Tactical Embarrassment

DAY ONE - Morning: System Establishment

The morning light streamed through the tall windows of our newly acquired guild hall, casting long rays across the polished wooden floor. Workers bustled about, hanging the final signage and arranging furniture to transform what had been an empty trading hall into Crossroads' first adventurer's guild. The two-storey building sat near the central plaza, its location perfect for attracting both locals and travellers passing through the settlement.

I stood at the main counter, watching Hina direct the final preparations with the efficiency of someone who'd been running organisations her entire life. Behind her, Kazuki was explaining the quest board system to several Solenari assistants, their rabbit ears twitching with interest as they absorbed every detail.

[Guild Establishment Trial: Initial Framework Implementation - 65% Complete]
[Objective: Create functional quest classification system]
[Status: Primary infrastructure established]

"Registration cards are ready," Hina announced, setting a stack of enchanted cards on the counter. Each featured the guild insignia, a stylised portal with a sword and staff crossed beneath it, along with spaces for member information and rank designation.

I picked up the top card, examining it closely. "These look professional. Like we've been doing this for years instead of setting up overnight."

"Kurenai helped design them," she replied, pride evident in her voice. "The enchantments will automatically update when an adventurer advances in rank, no need to issue new cards. Saves resources and showcases practical magic application."

"Clever," I agreed, watching as more of our classmates filtered in. "And the progression system?"

"Ten completed quests at your current rank to qualify for the next rank up," Kazuki explained, joining us at the counter. "It creates a natural skill curve and prevents people from taking on challenges they're not ready for."

I nodded, feeling a surprising sense of accomplishment. This wasn't just about survival anymore; we were building something that would serve this world long after our trial period ended. Not bad for a bunch of isekai'd teens who started with nothing but the clothes on our backs.

"The quest board is divided by rank," Hina continued, gesturing to the large board dominating the left wall. "F through U, with clear visual indicators for difficulty. We've limited quest stacking to three per adventurer or registered group to prevent hoarding."

"And the verification system?" I asked.

"That's where this comes in," Kazuki said, patting a smaller counter to the right of the main one. "The Appraisal Station. Adventurers bring proof of completion here, monster parts, gathered materials, whatever the quest requires, and our staff verifies it before authorising payment."

"We've hired local specialists too," Hina added. "A Hestashi herbalist for plant identification, a Lupyn tracker for verifying monster parts, and a few others. They're training our people on local flora and fauna to ensure accurate verifications."

"And this," Kazuki said with particular pride, pointing to a third counter, "is the Materials Exchange. Adventurers can sell extra monster parts, mana stones, or other valuable items they collect during quests. Creates a sustainable economy beyond just quest rewards."

Miyako approached with an ornate crystalline sphere supported by an elegant bronze stand. "The registration scrying orb is ready," she said, placing it at the main counter. "Sera lent it to us. It will verify identities and abilities, no fake names or exaggerated claims."

"Great," I replied. "Shall we get ourselves registered first, as a test run?"

"Of course," she smiled. "Who better to be Adventurer #001 than our very own guild architect?"

I stepped around to the applicant's side of the counter as Miyako took the registrar position. She placed the card marked '001' beside the orb and gestured for me to place my hand on the smooth crystal surface.

The sphere glowed with soft blue light as it activated, scanning me from crown to sole. It tingled slightly, like someone running a static-charged balloon over my skin. Weird, but not unpleasant.

"State your full name and place of origin," Miyako instructed formally.

"Andie... from Earth," I replied, keeping my response simple.

The orb pulsed, seemingly accepting my answer despite its vagueness. Text began to form on the previously blank card:

[Adventurer #001: Andie]
[Origin: Otherworlder (Earth)]
[Rank: F (Beginner)]
[Specialisation: Polymath]

Miyako's eyes widened slightly as she read the information being magically inscribed. "That's... unusual," she murmured, low enough that only I could hear.

"What is it?" I asked quietly.

"The orb is detecting multiple specialisation capabilities," she whispered, watching as the sphere continued its assessment. "And some of them..." Her voice trailed off, then she continued even more softly, "Some of them match what our deceased classmates had. Did you... inherit abilities when you defeated Shinji?"

I swallowed hard, remembering that terrible day. "I don't know. Maybe." The thought made my stomach twist. Having pieces of them inside me somehow? That was a whole new level of creepy I wasn't ready to process.

