Chapter 9

Mariela's request was as expected.

In a border town, hiring adventurers is a challenge.

To begin with, there is no branch of the Adventurer's Guild, so it's impossible to make a request.

One has to travel to a town with a guild, make the request there, wait for an adventurer to accept it, and then hope they come to the town. There's no telling how long that might take.

It's easy to imagine how much damage could occur in the meantime.

For this reason, adventurers often take spontaneous requests in rural towns and villages.

The guild doesn't look favorably upon this, but they tolerate it out of necessity.

For adventurers, if the request isn't too unreasonable and they don't cause any problems, it's a good job because they don't have to pay the guild's commission.

"Of course, I'll make sure to pay you a proper reward. What do you think?"

(What do I do about the request now that I'm solo!? I've fought a magic wolf before, but can I really fight one now!?)

"Um, well, to be honest, I'm an F-rank adventurer. In other words, I'm at the bottom of the ranks."

"Huh? ...Really? But you do have combat experience, right?"

"I do, to some extent. I used to be part of an adventurer party. However, my main role was doing odd jobs and healing, so I'm not sure how well I can fight."

"You can use healing magic!?"

"Y-Yes, I can use it."

"Wait, wait, I really need your help to get rid of the magic wolves. But before that, quite a few people have been injured by the magic wolves. I'll pay whatever you ask, so could you please heal them!?"

Her hand gripped his, and her eyes sparkled, leaving Reta confused.

He was still unsure about his healing magic, just as he was about his combat experience.

However,

"Reta, you healed my leg, didn't you?"

Mina looked at Reta with the same gratitude as if he were a benefactor, making it impossible for him to refuse.

(I'm still unsure. But if I can heal the injured people even a little... there's no reason to refuse!)

Potions are expensive.

It's unclear how many are stocked in the border town.

If so, he wanted to lend his strength.

"We're not asking you to heal the critically injured. Only the priests can do that. But we've run out of potions, so at least heal the minor injuries, please!"

"Alright, let's get started then. Please show me the way."

"Really!?"

"Of course. Besides, the effectiveness of healing magic decreases over time. It's better to heal them as soon as possible."

"O-Okay. I'll show you the way, this way."

"Um, what about Mina? Should we leave her somewhere?"

He hesitated to take the young girl with him, not knowing the extent of the injuries.

At Reta's words, Mariela's face twisted in realization.

"S-Sorry, I was in a hurry. I'll leave the girl with her mother, and then—"

"Mina is coming too."

"Mina!?"

"It's okay. I'll be with Reta."

"…But—"

He was glad she trusted him, but he wasn't sure what to do.

Mariela then suggested,

"Since the girl is so determined, why don't you take her with you? I'll be there to watch over her, okay?"

"…Alright. Please take care of Mina."

"Leave it to me!"

"Make sure to listen to this lady, Mina?"

"Don't worry. Mina will listen to Reta and the lady."

Nodding in agreement, Reta followed Mariela to the town center, where the meeting hall was located.

As they approached, the strong smell of blood filled the air, making him wince.

"There are fifteen injured people. Five are in particularly bad shape… but it's too late for them. Just do what you can, please!"

"Understood. Let's go in."

He pushed open the door forcefully.

In the next moment, the overwhelming smell of blood and the groans of the young men filled the air.

"…Ugh"

The scene of the blood-soaked meeting hall, illuminated by the light, made Mina hide behind Reta, her voice trembling in fear.

"This is bad. It looks like they were attacked by claws."

"That's right. A few were bitten by fangs, but they didn't survive. Can you do anything?"

"I'll do my best. Please take care of Mina."

"Thank you."

He made eye contact with Mina, nodding to ensure she would behave.

She nodded back, understanding his intention.

The meeting hall was brightly lit by lanterns, making the floor clearly visible.

The young men were lying on blankets spread out on the floor, each wrapped in blood-soaked bandages.

Some had so many wounds that the bandages couldn't cover them all, and they groaned in pain.

(This is a terrible sight)

Reta knelt beside the nearest groaning young man and placed his hand on the back, which was tightly wrapped in bandages.

"…Ugh… help… me…"

He gathered his magic power and focused on the best possible healing.

"―Heal―"

In an instant, the injured man was enveloped in a faint light.