counter, and more.

Everything was neatly organized.

It was nothing like Alrba.

Screech—clack—screech—clack.

...I wanted to suppress my presence as much as possible and quietly make my way to the reception desk, but...

Because of my greatsword dragging noisily across the floor, countless adventurers turned their eyes toward us.

And then, the murmurs began...

This... this is just like Alrba all over again.

"Noah definitely draws attention, that's for sure. Hehe..."

While I was curling up as much as I could, trying to avoid their gazes, Rubia smirked and teased me.

"R-Rubia, you look suspicious too, you know...? Hmph..."

"It's because you're cute."

"I'm not cute... I'm... I'm cool, okay?"

"Oh really~? You?"

What... what was with that mocking tone?

"Ugh... I hate you, Rubia..."

Feeling unnecessarily sulky, I let go of Rubia's hand with a sharp tug.

I could hear Rubia's surprised voice from behind, but I ignored her and walked straight toward the reception desk.

When I finally reached the desk, the receptionist who spotted me immediately bellowed:

"Hello!! Welcome to the Ursphere Adventurers' Guild!! I'm Shure, your receptionist!! How can I help you todayyyy?!"

"Wahhhk!"

The ridiculously loud greeting startled me so much that I reflexively dove into Rubia's arms, who had been walking behind me.

"R-Rubiaaa... Th-that person's weird..."

"Noah, do you even need me anymore? You seemed to be doing just fine walking off on your own earlier."

But... now Rubia was pouting.

Wh-what do I do now...

"I-I'm... hic I'm sorryyy... sniffle..."

The stares from all the adventurers around us were piling up... and that overzealous receptionist scared me so badly that I let out a weird shriek... which only drew more attention.

Now, with all eyes on me... and Rubia pushing me away... tears started streaming down my face.

I cursed my abysmal Charisma and Sociability stats that felt like they were drilling me into the ground.

"Sniffle B-but... Rubia started it first... hic teasing me... sniff But I-I'm sorry, so... please... help meee... sob"

The murmuring from the crowd only got louder, and my body began trembling uncontrollably.

I clung tightly to the hem of Rubia's clothes, desperate to anchor myself to something.

It felt like we stayed like that for a while, but then Rubia's body started to shake.

I'd been suppressing my perception field so I wouldn't feel everyone's stares, but I expanded it slightly to check on Rubia.

And...

And...!!

"Rubia... hic y-you're... you're trying not to laugh, aren't you..."

"Pffft—hahahaha! Oh, Noah, I can't—! You're crying so pitifully just because I teased you a little... Hahaha, I'm sorry, I really am, it was just a joke!"

I hate her.

I hate her so much.

But if I tell her that... she might act cold again like she did earlier...

So I can't hate her. Ugh.

"If you're sorry... then help me... Th-that person's voice is... t-too loud..."

I buried my face into Rubia's chest, trembling slightly less than before.

"Pffft... alright, alright. Let's go."

Rubia gently stroked my hair for a while before grabbing my hand.

I quietly nodded and followed behind her, taking small steps.

I'm pathetic... so, so pathetic.

At least in Alrba, I wasn't this bad.

Maybe it's because this place is so quiet.

And... it's unfamiliar, crowded with so many people...

I feel like I might forget how to walk properly.

How was I supposed to move my arms while walking again...?

What angle should I hold my neck at?

How am I supposed to position my face...?

And wait... where was my tongue supposed to rest in my mouth?!

Ugh...! I'm losing my mind...!!

It's all because of my stats!!

I wasn't like this originally!!

"Ahem, excuse me. Um... I apologize for earlier. I'm new here, and I guess I got a bit carried away."

The receptionist—Shure, who had been practically screaming at the top of their lungs earlier—was now speaking in an extremely calm and subdued voice, bowing their head.

If you were going to act like this, couldn't you have done it from the start?!

Because of you... I was the only one embarrassed here...

I quietly nodded from behind Rubia, still hiding behind her like a shadow.

"T-thank you... So, what business brings you here today?"

"Oh, I'll explain."

Lowering her voice, Rubia began to calmly explain everything that had happened in Roholan.

As Rubia spoke, the receptionist's expression shifted, inch by inch, from polite curiosity to utter shock.

"So, that's how it happened... and that's why we're here. So... where can we collect the bounty for the subjugation?"

"H-Huh? W-wait... no way..."

Now the receptionist wasn't just shocked—there was fear creeping into her eyes as she stared at me.

What did I do this time...

"Um... Miss Shure?"

"Ah! Y-yes, yes ma'am!"

"Well, could we speak to Ursphere's guild head—"

"What seems to be the matter here?"

A woman's voice interrupted Rubia mid-sentence. She approached us from behind and stepped between Rubia and the receptionist.

Rubia quietly observed her for a moment before speaking cautiously.

"Oh, we're here to collect some money from the guild head."

...Huh?

R-Rubia...?

W-why do you sound like some kind of debt collector...?

"...Excuse me?"

"I said, we're here to collect money. From. The. Guild. Head."

The woman's expression hardened as Rubia's words sank in.

"...You're saying you're here to collect money...?"

"Yes. So please, call them out for me."

Rubia shielded me further behind her, frowning slightly, as though annoyed by all the stares around us.

"...I'm the guild head of Ursphere, Rebuje. Are you saying I owe you money?"

"Ah, that makes this easier, then. There are far too many ears listening here, so let's talk somewhere private."

A faint trace of irritation appeared on Rebuje's face.

"And just what is this all about..."

Rubia hesitated for a moment, as if weighing her words.

Then, in a voice laced with just a hint of quiet anger, she finally spoke.

"We came from Roholan."

Rubia's voice reverberated faintly through the hushed guild.

And then.

Every single pair of eyes turned toward us.

"Gasp..."

All the murmuring stopped immediately.

"My goodness... I apologize. I should have checked your registration card from the start."

Rebuje shot a sharp glare at Shure, who shrank back and nodded furiously, before turning her attention back to us.

"Not just the bounty, it seems we have a few things to discuss. Please, come with me to a quieter place."

"...Yes, thank you."

Rubia gave a small bow, still holding my hand tightly.

Then, in a quiet whisper, she leaned toward me and spoke.

"I thought rumors might spread... but I didn't expect them to spread this fast."

"Y-yeah, really..."

I nodded slowly, inching closer to Rubia for comfort.

"I wanted to cut through the noise and go straight to the guild head, so I came on a little strong. I didn't think it'd blow up like this... Sorry, Noah."

"It's okay... I-I was a little startled, but... it wasn't on purpose, so... it's fine."

"Haa... Thank you. But... don't you wonder how exaggerated the rumors have gotten? How do you think they're seeing you right now?"

At her words, I expanded my sensory field.

Everyone was staring at me with awkward, mixed expressions.

Good.

Well... at least it didn't seem like they thought I was some kind of beast or monster.

Maybe Shure, that receptionist, just overreacted?

After all, it was Luchi who actually took down Karpeng, not me.

"Hmm... It doesn't seem like they're thinking anything too wild—"

"Black hair... a greatsword... b-blood-drinking demon...!"

"Pfft—! A b-blood-drinking demon, hahahaha! Oh my gosh—hah, a demon who drinks blood! Hahaha!"

Ah.

For real.