Chapter 15

As the number of new members increases, the guild gradually settles down. Those who are clearly unsuited for the job quietly return to their hometowns, and the thoughtless fools are quickly thrown into jail by the guards.

The new party "Godslayer's Lightning" once disbanded after their leader became a criminal slave. They didn't even kill a goblin, let alone a god. In a way, it was a legendary quick end...

Parties that can't consistently earn money also quickly fall apart. The most common issue is having too many members, which makes the share of the loot unappealing. Even if the reward is based on performance, the fixed reward tasks will inevitably lead to financial ruin. This inability to calculate is typical of those from rural backgrounds.

On the other hand, those who take on more difficult tasks to support a large group end up in even worse situations. I won't go into the specific troubles they face... but even the lucky ones end up as debt slaves to pay for medical bills. It's a sad story.

So, the ones who remain can be considered relatively normal. Even now, there are still many who are "unexploded bombs" that haven't yet blown up. However, promising rookies are valuable, so smaller, weaker parties start headhunting them as new members. If they can bring a useful person into their party, it makes their work easier. Also, cruelly, most parties set a lower share for new members. Exploitation is everywhere. It's a tough world.

That said, not all the new members who have survived this long are fools. The smart ones can sniff out bad seniors and avoid them, and they actively gather information. Those who manage to join a major party are the ones who will survive longer in the guild.

By the way, if asked, I'm happy to share information. As long as they buy me a drink or a milk, I'll spill the beans. I don't like people who don't listen, but I do pay attention to those who ask. I might tell them, "You seem serious, so this place might suit you," or "For cheap and durable weapons, that shop is good," or "They're short one person now, so you might be able to join if you ask." I introduce them loosely like that.

When I do this, sometimes a strangely determined person shows up, saying, "Please let me join your party, Mongrel!" It's quite amusing. I usually decline because I work solo, but it's interesting.

"Mr. Mongrel, would you like to join our party?"

This is the first time I've encountered this. I was so surprised that I swallowed the dried meat I was chewing.

"I heard you've been working solo in Regal for a long time. But we don't care about your hair!"

What's with this kid? The other kids behind him are also looking at me with sparkling eyes, which is scary. What kind of recruitment is this? It's not a cult, right? And don't casually insult my hair.

"Sorry, but I like working solo. I appreciate the offer, but if you want to add someone, try elsewhere."

"Huh..."

Why are you so shocked by my refusal? You guys don't seem to notice, but you're drawing a lot of attention in the guild. It's not a good kind of attention.

"...Ah! Let's start with introductions! My name is Frank! I'm the leader of 'Sunset's Light'! This is our mage and my sister, Chel. This is our spear user, Gid."

No, no, no, you're not giving up. I already said no. Use that persistence in your missions...

"...I can't say it loudly, but Chel and I have Sangrean blood."

Even though I wasn't in a position to listen, Frank confided in me. This kid has no sense of personal space. Is he saying that because we have the same Sangrean blood, he won't discriminate? That's a problem.

"Look, it doesn't matter if you have Sangrean blood or not. I work solo because I like it and it's easy for me."

"...You actually enjoy working solo...? It's better to work with someone, but you choose to work alone...?"

"Stop looking at me like I'm a new species. There are people like that. They exist."

Actually, there are only a few people in Regal who can successfully work solo. But there are also people who can only survive under rocks. We should leave them alone.

"...If you feel like it, please let me know."

With that, the members of "Sunset's Light" left the guild.

...Well, they're not bad at heart, but they seem like the type who might inadvertently step on someone's landmine. They don't seem to be good at navigating the world. They recruited me in a slightly condescending manner, and I have a feeling they'll cause trouble soon. I hope they don't cause any serious incidents.

"Is it okay, Mongrel? They're a kind party that would let you join. Are you going to miss this opportunity?"

"Ah, you blew it, Mongrel... To think you'd turn down an invitation from that legendary party, 'Sunset's Light'... What a waste!"

"Shut up."

The drunkards watching from a distance are really noisy. And it's not good to openly mock other parties' names. "Sunset's Light" is actually pretty decent in my book. The sun motif isn't very popular with the military and guild members in Halperia, so maybe that's why it seems off. But it doesn't matter.

"Mongrel, I heard you put our cute Lina in danger."

One day, while I was trying to mix my homemade instant porridge with milk at the guild table, a beautiful woman sat down across from me. There were still plenty of empty seats around.

"Isn't that Shina, the leader of Artemis? Good work."

"You took Lina out and fought a Cyclops, didn't you?"

"Well, that's true, but it was an unexpected encounter. I tried to keep it as safe as possible."

"Sure."

This woman with long black braids is Shina, the leader of Artemis. She's a genius archer, the best in Regal. She has a mysterious past, but I don't know much about it. I suspect she's from a poor or fallen noble family. She has that kind of grace. As a party leader, she's excellent, running a nearly all-female party with exemplary organization for years.

...That's why she's particularly harsh on me for the unexpected encounter with the Cyclops. From the outside, it probably looks like a risky move. I usually work solo, after all. Plus, I said something rude to one of her party members before. I think that's the main reason.

"Fighting a Cyclops one-on-one is insane. Just because you can enhance yourself, a Cyclops has tough skin and body hair, making it hard to defeat."

"Maybe I would have been in trouble alone, but Lina's bow helped me by wounding its face."

"I heard that, but the wound was shallow."

Guess it's out. Lina must have told her. I didn't try to keep it a secret.

"The enemy crossed the river on foot."

"I doubt your abilities, Mongrel. Did you get lucky, or was it something else?"

"...What are you trying to say?"

"Next time, join a joint mission with us. We'll test if you have the strength to protect Lina."

"Why should I?"

"If you don't, don't take Lina out. She's an important member of our party."

...I see.

If you want to take Lina out in a small group, you need to show that you have the strength. Otherwise, don't get involved. It's a reasonable stance for a party leader who's responsible for her members' lives.

"I have a promise with Lina. We agreed to go out together again. Is that okay?"

"...! You'll accept?"

"Yeah. If she catches 10 and I catch none... I can't let it end like that."

"...Ah, she was boasting about winning at fishing..."

"I'll prove that it was a mistake."

"...Just to be clear, I'm not testing your fishing skills. Take a mission and show your skills with a sword or anything. That's all I need."

"I understand. I'll show you."

But then again, I can't just use my skills in front of everyone.

I need to figure out a way to show that I can fight decently. I'll figure it out.

"Shina, are you interested in buying this instant porridge mix? It's a convenient portable food that turns into porridge when mixed with milk or ale. I can sell you a set of 12 at a discount."

"No thanks."

"I see..."