Chapter 17: Curiousity

Words : 1433 Updated : Sep 26th, 2025

Here is Chapter 17 of "I Have a Military Shop Tab in Fantasy World": Chapter 17 - CuriousityIs he serious, inviting someone to take on a quest together? And... Don’t miss it!

Chapter 17 - CuriousityIs he serious, inviting someone to take on a quest together? And what's more, this is a common red flag in all light novels, anime, manga and other titles. Why? Because this could be a setup trap to a newbie who knows nothing about how the system works and get robbed at the end. He kept his expression neutral, but inwardly, his thoughts were racing. Better to play it safe. "Thanks for the offer," Inigo said, offering a polite smile, "but I can't take any quests just yet. I just registered and haven't received my official ID." Colm blinked. "Oh. Right. Yeah, you need that to actually take anything off the board." "Yeah," Inigo nodded. "And besides, I think I'll start solo. Just wanted to look around for now and see what kind of jobs the guild offers." Colm scratched the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed. "Fair enough. Probably better to get a feel for things first. Sorry if I came off too eager—I just figured a team-up would be less of a headache, y'know?" "No offense taken," Inigo replied calmly. "It's a solid suggestion. Maybe next time." "Sure thing. I'll be around." Colm gave a short wave and stepped back toward one of the nearby tables where a few other adventurers were eating and chatting. Inigo let out a soft breath. Crisis averted. He turned his attention back to the quest board. The parchment postings were a mix of handwritten notices and official stamped forms. Some were practically begging for help—simple jobs like collecting herbs, cleaning out goblin nests, or escorting traders through nearby forest roads. He tilted his head, studying a few of the Bronze-tagged listings more closely. [Request: Boar Culling in Southridge Farm – Bronze Tier] Wild boars have been trampling crops and attacking livestock. Requesting one or more adventurers to help drive them off or kill them. Reward: 5 Silver Coins per confirmed kill. Bring tusks as proof. [Request: Lost Heirloom – Bronze Tier] A merchant lost a silver ring near the riverside while unloading goods. Believed to be in the shallow waters. Reward: 3 Silver Coins upon return. [Request: Goblin Tracks Spotted – Bronze Tier] A hunter found tracks near the border trail. Guild requests a scout or fighter to confirm presence and eliminate if possible. Reward: 8 Silver Coins + hazard bonus if den is discovered. Nothing he couldn't handle. He stepped back, arms crossed. Once he got that ID, he'd pick one of these and try it solo. He needed to test his gear in the field again—calibrate his weapon responses in a live scenario. And honestly, he needed to see how this world fought. What was the standard? How strong were these "monsters," really? One thing was certain: he wasn't about to charge into the deep end without knowing how deep it was. Not this time. A soft chime echoed from above the counter—the receptionist from earlier had just called out someone else's name. Inigo glanced at the clock-like device mounted near the entrance. He still had about thirty minutes left before he needed to return to the guard station to receive his temporary ID. Enough time to grab a drink and observe a little more of the adventurer crowd. He turned away from the job board and headed toward the cafeteria. The clatter of wooden mugs, the sizzling of food, and the buzz of half-drunken stories made it feel like something between a pub and a community hall. It smelled strongly of grilled meat and bread—honestly, not a bad mix. He ordered a simple meat skewer and a glass of cold spring water, paid with a single copper coin, and found a seat near a window that overlooked the main street. Adventurers came and went. Some were rugged and older, others young and barely past their teens. Mages in cloaks, warriors in dented armor, even a few beastkin with tails twitching behind their stools. It was a lively place, filled with people chasing gold, glory—or maybe just survival. Inigo bit into the skewer. Crunchy on the outside. Juicy on the inside. Not bad. Inigo finished the last bite of his skewer, wiped his fingers with the cloth napkin provided, then glanced at the guild's bustling main hall one more time. He had some time left before he had to return to the guard post. And something had been gnawing at the back of his mind. Magic. He still didn't know if he had any. He had fired guns, summoned armor, bought gear through a system that didn't rely on mana. But what if there was something hidden? A dormant trait? A magical spark the system wasn't built to detect? It was worth looking into. He stood up from his seat and made his way back toward the reception counter. Luckily, the same receptionist from earlier was still there, handling a few forms. Her blonde hair caught the sunlight streaming in through a stained-glass panel behind her. When she looked up and met his eyes, her smile returned, polite and professional. "Back so soon?" she asked, resting her quill in its inkwell. "Do you already want to pick a quest?" Inigo shook his head. "Not yet. I actually had a question." "Of course." He hesitated briefly. "Is there a place in the city where I can get my magic assessed? Like... to check if I even have any?" The receptionist's brow lifted slightly, as if surprised—but not unkindly. "Well, most people go to the Royal Academy of Magical Sciences to have that tested. The entrance exam includes a basic mana aptitude assessment. That's how many young nobles and magic-capable civilians find out." Inigo frowned a little. "I don't plan on enrolling. Not yet anyway. I was hoping for a place I could visit... just to get tested." She tapped her chin with a gloved finger. "Hmm. In that case, your best bet would be the Imperial Mage Department. It's a government-run institution. They handle magical regulations, artifact certification, and yes—mana assessments for independent individuals." "Perfect," Inigo said. "Where can I find it?" "Head north from the Adventurer's Guild, toward the Administrative Quarter. It's one of the tallest buildings there—white stone, two towers with silver-tipped spires. You won't miss it." He gave her a respectful nod. "Thank you. I'll check it out." She smiled. "Good luck." With that, Inigo stepped out of the guild and made his way along the route she described. The Administrative Quarter of Elandra had a different feel compared to the market roads and plazas he had passed earlier. It was quieter, with fewer stalls and more government buildings flanked by patrols in polished armor. The stonework here was more ornate—less utilitarian, more ceremonial. Statues lined the road: great mages, royal guards, past monarchs with hands raised in stone benediction. And sure enough, he spotted it. The Imperial Mage Department Building stood like a fortress dedicated to intellect. Smooth white walls glistened under the sun, two towers rising above the neighboring buildings, each capped in silver dome-like spires. Between them was a massive archway with an emblem carved into its face—an open eye over a starburst wand. Sёarᴄh the NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inigo approached the main gate, where two guards stood at attention. Both wore deep blue tabards over chainmail, and each carried a polearm tipped with a glowing blue crystal. He slowed his steps and stopped a respectful distance away. "I'd like to inquire about a mana assessment," he said. One of the guards looked him over. "Your name?" "Inigo." "Purpose?" "Personal assessment. I just want to see if I have any magical aptitude." The guard gave a small nod, then raised a hand to stop him. "Do you have identification?" Inigo hesitated. "Not yet." The guard's expression remained neutral, but his tone grew firm. "I'm afraid no one may enter the Department grounds without valid identification. It's regulation." Inigo sighed internally. Of course. "Understood," he said, stepping back. "You may return once you have proper documentation," the other guard added. "Got it. Thank you." As he turned and walked away, he didn't feel too disappointed. He had expected some kind of formality. Still, the fact that he now knew where to go was already a step forward. Besides, once he had his ID, nothing would stop him from confirming what he was capable of.

Chapter 17: Curiousity

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