Chapter 73

A large mass of flames, big enough to envelop both me and Iris, appeared in my right hand. It was far more impressive than what I had imagined. However, when I tried it, it naturally came out this size.

"Seems like I’ve awakened or something."

"Really! It’s not just about Kobolds, it’s at a level where I’m worried about the forest!"

Iris was so flustered that she pronounced "level" perfectly. I was also pretty flustered.

"Kobolds are coming, so I’m thinking of using this..."

"Will it be okay? It’s so big."

"There’s no guarantee, I guess."

"Should I hide?"

"Then behind a tree."

After confirming that Iris had quickly hidden, I launched the mass of flames at the approaching Kobolds. It flew in a straight line, blowing away the trees in its path, and exploded upon hitting the ground.

The condensed magic power exploded, instantly burning away the group of Kobolds. Immediately after, a powerful blast of wind hit us, reaching the spot where we were standing.

Small rocks and branches flew through the air on the wind. I defended my face with my arms, but they hit my body directly. It was a good decision for Iris to hide. The light created by the magic and the storm gradually subsided, and I lowered my arms. I turned my gaze back to where the Kobolds had been.

All the trees and weeds that had been there were completely gone. Only black charcoal remained. From above, it might look like a new kind of mystery circle had appeared in the forest. But since I did it, it’s not a mystery at all.

Iris appeared, looking slightly taken aback.

"The terrain... it’s completely open here now."

"Yeah, it’s pretty bad."

"I don’t think it’s that bad, but explaining it if asked would be a hassle."

Indeed. How would I explain it? "I awakened and went a bit overboard!" wouldn’t cut it, I understand that.

"Kururi, are you okay? Did you feel any significant backlash?"

"No backlash. But the sensation I felt earlier is fading. The mysterious energy inside me is also calming down."

"Good. That’s a relief. If you were in that state, you couldn’t live a normal life. The forge would be blown away."

I feel bad for causing her so much worry.

"But I think I could still use it a couple more times."

"Are you serious!?"

After explaining that there was no risk of a misfire, we decided to collect the Kobolds' magic stones. We started with the one I had taken down first. Iris gave a quick glance and nodded, so it must have been pretty good.

Next, we went to the area that had turned to charcoal. I had burned away the Kobolds all at once, but would the magic stones still be there? I was a bit worried...

On the still slightly warm ground, five red, glowing stone-like objects were gathered. These were probably the magic stones. When I picked them up, I could feel the magic power. They seemed to be the right ones. However, the magic stones had always been blue. That was supposed to be a characteristic of Kobold magic stones, but these were red. Did I mess up...?

"Iris, these magic stones might be of lower quality."

"Show me."

I handed them to Master Iris and waited for her appraisal. It was a tense moment. My hope was for them to be worth enough for dinner!

"These are...?"

"These!?"

"Good!"

Good!? I thought they were ruined, but they’re good!?

"Is it okay that they’re red?"

"Yeah, they’ve completely evolved into a subspecies. These are not normally obtainable from regular Kobolds. Sometimes, older and stronger individuals leave behind such magic stones, but the Kobolds we just faced seemed ordinary..."

So, it’s my fault.

"Don’t look so apologetic! It’s a good thing. The purchase price will skyrocket!"

"Oh, really? So, should I be happy about this?"

"Yes, you should. You should be jumping for joy."

Maybe I should jump... but I decided not to. It would be embarrassing.

"Can we earn enough for the inn?"

"Roughly, even after covering the inn, we’ll still have a significant profit!"

Oh! Should I have jumped after all!?

There are still things to consider, like my awakening and our upcoming visit to the castle, but I’m happy that we’ve achieved our immediate goal. I’ll be honest and celebrate. It’s important to be happy when you’re happy.

After looking at the magic stones with Iris and celebrating for a while, we heard footsteps from the eastern side of the forest. We immediately became alert. We had both been standing out in the open.

The incredible sensation I had felt earlier was gone. We had no choice but to wait until we could see the figures. With our swords ready, the figures appeared.

It was a group of five men. They weren’t monsters, but they seemed to be in the same line of work as us. Although, we were far too inexperienced to be considered true peers, but let’s go with that for now.

"Hey, you’re a noble’s kid, aren’t you?"

"…?"

They seemed to recognize me. I had honestly forgotten, but it was probably the guy who gave me the whistle. They all looked rough and dirty, making it hard to tell them apart. Sorry, I wish you had worn something distinctive if you wanted to be remembered. He had told me to blow the silver whistle if I was in danger to call for help. A kind guy, if I had the money.

"Hey, I gave you that whistle at the office. You forgot already?"

"No, I remember. I don’t need the whistle, so I’ll return it."

It was probably expensive, so I returned it properly. I might get a strange bill later.

"Alright. If you hadn’t returned it, I was going to bill you later. Most nobles pay generously."

Was that really his plan? Still, he’s an honest guy. I don’t dislike him.

"Hey, forget the whistle, you must have caused quite a commotion around here. That blackened area looks like the scene. Did you do it?"

"…"

I exchanged a glance with Iris. She had a dubious look on her face.

"…No."

"Definitely a lie! I can tell from your hesitation."

"Would it matter if we did?"

"Well, our extra income is gone now. I don’t think you need any help after using such a big spell. In fact, we might need to ask you for help."

"That’s all? Then I did it."

"Then why didn’t you say so from the start? But, I’ve heard that damaging the forest too much can result in a fine. This forest is important to the capital."

"Then I didn’t do it."

"Hey!! That’s ridiculous!"

The guy was getting annoying, so I decided to leave.

"Iris, let’s go."

