Chapter 9

Arriving in the town of Remuto.

In the end, my master did nothing while I was hunting monsters.

He just watched.

Occasionally, he would raise his staff and point at a monster.

And more often than not, there would be a Wild Dog.

I want to avoid dogs because they don’t leave any drops!

But since it’s my master’s order, of course, I hunt them.

Despite the considerable number of battles, the time it took to reach the town was clearly shorter compared to walking.

That’s a relief.

If I hadn’t been doing search and destroy missions, it would have taken about an hour one way to my master’s house.

In town, the rule is to dismount and lead the horse by the reins.

There’s a corner right after the gate where you can take care of your horse, but since both my master’s and my horses were summoned, they don’t need any care.

Besides, they’re carrying some luggage.

Helix, the hawk, was perched skillfully on the tip of the rod I carried on my shoulder.

I need to figure out a way to handle this.

Upon arriving at the Adventurer’s Guild, my master took the bag, which is an Item Box, off his horse.

We tied the horses to the hitching post next to the building.

Helix found a spot at the top of the hitching post.

My master gave me a nod and entered the guild.

I followed him, carrying the luggage.

This bag, being an Item Box, is surprisingly large.

The fact that it’s not too heavy is a relief.

The guild was as crowded as ever.

People were looking at the request boards.

Others were receiving requests at the reception.

Naturally, there were no adventurers bringing in their catches in the morning.

The number of people in town had clearly decreased compared to the first and second days.

They must be out seeking adventures outside the town.

My master took a position at the far end of the reception, where there were no guild staff.

A middle-aged staff member noticed and approached.

Ah, it’s the person who introduced me to my master.

"Ah, thank you! I apologize for the sudden request."

He was bowing deeply to my master.

His attitude was clearly different from when he dealt with me.

"Here it is."

"I want to count it immediately, so I’ll prepare a separate room."

"What, this is different from usual, isn’t it?"

"There’s been a bit of a commotion."

The receptionist was serious.

Was there a problem?

He lifted a part of the counter and led my master and me inside.

We walked to the back, passing by the staff desks.

The man opened the door at the very back and led us in.

It was a kind of conference room.

An old man was waiting inside.

His magnificent white beard was so thick that it almost hid his mouth.

"Ruglan!"

"Oren!"

It didn’t turn into an ugly embrace between the two old men.

My master tapped his staff on the floor to intimidate him.

Then he grabbed the beard and pulled it down.

"If you keep mistaking me for a handyman or something—"

"It hurts! It hurts! Stop it!"

"You’re also burdening me with the trouble of taking care of a new adventurer."

"It hurts! What are you saying? You’re just watching for fun or using me for convenience, right? It hurts!"

"Give me a reason. Start with that."

Finally, my master let go of the beard.

I bowed to the old man, feeling apologetic.

"Um, I’m a bit in a bind."

This old man was the guild master.

When I used [Identification], it looked like this:

Remuto Adventurer’s Guild Master Ruglan Lv.???

Elemental Mage 'Light' In Reception

Wow, he seems impressive.

Is this the first time a title appears before the name?

No need for a business card.

The middle-aged staff member was opening the bag, which is an Item Box, with some kind of emblem.

He took out potions one by one and lined them up in groups of ten.

He called an older female staff member to help with the work.

It was an inspection process.

I’ve done this kind of work as a part-time job.

While watching this, I also listened to the conversation between my master and the others.

Of course, I’m interested in what’s happening in this town, as it affects all adventurers.

What’s going on?

Due to the abnormal increase in adventurers, the balance between supply and demand is being disrupted in various places.

One of them is potions.

My master brought in 430 potions, but it’s still not enough.

The supply of wound-sealing grass, the ingredient for potions, is also running low, and the pharmacists in town are being urged to increase production.

They’re also instructing all adventurers to collect empty potion bottles.

They’re asking the glassworkers to increase production, but there are few craftsmen, so they’re having trouble.

Not only that, but the stock of quartz, the raw material for bottles, is also running low at the glassworkers.

As a result, the selling price, which was 30 dines until yesterday, has risen to 50 dines.

If the Commercial Guild gets involved, things will get complicated, so they want to calm the situation as soon as possible.

The black market price is already approaching 90 dines.

I’ve also heard some scary information, like the price of B- quality potions exceeding 200 dines.

I have one C+ quality potion, but if I’m surrounded by thugs and forced to hand over my goods, what should I do?

It’s scary.

The problem wasn’t just with potions.

There were other issues.

For example, arrows.

Production can’t keep up with consumption, so carpenters are increasing production.

As a result, the production of wands for mages has stopped, and they’re only managing with their stock.

For example, portable food.

The guild’s chefs can’t handle it alone, so they’ve hired housewives from the town temporarily.

The guild is making some profit from buying materials from adventurers, but fixed costs have increased, so it’s not all good.

