MV – Chapter 69: The Minor Villain of New Lands

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The Surface District is vast. If you compare it to the previous world, it’s as large as the Kanto region; a massive, distorted circular city housing ten million people.

The location of the Lanpeach Complex is in the southern part from the perspective of the Surface District. In this world where infrastructure development levels vary by districts and information is hard to gather, rumors of the Lanpeach Complex have so far only spread to the southern slums and its surrounding Surface District.

Therefore, Lanpeach decided to temporarily relocate his base to the northern sector where rumors haven’t spread yet. It was fitting for a minor villain to behave like a criminal trying to hide. As expected of the versatile villain punching bag, Lanpeach.

◇◇

—Spring has arrived.

Even within the Surface District, the outer rim area is a mishmash. Originally controlled by slum bosses, it’s a world where power rules, and bribery is the norm, however, the central authority of the Surface District keeps a watchful eye on security alone. This is the world of the outer rim area of the Surface District.

In contrast, the mid-tier districts near the central area have gradually adopted the norms of goodwill and have well-maintained infrastructure, influenced by the central area.

The criteria for mid-tier districts are simple: whether or not the Explorer Guild in the area has the authority to assign star ratings. This system prevents bribery from determining star levels, ensuring that stars are assigned according to regulations.

Unlike the Explorer Guilds in the outer rim’s backwater, the buildings here are well-maintained and clean, with competent guards and a cute female receptionist who greets you with a charming smile.

For explorers, it’s essential to visit the mid-tier districts to raise their star level. The explorers who finally become eligible for a star eagerly come to these districts, and the wealth they witness motivates them to work hard, aiming to rise high enough to live there.

The mid-tier Explorer Guild, which looks like the lobby of a new hotel, has glass walls, potted plants, and thin monitors displaying ads of cute girls holding canned juice.

The explorers’ equipment is top-notch, with spirit armor as a given. They wear high-end gear, whether it’s robe-style or inner type, and their swords and staffs emit a faint blue light, a sign of embedded magic. Each piece of equipment costs billions, and the explorers exude the aura of battle-hardened warriors.

Explorers who come here, eager to become Star 1, often feel overwhelmed by the higher-ranked explorers. Those who aren’t intimidated might catch the eye of the top explorers and get invited to join their clans.

Among such explorers, a single girl walked through the door of the mid-tier Explorer Guild.

“Coming in! I can finally register as an explorer, so please register me!”

A lively girl. She had black hair and eyes, her hair tied in a side ponytail. She ran up to the reception counter and eagerly tapped on it.

“Oh, you finally turned 15, Touka-chan. Congratulations, you can become an explorer now.”

The receptionist chuckled as she picked up the paperwork. They seemed to know each other, and the explorers nearby paid no attention to the girl as they continued their conversations.

“It took forever~! School is fun, and I love hanging out with my friends, but it’s all about adventure when you’re an explorer, right? Finding treasure with a bang, seeing sights no one has seen before, learning new things. The extraordinary is calling me!” (Touka)

The girl laughed heartily with a ‘nihihi’ and clenched her fist with determination. The receptionist gave her a wry smile in return.

“Alright, alright. Did you get all your equipment? Even beginner monsters can kill you if you’re not careful -that’s the daily life of an explorer.”

“No worries! With this gear, I’m all set!” (Touka)

The girl’s equipment was a custom-made spirit armor. It looked like a martial arts uniform, with magic circles embroidered on the hem, sleeves, and back, enchanted with reinforcement spells. It was high-end gear, not at all suitable for a beginner explorer.

“Come on, come on~, register me already! I’ve been waiting for this day like it was the most delicious manju ever!” (Touka)

“You were in a sweet mood then. So, have you decided on a clan? It’s better to pick a decent one. Well, with your surname, I doubt any shady clans will approach you. Here’s your Star 1.” 

“Huh? I get Star 1 right away? Usually, you start at Star 0, right?” (Touka)

Stars represent an explorer’s rank. You start at Star 0, and the highest is 10. Star 1 is considered a full-fledged explorer, with perks like being able to open a bank account even without a formal registration. As your rank increases, so do the perks.

“You’ve already surpassed the standards with your provisional license, so your start is privileged. Besides, with that equipment, starting at Star 0 would be a scam. So, if you haven’t chosen a clan yet, how about I recommend you one?”

The receptionist kindly offered as she fiddled with the monitor, but the girl vigorously shook her head.

“I need to choose a party before I pick a clan! Ah, is there anyone interesting around? My party doesn’t need ordinary people. I’m looking for aliens, psychics, or beastmen!” (Touka)

The girl placed her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest with pride, making the receptionist laugh.

“If there were people like that, the world would change. Now, sign here.”

“Sure, but I bet there’s at least a psychic around.” (Touka)

The girl pouted and rested her cheek on the counter, only for the receptionist to tap her on the forehead with a pen and hand her the paper.

“Could you explain the difference between a mage and a psychic?”

“Hmmm, true. I can’t really tell the difference between magic and psychic powers. In that case, an alien? Ventura, Bento~ I am~ Hungry~” (Touka)

“The other day, you were dancing in the vacant lot, weren’t you? I thought it was a creative dance, but it was a dance to summon aliens? Now that you’re officially an explorer, you can use the cafeteria.”

The girl started to sway and dance. The receptionist thought that she would be a good girl if she didn’t have this strange side of her, and playfully smacked her.

