Chapter 17

"Still... you really did a great job this year, didn't you?"

I couldn't help but look at the Guild Master's face when I heard his sudden words of encouragement.

"Your achievements up until yesterday are the result of your hard work as an adventurer, right?"

Unlike before, the oppressive aura had subsided. As I pondered how to respond, the Guild Master continued.

"Occasionally, someone like you appears. They don't develop their skills at the same time as everyone else, but they suddenly acquire a skill and quickly rise to the top of their generation, late bloomers among adventurers."

It seems that similar phenomena have occurred in the past. Many of them have climbed to A-rank or S-rank adventurers, or even achieved greater success.

"If you knew that, shouldn't you have provided more support to those who didn't develop their skills?"

In reality, life before my skill manifested was barely manageable. I was using a repaired short sword and often struggled to find a place to stay for the night.

"I'd love to, but most people can't even acquire a skill. If we supported all adventurers, the guild's treasury would be drained."

While I didn't fully agree emotionally, his words were correct.

"Anyway, the guild has high hopes for you. I just confirmed that you have no issues with your character."

"Character...?"

"Remember the stories I told you about those who rose after acquiring their skills later? Some of them became arrogant due to the backlash from being suppressed before. Others were overwhelmed by the sudden power and met their end."

The Guild Master shared the fates of such individuals with me.

"You are in your growth period now that your skill has manifested. Be careful not to overestimate your abilities and end up dead."

"...I will keep that in mind."

"Your reputation among adventurers is spreading because of this incident. I wouldn't be surprised if high-rank clans started to approach you..."

"I have no intention of joining a clan for now."

I still couldn't reconcile with those who hadn't helped me before.

The Guild Master stared at me for a moment.

"If you have any troubles, come to me. I can handle things like aggressive recruitment within my capabilities."

It seemed he didn't think he could persuade me further, so he added this.

"Ah, Tim. Good work today."

Just as I thought I was finally free from the Guild Master, the receptionist called out to me as I came out.

"Um, what's up?"

When I asked why she was waiting, she replied.

"Because of this incident, I will be your dedicated handler. I wanted to introduce myself properly."

I was surprised. I had heard that high-rank adventurers get dedicated guild staff, but it was supposed to be at least B-rank or higher.

"Um..."

"Please call me Salome."

"Salome? What's the difference with having a dedicated handler?"

I decided to listen. She answered as if I had asked the perfect question.

"Firstly, as your dedicated handler, I can provide more thorough support. For example, with quests, low-rank adventurers usually choose from the board. As your dedicated handler, I can pre-select quests based on your preferences and propose them to you."

It seems she would check quests before they were posted on the board, which would save me from the morning rush and the competition for quests.

"Additionally, the buyback rate for magic stones and materials will be 10% higher, and if you entrust them to us, we will appraise and pay you later, so you won't have to wait here."

I usually spent the waiting time checking my status screen, but this would no longer be necessary.

"Such preferential treatment..."

I was surprised by the high level of benefits, and Salome chuckled.

"There's more. If you tell me what potions and consumables you need, I can prepare them for you when you visit the guild. Payment can be deducted from your account."

"That would be very helpful."

I usually had to visit various stores, from alchemy shops to general stores, to stock up on consumables. Not having to do this would give me more usable time, allowing me to spend more time hunting in the dungeon.

"Also, health management and advice... Do you have time today, Tim?"

She looked me over and asked.

"Then I'll start with the advice."

In front of me stood Salome, surrounded by expensive-looking armor. We were in the fitting room of the weapon and armor shop where I had bought the magic dagger a few days ago.

"The skills you currently have are related to swords and magic, correct?"

"Yes, that's right..."

She must have gathered this information while I was collecting testimonies. It was accurate at this point, so I confirmed it.

"Handling both swords and magic is a style I've heard of before. It seems that weapons and armor that conduct magic well are easier to use."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, plate mail made of iron is heavy and poor at conducting magic, reducing the power of spells."

She pointed this out to me.

"So, I think this mithril armor would be best."

The silver armor, shining under the lights, was designed to protect vital areas with a chest plate and gauntlets, but the joints were made of leather, allowing for free movement.

"Can you try it on?"

I entered the fitting room and changed. I was excited to handle such high-quality items.

"How does it look?"

After changing, I opened the curtain of the fitting room. It was much lighter than the leather armor I had been wearing.

"It suits you well. Is the size okay?"

When asked, I checked the joints of the armor. There was no restriction on movement, and it didn't feel loose.

"There's no problem."

"Understood. Please take it off and try this type of mithril armor next."

"What?"

I thought it would be over after saying there was no problem, but Salome said otherwise.

"There are differences in design and the range of protection. To choose the best armor, you need to try them all."

Before I knew it, a countless number of armors had been brought to the fitting room.

"After the armor, we'll move on to weapons. Leave it to me. I'll prepare the best quality weapons for Tim."

Seeing her enthusiastic face, I couldn't say anything.

"Phew, Tim's equipment is now perfect."

She wiped the sweat from her forehead and smiled contentedly.

"Thank you very much."

I thanked Salome. After that, she advised me on weapons, saying, "Switching between a staff and a sword can be troublesome, right?"

As a result, she negotiated a trade-in for the magic dagger at the same price I had bought it, and prepared a short sword that could serve both as a staff and a sword.

"Still, you look completely different... much better."

With a sword, armor, and a cloak, my equipment was on par with high-rank adventurers in the guild. Salome nodded in satisfaction.

"The total cost is 250 gold coins."

"Huh? What? Wait a minute?"

I was flustered by the unexpectedly high amount.

"I don't have that much money!"

I knew the rare metal armor and the dungeon drop short sword would be expensive, but I didn't expect it to be this much.

"The Guild Master said it's okay to lend up to 500 gold coins."

"Wha...?"

I was speechless at the amount.

"No, I've managed without such expensive equipment so far..."

I felt bad for the effort she had put in, but I was about to decline when she said,

"The Guild Master instructed me to choose the best equipment to ensure Tim doesn't die. Do you understand the meaning of this?"

Salome looked at me seriously.

"The guild has high hopes for you. The fact that they are willing to lend 500 gold coins shows how serious they are."

Salome explained the monthly payment terms in detail. Based on the items I had sold, it seemed feasible, and if I had a long-term injury, I could consult and get support.

Considering I would eventually save up to buy such equipment, this proposal wasn't bad. The quality of equipment is crucial for efficient and safe hunting.

"What do you think?"

When Salome asked, I...

"Please, I'll take it."

I bowed and asked.