Chapter 36

There is no mission during the winter.

But it's not entirely non-existent.

You see, incidents do happen, and for some reason, thieves appear in the freezing cold outdoors, despite the season. Normally, at this temperature, staying out for too long would mean certain death. There's no proper cold-weather gear, but still, it's not entirely nonexistent.

To deal with the rare missions that do occur during such times, guild members still visit the guild even on snowy winter days.

Well, it's also because they're simply bored.

Sure, they could stay in the clan house or inn, but it gets boring without anyone to talk to. Plus, it costs money for firewood. It's more cost-effective to gather at the guild and warm up by someone else's fire.

Actually, the guild, despite being mostly made of stone, is built solidly and has good insulation.

"The insect-type is tough... Even when you think you've cut them, they just bounce off or slip away."

"Even thrusts are sometimes deflected."

"Yeah, fighting fur-covered enemies is much easier."

When guild members gather, they surprisingly talk about work quite seriously.

Sure, they often get carried away with crude jokes when they drink, but if they spend their idle time at the guild tables, oiling and maintaining their equipment, the conversation naturally turns to work.

"Well, we're not insect specialists. Knowing how to hunt insect-type monsters isn't really that useful..."

"But it's not a bad thing to know."

The ones having this conversation are the members of the most popular party, "Sword of Harvest."

Since the incident with the Harvest Mantis, they seem to be even more cautious about insect-type monsters.

In fact, challenging insect-type monsters with swords and blades is quite risky. Their carapaces are like oddly flexible armor, making it hard to land a proper cut. On the other hand, the Morning Star used by the Sangreal army is highly effective.

"Hey, what about the guys from 'Shield of the Earth'? How do they fight insect-type monsters?"

"Well, for insects, thrusting or striking is best... but if there are soft parts, cutting them is not bad."

"Ah, I see, that makes sense."

"Beetles have a lot of soft parts, so they're easier to fight."

"I've never seen one."

When it comes to practical experience, the "Shield of the Earth" is reliable.

As former soldiers, they likely have a lot of experience fighting insect-type monsters. Alex also gives quite accurate advice.

"You don't often encounter insect-type monsters unless you go near the border..."

"Yeah, sometimes you run into them unexpectedly, and without combat experience, you can't predict their movements."

"Our party had the same problem. We surrounded a single insect-type monster, which looked like a goblin, and it took us two minutes to take it down."

"Insects are hard to read emotionally."

The Halperia Kingdom has few insect-type monsters. Most are found in the Sangreal Kingdom.

Instead, there are many beast and humanoid monsters, which, while troublesome, are easier to fight with swords and blades.

"Even a common Pikehopper can cause serious injuries if you don't position your shield properly..."

"They come out in the spring. I'm both looking forward to and dreading the snowmelt."

"They don't bring in much money..."

A Pikehopper is a dog-sized grasshopper.

Its headbutt attack is troublesome, and if caught off guard, it can cause serious injuries. However, if you know it's coming, you can defend with a shield, and it only moves quickly in a straight line. Despite its burst of speed, it's a good monster for beginners. These are quite common in Halperia.

"Hey, what about Artemis? Do bows work against insects?"

In response to the Sword of Harvest's question, the members of Artemis, who were quietly inspecting their arrows at a round table, looked up.

Their long stay at the guild might be unique to this season.

"Regular shooting is difficult. Using skills can penetrate the carapace, but if you don't hit the right spot, they won't flinch. So we use poison arrows against insects."

"Poison, huh, makes sense."

"The poison doesn't take effect immediately. Generally, we avoid them or leave it to the mages and melee fighters. Melee fighters need shields."

"I see..."

"I wish we had a mage in our party."

"I wish we had Nastasha."

"Any Artemis member would be welcome."

"Recruitment is not allowed."

"We have no plans to transfer."

When Artemis is around, crude jokes... well, most of the time, they don't get too heated.

It's known that acting too crudely towards Artemis can lead to trouble. Still, there are always some who try to push their luck.

