I descended the stairs leading to the underground of Traage Castle, with Tsubaki-sama’s escorts leading the way, followed by us and Tsubaki-sama. We were heading to the Transfer Chamber, a room with a convenient instant teleportation gate, a common feature in fantasy stories.
“A Transfer Gate, you say? I had no idea such a thing existed.”
“Kelvin, I thought you would know, being an adventurer… You certainly have gaps in your knowledge, don’t you?”
“My companions say that often. I suppose it’s because I come from the countryside.”
Sera giggled behind her hand. It couldn’t be helped; I truly didn’t know. I wish Rio had told me earlier if such a convenient means of travel existed.
“Well, it’s not something every adventurer can use casually. We still have a little ways to go to the Transfer Chamber. Very well, I shall explain it to you in the meantime.”
She seemed to be slightly pleased.
“A Transfer Gate, as its name suggests, is a device that transfers those who pass through it. It can transfer to any location where a Transfer Gate is installed… however, there are some restrictions. First, immense magical power is required to activate a Transfer Gate. The amount is proportional to the distance of the transfer destination. Since our destination is Pars, the consumption will be relatively manageable.”
“I see… Are there Transfer Gates in every city?”
“No, only in the capitals and major cities of each country. It’s built with techniques that have now been lost, so while we can use them, new ones cannot be created. For this reason, Transfer Gates are strictly managed by each country. This is one of the reasons adventurers cannot use them.”
I suppose if such a thing existed, people would misuse it. It would be like an enemy suddenly appearing inside the castle.
“Only those who have attained a certain status and proven track record can use the Transfer Gates. To put it simply for an adventurer like Kelvin, it’s for those who are Rank A or higher, and who have obtained permission from the administrators of the Transfer Gates at both the departure and arrival points. You borrowed my Guild Card for a bit before, didn’t you? I had the Traage seal applied to it then. Therefore, you have the qualifications. Moreover, it’s a direct seal from me, King Traage. Presenting this will grant you not only access to Transfer Gates but also various benefits within Traage.”
Looking closely at my Guild Card, I saw the Traage royal crest and the characters “Tsubaki” inscribed below it. It wasn’t in some foreign script but was written in the kanji I recognized. The Guild Card serves as proof of status, and Tsubaki-sama’s seal as proof of acknowledgment. However, that alone shouldn’t be enough to use the Transfer Gate.
“Wait a moment. While I am honored by your acknowledgment, Tsubaki-sama, I haven’t been permitted to use the Transfer Gate in Pars by its administrator. Won’t it fail to activate then?”
That’s right; I hadn’t heard anything about that in Pars. In the first place, I don’t recall seeing such a gate in Pars.
“What are you saying? Isn’t it already marked on that Guild Card? It’s the seal of permission from the Pars Adventurer Guild Master, Rio.”
“Huh?”
I looked at my Guild Card again. I still couldn’t see anything resembling a seal of permission… Ah.
“Could it be this Wing Mark?”
“Indeed.”
“Th-this is it…?”
Wait, I thought this was just the emblem of the Adventurer Guild without question. This wing is the seal of permission for Pars? It was engraved when I received the Guild Card! Isn’t the certification too lenient…
“Fufu, you look surprisingly surprised. Rest assured. Guild Master Rio doesn’t grant permission to just anyone.”
“What do you mean?”
“The engraved wing is the crest of the Pars Adventurer Guild. In our Traage Guild, it’s a shield motif. While that crest is indeed engraved on the Rank F Guild Cards of new adventurers, it only truly activates when magic is infused into it. Try infusing a little magic into your Guild Card.”
As Tsubaki-sama instructed, I sent a small amount of magic into my Guild Card.
“Hoh…”
“Wow, it’s beautiful…”
Gerard and Efil couldn’t help but exclaim. The engraved wing on my Guild Card began to glow golden.
“This phenomenon only occurs for those recognized by Guild Master Rio. He’s a peculiar fellow, you see. He may have recognized you, but he likely didn’t bother to inform you of it.”
“Yes, not a word. I wasn’t even told about the Transfer Gate.”
“Khahahaha. He probably enchanted the Guild Card when you were promoted.”
Tsubaki-sama laughed merrily. In the meantime, we reached a large door.
“We’re here. This is the Transfer Chamber.”
Beyond the opened door was a gate that reached almost to the ceiling. A Golem could probably pass through it. Around the Transfer Gate, there were seven individuals who appeared to be mages.
“Your Majesty, we have been waiting. The magic replenishment for the Transfer Gate is already complete. Please proceed.”
An elder, who seemed to be the head mage, bowed to Tsubaki-sama. The others followed suit, but they looked exhausted, gasping for breath. Had they used up all their MP?
“Now then, as discussed, the magic replenishment is complete. All that remains is to designate the transfer destination and await its approval. Look there.”
She pointed towards a stone pedestal.
“Place your Guild Card on that pedestal and visualize the transfer destination. If you have the qualifications, the Transfer Gate will open.”
This is truly a fantasy function. Alright, let’s try it. I placed my Guild Card on the pedestal and pictured the cityscape of Pars.
—At that moment, the Transfer Gate opened.
“Now, run! The gate will only be open for a short time!”
“W-what!?”
Tell me important information like that in advance!
“Master, just in case, I will go first. Tsubaki-sama, until we meet again.”
