Chapter 88

"Moo and I were a family of two. Originally, we lived in a mountainous area at the edge of this country, hunting for a living."

Encouraged by me, Moo began to tell his story, recounting their past.

"My sister was a skilled hunter. She would sell the game she caught in nearby villages and towns to earn money. Sometimes, when dangerous monsters appeared, she would join in to eliminate them."

"Wow, she sounds amazing."

When I said this, Moo nodded, "Yeah," looking a bit pleased.

"One day, a person from the Adventurers' Guild, who had heard about our existence, came to visit. They were scouting us."

"Scouting, huh?"

"I've heard that when they find promising talent, they approach mercenaries, knights, civilians, and even beastfolk."

I mused, and Iksa added this information.

"So, my sister became an adventurer. She was always strong-willed... and she was happy to know that there were people who needed her."

"Wow."

Moo's sister seemed like a very capable person.

"After my sister became an adventurer, we moved around different regions where the guild was located, taking on missions in each place. It was during this time that we arrived at this village."

"Ah, that was shortly after we were driven out of that city... That's when we told Luna, Moo's sister, about our situation."

Following Moo, Bushi began to speak.

"After hearing our story, she said she would go to the lord directly... but she never came back."

"..."

We don't know if she ever met the lord. However, it's almost certain that her disappearance is related to him.

"Luna probably went beyond that wall... but we don't know what happened to her after that."

"Adventurers are essentially independent freelancers... if someone suddenly disappears, it's often attributed to mission failure, retirement, or death somewhere... it's considered 'common' and often not taken seriously."

"That's why no one worries much about it."

"Hmm..."

The Berserkers say this, but the fact is, a highly capable S-rank adventurer, one of only 11 in this country (9 before we joined...), has gone missing. The guild must have conducted some searches. However, since we couldn't enter the city, we had no way of finding out.

"Still, it makes me even more curious. What's beyond that wall?"

"Speaking of which..."

Iksa interjected.

"I've been investigating what's beyond that wall on my own."

"Really?"

"Yeah, since we just took Nero's underground network, I thought it would be best to use those kinds of people for gathering information. Snakes know the way of snakes."

Iksa, as always, is thorough.

"I confirmed with Mr. Bell earlier... it's definitely accurate."

"And the conclusion is?"

"Apparently, there are casinos and other entertainment facilities beyond that wall."

I see.

Well, it's within the realm of possibility. If they're restricting and managing users and making them spend large amounts of money, it would be something like that. It's like Las Vegas or Macau in our world, right?

"Of course, not everything is legitimate. There are also special gambling, shows, and dangerous goods being handled in some areas."

"I see."

I nodded lightly and knelt in front of Moo, who looked worried. Making eye contact, I said—

"Don't worry, Moo."

I smiled and placed my hand on Moo's shoulder.

"I'll definitely find your sister."

It's been a considerable amount of time since Moo's sister went missing. I know I shouldn't raise his hopes too much, but I'll do everything I can.

"Leave it to me. I'm also an S-rank adventurer, you know. I'm as strong as your sister."

"..."

Moo nodded firmly at my words.

***

We continued to operate the village as usual while waiting for the date to be set. The next day after Walca and the others came to the village, we received a message.

"They say they'll send someone to pick us up tomorrow... it was decided quite quickly."

I announced to the gathered group, opening the letter. They said someone would come to the village tomorrow evening. However—

"However, the number of people invited for this meeting will be limited... yes."

Of course, that makes sense. Officially, it's just a discussion. If we all went, it would be chaotic. It's more appropriate to send a few representatives.

"What do you think, Mako?"

Iksa asked.

"Hmm... arguing over the number of people won't help. I think we should go with three people."

"Three... you're narrowing it down."

The members would be me, the planner of this operation, the royal Iksa, and Garai as a bodyguard. I thought about taking four or five people, but I decided to leave some here as a precaution. It's possible that someone might attack the village in our absence. There was an attack on the store in the capital while I was in Abatos Village, so it's better to be safe. Also, leaving people here is part of my "plan." I'll keep the details secret for now.

"So, the three of us will meet with the lord."

I handed the document to the messenger and sent him back to the city. That night, we received a response. They agreed. So, tomorrow evening, we would finally go beyond that wall into the heart of the tourist city, Bizer.

***

—And so, the next evening arrived.

"See you all. I'm just going to greet the lord."

We said our goodbyes to everyone, having finished our preparations.

"Be careful!"

"Don't overdo it!"

The Berserkers were worried.

*Grr... Why can't I go...*

*As Mako's knight, I should go with her...*

Entia and Kuro were grinding their teeth in frustration.

"Sorry, Entia, Kuro. But I did say there would be something for you to do when the time comes, right?"

*Hmm... Alright.*

*I'll behave this time.*

I then went to Suaro.

"Sorry, Suaro. As Iksa's guard, you should come with us, but—"

"No, it's fine. With you and Garai, Iksa's safety should be fine."

"Thank you. While we're in the city, please guard the village."

"Mako."

Bushi called out to me.

"I didn't have a chance to tell you this before... when we were driven out of the city, some of the beastfolk who were still in the city protested to the lord. Also, some of the beastfolk who were driven out lived in different areas."

"Really?"

"Yes, but they disappeared at some point... some say they were eliminated by the lord, others say they fled to a distant region, but they might still be beyond that wall."

"..."

"Please confirm the truth."

I nodded at Bushi's serious gaze.

"Understood. I'll do my best to bring back Moo's sister and the other beastfolk to this village."

"Ah, by the way—"

"Hmm?"

Bushi suddenly tilted his head in thought.

"About this place... it doesn't have a name, right? We always call it the 'Berserkers' village' or 'hot spring town'... it doesn't have a proper name."

"Ah, that's true."

"So, since you all made this place so great, I think it's time to give it a name."

I see, that makes sense. If this place continues to develop, it would be good to have a name as a landmark.

"But a name... what should we call it?"

"How about 'Second Abatos Village'?"

"Huh?"

Not just Bushi, but the gathered Berserkers were nodding in agreement.

"No, no, that's too much. We should think of a better name..."

"No, please let us call it that!"

Wow, everyone looks really serious.

"Alright, let's call it 'Second Abatos Village'—"

"What's going on? 'Second Abatos Village'?"

"They're naming this place that."

"Sounds good! Like a sibling village!"

The Beowulfs were also excited, so I decided to go with it. Thus, the name of this tourist destination was decided: Second Abatos Village.

"We're ready."

By then, Walca and her guards, including Cyra, had arrived at the entrance of Second Abatos Village. It was time to leave.

"See you all."

Saying goodbye to everyone, I, Iksa, and Garai started walking to the city with them.