She nodded, maintaining her professional demeanour despite the revelation. "Well, for the card's purpose, it's summarised you as a 'Polymath', someone with diverse skills across multiple disciplines." She handed me the completed card. "Congratulations. You're officially the first registered adventurer in our system."

The orb dimmed as I took the card, the enchantments settling into the laminated surface.

Just then, the front doors swung open. Several Crossroads residents entered tentatively, looking around with a mixture of curiosity and hesitation. Our first potential clients.

"Looks like we're open for business," I said, pocketing my new card. "Let's show them how this works."

The morning passed in a blur of activity. Miyako organised the registration of our entire class, ensuring everyone received their F-rank cards and understood the progression system. Locals began submitting requests, everything from herb gathering to perimeter patrols to lost item recovery. Hina and her team efficiently categorised each request, assigned appropriate rankings, and posted them on the board.

"Andie," Kazuki called from the main counter around midday, "could you come over here? We have some experienced adventurers interested in our system."

I approached to find him speaking with three women, Felinari, judging by their distinctive cat ears. They stood with the easy confidence of seasoned professionals, examining our operation with interest.

The one in the centre, a Nyxashi with rare tan skin and platinum-blonde hair, stepped forward. Her cat ears matched her hair colour, swivelling slightly to catch sounds throughout the hall. What struck me most were her amber eyes with vertical pupils that seemed to assess everything with clinical precision. Her sleek frame moved with natural grace; her leather armour tailored to her impressive proportions without sacrificing mobility.

"Vinera," she introduced herself with a slight inclination of her head. "My companions and I heard about this new approach to quest management."

She gestured to the women flanking her. "This is Fryevia of the Hestashi," indicating a Felinari with a slight tan and platinum hair featuring distinctive teal highlights, rare for her tribe. Her cat ears matched her hair colour, and her warm green eyes reflected the nurturing nature typical of her tribe. Her attire consisted of traditional Hestashi garments designed for both comfort and practicality.

"And Mediena of the Eosashi," Vinera continued, motioning to the third woman. Mediena had golden-blonde hair and expressive cat ears showing golden-cream fur. Her sapphire eyes sparkled with energy, and her curvaceous form was showcased in more ornate, eye-catching attire typical of her performance-oriented tribe.

All three shared similar builds, around 165cm with impressively proportioned figures that aligned with the Felinari physiological traits detailed in our racial briefings. I maintained eye contact, carefully avoiding the appearance of staring. Real smooth, Andie. Just act normal around the cat-girl adventurers with anime proportions. No biggie.

My Appraisal skill activated automatically as I greeted them:

[Vinera - Nyxashi Felinari]
Specialisation: Shadow Hunter (Advanced)
Level: 37
Notable Skills: Stealth Mastery, Shadow Projection, Threat Assessment
Equipment Quality: Professional Grade

[Fryevia - Hestashi Felinari]
Specialisation: Guardian Healer (Advanced)
Level: 35
Notable Skills: Protective Barriers, Regenerative Touch, Tactical Support
Equipment Quality: Professional Grade

[Mediena - Eosashi Felinari]
Specialisation: Performance Tracker (Advanced)
Level: 36
Notable Skills: Enhanced Perception, Distraction Techniques, Expressive Combat

Equipment Quality: Professional Grade

"Kazuki was just explaining your registration process," Vinera said. "An interesting approach with the scrying verification."

"We're implementing standardised practices to ensure safety and fairness," I explained. "Would you like to register with us? Having experienced adventurers test our system would provide valuable feedback."

As we spoke, another figure entered the guild hall, a Vulpyn woman whose fox ears perked forward with interest as she observed our operation. She approached our group with purposeful steps, her keen analytical eyes taking in every detail of the guild hall.

Standing around 170cm tall with an impressive figure, her fox-eared Canari heritage was evident in both her appearance and the way she scanned the room, constantly gathering information. Her practical yet elegant attire complemented her proportions while clearly prioritising functionality.

"Pardon me," she said, her voice carrying the precise diction typical of Vulpyn information specialists. "I couldn't help noticing this new establishment. I'm Viktora, also an independent adventurer." Her fox ears twitched slightly as she spoke, betraying her interest despite her composed demeanour. "I specialise in efficiency and pattern analysis. Your ranking system and quest classification structure are... fascinating."

