The previously some-what quiet bar became entirely quiet.

And then, they reacted. Chairs were flipped over to stand up as quickly as possible, hands and fists and swords and staffs were all raised, pointed at approximately yours truly. The quick reaction could probably be chalked up to years of rigorous training, but even so, it really was quite a sight to see.

Beneath me, Todd stumbled where he stood, clearly taken aback by the swift change in atmosphere. Mal, on the other hand, seemed neither surprised nor scared. Which is, well, pretty fair, considering that these guys will probably attack me and not Mal or Todd.

Gus seemed confused.

Nobody was attacking. They seemed to be awaiting... something. Maybe an attack, maybe a rallying cry, I did not know.

"Is-, is that true?..."

Gus asked, taking a step back.

"Um, uhh, we-, we might have gotten off on the wrong foot. I'm-, my name is Todd, and I'm a bit of a newbie, but I... I tamed this guy. Out in the woods. He's totally tame!"

A murmur rippled through the crowd, maces lowering just slightly and heads turning to Hans, who in turn furrowed his hefty brows together. He was unsure, I could tell.

"...I don't know."

Hans admitted, his voice deep and gravelly.

"-All I know is that it's a C+ rank monster. I can't see anything else."

Right, whatever that means. I'd love to speak up, but I kind of feel like doing so will just make the situation worse.

"-Returner. I beg your pardon, but the Hero and the Villain are not threats. The Villain has, as ashamed as I am to admit it... saved my life. On multiple occasions. Unless it attacks, I will not see it harmed."

Mal says, actually stepping up in my defence.

-Aww! That is-, very nice! Not sure why you're ashamed about it, but... I'll save your life anytime, buddy!

"H-, hey, Hans, so far it hasn't done anything, and if it got through the gates-?"

Gus pipes in, slowly stepping in between Hans and us to act as a mitigator of sorts. Even though he's only known us for an hour at most... man, if they attack Gus, I'll attack back for sure!

Hans grinds his molars, nose scrunching up as he growls beneath his breath. But he doesn't put down his hands.

"-It's a C+ rank monster, damn it-!"

Hans says, his fists tightening just a bit more. Gus mulls over the fact, and Todd's confusion only deepens. I'm currently on Todd's side, since I have no idea what C+ means in comparison to anything else.

"Well, yes, so, if it'd like to destroy the city, that'd been easy to do a good while back, no? Furthermore, it isn't entirely unheard of to have people awaken skills outta nowhere, now is it?"

Gus says, shrugging his shoulders with an uncertain smile hanging on his thin, pale lips. Hans growls again, but he does lower his hands a bit. The entire room, all according to what the lot of us are doing, follow suit, weapons and hands lowering in peace.

Hm. Hang on-, what's that he said about destroying cities-?...

"Alright, alright, that's quite enough. Leave this young tamer and his beast alone, and get back to work, or I'll call the guards on the lot of you!"

So says the new person entering the room, a robust, older gentleman with a nice thick moustache and a white, coffee(?)-stained apron hanging around his neck and chest.

Skill (System Recon Interference) has been used, information will now be shown

Human "John Tinkertailor", Lv.50, (Race)

One of the many human inhabitants of the mountain-side city of Blanc de Montagne, John Tinkertailor is a humble man and former veteran adventurer, since retired to care for and act as guild master for the city's adventurer's guild. As respected as he was in his time, his track-record as guildmaster is rather muddy, speckled with dark stains of conspiracy and odd theories. Even so, he is generally well-liked for his jolly attitude and pacifistic nature.

-A weird character has appeared.

Even though one wouldn't expect a person like him, what with his shabby looks and all, to get even a sliver of respect from a room full of mercenaries, they all actually sat down and resumed whatever they were talking about, albeit in hushed tones.

"-Huh? What just happened-?"

Todd asked no one in particular, turning his head to and fro like a pendulum. In response, I discreetly tap him on the shoulder where I'm standing. However it came across to him, I meant it in a "we were just saved" sort of way.

"Ah, you two, or is it three? Well, don't just stand there like a gaggle of startled rats, come on over here!"

The jolly old man said, stepping behind the counter which seemed more like a bar than anything professional. Todd and Mal exchanged a quick glance before doing as the man said and walking over the counter. Since the bartop was lined with round barstools, we had no choice but to sit down. Very comfortable.

"Right, what brings youse three to this fine establishment?"

He said, already pouring up a few glasses of drink for a few other guests.

"Dude, I was here like, yesterday! Okay, unimportant, but me and Mal here wanna make a new party, yeah? Oh, and also Johnny here, too. He's like a friend but I also tamed him, is it okay to bring him? I'm still not very used to any of this, so-"

"Well, sonny, I'd say so long as he can read 'n write to sign the contract he can join your band as a party member. That is, if your little elven friend here wants that?"

With that, we all turn to stare at Mal, who suddenly goes red around the ears. I'm not sure why he's reacting like this, I'm kind of just going along with it, y'know?

"I-, uh, sir! Of course the Villain shall join our troupe, it is-, it is simply a necessity!"

"...Right. Then, since you and the little insect are both new, I'll have to ask you to register."

With that said, the man suddenly materializes a large crystal. It's got this bright blue colour, much like the blue boxes I've so come to love/hate.

"Now if you just put some of your mana in here, it'll read your status and all. You ever had your status read?"

"Yes, sir. My master was an excellent wizard, and he possessed the Materialize Stone skill as well. He only ever let me read my status once, and that was... fairly a year ago."

Mal said as he placed his hand on the rock, probably putting some mana I can't see into it.

"A year ago, y'say? Oh, I feel ya kid, makes one envy those returners, don't it?"

A blue screen popped up right in front of the stone, identical to the one we always see.

Mal(Lv. 20) Species Elf(Race) Title(s) Unwanted Health 25/25 Mana 40/40 Status Strength 8 Magic 26 Speed 9 Defence 8 Skills(...)

"...Envy?"

Mal asked absentmindedly as he examined his status with a piercing glance.

"Oh, yes, certainly so. Them returners can see their status anytime they want! Ah, just press the skills part to see what skills you've got... and, I've heard they can even see the stats of other people and creatures! Remarkable."

The guildmaster nodded deeply, before realizing Todd had his side-ways black rectangle. In the meantime, Mal pressed the skills button, covering the screen with his body for some hódd reason.

"-Sorry mister returner! Forgot you was here, heh. Why, while you're here, can't you tell me where youŕe from or nothing? You know I've always wanted to know!"

Todd shook his head.

"Sorry dude, it'll just sound like simlish to you anyways. I'm from Earth, another planet, and I'm here to clap cheeks."

"-Pardon, I didn't catch that last part-?"

"Knew it."

Mal removed his hands from the crystal, taking his mana with it, leaving it blank.

"So, what now?"

Todd asked, his eyes glittering at the prospect of creating a new party to go out on adventures with.

The guildmaster gave me a strange look.

"Hm. If you really say you've tamed this 'lil critter, how 'bout you have him try out the stone?"

-Hm?