Chapter 19

It's time for the night update ('ω')!

I hope you enjoyed it this time as well.

"──Thank you for watching! The 'stream' has ended. ...Everyone, good job. Please do the wear and tear checks."

I took a breath and turned to look at everyone.

This time, we had taken on a C-rank quest and come to this place, the 'Gorgona Underground Ruins.'

Our objective was the floor boss of the fifth underground level, the 'Wandering Left Hand,' which we had just defeated.

It's a monstrous creature that's just a giant hand, and for some reason, it can use magic even though it has no mouth.

Currently, it's not clear what category it falls into, but there are quite a few scholars who find this eerie creature intriguing. They requested fresh research material, and apparently, they also wanted a 'live stream' as an additional order.

The reward was higher because of that.

"Armor, a bit worn. Sword, no problem. Injuries—...none, I'm fine!"

"Twelve arrows left. No physical damage. Used spirit magic, so my mana is a bit depleted."

"Mana, about half left. Used two mana potions. Two left."

We've become quite adept at the wear and tear checks, and we've started doing mutual checks recently.

"I have three healing potions left, two mana potions, and used a scroll of Rock Stream. ...Did we struggle a bit?"

At my words, the three of them nodded slightly.

Good, good. They're able to do some self-analysis.

Whether things go well or not, understanding the current situation is essential for growth.

They're doing much better than I did when I was a beginner.

"Alright, let's open the treasure chest, take a short break, and then head back to the surface."

"Got it! Ah... I'm so hungry after all that movement."

"Let's have a drink at our usual place when we get back. Eat this apple for now."

I threw an apple to the foodie Marina and started unlocking the treasure chest.

Normally, this would be a thief's job, but with this alchemically created simple magic tool, the 'Living Key,' I can open it too.

"Oh, this is pretty good... Alright, let's take a break at the stair area."

"Okay!"

◇

It's been a little over a month since Marina and I formed 'Clover.'

Our activities have been going smoothly, and we've been making progress by accumulating small failures and moderate successes.

It seems Marina and the others are seriously aiming for the 'Gate of the Abyss,' and they've grown quite a bit here.

They must have high potential. With just a little advice or light instructions, their movements have been improving rapidly.

At this rate, we might even be able to achieve a B-rank promotion this year.

"Finally back."

"I missed the timing for the stagecoach... I'm sorry."

I had planned to hitch a ride on a stagecoach while walking along the road, but it seems my judgment was off, and we ended up walking back.

Fortunately, the 'Gorgona Underground Ruins' were relatively close to Finis, or we might have had to camp out.

"I enjoyed the slow walk back."

"Hmm. Yuki, you might have a talent for being a bard. I'd like to hear more stories... later."

I had been telling them stories of my failures along the way, and it seemed they were quite popular.

Well, I have plenty of failure stories, and they make for good conversation over drinks.

"Let's report our success to the guild first."

"Right. The sooner we deliver the 'Wandering Left Hand,' the better."

The four of us walked down the main street toward the Adventurer's Guild.

It was already quite dark, but the adventurer's town was brightly lit like a city that never sleeps, with many people around. This is when adventurers take their breaks after completing a job.

Naturally, the 24-hour Adventurer's Guild was also brightly lit, and the voices of adventurers sharing their tales in the taverns could be heard on the streets.

"Is Mamal still here?"

"What's up, Marina? Do you need something from Mamal?"

"No, just wondering. Mamal and Yuki are close, right?"

That statement is a bit misleading, but it's also objectively true.

"I've known her since I became an adventurer. Despite appearances, she's one of the oldest veterans in this guild."

And possibly one of the strongest.

If you ask adventurers from my parents' generation about 'Mamal the Gray Hermit,' they could tell you plenty. You might need to pour them a drink to help them forget their fear, though.

No one can defy Mamal after going through her strict 'Adventurer Preparatory Training.'

Not even the Guild Master Benwood.

"Marina is jealous."

"N-no, that's not it!"

"Alright, alright. Let's not play around. While we're at it, let's get our adventurer credibility points added. Then we can get drunk tonight."

Silk chuckled at Marina and Rain's more girlish sides, which showed as they relaxed. It was a familiar scene, and I felt relieved that we had made it back safely this time.

I relaxed and entered the guild, only to run into someone I didn't want to see.

"Hey, Yuki."

My former party leader, standing in the hallway.

When I looked, I saw Barry, the warrior, in the back.

"...You three, go to Mamal first and submit the quest completion forms. Rain, give her this. Do you know how to use it?"

"Yep. Leave it to me."

I handed the magic bag to Rain and sent them off.

I was grateful they left without asking questions, sensing my expression. They're good girls.

"Simon. What do you want?"

"I want to talk."

We're all part of the same city's Adventurer's Guild.

I thought we might run into each other someday, but I didn't expect him to approach me.

"Talk about what?"

"Standing here isn't ideal. Want a drink?"

Simon grinned, pointing to Barry's table.

When he grins like that, it usually means he's up to no good.

"I'm tired from the dungeon. I'll have to decline."

"Don't be like that. I think it's a good deal for you."

"Unfortunately, I'm already set."

Simon's 'good deals' have never been good.

He's the prime example of a naive country bumpkin who falls for fraudulent schemes from self-proclaimed veterans.

...Honestly. I'd rather take a sewer cleaning quest than waste time listening to this guy's 'good deals.'

"Sorry, Simon, I have to go."

"Wait!"

Simon grabbed my shoulder as I headed for the counter.

"Yuki, will you come back to 'Thunderpike'?"

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