"Seems like sword users only have shields..."

"Kite shields, right? Burgar can fight well with such a small shield. I wonder how he doesn't hurt his wrist."

"Strong shields are heavy, and carrying them around is a hassle. But in emergencies, it's a different story."

"You can't just go into the forest with just a sword... Well, there's that weird guy who goes into the forest without a shield or companions."

Hey, don't point at me. That's rude.

"What's up, guys? Got a problem with me?"

"...Hey, new guy, pay attention. Don't try to copy that guy's style. He dies easily. Remember that."

"Yes, sir!"

"Don't use me as an example for new member training. Though, it's true that copying my style isn't a good idea."

If a new member dies trying to copy me, I might be so shocked that I'd need to take a day off.

"By the way, you might think I don't have a shield, but I do."

"No way, I've never seen a Mongrel shield."

"Get better armor first."

"Get a better sword."

"You guys are so judgmental..."

"Your shield is probably weird."

"Like, you throw it and it comes back, right?"

"Ha ha ha ha ha."

"Guys, seriously..."

You're making fun of my equipment...!

"Alright, I get it. I'll go to the inn and bring my shield. I'll show you my secret shield..."

"You should use it regularly instead of keeping it secret."

"I remember Mongrel-senpai saying he'd show us his shield before."

"Ha, you're whining now. I won't sell it to you even if you want it after you see it."

Opening the heavy door of the guild and stepping outside.

Man, it's cold!

"Hey, close it quickly! Cold air is coming in!"

"Shut up, idiot! Wait a minute!"

"He really went to get it."

Running to the inn in the cold.

I did consider why I was enduring such cold, but this is about pride. It's a matter of honor as a guild member.

Just wait, you barbaric otherworldly people. I'll show you the practical choice of a modern person.

"Huff, huff... It's so cold..."

"Ah, Mongrel-senpai is back... What's that big package?"

Opening the guild door, which was covered in snow, I found that some tables had prepared ale, waiting for me.

These guys are clearly planning to drink using my equipment as an excuse. I won't stand for it.

"What's that... a shield...?"

"It's wrapped in cloth, but it's clearly not a shield..."

"Ah, it's warm... Heh, be surprised. Let me assemble it, so wait a moment."

"What do you mean by 'assemble'?"

Unwrapping the big package to reveal the shield.

"...What is this?"

"This is called a Lantern Shield."

The Lantern Shield.

It's a highly innovative piece of armor, combining a large round shield with a gauntlet that covers the arm.

The gauntlet allows you to extend a short sword, and it has multiple attack blades. It's a combination of offense and defense.

The center of the shield can be equipped with a spike, making a shield bash a potentially lethal attack.

"And the center part of the shield is a lid... where you can place a fire source! It lights up inside!"

Opening the lid with a creak, but the reactions from everyone are lukewarm.

What, that's strange.

"...The inside is mirrored, so you can blind the enemy by reflecting light into their face..."

"Is that it...? It's not that impressive."

"Well, at night it might be useful..."

"At night, wearing such a bright piece of equipment would make you a good target..."

But, you know, it's a Lantern Shield...

"The shield is too heavy. The spikes, once stuck, might be hard to pull out..."

"It would get caught on everything in the forest."

"There are concerns about the joint between the gauntlet and the shield."

"Maintenance would be a hassle. Do you have to polish the inside of the shield every time?"

"Why not just carry a lantern, shield, and sword separately?"

Hey, that's a forbidden topic! You shouldn't say that!

"It's all about the harmony of having everything in one piece of equipment!"

"Uh-huh, uh-huh."

"It feels more like a cluttered design..."

"You're still a weird guy."

"Ha ha, you bought another strange item!"

"Mongrel, bring something else interesting. It'll make the drinks go down better."

What is this wave of criticism? Everyone is dissing my Lantern Shield...!

Do they know how much it cost at the Black Mist Market...!

"...Mirene! Everyone is bullying me!"

"..."

Mirene just gave a quiet business smile...