GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 25: Flush

"At least it doesn't smell anymore," Celia remarked, keeping a deliberate distance from him.

"Small mercies," Vel muttered.

Voices echoed off the stone walls as adventurers called out completion reports to harried receptionists. Papers rustled at every desk while others clustered around bulletin boards, pointing at notices and arguing over territorial claims. Vel and Celia joined the queue for quest completion, standing behind several battle-worn adventurers waiting their turn.

A tall man with shoulder-length brown hair turned from outside the line, his eyes immediately dropping to Vel's crusted pants. A silver-white card hung from a chain around his neck.

"Let me guess, slime quest?" he asked, lips quirking into an amused smile.

"What gave it away?" Vel replied flatly, gesturing to the dried patches covering his lower half.

The adventurer burst into laughter, clapping Vel on the shoulder before walking away, still chuckling to himself.

That's it. If I ever get the chance, I'm purging them from existence.

"How would a genocide spell work in this world?" Vel grumbled, loud enough for Celia to hear.

"Vel!" Celia scolded, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.

As they inched closer to the front of the line, a familiar boisterous voice carried across the hall from another queue.

"Come on, shouldn't I deserve it? I've completed your request to every detail and more."

Wait. I know that voice.

"Sir, these requests are not from me," a female receptionist replied, her tone professional but clearly strained.

"I get it, but still, at least tell me when you get off work."

Vel froze. That voice—loud, overconfident, borderline obnoxious—was unmistakable despite the years that had passed.

Honka. The gold-ranked monk from Elnor's guild.

He stood at Mori's desk, his large frame leaning forward as he attempted to charm the clearly uncomfortable receptionist.

"Is he courting her?!" Vel whispered in disbelief. "Of all people, Honka?"

Vel stepped out of the line, gesturing for Celia to continue forward without him.

This I have to see for myself.

"I'll catch up," he whispered.

Celia raised an eyebrow but nodded, sliding forward to hold their place in the queue.

Vel approached Mori's desk with measured steps. The receptionist maintained her professional composure, hands folded neatly before her, though Vel detected the slight strain in her posture. Her eyes flicked toward Vel, perhaps hoping for rescue from Honka's unwanted advances.

"Sir, if you have no more request, please leave the line for the next person," Mori stated, her voice level despite the evident annoyance in her eyes.

Honka scratched his bald head, the thick muscles of his arm flexing with the casual motion. He wore the same style of fur-trimmed clothing Vel remembered from years ago, though the specific garments looked newer.

"But there's no one else here—" Honka began to protest, then turned as he sensed someone approaching.

Honka tilted his head, clearly trying to place the familiar face. He blinked hard, shaking his head as if to clear his vision. Then his mouth dropped open in sudden understanding.