Lord Gauss and his companions were welcomed into Yuge Town with an enthusiasm beyond imagination.
It felt almost as if he was a local champion.
"This is a bit strange..."
The team members were all slightly puzzled by the situation.
But in any case, not having any particular bias, being welcomed sure beats getting cold stares.
"Are you saying your mayor wants to invite me to the town hall as a guest?"
A leading captain of the guard extended an invitation to Gauss.
"Yes, Mr. Gauss," the guard captain replied respectfully, "The mayor heard of your arrival today and specifically instructed us to welcome you here."
"I appreciate the mayor’s kind invitation, but I might need to visit the Adventurer’s Guild first."
Gauss did not directly accept.
"Of course, please feel free."
"The mayor said your convenience comes first."
Seeing Gauss’s response, the captain was also pleased to say.
"Thanks for your understanding."
"Then we’ll leave you be for now, I hope you enjoy your time in Yuge Town."
Soon the soldiers departed, slightly dispersing the onlooking residents to ensure they wouldn’t affect Gauss and his companions’ activities in town, thus providing ample personal space.
"The locals of Yuge Town are quite measured."
Aaliyah nodded in appreciation.
Gauss observed the scene, with the mayor leaving a good initial impression even before meeting in person.
At least none of the worst clichéd events he imagined unfolded.
Come to think of it, this is normal, for an official capable of administering and thriving a town must possess some real skill.
After inquiring with passersby about the location of the local Adventurer’s Guild, Gauss and his party quietly traversed the streets of Yuge Town.
The town was relatively clean.
Passing a trading market, they saw a local inspector randomly checking the accuracy of the vendors’ weighing tools, accompanied by a clerk writing reports.
Coupled with the occasional sight of patrol units, the town was in good order.
Entering the Adventurer’s Guild hall.
This building was almost twice the size of the one in lakeside town, able to accommodate more local and foreign adventurers.
Gauss saw the faces of many young adventurers.
"Any archers? Our team needs an archer."
"Heading north of town to clear fifteen slimes, anyone want to join?"
"We need a seasoned adventurer who lives locally and has a family to guide our team, generous reward offered."
"..."
Arriving at the Adventurer’s Guild, the wild, disordered yet vibrant atmosphere hit them like the noise of a bustling market.
This is what adventurers are.
A band of ambitious people eager to make their mark, like thriving roadside weeds, no matter how you trample them, they will stubbornly grow towards the sunlight.
"Handsome, want to team up?"
Someone in the crowd started recruiting companions including Gauss.
"Sorry, I already have a team." Gauss waved his hand.
The person still wanted to say more but was quickly pulled aside by a companion nearby, whispering something in his ear.
Soon, he noticed the Five-star Badge hanging on Gauss’s chest, and his pupils suddenly contracted.
A level five Professional is quite uncommon in Yuge Town.
Especially with the man having even higher-level companions behind him, like the woman strong as a mountain.
Gauss’s current face doesn’t wield the same influence as in lakeside town; few in the crowd sensed anything extraordinary from this formidable team but dared not confirm.
"Make way!"
Albena’s deep voice sounded from behind.
Everyone who saw her quickly stepped aside several positions.
To these novices just embarking on their adventurer journey, she was incredibly imposing.
Arriving at the section dedicated to Professionals.
Gauss and his companions approached the counter.
Before he could remove his Identity Badge and speak, the lady behind the counter smiled and asked first.
"You must be Mr. Gauss, right?"
"That’s me."
Gauss nodded.
He wasn’t surprised to be recognized so promptly.
The Adventurer’s Guild staff must have been notified of his prize claim in advance.
"I’d like to collect the Blue Lake Hunting Competition champion’s reward, is it convenient now? What procedures do I need?"
"Certainly, Mr. Gauss!" The young woman behind the counter smiled brightly.
"Please follow me."
After giving her colleagues some instructions, she stood up from her seat.
She took a few quick light steps to the front of Gauss and the others.
"The warehouse for claiming prizes isn’t here at the Guild." The Guild lady explained in a quiet voice. "It’s over at the town hall square, but it’s not far from here."
Gauss nodded.
Leaving the Guild and walking along the road for a few minutes.
They finally arrived at a relatively less crowded square.
The density of soldiers and watchtowers around was significantly higher.
After passing through several checkpoints.
Gauss and his companions arrived in front of a building.
"Lord Gauss, please show your Identity Badge."
A guard confirmed his identity again, allowing Gauss to be escorted inside by the staff, though his companions had to wait outside.
Gauss advanced through the corridor while observing the walls.
Engravings of some magical patterns adorned the sturdy marble.
"This is a vault jointly established by the Yuge Town Adventurer’s Guild and the local town government to store important materials and treasures, with very strict security."