“If you want a beastman-like being, why not buy one? There’s one standing right over there.”

The receptionist pointed to a large man with a lion’s face standing next to a guard. No, it wasn’t a man. It was a Lion Guard, an Artificial Spirit used for security.

“That’s an Artificial Spirit. It’s just like a robot that follows orders. I’ve never heard it make small talk.” (Touka)

The girl glanced at the motionless Lion Guard, signed the paper, and returned it.

“Well, Artificial Spirits aren’t smart. They’re like robots. But if you had an expensive one, it could at least chat with you, right?”

“No way~! I want to chat, play together, and eat meals together!” (Touka)

“What’s the point of adding meaningless features? Artificial Spirits exist to assist humanity. If you want to make an Artificial Spirit for hobbies, become a researcher.”

“That’s mean~! Don’t ask impossible things from someone who ranks near the bottom of the class~. But maybe, if I search, I can find one somewhere.” (Touka)

“If you do, I’ll bite peanuts with my eyes.”

The girl slapped her hands in frustration but still signed the papers and laughed as she took out her card.

“Here you go, and don’t lose your card. If you lose it, you’ll have to pay a hefty guarantee fee.”

“Okay~. I’m low on allowance, so I won’t lose it.” (Touka)

“Finally done with your talk? Remember there are people waiting behind you.”

A man’s dissatisfied voice came from behind, probably because the conversation had gone on too long. The girl hurriedly turned around and bowed, realizing her mistake.

“I’m sorry! I’ll move out of the way right away.” (Touka)

(Huh? I didn’t feel the presence of anyone behind me… When did he get there?) (Touka)

Behind her stood a man wearing worn-out leather pants and cheap leather armor made from low-level monster hides. He carried a DG5 Assault Rifle on his shoulder, a knapsack on his back, his hair disheveled, and his mouth twisted in a sneer, as if plotting something.

Lanpeach Kouza. Recognized by all as a minor villain.

◇◇

[This place sure is nice. The explorers look strong, and they have a different vibe from you, Soldier.] (Libra)

[As in, they are different from me who has a hidden allure, right? I get it, I’m a man of depth after all.] (Lanpeach)

[You’re like a sauce with jam mixed in.] (Libra)

[A guaranteed hit with the masses.] (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach looked around again while engaged in this lively banter with Libra. 

Everyone certainly looks strong. Unlike the outer rim explorers, there were no broke explorers lounging around the reception lobby, drinking.

It was clear that where there’s money, there’s money. The girl who had been chatting at the reception had now moved, so Lanpeach confidently placed his arm on the counter and flashed a gentle smile.

The receptionist’s face twitched for some reason at that smile, which Lanpeach found puzzling.

“W-Welcome. How can I assist you today?”

The receptionist greeted him with a smile. Her well-trained professionalism was evident in her warm expression, which prompted Lanpeach to return the smile as he stated his business.

“I’m here for a rank-up procedure. Lanpeach Kouza, here to become a Star 1.” (Lanpeach)

Indeed, Lanpeach had come to the Northern Explorer Guild, realizing it was about time he had an account. With a self-assured grin, he looked every bit the dashing gentleman.

[Are you sure about this, Soldier? You seem so confident, but what if you can’t become Star 1?] (Libra)

Libra, who was his support shrine maiden, peered at him worriedly. 

Lanpeach chuckled, narrowing his eyes as he reassured her.

[Don’t worry. I’m a man who knows this game inside out. My actions are meticulous, flawless, and perfect.] (Lanpeach)

“Uhm… Lanpeach-sama, you don’t seem to have enough achievements to become a Star 1…” 

The receptionist, looking slightly uncomfortable, glanced at her terminal as she informed him. Her smile was a bit cramped, unable to believe he didn’t even have enough achievements to qualify for Star 1.

Well, it was true that since coming here, he hadn’t really done any proper work for the Explorer Guild, nor had he sold any items obtained from monsters. It was only natural that he lacked the necessary achievements.

But that was all part of his plan.

“Achievements, huh? Well, how about this?” (Lanpeach)

He placed a pile of spirit stones on the counter. If achievements were lacking, all he had to do was earn them.

“To get to Star 1, I just need to sell up to a million Ele worth of spirit stones, right? I’ve made sure to bring exactly that, so we’re good.” (Lanpeach)

He remembered the exact units required to reach Star 1, as well as the points for each achievement. This was the advantage of being a transmigrator who had mastered the game -Lanpeach’s smug expression made that clear. This was the behavior of a true gamer.

“Yes, um… that’s right, it totals exactly one million Ele. You qualify for Star 1.” 

“See? It cost me quite a bit to buy a million Ele worth of spirit stones.” (Lanpeach)

He was a minor villain, boldly admitting to using a devious method. 

The receptionist sighed at his words. 

Criminals from the slums would occasionally use similar tricks just to obtain an account. But as long as money was deposited, the bank didn’t care. So, the guild turned a blind eye as well.

But for someone to be so brazen about it… She thought, convinced that he is a dangerous man who had no intention of actually working as an explorer, given his apparent villainy. 

Even so, she retrieved a crystal.

“Now, please place your hand on this crystal. If your mana measures at the Star 1 level, we’ll issue your certificate.”

“Huh? There’s something like that?” (Lanpeach)

The meticulous, flawless man was suddenly struck with a bad feeling because this wasn’t in the game.

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