Chapter 19

After walking for a while from the boss's territory, kicking away the monsters that were all the same, I could see the outline of a town at the end of the road. It seems that this is the second town, Riburumu. The town is built right on the road, essentially a post town for those using the road.

"You haven't left Fauskatz yet, so I'll explain just in case."

"Hmm? Ah, I don't really understand, but please go ahead."

"Mr. Hishin would have wanted to explain, I'm sure..."

I didn't quite understand what Eleanora muttered with a sigh, but I'll listen to her explanation. It seems to be general knowledge about this game, and it can't hurt to know.

Fortunately, we haven't encountered many monsters since we got on the road. It seems that the game is designed so that you don't encounter many monsters while on the road. Right now, we can talk leisurely without much danger.

"First, about the town... Since the second boss hasn't been defeated yet, it's effectively the front line. There are quite a few players here."

"Well, that makes sense. Hishin and the others are usually here, right?"

"Yes. What you should be careful about is that MMOs are basically a world of competition. There are countless players who try to outdo others and get ahead by any means."

"Hmm... So, I might run into those kinds of players."

"Especially since you're Hishin's disciple, you're already drawing attention. If you do something unusual, it will spread quickly."

I don't really feel it myself, but since Eleanora, who gathers information, said it, I can't ignore it. Still, if I get involved, I'll just deal with it accordingly. Since I'm already drawing attention, it's not like it matters now.

"...You're pretty indifferent to your surroundings, aren't you?"

"Hmm?"

"No, it's fine. In your case, not being bound by your surroundings might lead to better results. So, next... This town, as you can see, is built on the road. It's said that the next town is further down this road..."

"Before that, there's a boss, right?"

The second boss, who hasn't been defeated yet. If the opponent were a simple wolf-like creature, it would be strange to be struggling this much. It must be a troublesome opponent. As if sensing my thoughts, Eleanora shrugged and continued.

"This is a troublesome opponent. As soon as the battle starts, it casts a strong debuff on us. Then, it sends undead at us, making it a difficult opponent."

"A debuff and a numerical attack. It's logical, so it's indeed difficult to defeat."

I don't know what kind of debuff it is, but both the restriction of movement and the numerical advantage are powerful. Without a solid strategy, it's not surprising to be overwhelmed. But—

"Hasn't enough time passed? It shouldn't be too long before a strategy is established, right?"

"That's true... But we have a rough idea."

"What do you mean?"

"There are small villages to the east and west of the town. In the eastern village, there's a small dungeon where you can get an item like an amulet."

"Hmm, so there's a key item."

I don't know the theory, but it makes sense that there's a hint nearby. I nodded, but Yagumo, who was walking next to me, negated my words.

"But, even with that amulet equipped, the debuff couldn't be prevented. It seems to have some effect, but it's not completely ineffective."

"Hmm... Then, there might be something in the western village as well."

"Sure, that's what you'd think. But, nothing has been found there yet."

At those words, I furrowed my brow. It's unlikely that there's nothing. But, I don't understand why it hasn't been found. In any case, it seems we're at a dead end.

"The western village, then. Should we take a look?"

"Yes. The eastern amulet is already in circulation, so it's not that difficult to get."

Nodding at Eleanora's words, I turned my gaze towards the approaching town. We should reach the gate in a few minutes. That will be the end of this job. After that—well, I'll just wander around the town.

"Quon, when we get to the town, check the stone monument in the center."

"Hmm? Is there something there?"

"If you register the stone monument, you can warp between them. That means you can travel back and forth to Fauskatz anytime."

"I see, that's important."

Especially for Eleanora, who has a base on the other side, this is important. Even if she plans to advance, she can't stay here forever. After completing the job and receiving the reward, I'll be free to do as I please.

* * * * *

After registering the stone monument and seeing Eleanora and the others off, I let out a small sigh. I'm now free to act, but what should I do? From what I've heard, challenging the boss right away won't end well. However, the goal is to defeat the boss, so I should act in a way that leads to that. So, should I go east or west first?

