Chapter 23

It was supposed to be quite late at night, but the flow of people on Nandai Street had not diminished much.

Bathed in the dim light of the magic stone lamps, many people were walking around here and there.

Since coming to this town, Thor had never realized that the night could be so long.

After pushing through the crowd for a while, a building that leaked an especially large amount of light caught his eye.

The large tavern, with a signboard of a wine cup, was called the Green Oak Tavern.

It was a storied establishment that had been in business since before the town had its outer walls.

The recommended dish was a set meal that could fill you up for just one bronze coin.

As he approached, the noise inside the tavern could be heard even from outside.

The sound of a flute mixed with cheerful laughter. It seemed that a musician had come today.

However, Thor's real intention was not to join in the noisy crowd.

Avoiding the bustling tavern, Thor slipped into the narrow alley next to the shop.

The alley had a wooden roof to keep out the rain, and the ground underfoot was unsteady due to the lack of light.

But relying on the light leaking from the small windows of the houses on either side, Thor continued deeper and deeper into the alley.

The smell of delicious cooking mixed with the aroma of alcohol, which was then ruined by the smell of urine.

The narrow alley was crowded with various food stalls.

Thor's target was a small tavern that was quietly hidden among them.

A place suitable for a quick drink, hence the name "Quickie."

It was a name that well reflected the owner's casual attitude.

"Hey, welcome."

When he opened the creaky sliding door, a warm mist enveloped the small interior.

The small fan on the ceiling mixed the delicious smell of steam with the air, tickling Thor's nostrils.

A counter was set up from the front to the back of the middle of the shop, and in front of it were five old wooden chairs.

It was a shop with a capacity of five people.

Four of the five seats were already occupied by customers.

The one at the very back was a man in his fifties with dark skin.

His red hair was cut short, and deep wrinkles ran across his large mouth.

But what caught the eye the most were his large, slightly reddish eyes.

His predatory gaze, reminiscent of a bird of prey, would leave a lasting impression once it had you in its sights.

Next to him sat another elderly man, but one who was a bit older.

His chin was covered with a white beard, but he had no other hair left, and old scars were visible on his forehead and cheeks.

His nose was also slightly crooked.

But his purple eyes were playful, in contrast to the serious eyes of the man behind him.

Both were supposed to be old men, but there was not a hint of weakness in the way they sat with their backs straight.

Next to the old man, a young man was sitting with one seat left empty.

His straight, light red hair reached just below his shoulder blades.

His high nose and amber eyes complemented his brown skin.

However, one of his eyes was covered by a black eye patch.

The last person was a beautiful woman.

With short red hair like melted crimson and skin like black onyx, she exuded a seductive charm from her ample chest and hips, even while sitting.

The only flaw was a noticeable, gouged-out old scar on her neck.

This pair was also a dazzling combination of handsome and beautiful people, out of place in a rundown tavern.

The long-haired man was the first to notice Thor.

Raising one of his well-shaped eyebrows, he extended his left hand for a handshake.

"Hmm, a rare visitor. Were you lured by the boring night breeze?"

"It's been quite a while, Thor."

"Yeah, how have you been? You're still as beautiful as ever, making me not know where to look."

"Hey, hey, to start flirting while ignoring me, you're still the same love hunter."

The name of the long-haired red-haired man was Straccia, and the beautiful woman next to him was Ninessa.

Both were members of the town's top-tier party, "Platinum Flame," and for some reason, they were also old acquaintances of Thor.

Stopping Ninessa from getting up, Thor squeezed through the gap behind the two.

Slipping into the narrow seat, where even a slight movement would cause his elbow or knee to bump into his neighbor, a mug of black rye beer was placed in front of him with a thud.

"Potato and sausage."

"Sure thing."

The plump owner replied with a friendliness that was out of place for such a dirty shop.

This Quickie was a restaurant that cooked various ingredients in a broth made from bones in a square pot that divided the inside.

A plate with a fluffy, flavorful potato and a sausage that had absorbed the broth was placed next to the mug with a thud.

Taking a bite of the potato with the added yellow pepper, it crumbled in his mouth, spreading its deliciousness.

The spiciness that hit the back of his nose as he chewed made him tilt the mug to wash it down.

Taking a breath, Thor listened to the conversation of the old men in the back.

"That's what I've been saying, that method won't last long!"

The one who raised his voice with some force was the old man with the white beard.

In response, the man with dark skin coolly replied.

"If we don't properly invest in cultivating the middle ranks, it's obvious that we'll end up like the fools in the neighboring town!"

"Those are wise words, but where will we get the money to cultivate them? The cost of the first team's extermination alone already takes up thirty percent of our budget."

"You're always saying there's no money. I've known that for a long time. How many years have you postponed the repair of the outer wall?"