My Appraisal activated once more:

[Viktora - Vulpyn Canari]
Specialisation: Information Specialist (Advanced)
Level: 39
Notable Skills: Pattern Recognition, Strategic Analysis, Efficient Routing
Equipment Quality: Professional Grade

"We'd be happy to have all of you test our system," I said. "Kazuki here can explain the registration process."

"Actually," Kazuki said, "Andie is scheduled for field duty today as a guild representative. Perhaps you could form a team for today's quests? It would provide valuable data on how experienced adventurers interact with our system."

"I'd be honoured to join you," I said, "if that would be helpful." Part of me wondered if Kazuki was setting me up intentionally. Four gorgeous monster girls just happen to walk in and need a fifth team member? This was starting to feel like the setup to one of those light novels with impossibly long titles: "I Was Transported to Another World and Somehow Ended Up Testing a Guild System with a Harem of Cat and Fox Girls!"

"We accept. Though I think I'll observe your guild's efficiency from a different angle," Viktora said thoughtfully. "Perhaps I could take on my own set of quests in parallel? That would provide comparative data on solo versus team completion rates."

"That sounds perfect," Kazuki agreed. "Two different approaches tested simultaneously."

"Then it's settled," Vinera said. "Shall we complete registration and select our first quests?"

After the scrying orb confirmed their identities and abilities, Hina handed them their official cards. "Remember, all adventurers must start at F-rank and complete ten quests before advancing to E-rank," she explained. "Even experienced professionals like yourselves."

"Logical progression," Viktora noted approvingly, her fox ears twitching forward. "It ensures proper system validation from the ground up."

Mediena studied the available quests, her golden cat ears swivelling slightly as she concentrated. "If we're limited to three quests per team, we should select ones that complement each other geographically." Her fingers traced a pattern between different quest locations on the map. "These three herb gathering quests are all within the eastern forest sector."

"And these monster culling assignments overlap with the same area," Fryevia observed, pointing to another cluster of quests.

"I see potential for optimal route planning," Viktora said, her analytical eyes narrowing slightly. "I could take these three quests to the north, which form a natural circuit. We could reconvene by midafternoon to compare results."

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"Perfect," I agreed, impressed by their immediate grasp of efficient quest planning. "Shall we begin?"

DAY ONE - Daytime: F-Rank Marathon

The eastern forest glowed with dappled sunlight as we made our way along the well-worn path. Vinera moved with barely a sound, occasionally vanishing into shadow only to reappear several paces ahead. Mediena walked with theatrical grace, occasionally humming melodies that seemed to make the forest itself listen. Fryevia maintained a vigilant presence, her warm eyes constantly scanning for potential threats or useful resources.

"Our first quest is simple enough," I said, consulting the quest details on my Arcane Interface Lenses. "Gathering frost-veined mushrooms that grow at the bases of the oldest trees in this sector. The guild's herbalist needs them for healing potions."

"Frost-veined mushrooms prefer northern exposures," Fryevia noted, her Hestashi knowledge of natural healing evident. "They'll be more abundant where the morning sun doesn't reach directly."

"I can help locate them," Mediena offered. "Eosashi are trained to spot the subtle glow most fungi emit at dawn."

We spread out in a practised formation, with Vinera scouting ahead. I watched in admiration as they moved with the coordination that comes only from extensive field experience. Despite being from different Felinari tribes, their movements complemented each other perfectly. It made me feel like a newbie in an MMO who'd somehow lucked into a party with veteran players.

Within an hour, we had gathered all the mushrooms required for the quest, far faster than I had anticipated.

"Efficient," I commented as Mediena carefully packed the fungi into preservation bags. "At this rate, we'll complete all three quests before midday."

"This is hardly challenging," Vinera remarked, though not unkindly. "But I understand the purpose of starting simple."

As we journeyed deeper into the forest for our second quest, clearing a small infestation of razor-toothed hares that had been threatening local gatherers, I felt a sudden pulse through the shadow-bond. It was brief but distinctive; Rurielle was using her shadow powers somewhere. The sensation was like a cool ripple across my consciousness, there and gone in an instant.

Vinera's ears twitched, and her amber eyes fixed on me with sudden intensity. "You just... changed," she said, her Nyxashi perception obviously detecting something. "Your essence shifted momentarily. A shadow-pulse."

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal about my connection to Rurielle. "It's... a long story."

"A shadow-bond," she stated rather than asked, her eyes widening slightly. "With a Luxuriveth. That's... unprecedented for an otherworlder."

Mediena and Fryevia exchanged glances, their interest clearly piqued.

