“So, I was wondering who that guy was.” Kasla cast a curious gaze at Mi-mi as they walked through the city. Mi-mi had stored the map she had acquired from Chrono’s mysterious father in her bag, but seemed preoccupied.  

“Hm? Oh! You mean Mapmaker?” She gave Kasla a quizzical look, drawn out of her thoughts.

“Yeah.” Kasla nodded.

“Let’s see, hm… Well, he’s a mapmaker under the name Misterion. He looks grumpy, but he’s not a bad guy. I’ve known him for a while,” Mi-mi assured while leading the way.

Kasla thought of the man’s critical gaze the day before and stern mannerisms. I’m not too sure about that… He mulled over Mi-mi’s words. “Misterion? That’s his name?”

“To be honest? I don’t know,” said Mi-mi with a shrug.

“You don’t know?” Kasla looked at Mi-mi in surprise. “So Misterion is an alias?”

“In a way, yes. Mapmakers tend to always hide under an alias so they won’t get hunted or their families targeted. Their skills are rather in demand by Adventurers and also royalty for their exploration capabilities. How much more so if there’s other people with bad intentions?”

“What? Being hunted?!” Kasla was shocked and worried. Then maybe those kidnappers weren’t randomly targeting Chrono!

“Not so loud,” Mi-mi shushed, glancing at nearby bystanders.

Kasla clapped a hand over his mouth, swallowing anymore outbursts. He cast a look around, seeing if he had drawn anyone’s attention. “Ah, sorry.” He took a breath. “Please continue.”

“Ahem. Mapmakers as a job are rare. They’ve become fewer in recent years. Some gave up because of how dangerous the job is. A few who worked under the Adventurers’ Guild went missing and others with incompetent party members led them to their deaths.”

Kasla gulped. He’d thought adventuring was one of the most dangerous and thrilling professions. He never thought about those having to scout ahead as pioneers so others might proceed more safely. He’d always considered Adventurers as the fearless trail blazers as warriors and explorers. 

Chrono’s dad does this, all while being a single father? A pang of worry formed at the thought of Chrono’s fate should the boy’s father meet his demise while on a job. 

“That’s why they have their own guild established where they have more security and reassurance. Normally Adventurers tend to go there to order their maps and get information,” Mi-mi continued, leading them past vendors who were muttering amongst themselves before trying to hail them to buy their goods.

“Is Misterion part of the Guild?” 

Mi-mi nearly snorted at Kasla’s question, earning his confusion. She cleared her throat. “Ah, sorry. No, he’s not part of that guild nor the Adventurers’ Guild. He’s more of a freelancer.”

“Freelancer?”

“Yes, Misterion is a mapmaker, but no guild has a hold on him. To be frank, we honestly want him to be the mapmaker for our guild, because you see, Misterion is a household name in both. The Guildmasters know of him. His maps are way too detailed compared to the maps that are sold in the Cartographers’ Guild.”

“If he’s a household name…” Kasla started to whisper, but noticed there were less people around. “Why didn’t I see other Adventurers flocking to him?”

“It’s because nobody really knows his face other than the Guildmasters. Complete anonymity.”

“Uh… then how do you know?” Kasla gave Mi-mi a cautious look. “You're not secretly this branch's leader or something?”

“Oh! Hah! No! I’m just family.” Mi-mi laughed, waving her hand.

Kasla felt a pang of panic as he stiffened. Crap, I gotta make a good impression or she'll tell the Guildmaster to revoke my license! He was paired with not only a senior, but someone who had connections within the organization.

Mi-mi noticed Kasla’s tense demeanor and smiled, nudging him playfully. “Relax! I’m not going to tell on you. Yet. First, let’s nab some supplies.”

⁜

While Mi-mi entered a bakery to buy food for their mission Kasla waited outside. His mouth watered at the alluring aroma wafting out. He leaned against the building, taking in the sights and smells of the city better now that he was no longer preoccupied. Nearby some vendors were talking, drawing Kasla’s curiosity.

“The supply for fish and squid has been too low recently,” a tan Elf fisherman was complaining to his companions. 

“Tell me about it! I haven’t seen any supplies coming from the Dwarf Kingdom. The ore supply has been so low and in poor quality as well recently.” The ore trader Beastman folded his arms, looking annoyed. “Other minerals seem to be getting scarce as well. Maybe someone’s buying them up and creating a shortage.”  

“Say, should I change my business venture? I’m not making a sale over here and I have a family to feed.” The Elf scratched his chin in thought.

“I say yes. There’s no point in continuing business if there’s no money coming in.” A dark skinned blacksmith Human with locs shook her head. “Have to earn a living, you know.” 

