Chapter 8

When receiving a request at the Adventurer's Guild, there are three main methods.

The first is through the counter.

Several guild staff, including Shirley, sit at the counter and provide request forms based on the adventurer's preferences.

However, this method is often quite busy and time-consuming.

The second is the bulletin board method.

Requests are posted on the bulletin board set up on the guild’s wall, and adventurers can choose and take the ones they want to the counter.

The bulletin board is divided into requests from tenth to sixth grade, and the good ones are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

It’s probably too late for the good ones now, as it’s just before noon.

The third is the standing request.

This type of request is more about receiving a reward for the results.

For example, tasks like "collecting herbs for healing potions" or "slaying large rabbits in the outskirts" where you submit the actual items or proof of slaying to receive a fixed reward.

"Hey, newbie. Haven't seen you around for a while."

"Beo."

The one who called out to me as I peered at the bulletin board was the big man who had first guided me.

He must have just returned from an adventure, as his body was covered in blood-stained bandages and fresh wounds.

Hmm, don’t modern injuries get healed by priests?

"You’re in rough shape."

"Don’t use big words, kid. I just made a bit of a mistake... I still have to go out after this."

"With those injuries?"

There’s no limb loss, but they don’t look minor at all.

Is the bandaged arm a sign of a fracture?

"A large monster appeared in the Begrave Forest. I let it get away."

"…You mean the forest to the west?"

"Yeah. I see, you’re not very familiar with the geography around here, are you?"

According to Beo,

A large monster was discovered in the western forest—the Begrave Forest—after it caused harm to civilians.

The guild, taking the situation seriously, issued a slaying request to several adventurer parties.

However, the large monster was accompanied by several smaller ones, and Beo’s party was separated during the chaos of the ambush... His companions are still stranded in the forest.

I see, that’s why he got separated from the priest who could use healing miracles.

"By the way, you said you’re an alchemist, right? Do you have any 'Healing Potions'?"

"Of course, I do."

I took a short test tube from my pocket and handed it to Beo.

"Isn’t that a bit small?"

"I guarantee its effectiveness. Let’s call it even, okay?"

I owe this big guy for helping me when I first came here.

It’s best to repay debts when you can.

Beo silently took the "Healing Potion" from me, opened the cap, and drank it in one go.

The next moment, his face showed surprise.

"What... is this...!"

The fresh wounds began to close rapidly, and all the injuries on Beo’s body disappeared in no time.

I was a bit worried because of his large build, but it worked just fine.

"Didn’t I say it would work?"

"Still, I didn’t expect it to be a secret potion."

"No, no. It’s just a regular 'Healing Potion' I made this morning."

"Got it. Thanks, Vaiken. I’m off."

"...Consider it a loan."

I pushed another "Healing Potion" into Beo’s hands, the same one I had just given him.

He’s going to face a monster that inflicted such injuries again.

It’s better to have a recovery method just in case.

"...Thanks. I’ll buy you a drink when I get back."

With that, Beo hurried out of the Adventurer's Guild.

As I watched him go, I couldn’t help but sigh.

"This is a problem."

"Our plan didn’t work out."

With a dangerous monster appearing, entry into the forest is likely prohibited.

I want to offer help, but as a suspicious tenth-grade alchemist, that’s probably not possible.

While thinking about this, I looked at the tenth-grade request bulletin board for a while, then turned away and headed for the guild’s exit.

"…I guess I’ll go to the forest."

"I expected as much. I’ve already gathered information on the monster’s whereabouts from the surrounding sounds. If it’s not a new species that appeared in the last five hundred years, it’s probably a 'Lesser Tarask.'"

The Lesser Tarask is a type of earth dragon.

It has a body that’s a cross between a land dragon and a running lizard, capable of both bipedal and quadrupedal movement, and is about five meters long.

It’s covered in a thick, armor-like shell and has sharp, blade-like protrusions all over its body, making it a dangerous creature.

"Hmm. Can I handle it?"

"For the head of the Aldo Laboratory, it would be embarrassing to be outdone by such a monster."

"Don’t set the bar too high. I’ve become quite rusty."

Despite my response, the Lesser Tarask is a monster I’ve slain many times in my previous life.

If I just stand by and let more casualties happen, it would be better for me to take care of it.

Besides, it drops relatively good materials.

As a type of dragon, it might yield a 'Dragon Heart Core' or 'Dragon Vein Stone,' and even if not, it has many useful parts.

It will certainly be useful for opening and running the laboratory.

"And there’s the 'Leap Transfer' to consider."

"Then, I’ll display the shortest route to the target area."

"Okay, let’s hurry. It would be bad if Beo dies."

A faint blue light appeared along the path, and I ran down the main street, confirming the route.

It’s great to be young. Even without a 'Body Enhancement Potion,' I can run through the town smoothly.

"…Adventurer? The forest ahead is off-limits right now."

"I know. I’m not going to the forest."

"Got it, be careful."

Using a smile and a bit of flattery, I left the town of Salvain and headed straight for the forest to the west.

There’s still some time before sunset.

Actually, it’s easier to hunt a Lesser Tarask at night, but I promised Fio to make a magic tool.

I’ll take care of it quickly.

"Let’s go, Zosimus."

"Yes, Master. Leave it to me."

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【Glossary】

- Begrave Forest... Originally known as Bergrieve Forest. A dangerous undead monster called the 'Bell Guardian' exists in the depths, guarding an ancient cemetery. It is the grave of sages and alchemists who died in a polluted manner during a great disaster five hundred years ago.

- Secret Potion... As Beo calls it, this is a magic potion excavated from ruins, dating back several hundred years. He’s not entirely wrong.

- Meter... The same as 'meters' in the standard world.

- 'Dragon Heart Core' and 'Dragon Vein Stone'... Dragon materials are valuable even from hundreds of years ago, as they are ingredients for the 'Philosopher’s Stone.'

- 'Body Enhancement Potion'... A magic potion that enhances physical abilities using mana. It can provide a power-up that would make even top athletes green with envy.

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