Chapter 29

Galahad and the others defeated the boss so quickly that people might gather to ask how they did it. They were probably going to be asked to join in. The three of them found it troublesome and decided to wait.

It seems that Fast's inn had been persistently asked for a Patka exchange, and he was fuming. He was repeatedly insulted with mysterious remarks like "for an NPC."

Well, it is mysterious, isn't it? I saw them, the three of them, who are clearly adventurers, being approached by players as convenient residents. I apologize for the inconvenience caused by the matter with the steeds.

By the way, "NPC" is heard as "resident," "player" as "foreigner," and "management" as "our gods." Saying "management" might be quite embarrassing. Or rather, it might be a case for isolation, but no, since this world has gods, it might not be that dangerous. Before that, "for an NPC" is a derogatory statement that looks down on residents, so it would worsen the relationship, and I hope they stop it.

While waiting, we set up a concealment array in the shade of a tree and sat down. We ate Bolognese for lunch, drank beer with a platter of sausages, and waited. There should be no one who can see us since we are quite far away and the grass is tall. They might detect our presence, but they probably won't come to check on us specifically.

With no one around, we entered the boss battle.

After the boss battle, Camilla and I were supposed to cast Shadow. I hope no one is around when we come out.

The boss of Sekan was a large goat with twisted horns. Its pupils were red and slit horizontally, giving it a rather fierce appearance.

We occasionally received indiscriminate charges, but it was within a manageable range. I was surprised to see Galahad, who usually uses recovery magic, along with Eagle and Camilla.

There was a difference in the amount of healing, with Camilla, Eagle, and Galahad in that order. We didn't strictly divide roles like I did with Kikuhime. Camilla and I would take the attacks, and Galahad and Eagle would intercept and deflect them. It wasn't a fixed target but rather a well-coordinated attack and defense.

It looks fun!

Fighting strictly according to theory might be safe, but it's almost like a chore. Galahad and the others' fighting style is free, and there's no worry about attacks coming our way.

《Announcement: The 'Yag Yackur' of Sekan has been solo defeated.》

《You have obtained the solo first defeat title [Beast Slayer].》

《You have obtained the solo first defeat reward [Gloves of Dexterity].》

《You have obtained 4 Yag Yackur furs.》

《You have obtained a Yag Yackur mantle.》

《You have obtained 10 goat yarns.》

《You have obtained a Dexterity Ring.》

《You have obtained a Transfer Stone [Sekan].》

As soon as we left the boss field, I cast Shadow on myself and Eagle. Camilla also cast it on herself and Galahad as planned. Party members can see each other as black mists, but they should be invisible to others.

Fortunately, there don't seem to be any players. However, two parties can be seen approaching from the other side of the grass.

"Really, there are so many people here, even in the countryside."

"It's like when a new dungeon is discovered."

"Maybe Sekan is also full?"

"It's troublesome, let's move to Fos. Register at Homura later."

"Ah, of course, that's fine."

I thought we would move by tile, but the next moment we were in Fos' temple, which surprised me a bit. It seems to be the effect of an item called a "Return Stone," different from registering at the temple.

I thought my skills wouldn't level up because I wouldn't have time to use them with the boss being defeated so quickly, but apparently, not worrying about the surroundings gives more leeway, allowing me to try various things. I leveled up quite a bit, and even magic I didn't use in the battle leveled up. It seems that using related skills distributes a small amount of experience, so that's why they leveled up.

"Alright, let's do the last one!"

"I just realized, wouldn't it be better to do consecutive battles with the Death Lizards? No need to move."

I can't bear consecutive solo defeats.

"Let's open the capital instead."

"Defeating the four bosses is a condition for C-rank promotion," Eagle explained.

"If the old man makes a sword, he'll stay in the labyrinth and won't come here."

"At first, it was a thank you for the 'Moonlight Stone' information and taking the [Mining] skill, but I want you to come to the Labyrinth City soon."

"Oh, I can see Galahad coming to Fast for Homura's food and drinks?"

Camilla teased.

"Homura will definitely grow interesting, so come and see it soon."

"Alright."

When you say things like that, I can't refuse, and I have to get stronger.

We fly north from Fos to head to Zears' capital, Fina.

The tiles are cute.

The landscape, a mix of forests and fields, and the gentle hills, only became apparent when I looked into the distance. After a little over an hour by tile, which would take over two days on foot, the smell of the sea came. Climbing the hill, the sea spread out before my eyes.

The scenery is wonderful, but the boss is not cute at all!!!

"Last one, the rare boss!"

"Good for the finale, right!"

I didn't know bosses had rare versions!!!

The boss's name is Fire Polyp. It splits and is covered in fire.

