Another world, Celeste

Chapter Nine, pt 2

We follow the guard inside a spacious hall. The sign above the door says 'inspection hall'. The hall is divided into two sections; arrival and departure. This is like an airport custom office. Right now, we're taken to the VIP counter. The person-in-charge is efficient in dealing with these sorts of things since his expression remains unfazed by our arrival. Kif insists they wait in the long line like the rest of the visitors, but they wouldn't let Chief's companions be treated any less. The nametag on the person behind the desk read as Senior Officer Derek.

"There is no need for formalities. We are here to register the junior apprentices at the guild." Chief says first.

"My apologies, Master Dwarf. We weren't informed of your arrival." Senior Officer Derek bow his head.

"Everyone calls me Chief." Chief corrects him.

Senior Officer Derek observes the people behind Chief; four dwarves, three gnomes, three elves and a human girl.

"Do you have any items with you?" Senior Officer Derek enquires.

Kif answers. "Yes, it's in our carriage."

"We need to inspect those to make sure there are no prohibited items." Senior Officer Derek informs Kif.

"Of course," Kif replies.

Due to heavy traffic coming in and out of the town daily, they conduct inspections to prevent illegal or stolen items being smuggled into the town and from within. Security is tight too. I wonder how that swindling merchant and his adventurer companion manage to pass this checkpoint. Travellers must pass by here if their destination is to Kirashira Village unless they take a less desirous path through the forest.

Senior Officer Derek points to the same guard who brings us here and orders him to conduct the inspection. Kif follows the guard to the carriage. The rest of us proceed with the arrival procedure. Chief step aside and let the apprentices take turns showing their identification card and placing their hand over the crystal orb to identify whether the person has a criminal record or not. If someone does, the orb will glow red.

"Chief, are they with you as well?"

Senior Officer Derek is referring to Mint, Syl, Erissa and I.

Syl steps in. "We are escorting Master Kif and the apprentices until they return to Kirashira Village."

Chief gives him a look that warns him not to pry any further. Senior Officer Derek proceed to check our identification with the crystal orb. When it's my turn, Erissa gestures the bracelet on my left hand. I show it to him. The trio does the same. Kif returns and the guard informs Senior Officer Derek there are no suspicious items. Since the baggage is mostly for business purposes, Kif has to fill in a form. Senior Officer Derek handles everything smoothly and professionally. After the necessary process is completed, we're permitted to enter the town.

"Welcome to the mining town."

Senior Officer Derek expresses his welcome to us.