"In that case, we can't afford to take our time with such leisurely cultivation. Fortunately, I have connections with high-ranking adventurers from the homeland, so I'll make inquiries right away."

"Wait, wait, what about the contract money? You're not going to ask me to bow to those vultures of the guild of merchants again, are you? How about you do it for a change?"

"I don't have a head to bow for money. If this operation succeeds, I think we'll have a good prospect."

After taking a bite of the sausage, Thor addressed the representative of the first team, who was elegantly drinking an expensive vintage fire spirit.

"What operation are you talking about?"

"The time has come to light a lamp in the ruins of the fallen city."

"Translate, Ninessa."

"Actually, the operation to reclaim Bossaria is scheduled to start tomorrow."

Bossaria was a border town to the north of this town, which had been destroyed by a monster attack last year.

While it had more high-ranking adventurers than this town, it had not put enough effort into cultivating low-ranking ones, and as a result, it was ravaged by monsters that had spawned from a nearby dungeon.

"That's why there were so many unfamiliar faces this morning."

Recalling the crowd at the adventurer's bureau this morning, Thor muttered to himself.

The congestion was probably due to the recall of the A and B rank adventurers, known as the first team, who usually went on expeditions deep into the miasma.

They spent more than half of their week fighting powerful monsters near the "Gloomy Great Pit."

If they didn't, the increasing number of monsters would eventually reach the border towns.

While they are seen as the stars of the town, earning a lot of money and receiving praise from the residents, in reality, it is a wretched job of fighting monsters while camping.

"Hmph, you can't rely on such a gamble of an operation. You have to train more diligently; iron doesn't become steel without it."

"I'm not opposed to welcoming capable newcomers. However, talent is only as good as the excellent user it has."

"So that's why you were pestering Thor. You really don't choose your means, do you? Come on, say something back. That's why you came here, right?"

The name of the purple-eyed elder who suddenly turned and addressed him was Daddan.

He was the mayor of the town and the head of the adventurer's bureau, and he had known Thor since he was called out at the outer gate about twenty-five years ago.

"I hear you took in another unusual child this morning. It's beyond your capabilities. Get rid of it quickly."

The man with dark skin who shot him a piercing look was Sakkou, the deputy head of the bureau.

He was also the leader of the red-haired Redtail clan and an ambitious man who openly sought to control the town.

Many of his faction members were in the adventurer's bureau and among the adventurers.

The recent harassment of Thor was all due to his subordinates.

This shop was the place where the two men who ran the town held unofficial talks.

The two men of the Adamantine rank were there to act as placeholders to keep the seats occupied and prevent any interference.

Thor, who had been given permission to join the conversation, swallowed the half-eaten sausage and calmly stated the reason for his visit.

"I have a request regarding that. Can you please leave us alone from now on?"

"Out of the question. Capable people should be with capable people. If they are surrounded by incompetent ones, it will only dull their edge."

"Uncle, that's too harsh."

Ninessa was the niece of the deputy head.

Sakkou, who had been reprimanded, turned his red eyes to his niece.

His eyes wavered slightly.

"…Hey, what happened to your neck scar?"

"Huh?"

Ninessa, who was suddenly pointed out with no connection to the flow of the conversation, let out a puzzled voice and touched her chin.

Then, she realized that the familiar indentation was missing and was greatly disturbed.

"…What? How…? Wait, what…?"

"Hmm, let me see."

Straccia, who had been silently watching the situation, lifted his eye patch.

The pupil that appeared beneath it was perfectly normal, no different from his other eye.

"This is my cursed mage eye. It can show a glimpse of the technique applied to you!"

"It's my fault, I did it."

Unable to endure the young man's theatrics, Thor confessed without hesitation.

"Hahaha, it seems you have fallen into my trap. To have achieved this much is too easy."

"Um… What do you mean, Thor? And Prince, please be quiet. This is a serious matter."

Straccia, who was reprimanded, snapped his eye patch back in place and proudly lifted his chin.

He was a rare beauty, but his content was on par with Mu.

"I've finally improved my <Restoration> to this level. If you don't like it, I can change it back?"

"No, no, really, thank you. I don't know how to express my gratitude…"

"I'm glad you're happy."

Turning back, Thor fixed his gaze on Sakkou.

But in his hawk-like eyes, there was only a hint of interest.

"I see, you can heal old injuries. What else can you do?"

"Various things."

"Then get the head of the bureau to retire quickly. He's old. I don't want to push him too hard."

"What are you saying! As long as my eyes are purple, I'll never give you the chair of the bureau."

"One turnip and one piece of tendon. And a refill of the drink."

"Sure thing."

The turnip was cooked until it was soft, and when placed on the tongue, its flavor melted away.

After swallowing, he gulped down the black rye beer to cool his mouth.

The contrast between the cold sensation sliding down his throat and the heat satisfied Thor.

"Is this the time to be eating leisurely! What about the rest?"

