Chapter 172: Rumia’s First Adventure
Back in the present, Shido and Rumia walked through the bustling streets of Re-Estize City, making their way toward the Adventurer's Guild.
It didn't take them long to reach their destination, as the inn they had checked into was conveniently located nearby. When Shido caught sight of the guild building, he immediately noticed the difference between this one and the branch in E-Rantel. The Re-Estize guild was noticeably larger and more refined in its architecture. While Shido didn't consider the E-Rantel branch to be lacking, it was clear that the capital's guild operated on an entirely different scale, something that didn't surprise him anymore.
The guild was bustling with activity. Adventurers, guild staff, merchants, and various other individuals flowed in and out of the building, making it one of the busiest establishments in the city.
Shido entered the guild alongside Rumia, intending to get her registered as an adventurer. The moment the two stepped inside, nearly every eye in the room turned toward them.
Shido could instantly feel the weight of dozens of stares, each one assessing them with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny. He chose to ignore the attention and calmly led the way toward the receptionist.
However, it was different for Rumia. Although, her level was higher than most of the adventurer's inside. Despite her strength, far surpassing that of most adventurers present, she was clearly unsettled. Their gazes weren't just curious, they were intrusive, as if stripping her bare with their eyes. It made her stomach twist in discomfort.
Unconsciously, she stepped closer to Shido, clutching the hem of his coat as her fingers trembled slightly.
Shido had hoped to avoid drawing any attention so soon after arriving in the capital. But judging by the predatory expressions on some of the faces around them, it seemed that discretion would be a luxury. A flicker of irritation passed through his eyes. He didn't mind being underestimated, but seeing Rumia treated like a prize for the taking was another matter entirely.
Seeing this, Shido gently took hold of the trembling hand clutching the corner of his coat. His gaze then swept across the room, cold and emotionless.
The moment his eyes met those of the leering adventurers, a chill ran down their spines. It was as if a predator had just locked onto its prey. The smug expressions vanished from their faces, and they hastily turned their gazes elsewhere, trying to appear disinterested.
Though Shido bore only a Platinum-ranked badge, the aura he exuded told a different story. A dangerous pressure clung to the air around him, and those who had entertained wicked thoughts toward him and Rumia instinctively knew that they had messed with the wrong person.