"Calling it 'running away' already shows your guilt!"

I didn’t want to be questioned further, so I started walking, pulling Iris by the hand.

"Wait, wait. I have a good deal for you. Want to join us?"

A good deal?

"Right, wait a moment. I’m not planning to tell anyone that you burned the forest. Just hear me out for a bit."

If that’s the case, I can listen. Good deals are a favorite of both Iris and me.

"Our plan for today was to rescue you two and get a generous reward. The second part was to mark a target monster. We were planning to do these two things safely today."

As one of the parties involved, it’s not a pleasant story to hear. How much did they plan to extort...?

"The second part is a good deal. I’m inviting you to join us. We were just planning to locate the target today, but with someone of your caliber, we can hunt it."

"Is it a dangerous job?"

"The target is a designated monster, so it will be tough, but the rewards are worth it. The sale of the magic stone, a special reward from the office, and a large bounty from a certain noble. The noble I helped before is still haunted by the monster’s attack. They want it eliminated. It’s a demanding request, but a great deal for us."

It does sound good. But it’s also dangerous. I asked about the specific amount, and it was indeed a good deal. The reward from the mysterious noble was huge, shocking. The capital is impressive. The scale is different.

I don’t really mind either way, but what about Iris? When I looked at her face... her eyes were shining.

She definitely wants to do it. If I agree, she’ll be happy to join. If I refuse... she’ll be disappointed but will probably follow my decision.

"If you can use magic to destroy the forest like that, you can provide support from the back. We’ll handle the front lines."

It sounds even better now.

"Of course, the split will be fifty-fifty."

"No way. We’ve put in a lot of effort behind the scenes. Seventy-thirty."

"Sixty-forty might be acceptable."

"Alright, deal."

He gave in so easily. He was probably willing to compromise at that point. I feel like I got played.

"Iris, what do you think?"

"Of course!"

She agreed readily. I knew it.

"I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Galdomira, a hunter. I’m somewhat well-known in the industry."

"I’m Kururi Heran. Not very well-known in the noble circles."

"Pleasure to meet you. I like capable people. Heran, you’re from that border region... and Kururi sounds familiar..."

"You must be mistaken. I haven’t been here in years."

"Is that so? Alright then. Let’s go, follow me."

We joined Galdomira’s group and followed them. They moved with practiced ease, walking at a decent speed. They handled muddy areas without any trouble. They were clearly experienced.

"If you’re hungry, let me know. I can share for a fee."

"I have enough, thank you," Iris replied. We had plenty of food. Iris wouldn’t have neglected that.

"You’re a commoner, right? I feel a connection."

"I’m a commoner, but I don’t feel a connection with you, Galdomira."

Indeed. Iris, joining the group of rough guys, feels out of place.

"Kururi is a noble, but I feel a connection with you more than other nobles."

Me too!!

"Ah, it seems we’re near the target. Let’s rest here for a moment."

Galdomira gave the order, and his group set down their gear. We followed suit.

One of Galdomira’s companions used a monocular to search for the target.

"Gal, it’s ahead."

He was really searching and found it. I didn’t expect that. He’s more capable than I thought.

"How far?"

"About 350 meters."

That’s close. Considering that, resting here was a good choice.

"I’ll plan the strategy. Kururi, you come too."

A strategy... hmm, what should we do?

"Hey, can I do it?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, can I do it? It’s about 350 meters, right? I think I can do it. It would be safer this way."

"…Huh? No, sorry, can you really do that?"

"Probably. I’m in great form right now."

"Haha, impressive. For a noble. Sure, go ahead if you can. If you take it down, we’ll split the reward fifty-fifty."

Really!?

It’s worth proposing.

"Kururi, are you going to use that big spell again!?"

"No, that one doesn’t have much range. I’ll use something else."

"Will it be okay? The forest..."

You’re worried about the forest...

Anyway, I was given the responsibility for the attack, so I used the monocular to confirm the target. It was indeed there, and it was huge.

It must be over three meters tall. Its muscles were bulging, and it had a different aura from the regular monsters. The weapon it held, a chunk of rock, was even more intimidating. Choosing that weapon is a clear sign of its strength.

I climbed the tallest tree nearby and confirmed the target again. I carefully aimed and activated my magic.

I poured the remaining magic power into it, forming a bow and arrow with magic. I could even touch the condensed magic power.

I nocked the arrow to the bowstring and pulled it back as far as I could. Just before releasing it, I transformed the tip of the arrow into a powerful flame. The tip, condensed with intense heat, would cause serious damage upon impact.

I aimed precisely and released the arrow. The magic arrow flew. Since it was my magic, I could control it as it flew. I accelerated it and made minor adjustments to its trajectory.

Accelerate, accelerate, accelerate, ...

On the final acceleration, the arrow had already pierced the target’s head. The arrow continued its momentum, digging into the ground and disappearing into the depths.

I consumed a lot of magic power with the remote control, but the goal was achieved. The target fell to the ground. After a while, its body turned to mist, leaving only a large magic stone. Success.

"Wow, I didn’t know such a skilled user was a noble... and so young."

"Today was just a good day."

While we were talking, Galdomira’s companion had already gone to collect the magic stone. They were well-organized.

"Kururi Heran... I’ll remember you."

"Sure. I’ll probably forget you by tomorrow."

"That’s a problem. I might need your help with another good job."

"Alright, I’ll remember you."

"Convenient. By the way, where are you staying? A place frequented by nobles would be easier to find when I need you."

"Hmm, the castle."

"Huh?"

"The castle."

"The castle!?"

And so, our first hunter experience ended. We left the forest, split the reward with Galdomira’s group, and headed for the castle.