Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 156: Wait! This is the Guild?

The sun dipped low over the royal capital, painting the sky in molten gold and fiery crimson as its light spilled across the city's glimmering waterways. The marble spires and towering obelisks seemed to ignite, basking in the sun's final embrace. As dusk deepened, long shadows stretched over the bustling streets, and the city transformed into a radiant masterpiece. Lanterns and mana crystals flickered to life in a dreamlike ambiance, their soft glow mingling with the fading sunlight, casting a lovely shimmer across the canals and bridges.

Daisuke tilted his head back to gaze at the imposing structure before him, his mouth agape in pure astonishment. "...This... is the guild, right?"

"Rawrwu?" Zephyr also shared his astoundment.

The guild was a breathtaking marvel of artistry and ingenuity, seamlessly built into a colossal statue of a knight in full plate armor. The towering figure, a symbol of valor, had its sword raised high as if to challenge the heavens, and in its other hand, an intricately carved shield bore the image of a roaring lion.

Inside, the building and statue merged so naturally that it felt as though the hall had grown from the knight's very soul. Elegant chambers and arched corridors were carved into the statue's foundation, while spires and balconies extended from its shoulders. This fusion of architectural brilliance and heroic symbolism captured the essence of fantasy and prestige, inspiring awe and igniting dreams of adventure. Yet beneath its grandeur lay a sense of authenticity and purpose.

Daisuke glanced around the expansive lobby as he made his way toward the counter. He had mentally prepared himself to endure the curious glances and dark scowls he often received upon entering such establishments, but his expectation fell well short of reality. The lukewarm reception he experienced was nothing compared to Wonderelle's own guild lobby.

Damn, he murmured inwardly, his gaze sweeping the eerily quiet chamber. All that's missing are a few tumbleweeds to complete the picture. Isn't this supposed to be peak traffic hour—when everyone's flooding back from the dungeons with their haul? So where's everyone?

"Well, you're a new face," the guild clerk said in greeting.

Daisuke offered a faint smile in return. "I'd commend your memory, given the sheer number of people you must deal with on a daily basis, but isn't it unusually quiet here for this time of day?"

The girl averted her eyes with an awkward smile, clearly flustered by the question. As she assessed the few people dotting the lobby, she tucked tendrils of hair behind her ear before holding Daisuke's gaze anew.

"So, what brings you here today?" she asked, circumventing the question. "Are you here to register as an adventurer?"

Daisuke frowned ever so slightly it was virtually unrecognizable. Without a word, he retrieved his guild license and displayed it for the clerk to see.

"E-rank, and at such a young age at that—impressive! So, what brings you to Lunarel?"

"I figured a change of scenery might be refreshing," Daisuke said flatly. "That aside, I want to confirm—are the rules the same here? Can I only take quests one tier above my rank?"

"That's correct," the girl replied with a polite nod. "The rules are pretty much standardized across all guilds worldwide."

"Got it," Daisuke said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Figured as much, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Alright, I'll be back—just need to check out the bulletin board real quick."

"Um," the clerk offered, placing a hefty ledger on the counter. "If it's more convenient, you can use this quest registry. It contains all the commissions posted on the bulletin board."