Chapter 30

I silently continue to gather Vaz grass. As expected, the area near the water source rich in mana is the thriving ground.

Since the forest is rich in mana, it's quite difficult to gather the grass.

In the past, it probably grew around the forest too, but if everyone gathers it, it would eventually run out.

I also think about the goblin from earlier and don't let my guard down. I have a strange feeling that makes it easier to grasp the situation around me.

Is this due to the mastery of 'Vigilance'?

However, the fact that the skill was transferred from the goblin means that the goblin's 'Vigilance' was higher than mine.

If I hadn't been so engrossed in eating, I might have been discovered first.

But, can I not acquire skills that are less proficient than my own?

I can't grow like those characters who steal skills from weak enemies and become stronger.

I've always wondered how they utilize the stolen skills.

Is the 'Acquisition' teacher like that? Is the purpose to provide a trigger for skill acquisition?

"Acquiring all information and experience from actions. The purpose is to gain information and experience from actions taken by oneself or others. Then, it's a matter of improving the skill according to the world's skill application system."

That means I can't acquire skills unless I fight someone stronger than myself.

Is this a cheat...? Hmm. Being able to acquire triggers unconditionally is a cheat. Yes, let's go with that.

I continue to gather the grass in a crouched position. When I get tired, I soak my feet in the stream and massage them.

"Ah, this is more convenient. From now on, I'll make the stream my destination."

Because the ratio of Vaz grass is high, I can gather it quickly, and in less than three hours, I have 30 bundles.

"That's enough. I have to go to the blacksmith, so I'll head back soon."

I head south, following the marks on the trees back to the village.

When I return to the Adventurer's Guild and open the door, the atmosphere feels bad.

Looking around, the red-haired girl, Arie, whom I met yesterday, is sitting in her seat, looking unhappy and staring at me.

I haven't done anything wrong, so why is she glaring at me?

I pretend not to notice and head to the appraisal counter.

The man in charge today is the usual one. Does he never take a day off?

"Vaz grass and goblins. I'll check them. Please wait a moment."

After about 15 minutes, the check is complete.

"The reward is 4,000 wahl for two goblins and 24,000 wahl for 30 bundles of Vaz grass. The total is 28,000 wahl. Is that okay?"

"Yes, please."

"Then, please present your card."

He processes it through the reader.

"Registration is complete. There is no change in your rank this time. Thank you for your work today. We look forward to your continued support."

I receive five 5,000 wahl coins and three 1,000 wahl coins.

I return the greeting and, just as I'm about to head to the blacksmith, Arie grabs my sleeve.

"Can you listen for a bit?"

Her reaction is more humble than I expected.

"I was scolded by Wathis and the others. I'm sorry for suddenly attacking you yesterday."

The black-haired girl from yesterday is Wathis.

I have no choice but to listen. When we enter the meeting room on the second floor, Wathis and an unknown young man wearing a metal cuirass are sitting there.

"I'm Dede. I seem to have caused you trouble yesterday."

The young man is Dede.

"So, what's the matter? I have other things to do after this, so please be brief."

Dede starts to explain. These three form a fixed party, and Dede is the leader.

Incidentally, they are childhood friends from the same village. I'm not envious of having a childhood friend who's a girl. Not envious... No, I can't be negative.

"Currently, a Huge Slime has appeared in the depths of the northern forest."

There's a slime. Incidentally, it's not a droplet type. It's an amorphous creature with a core.

Each type has a different attribute, and the core is based on the corresponding magic power, forming a semi-material substance.

If the core isn't destroyed, it absorbs surrounding mana and revives.

It reproduces by the core splitting. The larger it gets, the less frequently it splits.

It can digest and absorb almost anything, regardless of type. It seems to act as a cleaner in the forest.

The Huge Slime is a grown slime that has lived for many years. It can cover and swallow a human whole.

"Normal slimes can be dealt with by my sword, Arie's sword, or Wathis's magic. But for a Huge Slime, the sword is ineffective, and Wathis's magic is not compatible."

It's a water-type slime, and Wathis's attribute is fire. Blowing it away might be faster.

"There's another magician named Beltha, but she's on a different mission."

Hmm? Calling her by her first name? Are they both wives? Bigamy is unacceptable. Is bigamy allowed here?

"Currently, we are the only party of 7th rank or higher in the village. It's difficult to refuse since it's a guild assignment."

Apparently, escort missions are unlocked at 7th rank, and adventurers start moving around at that level.

"According to Wathis, it's controlled by wind and is quite powerful. We would like your help."

Why does the guild need to designate and eliminate it? Apparently, once a slime reaches the Huge class, it continues to grow indefinitely, threatening the ecosystem.

"I'm 10th rank. There's no benefit for me."

"For the 200,000 wahl reward, we'll give you 70%. We only need the increased completion count and expenses. Additionally, we've negotiated to grant you 30 10th rank completions as a special case."

The reward isn't bad. I just need to make sure I'm not assassinated and buried afterward.

"This is a guild assignment. An inspector will join as a scout. It's a target we can't handle alone."

Hmm, I won't be buried in the dark, then.

"When do we leave?"

"The sooner, the better, so let's leave tomorrow morning. Although it's in the depths, it's close to the village, so it should be a day trip."

A day trip. That's reassuring.

"To be honest, as a beginner, I might hold you back, but please take care of me."

"We'll protect you, and the guild will also put in extra effort. You can be at ease."

I shake hands with Dede and leave the meeting room.

Hmm, I've taken on a big responsibility.