Arrival at the Water City—Rivana, here we come!
The Grand Sage Elmirah first made her name at the age of eight.
It’s said she walked into the Adventurer’s Guild carrying the head of an ancient dragon that had long tormented the capital.
But that was only the beginning of her legend.
She entered the capital’s most prestigious academy, skipped grades, and graduated at the top of her class.
Appointed as a royal court magician at the youngest age on record, she went on to accomplish many feats with spells no one had ever imagined.
She was said to have lived so long she earned the moniker “Immortal.”
And in the end, she sealed her accumulated wisdom into spellbooks and scattered them across the land.
Those spellbooks have since led magicians across the world on great adventures.
[Seek the spellbooks of wisdom—]That… sounds familiar. Like it came from a certain world-famous manga—wait, nope, better stop right there before I cross a dangerous line.
“But man, this Grand Sage Elmirah sounds insane… Has anyone ever actually found one of her books?”
“Yes. Though historically, fewer than ten people have ever found one. Each spell was incredible—and every one of them became a legendary magician.”
“I’ve heard of that too! There’s even a story about someone stopping time! Makes me even more excited for your Stamp Rally, Tabito!”
Milfie, recharged from a good nap and full of energy, slapped me cheerfully on the shoulder.
I was excited too… but also kind of scared. I mean, stopping time? That’s crazy powerful.
The more I think about it, the more I realize just how insane this Otherworld Guide Map is.
If the previous me had already gone through the Stamp Rally… maybe I was using some absurd magic.
… Man, now I really wanna know.
And one more thing to be happy about:
There are five total checkpoints in the Stamp Rally.
And I’m just about to complete the first one.
That is—
“We’re arriving at the Water City, Rivana! There will be some rocking—please watch your step!”
The crewman’s voice rang out across the deck.
The first checkpoint—landing in Rivana, the water city.
Alright then. Time to make a new map of this place!
◇
“Whoa. That wall… is insane.”
Just as I thought we’d finally disembark, we were still stuck on the ship.
Right in front of us was a massive white wall.
I was wondering when they’d drop the anchor, when I noticed Milfie and Aqua getting ready to leave.
“Tabito, we need to prepare too.”
“Huh? What do you mean, Milfie? The ship’s still moving.”
“We’ve arrived, you know? I’d heard rumors, but this is amazing.”
Just like Aqua said, I saw something unbelievable.
That giant white wall I’d mistaken for a fortress… was actually the main gate.
A crack ran down the middle—and then it slowly slid open to both sides.
A colossal gate was now welcoming our ship in.
Honestly, I thought Rivana would be smaller than the capital, so I wasn’t expecting to be impressed.
I’ve seen all sorts of people, even giant cyclopes.
But this was something else.
“Holy crap… This other world stuff really is amazing…”
Large ships were lined up all around.
Beside them, small boats were ferrying people in and out.
Apparently, this country doesn’t use carriages—instead, everything moves by boat.
There were buildings too.
They had a Western feel to them, all painted pristine white, with rounded rooftops.
And in the distance, a towering structure—probably the castle—reached skyward, surrounded by swirling, sky-blue rings.
Are those… water passages?
“They are known as the waterways. I’ve heard they’re used when the Water Soldiers are dispatched.”
“… You’re kidding me.”
Like… some kind of magical water slide?
… I wanna ride it.
Man, Aqua’s really observant.
She always seems to explain what I’m just thinking about.
She’s quiet, but really kind.
Then I noticed Milfie chatting with one of the crew members.
I thought maybe there was a problem—but no, she was just gathering information: the local situation, danger zones, things to watch out for.
I slapped my own cheeks.
It’s great to have fun, but I’ve just been relying on my companions so far.
I need to take initiative and do what I can.
And then, share it all with the group.
I’m the party’s explorer.
This is where I need to step up.
“Meowa~ First thing we should do is buy a boat ticket! Watch out for all the pushy guides!”
“Thanks, Milfie.”
“Eh? For what?”
“I’m gonna do my best.”
I gave her shoulder a light tap and nodded. Milfie just tilted her head.
Alright then—first, food. Then an inn. Then sightseeing!
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[Water City Rivana] 4.8 ★★★★★ (12,476 ratings)Rivana Citizen
★★★★★
I really think this is a wonderful country.
Haven’t seen Princess Eltia lately, though. I’m worried…
Rivana Adventurer
★★★★★
If you’ve got the skill, the Water Labyrinth is a great money-maker.
The place is safe, and the food’s delicious.
Local Guide
★★★★★
Tourist season is the best!
Alright, time to work!
Noble Visiting Rivana
★★★★★
The glasswork crafts are beautiful—perfect for souvenirs.
This “swimsuit” thing is quite the curious idea.
What do you think about this chapter?
