Chapter 52

Seth and Noah dragged themselves to the town.

If he was being honest, it had mostly been Seth dragging himself to walk and bearing the after effects of using his skill which included every part of his body, especially his legs hurting like he had just gotten done with the first day of gym. Even with potions, the after effects weren't dispelled.

Compared to him, Noah looked to be in top shape and with his rank, Seth assumed he could easily go days without any rest.

He had checked out a few books in the public library on the System and how even great warriors and mages would reach a bottleneck from which they won't be able to progress.

An image of a few adventurers in the Guild came to his mind who hadn't been able to progress after a certain rank and had gotten bitter.

Just getting to Rank 4-5 was an achievement for most and beyond that, only the most determined and talented would be able to progress. So, Noah being Rank 8 meant that the words the cultists had used for him weren't wrong.

He was actually the strongest adventurer to live. Not one of the strongest, but the strongest.

The realisation of it also hit Seth when they entered the city.

Noah had told him that he had been hiding his face with a cloak before, but he didn't bother with it this time and throughout the way to the Guild, more than a few people glanced at them.

The sun had already set and fewer people were out on the streets, most of them either being in their homes or Taverns. Whoever was out, all of them looked at them with surprise and wonder.

Seth knew they weren't looking at him, but Noah who walked as if he couldn't notice the stares.

He kept talking about the same thing, “I am hoping the Guild's food is good. I have been eating at a lower end tavern for now and the food there is just bland.”

“Why don't you just move in The Rabbit Hole? There's always rooms there and food is good.”

“I avoided inns that adventurers frequent to not give myself away. I was expecting an attack from the Seven Seals on you and wanted to reveal myself at the right time. I like ‘Hero entries’,” he said, looking like he was proud of himself for that. “Anyway now, there's no need to hide my identity.”

They reached the Adventurer's Guild and as soon as they entered, it felt like someone had dropped a silent spell on the establishment as every sound ceased.

Sounds of laughter, clinking glasses full of ale and shuffling of cards ended with faint murmurs as eyes gathered on Noah.

It seemed like someone had already reported Noah's appearance to the Guild as everyone kept an eye on the door. Though, Seth doubted whether they had actually believed in it.

“Is that really Noah The Archmage Knight?”

“I thought he had retired. Didn't he take a break after the Battle of Lanctor. I got news that he was recovering from the curse of the Lich King Arasufut.”

“I don't know about that, but that's Noah. He looks exactly like the cards I have. They couldn't be wrong.”

“I have seen him ten years before in the capital. He hasn't aged a day. What is he doing here?”

“I don't know. Maybe, he's here to challenge the Tunnels of Grithza.”

“Hey, someone go call up the Guildmaster.”

“Do you think he would give me an autograph?”

People crept closer to them as they moved forward towards the tables to rest and order some food. Seth kept right behind Noah who hadn't reacted to the Guild members acting like this.

For him, it seemed to be a norm as he smiled at the approaching members.

“Can you please sign this for me?” A familiar voice approached Noah. It was Erika, the receptionist whose eyes sparkled as she pushed forward a blank page and a quill towards him.

“Sure,” Noah said, quickly signing The memo and her cheeks reddened as he passed it up to her. “Are there any tables free for me? I'm hungry, you see.”

He asked, identifying her as a receptionist due to the badge on her chest. She was stunned for a second before looking at the tables.

“Well…”

It was the rush hour and no tables were empty. All of them were occupied by adventurers who had either returned from a quest or were just recovering from an injury. As soon as Noah asked that, one group of adventurers promptly got up from their seats and made a way for him, smiling brashly.

“Yes, there's one empty table,” Erika said and gave him the brightest smile Seth had seen. “I will tell the cook to get the best items on the menu. You would love them.”

“I will hold your word for it.”

Noah made his way towards the table and Seth just stood there for a second wondering why the confident and eloquent Erika was suddenly acting like a teen fan girl after one of those pop stars.

That was enough time for the other adventurers to circle around Noah as he sat down on his seat. Seth didn't even got room to sit next to him as he was pushed back by the doves of people.

Following Erika, other adventurers also wanted to get autographs. Seth even saw a few cards with Noah's face drawn on them.

The Archmage Knight didn't push anyone away and promptly signed and talked to everyone around him, clearly enjoying his superstar status in this place.

What is even going on?

Seth had a hard time understanding the dynamics of everything. Noah being strong was something he could accept, but it seemed like he was clearly more than that.

Men with muscles that could snap monsters in half looked at him with admiration and awe, like he was their hero. Women acted shy and excited around him like he was their celebrity crush. He saw a glimpse of Derek and his party among the crowd too. Even Jules and Elva were among them.

They were in the front and Derek seemed to be showing off his gauntlets to Noah who smiled as he examined them.

“I got them from the money of a raid a group of parties did on a Maniacal Bear last year. Whole day, a lot of our guys kept talking about how it was similar to you taking on a group of Maniacal Bears early on in your career,” Derek spoke like he was reciting some tale.

“Yes, I recalled that. One of those Bears nearly pulled my hand off. They are scary despite how innocent they can look, especially when angry.”

