Chapter 10

The couple who ran the restaurant where Riti was staying made a feast for her after she told them about earning the title of swordsman. It included the beef stew and omurice she had eaten when she first came here, as well as chicken pizza.

It was clearly an abnormal amount for one person to eat, but for Riti, this was just right. In the end, she cleaned her plate without leaving a single grain of rice.

"It was delicious! Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome. It's a pleasure to see you enjoy it so much."

To the couple who had no children, Riti was like a cute daughter. They tended to overdo it and spoil her, but Riti helped with the preparations before meals and the cleanup afterward, and even helped out in the shop during her free time. There was no room for the couple to complain. On the other hand, they also worried that a girl like Riti didn't need to become an adventurer. This was the same feeling that Riti's parents had.

"Are you starting your practical training tomorrow? Will you be fighting monsters soon?"

"Yes. As an adventurer, it's inevitable."

"I see..."

The couple had heard countless stories of humans being killed by monsters, including incidents where entire towns were destroyed. Fortunately, in the town of Topas, strong adventurers regularly hunted monsters, keeping it safe. Still, such dangerous stories never ceased.

"Riti, if it gets painful or tough, come back here. Absolutely, absolutely don't push yourself."

"Right. As long as you're alive, anything is possible."

"Thank you very much. Oh, here's the money for today."

"That's fine. That's the money you earned."

"Since I'm staying here, I'd like you to take it."

This exchange was a familiar one. After a few rounds of pushing, the couple would give in. For the couple, who were not young and had no children, a minimal savings for old age was enough. They believed that young people like Riti, who had a future ahead of them, were more important. However, they always ended up giving in to Riti's determination. But today was different.

"Listen, Riti. We're praying for your safety. If this money can help you in any way, that would be more appreciated."

"...Uncle."

"Besides, we're fine. There will still be people coming to the shop."

Riti, who was usually stubborn, had no choice but to back down when put this way. Today, they had made a feast to celebrate, and it would have been rude to argue. Riti decided to accept their kindness with gratitude. The kindness of the elderly couple made her think a little of her parents back home.

* * *

The practical training took place within the grounds of the Swordsman Guild. It included setting up a camp, choosing a location, and preparing for transportation and meals. The wide range of practical tasks made the rookies struggle. Adventurers not only fought monsters but also had to battle nature.

These tasks were performed in simulated parties, with roles divided among the members. The amount of things to remember was one thing, but the most troublesome part was the personal dynamics.

"Instructor, I don't plan to form a party. Solo is enough for me."

"I come from a family of rangers, so I have experience. I'm used to this kind of work."

Jista, who acted like a lone wolf, and Daniel, whose parents were high-ranking rangers, were the troublemakers this time. When such people were around, it inevitably affected the group's work. Jista was passive, while Daniel wanted to take charge. Riti, unfortunately, was in the same party as these two.

"I don't hunt monsters. My target is mainly bounty hunters, so I don't need to learn this kind of work."

"Bounty hunters?! That's amazing..."

"Right? So, setting up a camp is meaningless. If you understand, just finish it on your own."

"Can Jista keep watch in case of an emergency?"

"Hey, sure..."

Jista couldn't tell if Riti's words were sincere or sarcastic. There were no monsters in the Swordsman Guild's grounds, but this was training to simulate real situations. Riti asked Jista, a skilled individual, to keep watch. However, this didn't make it a proper training exercise. The instructor's eyes gleamed as Riti diligently started setting up the camp.

"No, no, you need to prepare the fire source first. How can you not know that..."

"Right! Thank you!"

Daniel, who didn't help much but added sarcastic comments, was also a problem. However, Riti genuinely appreciated his advice. She silently worked on the heavy tasks without showing any resentment towards the two.

"Hey, you idiot! This setup will be blown away by the wind!"

"Got it!"

"What about the fire source? If you leave it, it could start a fire!"

"Okay!"

If Riti were in their place, she would have been furious. She wasn't the only one who thought this. The stress of watching the situation was making multiple people feel frustrated. Even while working on their own tasks, they couldn't ignore the shouting. But Riti was happily working on her tasks.

"Daniel, is this okay?"

"Hmph, it's passable. But you're too slow. You won't make it as an adventurer if you keep this up."

"I need to try harder..."

"Heh, you're talking about being an adventurer when all you've done is follow in your parents' footsteps."

Jista cursed at Daniel. With their similar personalities, a conflict was inevitable.

"I'm different from you. I already have the know-how."

"Then why are you here at the Swordsman Guild? If you're a ranger, you should be at the Archer Guild."

"Huh, that's because ignorance... Nowadays, people who only seek one profession are outdated. In fact, many high-level adventurers have multiple titles. Some high-ranking positions even require more than one title."

"You're full of knowledge, but how long have you been here? You might be an old man by the time you become an adventurer."

"Stop it."

Riti, without stopping her work, directed a slight anger at the two. Knowledge was good, as it provided a foundation. Not helping was also fine, as it could be a training opportunity to work alone. If they didn't think it was necessary, they didn't have to do it. But there was one thing Riti couldn't tolerate.

"I appreciate Daniel's advice. That's why we shouldn't be fighting."

"My advice?"

"Yes. Your parents being rangers is wonderful. You must respect them and have built your knowledge on that."

"Y-Yes."

"Jista also did a great job keeping watch. You have a strong sense of vigilance, which is fitting for someone aiming to be a bounty hunter."

"Y-Yeah."

Riti had observed the two, who had high pride, seriously. She only stated their strengths. It wasn't flattery.

Even Aldeis, who had a terrible personality, had a clear strength in combat. There was no benefit in a team falling apart, especially in training that simulated real situations. This was what Riti couldn't tolerate the most.

"Daniel, is everything almost done? Is there anything wrong?"

"Sure... It's fine, I guess."

"Jista, thank you. Without you, we might not have been able to set up the camp."

"Sure..."

The heat from the argument had cooled, and the two fell silent. It seemed almost unreal that they had been so heated just moments ago. Jista, who had started the argument, felt this as well. He was in a good mood because he had been praised, but he also realized the importance of mutual recognition. Daniel, on the other hand, reaffirmed that his knowledge was correct. At the same time, he felt ashamed of what he could do alone.

"Jista, I'm sorry."

"I also said some rude things. I'm sorry."

After confirming that the two had apologized, Riti remained silent. Daniel then moved on to selecting ingredients. If he helped with the cooking, it would be a great help. Satisfied, Riti decided to make a stew, as she had done in Yggdrasia. Among the many ingredients, some didn't keep well, and others were not suitable for transportation. This required judgment similar to real situations. However, everything Daniel chose was perfect. Riti cooked it, and the two were surprised by the stew.

"Where did you learn to make this? Even my parents find it difficult..."

"Well, a little..."

"It looks delicious. Is the watch over?"

"Yes, Jista. Please."

"What's that? It smells good."

Jista also dove into the stew, and other apprentices gathered, drawn by the smell. The instructor, Toito, was also impressed. The stew was excellent in terms of nutrition, procedure, and taste.

"You didn't need this training, did you?"

"No, Instructor. It was possible because of Daniel's instructions and ingredient selection. And Jista's watch allowed me to focus."

"Right. Indeed, that's true. By the way, can I have seconds?"

"Sure, but I didn't make much."

"Permission granted."

The original purpose of the training was forgotten. Riti's special stew party had taken over, and Toito even brought a large pot, making the commotion even bigger. The other instructors, who rushed over, couldn't help but scold him. Riti, who had gotten carried away, reflected on her actions but couldn't help but notice the other instructors secretly tasting the stew. If it was that good, she thought, she would make it for everyone officially next time.