CH 17

Rabbit Extermination

The day after we received our Adventurer’s Licenses.

We entered the guild once more and looked for a commission on the bulletin board by the counter.

“Mize, what kind of commissions are suitable for beginners?”

“Hmm, let’s see…I suppose this kind of commission?”

In response to my question, Mize points to a piece of paper on the board.

“It’s a commission to gather medicinal herbs. It’s relatively safe and should be easy enough for beginners.”

“Hmm. But the reward is also quite small.”

“You’re right…And it would be even smaller if we divide it amongst the four of us. I suppose this request to gather medicinal herbs is meant to be taken by individuals.”

I didn’t join the guild because I was lacking money, but I felt like we should take a more challenging commission. I’m sure the other three feel the same way.

“Then, how about we take this one: ‘Defeat Sharp Rabbits and collect their claws’?”

Gran says, while pointing to another piece of paper.

Upon reading the details of the commission, Elysia tilted her head.

“Sharp Rabbits, aren’t they a type of Demonic Beast?”

“Yeah. Simply put, they’re just a rabbit that has sharp claws. Their claws can be made into weapons or crushed to make medicines.”

I know quite a bit about Sharp Rabbits as well.

They are extremely prolific Demonic Beasts. Due to their vast numbers, as well as the many uses of their claws and skin, it is normally said that “If you see one, just hunt it down”.

“I’m fine with it, but Gran, are you familiar with Sharp Rabbits?”

“I used to hunt them back home. So, if worst comes to worst, you can just leave it to me!”

“That would be humiliating, so no.”

“Oi, what did you mean by that?”

Gran says with a smile, twitching.

As a matter of fact, Elysia could easily take down a Sharp Rabbit, so the burden wouldn’t fall on Gran’s shoulders alone. It’s a request that the four of us can accomplish with ease.

“Gran, where are they located?”

“Hm? Ah, the Dovecote Forest. It’s about a 30-minute walk from here.”

It would be tempting to use a carriage on the way back, considering that we still have to carry the claws we collect. But considering the reward from the commission, it would probably be better to go back on foot.

The guild does provide a carriage rental service and the rates are displayed in front of the counter. I checked out the prices when we got our licenses, but if we were to rent a carriage for the commission to defeat Sharp Rabbits, our net profit would be the same as if we were to take the commission to collect medicinal herbs we saw earlier.

It’s not like we’re doing this for money…but it would be kind of sad if our memorable first commission gave us little to no reward.

“Mize, are you fine with taking this commission?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s settled.”

Taking the piece of paper containing the details of the commission to defeat Sharp Rabbits from the bulletin board, the four of us headed to the Guild’s counter.

After showing the receptionist our licenses, we were able to officially accept the commission.

◆

After a 30-minute walk from the Royal Capital.

We arrived at the Dovecote Forest and immediately began to search for Sharp Rabbits.

“Sharp Rabbits are timid Demonic Beasts, in forests, you’ll be able to find them hiding behind bushes and trees. Basically, as long as you don’t get to close to them, you’ll be safe. But sometimes, they’ll jump out of the bushes, so if you’re worried about that happening, you should cast <Rage> now.”

Gran, who has experience with hunting Sharp Rabbits, explains while searching for some.

Upon hearing his advice, Mize activated <Rage>. A thin glow of magic power could be vaguely seen covering Mize.

“Tweight-san, are you guys alright without casting <Rage>?”

In response to Mize’s question, the three of us answer:

“I’m used to it, so I’m fine.”

Gran says.

“I can cast it quickly enough, so there’s no problem here.”

Elysia says.

“There’s no sign of them, so I don’t think I need to cast it yet.”

I say.

Although it was for different reasons, we each assessed the situation and appropriately responded based on our respective capabilities.

Upon hearing our answers, Mize looked dejected.

“…umm, I’ll be careful not to drag you all down.”

Mize says in a small voice. At that, Gran, Elysia and I all looked at each other awkwardly.

We kept our voices down so that Mize couldn’t hear us.

“Hey, do something about it. Mize’s getting depressed.”

“No, even if you say so…T-tweight, it’s up to you!”

“Don’t be unreasonable.”

In the first place, we never once thought that Mize was a liability to us.

Rather, the three of us were just took the opportunity by going along with what Mize said, “I want to be an adventurer!”. It should have been us who should have been looked out for, not Mize.

“Hmm? …there’s a Sharp Rabbit.”

Gran suddenly stopped walking and whispered.

There was a single rabbit in the bushes around 10 metres away. It had white fur, and glistening black claws were growing out of its legs.

“Now, I’ll show you guys how it’s done. The three of you, watch my back.”

After saying that, Gran went to the Sharp Rabbit alone.