Normally, it's a Water Polyp, which doesn't deal fire damage.

It's a jellyfish-like boss that floats in the air, soft and translucent.

It's not cute because the round balls that split off chase random targets for a certain time.

If you deal a certain amount of damage to the split ones, they merge back into one, but I'm the only one running and attacking.

It's embarrassing.

《Announcement: The 'Fire Polyp' of Fina has been solo defeated.》

Since the name 'Fire Polyp' is mentioned, the solo defeat of the Water Polyp must be separate. If so, there are other bosses with rare solo defeats left.

Good, I wouldn't feel right solo conquering a country, even if I had the strength.

《You have obtained the solo first defeat title [Gel Slayer].》

《You have obtained the solo first defeat reward [Droplet of Fire].》

《You have obtained 4 Fire Polyp slime.》

《You have obtained Fire Polyp gloves.》

《You have obtained a Fire Polyp magic stone.》

《You have obtained 10 Fire Polyp eggs.》

《You have obtained a Wisdom Ring.》

《You have obtained a Transfer Stone [Fina].》

I leveled up to 25 with two quick levels.

But I didn't get any stronger.

With my strength, I can't wield a large sword like Galahad and crush obstacles. If I aim for refined swordsmanship like Eagle and magic like Camilla.

When I catch up to their level, will I be able to say I've gotten stronger?

I'll try my best.

Returning to Fos.

It's just before four o'clock, and we defeated the boss in one day. I feel a bit guilty since it wasn't my power, but I'll just be happy about it now! I need to check the loot later!

Moving to Fast, we finished eating at a restaurant and went to Ruba's house.

"If we move now, we'll arrive at the 'Tears of the Moon Goddess' around sunset."

"Indeed, I've never seen the 'Tears of the Moon Goddess' before, so I'm looking forward to it."

"It's supposed to be beautiful, right?"

"Indeed, the circle where the 'Moon Chant Grass' grows glows faintly and beautifully under the moonlight."

Ruba rides on Eagle's Hagar, and I ride on the tile, running through the forest. I wanted to pick some loquats but didn't say anything and kept running, reaching the spot.

"It's fantastic."

"Yes."

Eagle and Camilla agreed.

When I only had the [Gathering] skill, I could only see the faint, ethereal silver light of the 'Moon Chant Grass,' but now I can see a harder, colder silver light. This must be the 'Moonlight Stone.'

"Oh?"

"Hmm?"

Camilla voiced her doubt, and Galahad, who was petting the tile, looked at Camilla. I also looked at Camilla and followed her gaze to see five black things that weren't there a moment ago.

'You who have received the blessing of darkness, choose.'

"You're talking to us!?"

I exclaimed in a small voice.

"Is this an event from Homura?"

"The blessing of darkness, that's the only thing it could be. At least I don't remember it."

"Me neither."

"Same here. I was half-joking, but it seems we really met a dark spirit."

'We were drawn to your scent of darkness.'

'We are here to help you.'

'But we can only take one with us.'

'Choose well.'

What am I supposed to choose...

One is a beast, a black wolf with a tail and paws that turn purple. 'Dark Spirit - Attack'

One is a humanoid, a woman with wavy black hair and a purple-tinged complexion. 'Dark Spirit - Attack Support'

One is a bird, a large black bird with wings that turn purple at the tips and eyes like amethyst. 'Dark Spirit - Defense Support'

One is a beast, a black cat with wings and purple eyes. 'Dark Spirit - Production Support'

One is a bird, a black owl the size of a hand with a crest as long as its body. 'Dark Spirit - Gathering Support'

"Are we supposed to choose one each?"

Eagle said.

"Probably."

"I've never met a dark spirit before, at least."

"Wow, that's a different reaction."

Galahad, you're a good guy, a good guy, but it's getting harder to say that honestly, isn't it?

"Choose from Homura."

"Well, it's probably because of the blessing Homura has."

"Still, I'm confused. Why don't you just say what you want? If there's a conflict, we'll think about it."

Galahad chose the woman, Ruba the cat, Eagle the wolf, and Camilla the owl.

"Then I'll take the bird."

"Is that okay?"

"Well, I can use my own magic for attacks, so it's nice to have a spirit that can do what I can't. And the bird looks cool."

"Thank you. The more you bond with your spirit, the better your affinity with that attribute will be. The more your affinity improves, the more powerful your magic will become."

Camilla apparently has other spirits. Magic power will increase too! ...But I haven't learned dark magic yet.

When we went to the spirits we chose, we were asked to name them.

"Kuroyao, how about Kuroyao?"

After naming it, it happily touched its forehead to mine and disappeared.

"To think I'd get a spirit at this age."

Ruba muttered.