They’re also in the process of relocating the guild building, but without carpenters, the interior work isn’t progressing.

What are they trying to do by introducing market principles in such a place?

"I’ve confirmed. It’s a total of 8,600 dines."

The middle-aged staff member presented the purchase amount to my master.

The purchase price was 20 dines per item.

My master just nodded without saying anything.

100 dines silver coins were counted in front of us and sorted into a small bag in front of my master.

The older woman was bringing empty bottles to the table one by one.

What’s that?

"Sorry, but we need more by tomorrow."

"That’s asking too much."

"Oren, you know that what you’re asking isn’t too much."

"Can’t other pharmacists do it?"

"That’s impossible. Please, I’m begging you."

The guild master bowed.

My master nodded with a grim face.

"There’s no choice. Well, I have some help, so it should be manageable."

"I’m relieved. I’ll be in your debt."

"Pay me back while I’m still alive."

In other words, we’ll be collecting herbs and making potions again today.

Today’s schedule is set.

"You’re the ones who sent them, right? We’re already making potions."

"Hmm, that’s great. Any help from a pharmacist is appreciated."

Sorry, I’m a summoner who makes a living with summoning magic. What can I do?

"Can you take on a separate request? As a first-timer, I’d like you to deliver 15 potions."

[You have received a guild-designated request. Do you accept it?]

Huh?

My master is grinning.

Is it okay to accept it?

"I’m still a beginner, but if I can help, I’ll do it."

[You have accepted the guild-designated request! Please deliver 15 potions.]

The screen with Yes and No options disappeared.

But.

My backpack contains potions.

I reached into my backpack and lined up the potions on the table.

I put the C- quality and below back into the backpack.

The C+ quality potions are stored separately in the Item Box.

"How about these 22 potions?"

The guild master’s expression quickly changed from surprise to a smile.

The middle-aged staff member was counting and confirming.

I didn’t notice, but he must be using [Appraisal] on each one.

"Master, there’s no problem with all of them."

"Moreover, delivering more than the requested amount is very much appreciated."

The staff member gave me a small bag with the reward, just like my master.

Four 100 dines silver coins.

Forty 1 dines copper coins.

The purchase price was 20 dines per item, just like my master’s.

[You have completed the guild-designated request!]

[You have earned 3 bonus points and 2 extra evaluation points, for a total of 9 bonus points!]

"Then, I have another request. Can you deliver 30 potions as soon as possible?"

[You have received a guild-designated request. Do you accept it?]

Ah, I can’t refuse, can I?

It seems I can earn bonus points by completing requests.

In a way, that’s what I want.

"I understand. I’ll accept it."

[You have accepted the guild-designated request! Please deliver 30 potions.]

30 potions.

I can probably deliver them tomorrow, but it will severely limit my other activities.

The older female staff member was about to put empty bottles into my backpack.

"Ah, you can put them in this bag with the others."

My master pointed out.

The bag seems to have enough space. I don’t know how, though.

The amount is small, but I have some money to spend freely.

I wanted to buy at least a spare set of clothes before going to collect herbs.

"Keith, I still have to talk to this old man. Take a look around the town and wait for me."

"Yes."

That’s perfect.

I sold all the hare meat at the guild counter and left the building.

I walked through the town, leading the crescent moon by the reins.

Helix was still perched skillfully on the tip of the rod.

The number of adventurers in town was much fewer compared to the previous days.

The green markers indicating players were almost buried by the yellow markers indicating NPCs.

I also checked out the market stalls.

The smell of food hit me even though it was early for lunch.

I stopped at one of the stalls.

Something caught my interest.

A player was selling food at the market stall.

It looked like squid balls.

There were also something like fried noodles.

And there were skewers of minced rabbit meat.

Next to them, they were selling seafood.

Fish and shellfish, along with what looked like salt, were lined up.

There were three players, all women.

They had different auras, but their faces were very similar, with a Japanese flair.

"Welcome! They’re fresh and delicious!"

She had a full business smile, but I’ll let it slide for now.

She was the youngest of the three, more cute than beautiful.

I bought a squid ball and started a conversation.

"Compared to yesterday, there are fewer players. Did something happen?"

"There’s a shortage of materials, and there are more small requests and events, it seems."

"Really?"

The woman I was talking to might be a chef.

This squid ball is really delicious.

"By the way, are you a chef?"

"Not just a chef, but a chef. You seem to be a summoner, right?"

"Yeah, it’s tough, but I’m making progress."

"Same here. Among the production classes, being a chef is steady, but it’s a business that doesn’t make much money."

She looked at the crescent moon and Helix.

She must be able to see the green markers above their heads, indicating players.

Only player summoners bring horses and hawks with green markers.

"I’m Keith."

"I’m Mio. Just so you know, no flirting, okay?"

"I wish I could."

I used [Identification] on her marker again, and she was indeed a chef.

Mio Lv.2

Chef In Reception

I didn’t approach her because she was a player.