Daddan, who shouted loudly, turned his head to the silent surroundings.

The first thing that caught his eye was Ninessa's gaze, which was fixed on him.

Straccia, next to her, was half-open-mouthed, blinking his one eye repeatedly with a playful look.

When he looked straight ahead, the owner had his mouth wide open.

Even the deputy head, who he cautiously turned to, had a different expression, with a much deeper red in his eyes.

It was then that Daddan finally realized something had happened to him.

"…I see, it's a wonderful skill when used properly. I can understand your arrogance."

"What did you do to me? What's going on?"

"Head, your head…"

Reaching up to his head, Daddan's eyes widened at the softness he had long forgotten.

Grasping it hurriedly, a familiar pain ran through his scalp.

To confirm that his hair had grown back, the old man ran his fingers through his head several times.

"Although it's the opposite of what you asked for, I made you look a bit younger."

"What, what! How did you… Really, did you cultivate that useless skill to this level!?"

While the head of the bureau was in a panic, Sakkou calmly regained his composure and began to consider Thor's treatment.

"I'll acknowledge your talent, which is more than just talk. Alright, let's lock you up in the bureau's interrogation room for now. If the skill becomes public, the priests will come out and it will be troublesome. And if people know you can get your hair back, there will be many who will cause trouble."

"Then I'll take him into custody, no, I'll take care of him at my house. This is my cute disciple."

"It seems you've decided to retire. Then let's enjoy this farewell to the fullest. Cheers, my friend!"

Thor scratched under his chin at the three men's arbitrary statements.

Then he calmly stated the proposal he had been thinking about.

"I have two conditions. The first is non-interference with me and my companions. The second is the elimination of those who interfere. That's all."

"What's in it for us?"

"Well, in about six months, I'll show you the same level as this guy."

The top adventurer in the town, who was appointed by Thor, laughed silently.

Not in mockery, but from the bottom of his heart, with genuine enjoyment.

"You've made a big move with the green ticket. But if you hand over your companions to me, things might progress faster."

"You can't do it. You're good at moving people, but you lack the talent to cultivate them. You ask too much of others because you're too excellent."

Thor criticized the deputy head's methods, which had been strict over the years.

It was a well-known fact that no notable high-ranking adventurers had emerged from the town in the past ten years, except for "Platinum Flame."

"Hahaha, you're telling me. Yes, yes, say more."

"However, I can't say that the head's method of pampering is correct either."

"What did you say!"

"Hehe, there's nothing more useless than a watchdog that's been overfed."

The head's policy of warmly welcoming retired adventurers had indeed increased the number of applicants and boosted morale overall.

However, it had also created a trend where adventurers who had reached a certain rank easily decided to retire.

Furthermore, this had led to the problem of the adventurer's bureau's personnel costs increasing year by year.

Thor had criticized the two men at the top of the town, but he had no intention of making them his enemies.

Even if they had retired, the two adventurers' skills were still far superior to those of the young, skill-tree-dependent adventurers.

Moreover, their influence in terms of position, connections, and wealth was in a different league.

Although he had obtained a terrifyingly useful skill, they were not so kind as to be easily matched.

However, he had no intention of giving way either.

What Thor was aiming for was a position that was not aligned with either side.

A presence that was worth keeping but also somewhat troublesome to incorporate.

"I didn't come here to stir up unnecessary trouble. I just want to continue doing things my way as I have been."

"You really are a man without ambition. Aren't you going to come to me eventually?"

"I have no intention of that, Master. I'm still active, and I don't want to put myself in a complicated position. Well, if it's a personal favor, I'll accept it."

Thor had been invited several times by Daddan, who was also the head of the adventurer's bureau, to become a bureau employee.

He had been told to give up the adventurer's profession, which had no future at his age.

But because Thor had refused the invitation and continued to be an adventurer, he had become somewhat distant from Daddan.

Sakkou, the deputy head, sharply questioned the lowest-ranked adventurer who had once again rejected the head's invitation.

"Hmm, it seems you're serious about continuing to be an adventurer. How far do you intend to go?"

"As far as I can. My goal is to move forward. And someday, I want to reach the same heights as you."

Hero—The highest title bestowed upon adventurers who sealed the Great Miasma Pit in the underground labyrinth and reclaimed the land.

The old men in front of him had already achieved it.

The first to speak to the man who had chosen the method of proving his strength to the highest degree was Straccia.

Raising his cup with a delighted look, he put his hand on Thor's shoulder.

"I like your declaration, friend! Here's to it."

"I'm looking forward to it, Thor."

The two, with their faces beaming with joy, exuded the confidence of strong men challenging the front lines.

They smiled from the bottom of their hearts as if the argument just now had never happened.

Thor raised his mug in response without a word.

Watching this, Daddan, a follower of the thunder god who governed honor, felt moved.

What he had