"I have a fire spirit, but this is the first time I've had a high-level spirit with a name."

"I have a fire and a mid-level water spirit. This is my first high-level spirit. I need to manage my MP."

"I have a high-level fire spirit, so I've been using fire magic. But from now on, I'll use dark magic too. I'm glad I didn't choose light when I was at the temple as a beginner."

The three of them apparently met a fire spirit together. It must have been similar to when I met the water spirits with the tea crew.

After gathering and mining, Galahad used a return stone to go back to the city.

There will be more things to get as we progress, including steeds.

Like the 'Moon Chant Grass,' only one can be gathered per mining, and the circle allows ten gathers. I gathered twenty thanks to the 'Mineral Lover's Bracelet.'

We immediately started working and handed the 'Moonlight Stone' and 'Moon Chant Grass' to Ruba, then disbanded.

The three swords will be ready in six days or more. We don't have enough 'Moonlight Stones' for three, so Eagle's sword will be a mix with Blue Mithril, a mineral he brought.

I offered to use my 'Moonlight Stones' for my sword, but he refused.

On top of that, I received a staggering amount of money as payment for the 'Moonlight Stones.' It's ten times the NPC buyback price. Well, Galahad and the others are NPCs, but it doesn't feel like it when we're together.

"I helped you level up, so the payment is fine."

"I got a high-level dark spirit, so I feel like I haven't paid enough."

"Right, the level-up was the price for getting the [Mining] skill. The dark spirit is a bonus."

"It's fine. We earn a lot in the Labyrinth City, so take it."

She handed over the silver.

I thought I'd give it to Ruba as payment for the sword, but he refused, saying I got the spirit.

"Besides, I'll take it from this red-haired guy. Use the money to buy spare staves. The next sword won't have a good magic conversion efficiency."

As a token of appreciation, I left some beer, wine, brandy, and bourbon whiskey.

By the way, one 'Moonlight Stone' costs 1,000,000 silver.

Twelve are needed for a sword, so Ruba's ten and my twenty were paid for by Galahad and Eagle.

Yeah, I didn't expect it to be 8,000,000 silver...

Is there a bank somewhere!?

□ □ □ □ □

・Increase・

Level +2

Titles

[Beast Slayer]

[Gel Slayer]

Skills

Dark Spirit [Kuroyao]

□ □ □ □ □

Homura Lv.25

Rank D

Occupation Magic Swordsman Alchemist (Assassin)

HP 730

MP 927

STR 36

VIT 22

INT 49（+2）

MID 17

DEX 18（+2）

AGI 26

LUK 16

NPCP [Galahad][－]

Titles

■General

[Communicator][Circulating Power][Mystery Solver]

[Economic Leader][Solitary Adventurer]

■Blessings of the Gods

[Blessing of Val][Blessing of Verna]

■Slayer Series

[Lizard Slayer][Bug Slayer]

[Beast Slayer][Gel Slayer]

[Dragon Slayer]

Skills (5SP)

■Magic and Spells

[Wood Magic Lv.4] [Fire Magic Lv.5][Earth Magic Lv.4]

[Gold Magic Lv.4] [Water Magic Lv.4][☆Wind Magic Lv.4]

[☆Lightning Magic Lv.4][Light Magic Lv.2][☆Dark Magic Lv.8]

■Swordsmanship

[Swordsmanship Lv.11][Slash]

[Saber Lv.7]

■Summoning

[White Lv.1]

■Spirit Magic

Water Spirit [Rufa Lv.2]

Dark Spirit [Kuroyao Lv.1]

■Talent

[Body Techniques]

■Production

[Alchemy Lv.1][Alchemy Synthesis Lv.1][Cooking Lv.7]

■Gathering

[Gathering][Mining]

■Appraisal and Concealment

[Item Appraisal Lv.4][Plant and Food Appraisal Lv.5]

[Animal and Monster Appraisal Lv.4][Skill Appraisal Lv.4]

[Weapon and Armor Appraisal Lv.2]

[Presence Detection Lv.4][Presence Dilution Lv.5][Concealment Lv.4]

■Enhancement

[Strength Enhancement Lv.3][Intelligence Enhancement Lv.4][Spirit Enhancement Lv.2]

[Dexterity Enhancement Lv.2][Agility Enhancement Lv.2]

[Swordsmanship Enhancement Lv.3][Magic Enhancement Lv.2]

■Resistance

[Alcohol Resistance]

■Others

[HP Natural Recovery][MP Natural Recovery][Night Vision][Map][Telepathy]

[Equipment Change][Life Magic]

To make it clearer, I removed the [Spirit Magic] notation before the spirit names and the skill and title changes at the end of chapters 11 and 12.