"The east is already explored, so I'll go west—"

Just as I was about to talk to a local to get information about the western village, I was suddenly called from the side. Looking over, I saw the swordsman player I fought when I started the game. I think his name was—

"Ah... Claude, right?"

"Fried!"

Oops, I guess the interrogation from Hishin was more memorable. I apologized lightly, but he didn't seem convinced. As I was thinking about what to do, a man approached from behind Fried.

"Hey, idiot, I told you to stop causing trouble for others."

"But—"

"But nothing. You're just picking a fight with him! Sorry, Quon."

"It's not a big deal... Who are you?"

"I'm Schren. I apologize for the trouble. I'm the leader of the party Fried belongs to."

Schren bowed, and I could feel his genuine regret. It seems he has a lot of trouble with Fried. For me, there's nothing to worry about with Fried. In fact, I'm grateful for the large sum of money he gave me, which helped me buy equipment for Fino and the others. I shrugged and spoke to Schren, who was still bowing.

"Don't worry about it. I didn't really get troubled."

"Ha ha ha... By the way, is Hishin with you?"

"She's on a separate mission. We don't always act together. If she has something else to do, she should do it."

"Is that so? I thought you two were a team..."

"Well, there aren't many who can keep up with me... But if that idiot disciple wants to train on her own, that's fine."

If she wants me to watch her training, I wouldn't mind. But, she can take care of herself. She'll manage without me. As I thought this, Fried seemed to cheer up.

"O-Okay... I caused trouble. I'll be going now!"

"Hey, Fried! ...Sorry, Quon."

"Don't worry about it... Oh, by the way, I have a question."

I was going to ask a local anyway, so there's no problem asking Fried. I asked Schren about the western village.

"I'm going to the western village. How do I get there?"

"The western village? Just go straight west from the stone monument. The road will lead you there."

"Thanks. I'll consider the information as compensation for the trouble."

"Ah... Thank you! I'll be going now."

Schren bowed again and chased after Fried. That guy seems to have a lot of trouble. I guess he's used to dealing with that kid. I can only wish him luck.

"Well... Straight west from here, right?"

Following Schren's advice, I started walking west from the stone monument. As a post town, Riburumu has its main facilities along the north-south road. Essentially, it's not very wide east to west. I reached the western gate without much walking. A soldier, who looked like a local, was standing in front of the open gate, looking relaxed.

"Hey, good work."

"Hmm? Ah, are you going to the western village?"

"Yeah, just go straight, right?"

"Right. Just follow this road and you'll get there."

Looking down, I could see a well-trodden path. Following it should lead me to the western village. It's good that I won't get lost. I'll take it easy.

By the way, there's something I've been wondering about.

"By the way, the northern road is blocked by demons and undead, right?"

"Yeah, that's right. I don't know why demons are here..."

The soldier grumbled, showing his dislike for demons. It seems demons are enemies to the locals as well. The question is, why are they blocking the road?

"Do you know anything about them?"

"No, I'm not familiar with demons. The priest in the western village's church might know something."

"Really? Are church people familiar with demons?"

"Well, they're experts in exorcism. I remember telling this to the knights who came before... The undead the demons bring might be the remains of those knights..."

The soldier muttered, looking down with a heavy heart. So, the knights who challenged the demons might have become undead. I wonder how strong the undead knights are—before I can worry about that, I need to find a way to prevent the debuff.

"Thanks for the information. I'll be going now."

"Sure, the gate closes at night, so come back early if you're returning."

"Got it, see you."

Waving, I stepped outside the gate. I wonder if I'll find anything. At the very least, talking to the priest should be interesting. With a slight hope in my heart, I headed towards the western village.

■Avatar Name: Quon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 11

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 16

VIT: 13

INT: 16

MND: 13

AGI: 11

DEX: 11

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.11》

Magic Skill: 《Enhancement Magic: Lv.8》

Set Skill: 《Dead Point Strike: Lv.9》

《HP Auto Recovery: Lv.4》

《MP Auto Recovery: Lv.3》

《Plundering Sword: Lv.6》

《Life Sword: Lv.6》

《Demon Slaying Sword: Lv.1》

Sub Skill: 《Mining: Lv.1》

■Current SP: 8