Chapter 71

The mission was completed.

Since it wasn't the kind of mission to talk about, the way back was extremely simple.

I went out on the mission solo and wrapped it up casually. That's all.

Still, even I know that soloing a Silver Wolf is a bit much.

The recommended number of people for the hunt is five Silvers. That means five standard Silvers can safely take it down by surrounding and beating it, but it shouldn't be something that can be handled by one person in a life-or-death struggle.

So, I set various traps and struggled a bit, but managed to take it down somehow. I had to return with an aura that conveyed that struggle.

So, what I had to do was simple.

I just needed to wrap some bandages around my arms, legs, forehead, and such.

“Mongrel? What happened to those injuries?”

“Oh, these? Just from the mission.”

But maybe I was a bit too naive.

“Mongrel, what’s with those injuries! It’s rare for you to get hurt!”

“Yeah, well. I got like this during the hunt.”

“Huh... you... well, solo...”

I was trying to quickly report at Regal’s guild, but acquaintances on the way stopped me.

Thinking about it, I almost never got injured, so their reaction was understandable.

If a guy who usually came back from missions without a scratch suddenly returned covered in bandages, this would happen. I shouldn’t have overdone the damage.

What am I supposed to say to explain this? I can’t say they’re just for show...

If I said I was just trying to look injured as a fashion statement, people would look at me with disdain. I’m way too old to claim I have a chuuni disease.

...I should quickly go to the vice-leader and report.

He’s usually at the guild, so I should be able to meet him even during the day...

“Hey there.”

“Ah, Mongrel-senpai... What happened to you?”

“...Huh? Mongrel-san? Wow... those are some serious injuries...”

Ah. It’s Rina and Ulrika. Ugh, seen by acquaintances.

Damn, this is embarrassing.

“Hey, you two not working today?”

“Well... yeah... but... what about those injuries?”

“Oh, these? Just a bit from the mission.”

“A bit...? They don’t look like a bit at all...”

I have bandages on my right arm, left leg, and forehead, but the only real injury is a cut on my right arm from a susuki leaf. I tried playing with susuki on the way back and got a clean cut. It just grazed the surface of my skin.

“Mongrel-san... are you okay? What kind of mission...?”

“Nah, just a hunt. I’m reporting now, so see ya.”

I shook off the two and handed the certificate to Milene, who looked a bit more worried than usual.

She seemed to have gotten part of the story, so she said I could go straight to the vice-leader’s room. I’ll leave quickly.

I’m not good at lying. I’ll escape before I slip up.

“Mongrel-senpai!”

Ah, I can’t hear you. Sorry, Rina. This isn’t some suggestive thing, it’s really nothing. I won’t do it again, yeah...

“...I see, it’s definitely the skin of a Silver Wolf.”

“Sorry, it’s not tanned yet.”

“No, I asked for the raw skin. ...Yeah, the condition is... ‘barely sellable’ level. Good job, Mongrel. However... those injuries?”

“Oh, just a bit. Well, no point hiding it from the vice-leader.”

I removed the bandages from my leg and forehead, showing my unharmed skin.

“What about your arm?”

“Oh, this one... I got cut a bit while fighting the Silver Wolf. This one’s real.”

“...I didn’t expect you to actually solo and almost come back unscathed. I think it’s a pointless question, but Mongrel, have you considered moving up to Silver?”

“No, thanks.”

“Yeah, I figured. ...Good job. Thanks to you, we can fulfill the client’s request.”

He took the skin, looking very pleased.

Apparently, the condition of the skin was good. If there’s a similar job next time, let me know. I might be the best in town at making fur look tattered.

“I’m selling this fur to a certain fallen noble. ...They’ve been sending us arrogant requests, but this time, thanks to the agent, the wording was a bit lax. It required us to buy even fur that would normally be discarded. I saw this as an opportunity.”

“Ah... is this something I should hear?”

“Nah, it’s just about a fallen noble who’s struggling to manage the few assets left from a bankrupted guild. They’re still clinging to their past luxury, left behind by the times. I won’t mention your name to them, so don’t worry. I’ll just tell them that the evaluation was lowered.”

There aren’t many people in my head who fit the description of a fallen noble.