“Right, right.”

Seth hadn't seen Derek being this excited before and thinking of it, things made sense.

Noah was the top adventurer in the world and to people in the same field, he probably seemed like the ray of light they had to chase, someone who had reached the pinnacle. He heard someone in the crowd whisper, “I have grown up listening to your heroic tales” and wondered how old Noah even was.

He didn't look older than 30, but in a magical world, it wouldn't be odd to maintain a younger appearance.

Taking a seat in the back that someone had left to talk to Noah, he sighed and kept looking at the “fan event” that Noah had found himself in.

His thoughts soon travelled to their conversation in the forest as he sat in silence. Things were definitely complicated, but with Noah here, he felt like they could find a way out of it. At least if his skills displayed the reputation.

He contemplated whether it was even necessary to go meet Rebecca's master now with Noah already here, but that wasn't a decision he could take alone.

Rebecca and him were close to leaving the city for the Academy and he wasn't sure if the idea to cancel the trip was any good.

Noah knew a lot about Seven Seals, so he might be able to help with the Dark Blade, but Seth had to have ask Noah on that. For now, he doubted that was possible.

As he sat alone, Wyatt arrived, looking like he had been rushing to get here. Someone had clearly told him about Noah being in the Guild.

Crowd seperated for him, letting him move closer to Noah as the Archmage Knight smiled at him.

“Hello, I have been thinking of meeting you since I was in the city. How long has it been? Ten years,” he asked and shook hands with Wyatt.

It was no surprise to anyone that they were acquaintances.

“Yes, I think it was the meeting at the headquarters. Those were some tiring days. If I knew you were coming, I would have sent someone to receive you.”

“No need for that. I actually have been here for a while and Sacria City has developed a lot.”

“Really? Can I know why you are here?” Wyatt asked, seemingly like he was in two minds about Noah.

“Just looking around,” he said, shrugging. “We can talk about all that later, Guildmaster Wyatt.”

“Yes, I would like that.”

The conversation went on like that and more and more people entered the Guild, looking to see and talk to Noah. Any hope he had of getting a conversation alone with Noah was quashed then and he simply sat in silence, lost in thoughts.

“Seth, do you know Noah is here?” Rebecca popped up, breaking his thoughts. He was sitting close to the door, so she noticed him immediately and ran up to him. “I was in the market when I heard he's here. Everyone in the city is talking about it. I can't wait to get an autograph from him. In my academy, he was very popular and we used to learn about his deeds in class.”

“Is that so?” he asked without a trace of expression.

“Yes, do you know who he is? I don't think you do. He's a very famous—”

“He's there.” He cut her off, pointing towards the area where the crowd had gathered. “I know about him. I have met him before. We actually came here together.”

“What?”

Rebecca stared blankly at him, clearly confused by her expression.

“Yes, it's a long story.”

“Where did you even meet him?” She asked. “Is it a joke?”

“No, it's true,” he said, wondering how to tell Rebecca this. Knowing that he can't talk properly here out in the open, he stood up. “Let's go to one of the back rooms. I will tell you everything.”

He sighed.

***

“So, he's been at your trail since you came to this world,” Rebecca said and he nodded with a frown.

They were in a back room on the second floor of the Guild. Most of the people were crowding around Noah, so they had all the privacy they needed.

After explaining about everything that had happened today, Rebecca looked flabbergasted as she rubbed her chin, a habit she would often display when in thought.

“That explains a few things, but you have a part of this Abyss godly being. What are we going to do about it? Noah doesn't have a way around it.”

“He doesn't,” he said, shaking his head. “He said he will find a way. I'm wondering whether there's still a need to meet your master with him here.”

“Well, I think you should,” Rebecca said with her usual confidence. “My master is very knowledgeable and although I don't know how much he might be able to help us, his knowledge and experience is definitely greater than Noah. There's never been a question he's not able to solve. I know Noah is strong and he has countless legends about him, but I think he's dealing with a summoned individual for the first time.”

“I think so.”

Seth didn't know anything about the legends and heroic tales Noah had, but by his words, it didn't seem like he knew anyone else from Earth personally.

“Noah might be able to fight against the Seven Seals, but my master's knowledge on artifacts and abyss would certainly benefit us. Still, it's your decision to take.”

Seth didn't reply and contemplated it. He was blank on her master, but he knew an individual of his stature might be helpful. Any information they could get at the moment would be worth gold.

“I will talk about it with Noah. He might have something else planned for all we know, so talking to him first is ideal,” he said.

Rebecca nodded at his words and noises caught their attention. Walking up to a window that led to the streets, they saw huge crowds coming inside the Guild, probably hoping to get a view of Noah.

Seth saw people from all ages looking curious and excited, and realised something. Word would have spreaded to every nook and corner by now, and he was sure that Noah was going to be the city's attraction till he stays here.

“I think we will have to wait till tomorrow to talk to him. Doubt we will have him for ourselves for a while.”

He sighed and Rebecca just smiled wearily. Although movie stars didn't exist in this world, it seemed like adventures, warriors and wizards had taken their places.