"Extraordinary circumstances," I explained vaguely. "It happened recently." In truth, I still hadn't fully processed the shadow-bond myself. How do you explain to someone that you nearly died and a shadow elf used forbidden magic to tie your souls together? It wasn't exactly small talk material.

"The Luxuriveth rarely bond with anyone outside their enclaves," Fryevia remarked, her tone respectful rather than prying. "Your story must be remarkable indeed."

Before I could respond, Vinera raised a hand for silence. "Razor-hares ahead. Three... no, four distinct burrows."

We shifted seamlessly into combat positions. Fryevia moved to the front, her Hestashi protective nature manifesting as she readied her staff. Mediena circled to the right, preparing what appeared to be some form of distraction technique. Vinera simply faded into the shadows between trees, nearly invisible despite the daylight.

I drew the silver-celestium-umbranium gunblade, switching it to blade configuration. The weapon hummed slightly in my grip, the impossible alloy catching light and shadow simultaneously.

"Fascinating weapon," Mediena whispered, eyeing the blade with professional appreciation. "I've never seen metals combined that way before."

The razor-hares emerged from their burrows, rabbit-like creatures the size of small dogs, with gleaming metallic teeth and surprisingly aggressive temperaments. They moved in coordinated patterns, suggesting more intelligence than typical forest prey.

What followed was a display of professional adventuring that left me both impressed and slightly humbled. Fryevia created a protective barrier around our position that the hares couldn't penetrate. Mediena executed a complex performance that disoriented the creatures, causing them to break formation. From the shadows, Vinera struck with precision, eliminating three hares in rapid succession before they could react.

I managed to dispatch the fourth with a clean swing of my blade, the alloy cutting through the creature's natural armour with surprising ease.

"Efficient," Vinera commented, emerging from the shadows to examine our handiwork. "Your blade... it carries both light and shadow. That shouldn't be possible."

I nodded, cleaning the blade before returning it to its sheath. "Like I said, extraordinary circumstances."

We collected the required proof of completion, the distinctive metal-infused incisors that would verify our success back at the guild.

Our third quest took us to a small stream where a local fisher had lost a prized lure, a family heirloom crafted from rare materials. The area was supposedly haunted by a minor water spirit, making recovery challenging.

Approaching the stream, I activated Presence Detection. A subtle energy signature pulsed beneath the water's surface, definitely not a natural entity.

"There's something here," I murmured. "Not particularly powerful, but not ordinary either."

Mediena stepped forward, her Eosashi performance training evident as she began a soft, melodic humming that seemed to make the water itself ripple in response. "Water spirits respond to resonant frequencies," she explained between notes. "Particularly those that mimic the natural flow patterns of their home."

The water bubbled gently, and a small, translucent figure rose to the surface, a water sprite no larger than a child's hand. It chittered irritably, clutching something shiny.

"The lure," Fryevia identified, keeping her movements slow and non-threatening.

Vinera produced a small vial of what appeared to be honey from her pouch. "A trade," she suggested, placing the vial at the water's edge.

The sprite examined the offering cautiously before darting forward to investigate. After a moment's consideration, it placed the lure beside the honey and retreated with its new prize.

"Simple negotiations often work best with minor spirits," Vinera explained as Fryevia retrieved the lure. "No need for conflict when interests can align."

By midday, we had completed all three quests and were returning to the guild hall when we encountered Viktora on the forest path. The Vulpyn appeared pleased, her fox ears perked up with satisfaction.

"Productive morning," she greeted us. "I've completed two of my three quests and mapped the optimal route for the third. How has your team fared?"

"All three complete," I reported. "The expertise of my companions made quick work of the assignments."

Viktora's eyes gleamed with analytical interest. "Excellent. I'll complete my final task and meet you back at the guild. I'm curious to compare our efficiency metrics."

The rest of the day continued in similar fashion. After submitting our first three completions and collecting the rewards, we selected new batches of F-rank quests. Viktora continued her solo efficiency run, applying her Vulpyn pattern recognition to optimise her route planning. Our team tackled increasingly complex assignments: protection duties for a merchant caravan, tracking a lost child (found safely napping in a hollow log), and clearing minor pests from a local granary.

With each quest, I observed different aspects of professional adventuring techniques. Vinera's Nyxashi approach emphasised stealth and precision, solving problems without being noticed. Fryevia's Hestashi methods focused on protection and support, ensuring everyone remained safe while creating stable environments for success. Mediena's Eosashi style brought flair and creativity, turning challenges into performances that often prevented conflicts before they began.

