Chapter 97

"Is a negative amount even possible?"

The idea of a negative reward for a job request seemed strange. I decided to ask the guild staff nearby about it.

"…There is no such system, but it might be possible to use the existing system."

"Existing system?"

"It’s just that there’s no rule against it. You can add a request for the delivery of a certain amount of coins. Just add ‘delivery of 〇〇 Tel’ to the request content."

…That’s a possibility.

Using the penalty system, I could also prevent non-payment.

It’s no longer a reverse auction, but just a regular auction.

"Negative 2500 Tel!"

As we discussed this, the price of the request kept going up.

It seems that safe leveling is in high demand.

And then…

"Negative 5000 Tel!"

The bidding finally ended when the price reached negative 5000 Tel.

However, this was just one slot out of dozens.

With a certain market price now established, the subsequent auctions might go a bit smoother, but this auction is too long to watch until the end.

I’ll leave it to the guild staff and take a break. I’ll check the results in the morning.

The next morning.

As I checked the guild’s requests, I found the results of yesterday’s auction on one of the boards.

Average price: 4700 Tel.

Lowest price: 3000 Tel.

Highest price: 15000 Tel.

"What a wild fluctuation…"

The highest price is way off.

It was probably decided in the last or second-to-last round when options were running out.

However, since the requests for several days were bundled together, there might be some date discrepancies, but they are essentially the same requests.

The significant difference in request prices is a bit concerning from a systemic perspective.

But making a profit is good.

If we create a system where those assigned to dismantling can prioritize the final request, the worry of a shortage of personnel would be almost unnecessary.

The auction was volatile for the first time, but it should stabilize with more rounds.

In that case, there’s nothing to do.

The meat export is waiting for the ship to be completed, and the insulation material is in the detailed investigation stage, so there’s no need for me to be involved.

…Maybe I should take a request.

Money isn’t an issue, but I need something to do.

The highest-ranked request today is B-rank.

It involves entering a monster’s territory to cull them and reduce the number of monsters approaching Fotren.

However, it doesn’t seem very interesting. The urgency also seems low based on the reward.

On hold.

"Ms. Kaede, are you looking for a request?"

As I was about to move to the C-rank area to find an interesting request, a receptionist called out to me with a somewhat apologetic face.

I don’t remember her name, but I recognize her.

"Yes. I’m looking for something interesting."

"…I’m not sure if it’s interesting, but there’s a prediction of a large outbreak."

Outbreak?

If that’s the case, you should have informed me right away.

There’s no need for you to look apologetic.

"Is there some special reason?"

Maybe there are a lot of them, or there’s not much time.

No, if that were the case, you would have been more urgent.

You should have informed me as soon as I entered the guild, or even when I was at the inn.

Other reasons… I can’t think of any.

"The location of the outbreak is very far away."

"Far away?"

"Yes, very far away."

Monsters don’t always appear nearby.

That’s why speed is required for outbreak suppression.

There’s nothing unusual about it.

Could it be on the other side of the planet?

"What’s the distance from here and the remaining days?"

"About 700 kilometers. It’s expected to occur in about a week, but… actually, the location is in another country."

Another country!

That sounds interesting.

"What’s the name of the country?"

"The Republic of Noirel. There is an adventurer’s guild there, but it’s a separate organization… It will be a challenging request."

It seems more troublesome politically than in terms of distance.

But that’s part of the fun of traveling.

"Alright. I’ll take it."

If something major happens, I can always escape.

In that sense, taking a request in another country is relatively carefree.

Most importantly, it’s hard to find a more interesting request.

"Decided so quickly!? The guild appreciates it, but what about the Maple Guild’s schedule…?"

"Mercia will handle it."

The Maple Guild is designed to function even without me.

I’ve handed over the management to Mercia, and I’m only directly involved when starting new businesses.

If my absence for a short trip abroad… I mean, a business trip, becomes a problem, that’s a concern.

"Understood. Then, let’s finalize the request before you change your mind! I have the location notes and letters of introduction ready! The Noirel guild card is different from Basis, so be careful!"

While saying this, the receptionist quickly processed the request and handed me a stack of boards with text and maps.

It seems the preparations were already underway before I declared my intention to take the request.

If I had refused, what would she have done?

Well, it doesn’t matter.

First, I’ll inform Mercia and the others.

"I’m going to Noirel for a bit."

As soon as I arrived at the guild, I told Mercia.

"Noirel…? Oh, Noiweil? The city with delicious fish. You’re going to another country…?"

"No, Noirel. Exactly."

"…Why?"

"Because outbreaks aren’t limited to this country."

I might have to travel to other countries more often.

I’m glad I don’t have to worry about language barriers.

"Then, what about the guild…?"

"…Can’t it function without me?"

I ask, more for confirmation than a question, already guessing the answer.

"No, it’s fine! I’ll manage it! …By the way, how long will you be gone?"

"About a week. It might be longer."

Mainly because I feel like it.

I’ll bring the anchor as usual, so I can return if needed.

"Normally, it’s not a distance you can travel in a week, but I understand! Please leave the guild to me!"

Mercia will inform the others that I’m leaving.

It’s not like I’m moving, so there’s no need to say goodbye to everyone.

Since my belongings are in the item box, I don’t need to pack…

Alright. Time to leave.

I left the city through the gate and took out the map from the stack of boards I was given.

The border with Noirel is inland, beyond Fotren and Eleara.

I increased my speed while keeping the landmark road in sight.

Crossing a country, it’s quite a distance.

The flight itself is monotonous as I’m careful not to exceed the speed of sound, but enjoying the scenery is quite fun.

Unlike an airplane, there’s nothing obstructing the view, which is a big plus.

"…Almost there."

I discovered a town just before the border and immediately slowed down my speed and altitude.

It’s a straight path, but I can’t just fly over the border.

I need to get the guild card from the other side and complete the entry procedures.

If the currency is different, I’ll need to exchange it.

I flew slowly at a low altitude to the border town, Kazanik, and showed my guild card to the gatekeeper.

"Welcome to Kazanik!"