Chapter 6

After a night's rest, I first headed to the equipment shop to get my gear in order.

"Well, let's start with a collar. Which one do you like?"

Several collars were lined up in front of me.

"Um, I don't know, so please choose one, Master."

"Is that okay?"

"Y-Yes. Besides, I want to wear the collar that Master likes."

What a good girl. I picked out a collar that would provide a decent boost in defense and showed it to Aila for confirmation.

"Is this one okay?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Then let's put it on here."

After that, I confirmed with Aila that just buying the collar wouldn't do. It had to be properly placed on the slave's neck by the master's hands. I put the red 'Leather Collar' around Aila's neck, and it automatically fit her perfectly. As expected, it was an 'equipment item.' When I checked the status, the 'Leather Collar' had changed to 'Aila's Collar.'

"With this, I am completely Master's slave."

Aila said this with a happy expression, but honestly, she seems too easy. Maybe it's because she didn't have anyone to rely on besides her parents. It's reassuring to have someone who trusts me. I'm all alone in this world too, and I understand the comfort of having someone to trust.

For armor, I chose the same 'Leather Armor,' 'Leather Boots,' and 'Leather Gauntlets' as mine. For the sword and shield, I picked the same common 'Iron Sword' and 'Wooden Shield' as mine.

I paid five large silver coins for the full set of armor and weapons. Aila looked at me with concern.

"Um, Master, is it okay to not check with the guild first?"

She asked timidly, still worried about her 'curse.'

"It's fine. Let's head to the guild next."

With that, we left the equipment shop.

"By the way, have you ever fought monsters before?"

I realized I hadn't asked her this before and decided to do so.

"Yes, monsters often came from the forest to the village."

Well, you can't level up without fighting, can you?

"Um, I'll do my best not to be a burden."

I'm sure she'll be fine. Just looking at her stats, she seems stronger than me.

"Ah, no need to overdo it."

While talking, we arrived at the Adventurer's Guild.

"Welcome. Oh, it's not Hibiki. ? Who's that girl?"

A fairly pretty receptionist at the guild counter greeted us. Her name is Riri, and she's been quite helpful since I registered with this guild.

"Hey, Riri. This is Aila. She's going to be a member of my party. Aila, this is Riri. You don't want to make her angry if you're going to work here."

I introduced them to each other as we approached the counter.

"Y-Yes, nice to meet you."

Aila bowed politely again.

"Nice to meet you too~"

Riri waved her hand lightly in response. Then she gave us a slight glare. She can be scary when angry.

"Anyway, I'd like to register Aila."

I handed over the registration fee of one large copper coin and asked for Aila's registration.

"Sure. Since she has a collar, Aila is your slave, right? Then just fill in the name and owner fields."

Riri glanced at Aila's collar and answered. She didn't say anything because it's not uncommon for adventurers to include slaves in their parties. Slaves can be used to buy time by acting as a shield, disarm dangerous traps, carry equipment, and more. It took about 30 minutes to complete the registration.

"Here's your guild card."

"Ah, thank you."

Aila received the guild card respectfully and cautiously examined it. The guild card is a magical card made of some metal. It displays various information, including identity verification, kill history, and request acceptance status. After checking multiple times that there was no mention of the 'curse' on the card, she finally seemed satisfied and looked at me. I nodded in response.

"Well, Aila's first mission. What should we do?"

I was thinking of taking a hunting request, but if Aila is scared, we'll have to get her used to it gradually. However, Aila made a firm, though timid, request.

"I'd like to take the Sharpwolf hunting request."

When I heard 'Sharpwolf,' Riri grinned and looked at me. She's looking at all of us. Aila tilted her head in confusion.

"Sure, you're worthy of being a member of Hibiki's party."

"No, Aila doesn't know."

"Really?"

"???"

Seeing Aila's puzzled face, Riri nodded and started talking.

"His first mission was also a Sharpwolf hunt."

"Really?"

But there are plenty of adventurers who start with Sharpwolves. They are like a gateway monster for new adventurers. So why is Riri grinning?

"Right, and when he came back that evening with materials from 50 Sharpwolves, I was surprised."

"50!?"

"No, I just happened to find a pack."

I tried to explain.

"Normally, even a mid-level adventurer wouldn't face a pack of 50 alone."

Aila nodded in agreement. Whose side are you on, anyway?

"Well, it was just a coincidence."

With my stats enhanced by the 'Blessing,' I could take down a Sharpwolf with one swing of my sword. It took less than an hour to hunt 50, but that was indeed abnormal for a new adventurer. I grimaced, remembering the commotion it caused.

"Still, Master is amazing."

Aila looked at me with admiration.

"Yeah, with him, a Sharpwolf is nothing. Good luck."

"Yes, I'll do my best."

And so, Aila's first mission began.