Chapter 6

I came to the adventurer's guild to report the completion of today's request.

On the way, some men in light armor who were moving strangely chased after me, but I found them creepy and managed to shake them off.

Thanks to that, it took a bit longer.

The surroundings were already completely dark.

"– Oh, Noll. I was worried. Are you okay?"

As I entered the guild, an uncle called out to me.

"Did something happen?"

"Didn't you notice the commotion? It seems that deep-layer monsters appeared near the entrance to the labyrinth. They're monsters you don't see around here often. It caused quite a stir. Since it was near the construction site you were dispatched to, I was worried... but you didn't see them, did you?"

"Monsters...? No, I didn't see any like that."

The only thing I encountered was a cow.

I never thought such a thing would be in the city.

"I see. You were lucky. It's said that the deep-layer monster 'Minotaur' was defeated by some unknown entity, but it's a monster that even an S-rank adventurer party would struggle with."

"Such a terrifying monster in the city...?"

While I was wrestling with a cow, something like that happened.

"You were lucky. It wouldn't be strange if the whole city was destroyed. You should be grateful to that passerby."

"Yeah, there are some amazing people in this world."

Indeed, I am still weak.

I need to fully realize that.

"To defeat a monster that even an S-rank adventurer party struggles with, all alone... Who is this person?"

"Who knows... If they have that much power, they should be well-known, but I don't know. Well, the guard force is investigating with all their might, so we'll find out eventually."

"I see."

The uncle finished the request completion process quickly while chatting with me and handed me a leather bag containing the reward.

"Here, take it. It's your hard-earned money. You made quite a bit, didn't you?"

"Yeah, that's true. Thanks."

"– So, Noll. Have you thought about getting a proper job yet?"

"What do you mean by a proper job? I'm already working as an adventurer, right?"

"Ha~ I told you before, didn't I? You're being taken for a cut. With today's work, you should have earned about 30% more without the guild's cut."

"I know that much."

"The site supervisor also said he wants you on his team. You've received offers from several other places too. You're in high demand. Don't think this kind of good situation will last forever. While you can, look for a good place and prepare to settle down –"

The uncle's usual long lecture started again.

I don't know how many times this has happened.

Recently, he even introduces me to good job offers. I've refused them many times, but... The uncle and I don't agree, but I don't feel bad.

I can tell he's thinking about me.

Well, I have no intention of giving up the adventurer's path, and I end up refusing everything in the end.

As I listened to the uncle's words with a smile as usual, a voice suddenly came from behind.

"– Finally... I found you."

I turned around to see a small figure in a robe.

When she removed the hood, a familiar girl's face appeared.

I remember –

"You were the girl... You followed me?"

"…Yes, that's right. I thought it might be rude, but I really wanted to meet you."

This girl was the one who was attacked by a cow.

But how did she know where I was?

I thought I had shaken off the suspicious men.

I didn't notice her presence at all.

I thought my [Stealth] skill had improved to the point where I could hunt wild animals like rabbits and wolves in the forest without being noticed, but I didn't notice this child... I still have a lot to learn.

No, that's not it. This girl probably has a skill.

"I see, [Skill]. That's how you knew?"

"– Yes. I also received training in [Thief] skills at the training institute. I used a remote detection skill to find you. It was the fastest way..."

That's impressive.

To have such a useful skill at her age.

"So, you're a [Thief] type?"

"…No, my specialty is actually [Mage] type... I have a basic understanding of all six skill systems, though."

"Really? That's impressive."

"It's a tradition in my family. We're told to learn everything we can... But they're all just side skills. I'm embarrassed to show them in front of someone like you..."

"No, no, it's impressive enough."

To have several [Skills] at her age.

From her appearance, she doesn't seem much older than when I came down from the mountain.

I can't help but feel inferior.

"– There are people around, so can we talk outside?"

I didn't know what to do, so I looked at the uncle in the guild.

He had a troubled look on his face.

"…Hey, Noll. What did you do...?"

"I didn't do anything that would get me in trouble."

"It's okay... There's no one around now, and I'll use [Soundproofing] and [Concealment] to make sure our conversation doesn't leak out."

Those are also [Skills].

That's impressive.

It's hard to believe these are just side skills.

But why is she doing this?

"Go ahead, Noll… But be careful. This is a tricky situation."

"…? I understand."

Be careful…?

What does that mean?

I don't understand, but I went outside as he said.