He approached it slowly, his footsteps did not make a sound, and he minimized any signs of his presence. It seems true that he had experience hunting Sharp Rabbits back in his hometown. His movements were a sight to behold.

After getting close enough such that the Sharp Rabbit could not sense him, Gran activated <Rage>.

The Sharp Rabbit jumped in a panic at the sudden, swelling presence, and swung its claws at Gran’s neck. However, Gran’s kick connected with the rabbit’s body faster than its claws could gouge his flesh.

The Sharp Rabbit went flying, until it eventually struck a tree and fell to the ground.

It seems to have died.

“How’s that?”

“’How’s that’, just approach it like a normal person, you didn’t need to kick it like that. ”

“Is that so. But this is the fastest way to do it.”

As I watched that exchange between Gran and Elysia from the side-lines, I noticed that beside me, Mize gulped nervously.

Gran was able to take it down with ease, but the Sharp Rabbit had a moment to counterattack. If he had taken that claw strike without any countermeasures, he definitely would have sustained some injuries. At worst, those injuries may have been fatal.

They may have small bodies, but they are still Demonic Beasts. You can never be too careful.

I noticed Mize’s nervousness and carefully approached her, trying not to alarm her as much as possible.

“Mize, calm down.”

When I called out to her, Mize was visibly flustered for a moment, but then she took a deep breath and somehow managed to regain her composure.

“Over there, by the bushes under the tree with nuts…there’s a Sharp Rabbit hiding behind.”

“Eh, r-really?”

“Yeah…Can you use long-range shooting magic?”

“Y-yes. I can use a few…”

“Then, I’ll circle around and chase the Sharp Rabbit out of the bush, after that, Mize, defeat it with your magic.”

“I-I understand.”

Mize nodded in response, and immediately began preparing to cast magic.

In order to avoid being detected by the Sharp Rabbit, I took a large detour to get behind it.

Raising a hand, I gave a signal to Mize, who was in front of me.

I didn’t need to use <Rage> to hunt it down at this point. I stood behind the Sharp Rabbit, which was relaxing in the bushes, and tapped the ground with my foot. The Sharp Rabbit, startled by the sudden sound and vibration, jumped out of the bushes. It jumped out at the right angle to head straight to Mize.

“Mize!”

“Y-yes!”

Just in case Mize would fail, I prepared to activate <Rage>.

But my concern proved unfounded, as Mize’s long-range shooting magic, <Water Ball> shot through the Demonic Beast’s torso with great force.

Sharp Rabbits may be quick, but they aren’t tough.

If you can cleanly hit it with D-ranked magic, you can easily defeat it.

“That went well.”

I told Mize, while keeping an eye on the Demonic Beast that had fallen on the ground.

With sweat on her forehead, possibly due to a mixture of excitement and nervousness, Mize nodded in response.

“Have you gained confidence?”

“Eh?”

“Anyone would be a bit apprehensive at first, but once you grow used to it, it’s not something to be terrified of…Gran, Elysia, and I just happened to experience this kind of thing before entering the academy. It’s not that Mize is particularly unskilled. I’m sure, Mize, that little by little, you’ll get used to doing this.”

Actual combat skills can only come with experience.

Especially in regard to using magic, which is heavily reliant on imagery and feeling, as actual combat may confuse the caster and prevent them from performing properly. This is why it is important to get used to it.

“Thank you very much…I, will keep on doing my best in the future as well!”

“Yeah.”

Seeing Mize regain her original cheerfulness, I become relieved for the moment.

If she continues to become an adventurer in the future, she’ll get used to fighting Demonic Beasts soon enough– Even if I don’t get in the way.

“…My bad, I have something else to do, so I’ll leave you guys for a bit.”

At my words, the other three tilt their heads.

“Something else, like what?”

I thought for a bit, before responding to Gran’s question.

“I remembered that I had something to do at the Royal Capital. If I use <Rage>, I should be able to get it done, then come back within 30 minutes. I’m sorry that it’s so sudden, so the three of you should complete the commission by yourselves until then.”

“…Well, if it’s something you really need to do, then I suppose it can’t be helped.”

While she sounded convinced, Elysia still stared at me suspiciously.

Because of the incident last month, Elysia has a vague idea of my circumstances. So, from now on, I probably can’t avoid her suspicion.

“Sorry. I’ll make up for this some other time.”

Before they could cast any more suspicion on me, I left the three of them.

Translator’s Note:

The Dovecote Forest’s original romaji is Dobuutsu no Mori, which is probably a reference to the First Animal Crossing Game, Doubutsu no Mori. As I explained before, the author seems to enjoy placing video game references: Kingdom of Terraria – Terraria, and Mycura (Maikura), the Capital of the Kingdom of Terraria – Japanese Shorthand term for Minecraft, and the Royal Academy of the Kingdom is the Bildarz (Builder’s) Academy.