The son of the previous earl... his wife and close associates. ...Hagiaris Guild is still in this town. That’s surprising.

“I’ve confirmed the delivery... but, Mongrel. I have to lower your evaluation. You understand, right? A skin in such a poor condition affects the guild’s reputation. You should relearn the basics of skinning.”

“Got it.”

“Your attitude is bad, you know. If you keep this up, I’ll have to deduct more points. Silver will be a distant dream.”

“Understood.”

“Still, the content of this mission is somewhat sympathetic. I’ll add a potion for the treatment of your injuries and a cash reward for the hunt. This is a special case, Mongrel.”

“Thanks.”

“Haha.”

Thanks, thanks. I’m glad. I’m further from Silver, but I get the money. This is a rare good mission.

“Vice-leader, if there’s a similar mission next time, please let me know. I’ll take it if it’s within my capabilities, even if it’s a strange one.”

“...I’d like to see you promoted, but okay. I’ll call you if there’s a mission that suits you. Thanks in advance.”

With that, my bad job was successfully completed.

I only have a minor cut, so I don’t need a potion, but I’ll take it just in case.

It’s useful and can be sold if needed.

“Ah, Mongrel-senpai.”

“...Ah, the bandages came off.”

“Hey, both of you. Thanks to the potion.”

It was all a lie, but I had to say that to Rina and Ulrika.

If the act of pretending to be injured went on too long, it would be hard on me.

“Are you okay? I’ve never seen Mongrel-senpai injured before.”

“I do get injured sometimes. It was a Silver Wolf, after all.”

“Wow... uh, Mongrel-san, you soloed a Silver Wolf? That’s dangerous...”

“I can do it. I set up traps with solidified stones, used fire, and lured it with meat. It’s easy if you’re a bit clever, since they’re not very smart.”

“Wow... soloing a Silver Wolf... that’s amazing... I could never do it.”

“Don’t try it.”

“Absolutely not. ...Mongrel-senpai, it’s not good to go alone... really...”

You’d die immediately if you tried. I wouldn’t want to face a Silver Wolf if I didn’t have enhanced physical strength.

You’d need to hit it in the eye or mouth with an arrow to take it down.

“Hey, I’ll give you two a souvenir. Here, smoked cheese from Maurina Village.”

“Wow... thanks, senpai. Maurina’s cheese is really good.”

“Me too?”

“I bought a lot. Once they’re gone, the gifts are over. Enjoy, enjoy.”

“...Hehe, thank you, Mongrel-san. You’re so kind.”

“I’m the kindest man in Halperia. ...By the way, what are you two up to today?”

“We’re helping with the training of other Bronze and below archers. I’m assisting Ulrika-senpai.”

Training, huh. I remember the guild does practical training for beginners.

A bit of tactical training or practice for a small fee.

“Training archers is also a lifeline for Artemis. It doesn’t pay much, but it’s an important job. ...That’s what Shina said.”

“I see, training the next generation is important.”

“We can handle more people.”

Rina was eating the smoked cheese, looking somewhat proud.

Yeah, with that big clan house, they could probably take in more residents.

It would be good if more new archers joined Artemis.

“But Ulrika is doing the training... I don’t think I’ve ever seen her hit prey with a bow.”

“Huh? Is that so...? Oh, maybe not.”

“Ulrika-senpai’s bow is amazing! It’s powerful!”

“Wow, I’d like to see it.”

I’ve seen the skills of archers from other parties a few times, but Ulrika’s archery, which Rina always praises, must be something special.

“Ah, well... how about we go to the forest together next time, Mongrel-san? You can see... my...”

“Sure, that sounds good. Even if it’s not a joint mission, I’d like to see it.”

“It’s worth seeing. You might even improve your bow skills a bit, Mongrel-senpai.”

I don’t know how it will affect my motivation.

I broke an arrow during this mission.

I’ll have to buy more.

“Okay, I’ll show you my bow... and then... well, Mongrel-san’s bow... I’ll give you a bit of... guidance.”

I’m not really in the mood for bow practice... but it’s hard to say no now.

But it’s a level where I’d need to pay to learn, so I’ll gratefully take this opportunity.