GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 25: Flush

"By Iz'mir, that you kid?" Honka's booming voice echoed through the guild hall. Several nearby adventurers glanced their way, curious about the outburst.

Honka stepped aside as Vel approached, allowing another adventurer access to Mori's desk.

"Didn't expect to see you here," Vel said, crossing his arms. "Weren't you registered to Elnor's Guild?"

Honka's chest puffed up with his usual bravado. "Ah, the world of high-ranked adventurers isn't bound to one location, kid."

Despite the familiar boastfulness, Vel noticed subtle differences in the monk. His face appeared more weathered, with faint lines around his eyes that hadn't been there before. Something about his gaze seemed more thoughtful, less impulsive. And whenever Mori glanced their way, Honka's eyes darted toward her, his posture straightening ever so slightly.

Honka looked Vel up and down, his eyes lingering on the dried slime patches covering Vel's pants. A smirk spread across his face. "Though I see you're already making small coin. Academy uniform and all."

Before Vel could respond, Honka raised his voice, just loud enough to ensure Mori could hear from her desk.

"After saving you from those Wulfangs, I've been promoted to upper Gold Rank." He thumped his chest proudly. "You might not know, but the higher the rank, the more valuable an asset you become. Every guild branch has work for you when you reach my level."

Vel noticed Honka's obvious attempt to impress Mori, who maintained her professional demeanor despite the clear display happening mere feet from her desk.

Mori's hands paused briefly over her paperwork before resuming as if she hadn't heard.

Honka's expectant smile faltered at the corners when Mori showed no visible reaction to his self-promotion. His shoulders sagged slightly, the earlier bravado diminishing by a fraction.

Vel bit back a smile. Four years had passed, yet some things remained unchanged—Honka's transparent attempts at impressing women were still as ineffective as ever.

The monk's large hand suddenly clamped onto Vel's shoulder, pulling him a step closer with surprising gentleness for someone of his strength. Honka leaned down, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that smelled faintly of ale.

"Hey kid, see that lady over there? If you come here often, put in good words for me."

Vel glanced at Mori, who was now helping another adventurer at her desk, her professional demeanor unwavering. He considered the monk's request, finding it oddly endearing that someone of Honka's status would ask for help from a mere Academy student covered in dried slime.

"In return, I would teach you a few moves that I've learned in this line of work," Honka offered, his voice unexpectedly sincere. "Deal?"

It had never occurred to Vel before. He'd been so focused on sword techniques and magical spells that hand-to-hand combat remained a blind spot in his training. Yet Honka's offer was surprisingly valuable. Monk combat styles—fighting with nothing but your bare hands—could be a lifeline if he ever found himself without a weapon or unable to cast magic.

Vel nodded slightly, considering the proposition. He might not have liked Honka's boisterous demeanor during their first encounter years ago, but now, the monk felt like a long-lost acquaintance. After everything that happened with Clara, some part of Vel genuinely wanted to help Honka find romantic success too.

"Okay," Vel agreed. "I'll put in a good word when I can."

Honka grinned and clapped him on the shoulder again. They had just sealed their deal when Celia walked over, quest reward in hand.