By late afternoon, we were approaching our ninth and tenth quests, the final hurdles before E-rank eligibility. These involved clearing a small cave of aggressive giant bats and recovering samples of their wing membranes for a local researcher.

The cave mouth loomed before us, dark and uninviting. My Presence Detection immediately registered multiple entities inside, at least a dozen, all clustered near the ceiling.

"Perfect opportunity for synchronised teamwork," Mediena suggested, her eyes bright with anticipation. "I can draw them out with sound, Fryevia can contain their flight paths with barriers, Vinera can strike from shadow, and Andie can provide support where needed."

The plan worked flawlessly. Mediena's carefully modulated song drew the bats into a predictable swarming pattern. Fryevia's barriers channelled them toward prepared positions. Vinera struck from darkness with lethal precision. I provided covering fire with gel blaster mode when necessary, the alchemic rounds proving particularly effective against the bats' sensitive hearing.

Within minutes, we had collected all required samples and cleared the cave completely.

"That's ten," Fryevia confirmed, carefully preserving the wing membrane samples. "E-rank awaits."

As we emerged from the cave, we found Viktora waiting nearby, her final quest apparently completed as well.

"Perfect timing," she said, her fox ears twitching with satisfaction. "Shall we return together? I believe we've both earned our promotions."

DAY ONE - Evening: Team Advancement

The guild hall buzzed with activity as we returned. Several other adventurers, both locals and our junior college classmates who we'd known since middle school, were submitting completions or selecting new quests. The system was clearly functioning as intended, with a steady flow of adventurers moving through the various stations.

We approached the Appraisal Station, where a Hestashi herbalist and a Lupyn tracker were examining submissions from other adventurers.

"Quest completion verification," I announced, presenting our collected proof for the final two quests, several whole giant bats with their wings intact for the specialist to examine.

The specialists examined the specimens carefully, confirming authenticity and matching them against quest parameters. After thorough inspection, they stamped our quest cards with official completion marks.

"Ten F-rank completions," Hina confirmed, reviewing our cards. "All verified and accepted. Congratulations, you've all qualified for E-rank advancement."

Kazuki, who had been observing nearby, stepped forward with a smile. "This calls for a proper ceremony. You're our first advancement group."

He gestured for us to present our cards, which began to glow as the enchantments activated. The "F-Rank" designation shimmered and transformed into "E-Rank" while the border design upgraded to a more elaborate pattern.

"By the authority of the Crossroads Adventurer's Guild," Kazuki announced formally, "I hereby recognise Vinera, Fryevia, Mediena, Viktora, and Andie as E-rank adventurers, effective immediately."

[Rank Advancement Achieved: F-Rank to E-Rank]
[New Quest Types Unlocked]
[Guild Status: Improved - First Advancement Team Certified]

A small crowd had gathered to witness the promotion, with several local residents applauding the ceremony. Some even stepped forward with small tokens: a bouquet of wildflowers, a flask of locally brewed cider, and a basket of fresh-baked bread.

"We've been hoping for this kind of organised system for years," explained an older Solenari woman as she presented the flowers. "Before, we never knew who to trust with our problems or what fair payment was. This changes everything."

"The rank system means we know exactly who we're hiring," added a Lupyn merchant. "No more exaggerated claims of prowess or haggling over unclear completion terms."

"In recognition of your achievement," Hina added, "E-rank quests are now available to you. These will present greater challenges but offer correspondingly higher rewards."

As the crowd dispersed, our newly formed group gathered at a corner table to discuss the day's experiences.

"The system functions admirably for basic quests," Vinera observed. "The ranking structure provides clear progression paths, and the verification process prevents fraud."

"I particularly appreciated the quest stacking mechanics," Viktora added, her fox ears twitching thoughtfully. "The three-quest team limit is reasonable, enough for efficiency without enabling monopolisation."

"So, what comes next?" Fryevia asked, her warm eyes reflecting genuine interest. "With our new E-rank status, we should attempt more challenging assignments."

Mediena's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I've heard rumours of a dungeon exploration opportunity, the Whispering Hollow, just beyond the eastern forest. The guild has several requests related to it."

I nodded, recalling seeing those postings on the E-rank board. "Multiple objectives in a single location would be the perfect test of higher-rank quest stacking."