“I hear that selling coffee slime remnants has been booming. I did try a sample and it really made me feel like I couldn't sleep for a whole day. It was a lil bit bitter, but adding milk did help the taste improve.” The Beastman perked up, a smile forming.

“Coffee slimes? Aren’t those monsters hidden in the deepest part of Orion Dungeon?” The blacksmith gave the Beastman a skeptical look, folding her muscular arms. “Those rascals can move rather fast. I doubt you can find a steady supply of them, plus you need a competent team of Adventurers to nab them.”

“Yeah, but one of the alchemists here in Simulan happened to tame at least one! They tried breeding them with ordinary slimes and it had some wonderful results. You know what, I could introduce you to them. We could start a business!” The Beastman grinned, clapping the Elf on the shoulder.

“A-are… Are you sure?” The Elf gaped, looking like a fish out of water.

“It’s more of an alternative side business, but as long as it brings food to the table, why not?” The Beastman smiled, clearly happy to lend a hand.

Hm, maybe I should try some. Would be good for late nighters… Kasla mulled over the taste of coffee made from slimes. Was it like ordinary coffee or something else? 

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Mi-mi stepped out of the bakery, tucking her purchase into a pouch. “Here, got you something.” She deposited a warm and delicious smelling croissant in Kasla’s hands. “Figured you could enjoy some delicacies of the city, country boy.”

“Thanks.” Kasla’s mouth watered at the freshly baked goods despite having eaten not long before. He took a bite, feeling the flaky dough dissolve in his mouth in heavenly goodness. It was so delicious his eyes brightened, craving more. “Wow, this is really good!”

“You doubt me?” Mi-mi gave a mock look of outrage before it turned into a teasing smile as the two continued on their way. 

Kasla tried to savor the treat but finished it in no time. He brushed the crumbs that managed to evade his mouth off his gloves. “Have you tried coffee slimes, Mi-mi?” he ventured, curious.

“Coffee slimes? That's a rather out of nowhere question.” 

“I just overheard it from some vendors,” Kasla confessed, feeling a little ashamed at eavesdropping so intently.  

“Well, aren’t you becoming a good Adventurer? Listening in to gather info about monsters!” Mi-mi teased with a smile. “Just kidding, but it’s a good thing that you are an active listener. That’s a good mark of an Adventurer.”

Kasla felt himself flush at the compliment despite his shame. “I’m just curious. I’ve never seen a coffee slime. I only know of ordinary slimes. I didn’t realize certain ones can taste different.”

“I’ve never seen one myself, but I did try the remnant. It was too bitter for my taste. I tried to make a potion out of it, but rather than a sweet taste like ordinary slimes, it was too acidic. I would not recommend it.” Mi-mi made a face at the memory, shaking her head. “However if you want to stay awake at least half a day, it works like a charm.”

“That’s cool, really helpful for nighttime commissions.” Kasla brightened, his wonderings confirmed.

“Yep! But since you’re still Rank E, you won’t have those anytime soon. You need to be at least Rank C to get those commissions. After all, monsters are very active at night. Wouldn't want to risk leading an Adventurer to an early grave.” Kasla simply nodded as they headed towards the city gates which soon were in view. 

As they approached, the two guards on either side of the gateway were conversing in low tones. “What the hell do you think happened—” They halted, regarding Mi-mi.

“Oh, heading out, Syss?” the first guard inquired, a young man around Mi-mi’s age and a few inches taller. He had short brown hair, his complexion tanned by his days on patrol. His worried expression brightened upon seeing her, his blue eyes lighting up. 

“Yup, I have to fetch something! Also don’t mind the kid behind me, he’s my junior.” Mi-mi flashed a smile, pointing to Kasla.

The second guard was a Beastman with gray fur with black markings. Fluffy ears poked out from a metal helmet, a single horn at its center. The upper part of his seemingly canine face was obscured by the helmet, but it didn't hide his humor as he let out a whistle. 

“Good luck out there, kiddo. Knowing Syss over here, you’ll be in good hands.” His fluffy black tipped tail wagged slightly, making one wonder if he were a dog or perhaps a gray fox. 

“Thanks, I guess…?” Kasla wondered just what was awaiting them in the forest. The vote of confidence seemed sincere however and the friendly acquaintance with Mi-mi lessened his caution towards the guards slightly.

“Now, if you’ll excuse us.” Mi-mi gave a wave, leading Kasla through the gateway.

“Syss!” the first guard called, causing Mi-mi to halt.

“Hm?” She turned, curious. “What’s up, Reggie?”