Chapter 9

Chapter 1, last part!

The severed body of the dragon lay sprawled out.

"Enchantment Magic, activation. Begin extraction of 'Enhancement Points' from the target monster."

I chanted the incantation.

A technique to absorb 'Enhancement Points' from defeated monsters.

'Intermediate Dragon × 1 defeated confirmed'

'Remaining magic power converted to 'Enhancement Points''

'700 'Enhancement Points' extracted'

'Enhancement Points transferred to the caster'

'Magic formula terminated'

As expected of an intermediate dragon, I gained 700 points at once.

"For now... I'll transfer 300 to the 'Copper Sword' to make it 'Copper Sword +10000'. It's a nice round number. I'll move the remaining points to the 'Cloth Armor'."

I stored the newly obtained 'Enhancement Points'.

Now my equipment is 'Copper Sword +10000' and 'Cloth Armor +3133'.

"Rain-san, Bernard-san, I'm so relieved you're both safe!"

When we returned to the guild, Nina rushed out from the reception desk.

"Here, I've taken out some of the dragon's scales. The body is still in the forest, so I plan to call in a dissection team later to get more materials."

I took out a few scales.

They serve as proof of the dragon's defeat, but the scales themselves have value as materials for ornaments, weapons, and armor.

"You really did defeat a dragon... with just the two of you..."

Nina looked at me and Bernard-san in surprise.

"It wasn't the two of us. It was just him."

Bernard-san laughed.

"I was just a hindrance."

"No, Bernard-san..."

"No, you're strong. Unbelievably so. From today, you're the ace of this guild."

Bernard-san grinned.

"Defeating a dragon alone—and in just one hit. No one can argue with that."

"If the top-ranked person in the guild says so, no one will argue."

The guild master emerged from the back of the reception desk.

A beautiful woman in her thirties with red hair cut to her shoulders.

"Hey, Elsie. I'm giving up the ace position."

"You don't look too upset about it."

The guild master, Elsie, smiled wryly.

"Heh, seeing his incredible strength made me feel so excited. Besides, I have a feeling he's going to get even stronger."

Bernard-san spoke with enthusiasm.

"Count on me for the 'Blue Crystal', new guy. Of course, I and the others will do our best too."

"Sure, I'll do my best."

I bowed to Bernard-san.

The atmosphere here is quite different from 'King Beast's Fang'.

For example, Bernard-san's attitude just now.

He was originally the number one in this guild.

He gave up that position to me without hesitation.

Bernard-san must have his pride and reputation.

But he was genuinely happy for my success.

I think he's a great person.

Nina and Elsie also have a warm atmosphere.

At first, I came to 'Blue Crystal' just to earn some living expenses without much thought—

But here, I might be able to lead a different adventurer life from 'King Beast's Fang'.

I might be able to work with everyone as true comrades.

I had a feeling about it.

So—

"I might try to get a bit more serious."

After that, I received the reward for the dragon's defeat.

1000 gold coins.

An amount that would allow a commoner to live comfortably for about three years.

"Got a big sum of money all at once..."

At first, I just wanted to earn some living expenses.

But after learning about the cheat abilities of weapons and armor, and trying out a dragon hunt, I was able to defeat it easily.

With this, I won't have to worry about living expenses for a while.

So, I don't have to work for a while—

"But I got the urge to try my best at this guild..."

Nina asked.

"What's the matter, Rain-san?"

"No, I was thinking about taking on the next quest."

I said thoughtfully.

"If I complete high-difficulty quests, it will also boost the guild's reputation, right?"

"Yes. The completion rank and completion rate of quests affect both the individual adventurer's rank and the guild's rank."

"If I keep completing high-difficulty quests, not only will my adventurer rank rise, but the guild's rank will also improve, right?"

I confirmed this.

Just then,

"Excuse me, I heard there's someone named Rain Garland at this guild?"

Someone entered the guild.

Huh?

I turned around and saw a girl standing there.

Her long, tied-up blonde hair, armor that resembled flames, and her dignified beauty—

I've heard about her appearance from rumors, even though we've never met directly.

"Could it be... S-rank adventurer Lily Flamberg!?"

Thus,

This encounter marked the beginning of my second life—.