"A five-person expedition team would be optimal for dungeon exploration," Viktora analysed, her fox ears perking up with interest. "I would be... interested in joining your team permanently. My analytical skills would complement your established dynamic."

The three Felinari exchanged glances before Vinera nodded. "Your pattern recognition abilities were impressive today. We accept."

"Then it's settled," I concluded, feeling a genuine connection forming with these capable adventurers. "Tomorrow morning, we'll select E-rank dungeon quests and test the system's functionality for more complex assignments."

As the guild hall began to empty for the evening, Kazuki and Hina called the Earth staff together for an end-of-day review.

"Outstanding progress," Hina announced, reviewing the day's metrics. "One hundred seventy-three quests submitted by locals, sixty-eight completed across all adventurers, five E-rank promotions, and consistently positive feedback from the community."

"Several of our classmates are well on their way to E-rank as well," Kazuki added. "Hitomi and her team have completed seven F-rank quests already."

"The local adventurers are adapting quickly to the system," Miyako observed, leaning against the counter with satisfaction. "They appreciate the structure and transparent progression. Several have already commented on how much easier it is to find appropriate work compared to freelancing."

"Remember, we have just under two weeks remaining in our trial period," Hina reminded everyone. "Sera will evaluate our results at that time."

As the meeting concluded, I found myself drawn back to our newly formed team. They were gathered near the quest board, already examining potential E-rank assignments for tomorrow.

"I propose we meet here at dawn," Viktora was saying, her analytical mind clearly already planning our route. "The dungeon exploration will require thorough preparation."

"Agreed," Vinera replied, her amber eyes meeting mine as I approached. "Will you be joining us again tomorrow, Andie?"

"Wouldn't miss it," I assured her, genuinely looking forward to working with the team again. "This team works well together."

After everyone had departed, Miyako approached me with a knowing smirk. "Making friends quickly, I see."

"They're excellent adventurers," I replied, focusing on the professional aspect. "Working with experienced locals gives us valuable insights into how the system functions in practice."

"Uh-huh," she hummed sceptically. "And the fact that they're all attractive women with a particular interest in your unusual abilities is just coincidental, right? I swear, they're all just like those curvaceous bishōjo figurines you used to collect back home, the ones you thought no one knew about."

I felt heat rising to my face. "That's not—they're just curious about—"

My eyes involuntarily glanced down at Miyako's own impressive figure, her 101/55/85 measurements and H-cup bust making her exceptionally striking even by Earth standards, let alone among our classmates.

She caught my glance and her smirk widened. "Oh? Am I being evaluated too? Sorry to disappoint, but I don't think I quite match up to your new feline friends."

"The universe doesn't care what you're looking for, Andie," she continued, her expression softening slightly despite the teasing. "It just keeps throwing beautiful women at you anyway."

Seeing her momentary vulnerability beneath the teasing, I made an impulsive decision. I leaned forward and placed a quick, gentle kiss on her cheek.

"What was that for?" she asked, genuinely surprised, her hand rising to touch the spot.

"For caring," I said simply. "And for always being honest with me, even when it's uncomfortable."

She blinked, then laughed softly. "Well, that's certainly one way to change the subject." But I could see her mood had lightened. "Just be careful out there tomorrow, okay? Dungeons are unpredictable, and we're still learning the rules of this world."

"I'll be careful," I promised. "It's more complicated than back home, especially with the shadow-bond. Rurielle can probably sense these interactions somehow."

"All the more reason to be careful," Miyako said, her teasing tone giving way to genuine concern. "Shadow magic isn't something to take lightly, especially mixed with whatever happened when you absorbed those abilities from our classmates."

I winced at the reminder. "You saw that in the registration orb, huh?"

"It confirmed what I suspected," she nodded. "When you stopped Shinji, something transferred to you. The orb detected multiple specialisations that match what they had. I don't think anyone else noticed, but..."

"I'm being careful," I assured her. "The team formation is purely professional. They're excellent adventurers who can help us refine the guild system during our trial period."

"If you say so," she replied, clearly unconvinced. "Just remember that relationships here, professional or otherwise, might have different implications than they would back home. Cultural expectations vary widely across tribes."

I nodded, taking her warning seriously despite my protests. Voluptaria's complex web of social expectations remained largely mysterious to us, and forming connections without understanding their implications could lead to complications none of us were prepared for.

"Whatever comes next," I thought as I walked out of the guild hall, "at least today we built something that matters. And maybe found a team that feels right."