It was because of her equipment.

A custom-made leather jacket.

It had a heart mark and a distinctive design.

It’s clearly not something an NPC would make.

"Actually, I’m interested in the leather jacket you’re wearing. I want one too."

"Hmm."

She smiled happily.

Is this it?

Do I need to buy fried noodles to get information?

I’ll let it slide for now.

"Sure. I have connections."

"Can you introduce me?"

"How about it?"

Her eyes turned to the two women behind the stall.

"I’d be happy to get some useful information."

"Mio!"

The two women came over.

They looked very similar.

No, except for their hairstyles and equipment, they were identical twins.

"If it’s a customer, I welcome them, so don’t be so cold!"

"Mm, Saki-nee is too lenient!"

The way she retorted was kind of cute.

"Ah, don’t mind it. I’m not related to this stall. I’m just meeting this girl here."

Saki-nee, as she was called, had a mature demeanor and a soft personality.

She looked like a luxurious beauty despite her plain clothes.

The other one had the same face but was more cute than beautiful.

The twins had completely different impressions.

The woman was clearly enjoying the interaction between the other two with a grin.

"I’m Saki. A leatherworker, or leather craftsman."

"By the way, I’m a merchant, and the owner of the stall next door, Feina."

"We don’t have any leather materials on hand right now, but if you bring your own, we can try to make something."

"If I have them, it would be faster to show you."

We went around to the back of the stall, where there was a side table for sitting and eating, and I laid out the materials.

Saki didn’t show surprise at the hare skins, but she showed interest in the ant carapaces.

She was particularly interested in the snow ape skin.

"I’ve never seen this before."

"Yeah. It wasn’t on the bulletin board, right?"

The six eyes were asking, "Where did you get it?"

I felt an invisible pressure.

"I knew about the ant carapaces from the bulletin board, but this is the first time I’ve seen one."

"It’s light. But that might make it harder to process."

Oh no.

The way she looked at me was like a large carnivore hunting prey.

"You have 15 hare skins. Is that enough for a jacket? Do you have any preferences?"

"Open-finger gloves for both hands, a chest plate, elbow pads, and knee pads if possible."

Saki started muttering to herself.

She must be calculating the materials.

Is it okay to not measure my body?

Maybe she can tell just by looking.

"I want to use the ant carapaces for the gloves, elbow pads, and knee pads."

"Like protectors? Wait, you’re a summoner, are you planning to fight in melee?"

"Yeah. And for the snow ape skin, I want to use it for where the hawk perches."

"Hawk trainer play?"

"Hawk trainer play. A cover for the left arm or left shoulder would be great."

What kind of play is hawk trainer play?

"No, Saki-nee, if you’re going to say that, it’s hawk hunting play."

Ignoring Mio’s comment.

Saki was muttering again.

She seemed normal when talking, but when muttering, she was scary.

It felt like she was cursed.

"Yeah, I can do both. Is it okay?"

"Design? Can you make it like this girl’s?"

"No, it doesn’t have to be that elaborate. By the way, it’s only the third day of play, right? It’s impressive that you made that jacket."

"Yeah, I worked hard to gather the materials and make it."

Saki’s smile was somehow scary.

"See? See? You’re a great find! It’s great advertising!"

"Well, I understand what you’re saying, but the squid is burning."

"Oh, no, that’s not good."

Mio went back to the squid balls.

Chefs, keep it up.

"So, how about 1,000 dines?"

"Are you asking for a comment?"

"Mio, don’t tease. Well, I’d like 1,000 dines."

Wow.

That exceeds what I have on hand.

"Wait a moment, Saki. I have a question for Keith."

Feina, the merchant who had been quiet, joined the conversation.

"Does the ant drop anything else?"

"Oh, right. Should we call Reina?"

"She’ll come even if we don’t call her."

How do you know there are other drops?

"Yeah, there’s a post on the bulletin board. But there’s no screenshot yet, right?"

"Yeah. We should verify everything that could improve the base stats besides the rabbit horns."

"Right."

I couldn’t tell who was talking about what anymore.

Three women together are indeed a lot of trouble.

Protagonist Keith

Race Human Male Race Lv3

Class Summoner (Summoner) Lv2

Bonus Points Remaining 9

Set Skills

Staff Lv2 Strike Lv1 Kick Lv2 Summoning Magic Lv3

Light Magic Lv1 Wind Magic Lv2 Earth Magic Lv1 Water Magic Lv1

Alchemy Lv1 Pharmacist Lv1

Coordination Lv2 Appraisal Lv3 Identification Lv2 Cold Resistance Lv1 Grapple Lv1

Horse Riding Lv1

Equipment Beginner’s Rod Simple Clothing Cloth Shoes Backpack Item Box

Items Skinning Knife

Summoned Monsters

Volf Wolf Lv3 Currently resting

Crescent Moon Horse Lv1

Helix Hawk Lv1