chapter 46

“I’m sorry. I need to take the higher level quests as soon as possible to stabilize our village.”

“Hey, don’t do that when we have the upper hand.”

Sen blames Nana, who lowers her head.

I’m sure they’re not bad at heart.

I can understand the desire to take the higher level quests.

The lower level quests are all about helping out. Even the rewards aren’t that high. It’s just inefficient work for beginners.

So, try to move up the ranks early and take the more rewarding quests.

In fact, that’s what I’m trying to do too, so it’s a mutual thing.

“If I give you the guild card, will you not touch Ouka?”

“Yes ……I hope we can promote you, so long as you guys promise not to retaliate.”

It can’t be helped. As long as we’re dealing with [Bonds-list], our status is at a disadvantage. There’s no reason to put Ouka in danger.

Promotion is a long way off, but it’s inevitable.

It was my mistake to hurry. Gilmour will be laughing at me when I get back.

“Okay……”

“Thank you.”

“Ouka, go and give them the guild card.”

“……Yes.”

Looking dejected, Ouka picks up the guild card that had fallen off.

Ouka approached Sen and the others and held out the card, but he took it without breaking his guard.

“Do me a favor.”

“What is it?”

“Ouka …… please don’t say anything about her being a youkai fox.”

“…… If you don’t want to get involved any more, fine.”

“Thanks.”

In the meantime, I don’t have to worry about other people knowing about Ouka.

As for him.

“…………”

I stared at Sen, no – at Sen and Nana walking further into the forest.

It was as if a house cat was staring at an empty space.

But we’re in the woods. It’s less likely to be nothing.

“Something is approaching…….”

At those words, Sen and Nana’s vigilance turned back.

Ouka doesn’t take her gaze off of it either, but she drops back to me.

“Ouka, what do you see?”

“A monster …… no, a human head, a bone?”

I connect Ouka’s vague information in my mind.

—- skull!

As soon as I could, I screamed.

“Everybody stay put!”

At my holler, Sen and Nana shake their shoulders for a moment and turn around to look at me.

“What? Why?”

“Do what I say! Keep your movements and your breaths to a minimum! Ouka! I need you to retrieve the lantern!”

Ouka said, “Yes!” I replied and put the lantern away in the item box and put my hood back on.

As expected of a sub-human, her movements stop with a snap, like a beast that is aiming at its prey.

Of course, I can’t move because of my numbness.

The darkness invaded my vision, and the silence was short-lived.

With a rustle, the bushes swayed. The cut grass flies across the sky, and the branches of the trees sway as they dance.

In the faint moonlight, we caught sight of our opponent.

Its basic characteristic is that it responds to anything that moves.

A small frame with green skin all over his body.

In his right hand, he held a long black sword, engraved with a purple pattern of misfortune.

I can see the pointed ears, but I can’t make out its face and expression.

This is because the monster has a skull covering its face.

Skullhead Goblin(M)

Race: Goblin

Level: 120

HP: 988/988

MP: 0/0

Attack Power: 865

Defence: 1112

Agility: 3895

Skill: Fast Track

This guy is a problem.