Chapter 13

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──The Ordan Lake Shore Forest.

This is a relatively large forest area, about a day's walk from Finis, or about half a day by carriage.

In the center of the forest is a lake called Ordan Lake, and its source is the 'Yomun Waterfall' located upstream.

The water of Yomun Waterfall is generated by a spring from a rather old dungeon nearby, and it is said that deep within the dungeon, there is a magical item that continuously spouts water.

However, regardless of that rumor, it is certain that the spring contains high-quality magical energy, and as an alchemist, I occasionally visit this place.

Water itself is a material for alchemy, and the spherical stones and magic-infused herbs that grow around here are all important for the life of Finis.

This time, the request is for spherical stones used in magical items, but if this situation continues, the supply of magical potions and medicines will soon be disrupted.

For the client, this is a request of C-rank value.

...Most likely, the client is the Adventurer's Guild, I think.

At the request stage, it is common not to disclose the client to prevent trouble.

As long as the Adventurer's Guild, which acts as an intermediary, knows, there is no problem.

If the information about 'who wants what' is carelessly leaked from the adventurer, it could be disadvantageous to the client, and there are also those who engage in rough direct negotiations about the reward.

Therefore, many request slips do not have the client's name written on them.

However, if you have been an adventurer in Finis for a long time, you can usually guess the client.

This request is a disguised investigation request under the guise of a collection request and is also considered a dangerous extermination request.

...In other words, it is a C-rank request that takes that into account.

Usually, if a C-rank request is circulating as a D-rank, it must be suspected.

"…That's the case. So, from here on, be on your guard."

"Indeed. But wouldn't it have been dangerous if other beginners like us had taken this?"

"Probably, that's why it was given directly to me. Mamar-san is sharp in that regard."

After being an adventurer for a long time, you come to understand the character of that young-looking half-elf receptionist.

She is a devil who throws impossible tasks with a smile.

Moreover, she throws them at the right people, which is troublesome.

However, she has a discerning eye backed by experience.

This time, she must have believed that we could handle it.

"If you sense danger, retreat immediately, got it?"

While activating 'Gopro-kun,' I look at the forest we are about to enter.

As expected, there is an odd, tingling sensation, and I can't sense any animals.

(…Definitely, it's there.)

My tension seems to have been transmitted, and Marina and the others look uneasy at the forest.

Good, that's fine.

While being too tense is not good, if they recognize the danger of the place we are about to go, I can support them.

"Don't worry. We'll enter after fully applying enhancement magic. Marina will lead, and I will bring up the rear."

"That's the opposite of when we were in the dungeon, right?"

"There are no traps in the forest. Besides, beasts generally attack from behind. It's better for me, who has the 'Phantom Double' magic, to bring up the rear."

'Phantom Double' is a type of enhancement magic that overlays a double that can serve as a substitute for the user.

With this, at least the first attack in a surprise attack can be avoided.

The downside is that it is a 'Red Mage' exclusive magic and can only be applied to oneself.

"Then, isn't it dangerous for you, sir?"

"Well, I have good equipment. I won't go down that easily."

The somewhat flashy red outfit I wear is, in fact, magical armor.

It is a set of 'Red Mage' exclusive equipment that I obtained from a treasure chest deep in a dungeon during the 'Thunderpike' era. After much debate about whether to sell it, I bought it with the same amount of gold coins as the selling price.

The fact that 'Red Mage' is an unfortunate job, and its exclusive equipment is traded at a low price, was a fortunate thing amidst the misfortune.

"Still, it's the 'Red Mage Formal Wear'…"

"Wow, you know it well."

"Yeah. I've never seen it in such good condition."

Rain seems to know a lot about my adventure outfit.

That's right, exactly.

'Red Mage Formal Wear' in usable condition is not often available.

The same goes for other magical armors; weapons and armor from dungeons often come out of treasure chests in unusable condition.

Well, it's the job of blacksmiths and alchemists to make them usable.

"Um, so it's okay to leave it to Yuke, right?"

"Yeah, that's right. Do you remember the route to the waterfall?"

"The route I was taught by carriage? I'm okay, I remember it!"

"Good, let's go. …'Recording Start.'"

I give the command to 'Gopro-kun' and step into the forest.

Marina moves cautiously, as if inside a dungeon.

I apply the 'Stealth Step' magic to everyone to reduce the sound.

I would like to apply 'Invisibility' as well, but it is easily canceled by minor things, and there is a risk of losing sight of each other.

We trace the river upstream for a while.

The sound of the stream drowns out our footsteps, and more importantly, if a battle breaks out, the area is open enough to swing weapons easily.

Despite my hope that "nothing happens," …it suddenly appeared from the forest.

How was it ('ω')?

The next chapter will be a battle scene…!

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