Chapter 95

"Momo, if you can't sit still, get off my head."

The pixie named Momo, who had been fluttering her legs on top of Yuu's head, stopped her movements and nimbly slipped into Yuu's flying cap.

After treating the dryad and the pixies, Yuu searched for Karin but couldn't find her. Connected to Kuro's magic, Yuu checked on Nina and the others, grasped the general situation from Kuro's account, and decided that it would be futile to continue searching for Karin. He then headed for the Kama City Adventurer's Guild. Momo, a shy pixie from the dryad and pixies' hideout, clung to Yuu's head and followed him. Even when Yuu told her to go back, she refused, clinging to his head with teary eyes. Initially, Yuu called her "Hey" or "You," but it was inconvenient, so he gave her a name, and Momo was overjoyed, flying around Yuu's head.

When Yuu arrived at the Kama City Adventurer's Guild, his eyes met those of a receptionist cleaning the entrance.

"That's... Aderle, right?"

"Yuu's here!"

"!?"

Aderle ran into the adventurer's guild. When Yuu entered and approached the counter, he was left standing in shock at the scene.

"Ah, Yuu-san, welcome back."

Collette greeted him with her usual smile, but the other 1F receptionists surrounded him, forming a protective barrier as if to shield him from something.

"Yuu-kun, welcome back."

"Yuu-chan, are you hurt anywhere? If you are, let me know. I can use white magic, you know."

"Ha, Fifi's white magic takes about 30 minutes to heal even a tiny scratch—ouch, Fifi, stop it."

Aderle, who had mocked Fifi's white magic, had her cheek pinched.

Surrounded by young women, the scene might have been enviable for men, but the other male adventurers avoided eye contact with Yuu. The reason was that the eyes of the receptionists surrounding Yuu resembled those of carnivorous animals stalking their prey. Some male adventurers, adhering to the principle of "better safe than sorry," quickly accepted quests and left the guild.

"Oh my, you're quite popular."

The women on the 1F reception desk looked troubled as a woman appeared from the 2F.

"Ugh, Mofu."

"Aderle, how many times do I have to tell you? My name is Mofu. That nickname is offensive."

The woman called Mofu by Aderle had her ears perk up and her tail flick once. From her distinctive tail, it was clear she was a fox person.

"Mofu, what are you doing on the 1F when you're in charge of the 2F?"

"What about you, Fifi? You've abandoned your duties. What are you doing?"

"Can't you see? We're welcoming an adventurer who just returned from the dungeon."

"Doesn't it look like you're neglecting the other adventurers?"

Fifi grumbled but positioned herself to block Mofu's view of Yuu. Mofu sighed and walked up to Fifi.

"I'll resolve this situation. Fifi, please step aside.

Yuu-san, it's nice to meet you. I'm Mofu, the 2F receptionist. I apologize for Barbara's rude behavior the other day. It's unacceptable for a receptionist to speak rudely to an adventurer. Barbara has been given a stern warning by Edda, so she won't be rude again.

You've returned from the dungeon, so let's go to the 2F."

Mofu tried to take Yuu to the 2F, but the 1F receptionists wouldn't allow it.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing, calmly trying to take Yuu-chan away? Yuu-chan always settles his quests on the 1F."

"Yuu-san is an excellent adventurer who reached C-rank in just a few months. Considering his future, it would be better for him to build relationships with C-rank and above adventurers and the 2F receptionists."

Fifi grumbled again and signaled Collette with her eyes, but Collette was flustered and didn't know what to do.

"Hey, Mofu-san, can't we all appraise the items together like last time? That way, everyone can get along better, right?"

Fifi, who was intimidated by Mofu's assertiveness, looked troubled and glanced at Yuu.

"I think it would be good to have everyone appraise the materials this time too, as I have a lot of them. Also, I haven't heard your thoughts on the pancakes yet."

The mention of pancakes made the 1F receptionists tense. They remembered being scolded by Edda the last time.

"Pancakes? They were wonderful. I enjoyed them very much.

The fluffy batter, the rare honey from giant bees, and the sweet pancakes. Mmm, I apologize.

It's surprising that you kept such a wonderful food to yourselves."

Mofu's cheeks turned red as she recalled eating the pancakes. She touched her cheeks to cool them down, but her tail was swinging widely.

"Kept to yourselves?"

Sweat broke out on the faces of Fifi and the others. Fifi and the others gestured for Mofu to be quiet, but Mofu glanced at them and smiled, nodding. Fifi and the others sighed in relief, but...

"Yuu-san, these people kept the gifts you gave them to themselves. They even hid it from the 2F receptionists until Edda noticed. It's quite disappointing."

Mofu's revelation made Fifi and the others pale. They were worried that they might lose Yuu's gifts and that he might look down on them.

"Collette-san."

"Y-Yes!"

Collette, like Fifi and the others, looked at Yuu with a worried face.

"I'll make more next time."

Yuu's words made Collette smile and hug him. Fifi and the others shouted, "Yuu-chan, you're the best!"

Mofu, though surprised by the unexpected outcome, thought it wasn't bad if she could get some of Yuu's gifts.

Collette, who was hugging Yuu, felt a force pushing her forehead and looked up to see Momo trying to pry her off Yuu.

"Pixie!"

"C-Cute! I've never seen a pixie this close before."

"Aww, is this little one protecting Yuu-kun?"

Momo floated protectively in front of Yuu, trying to shield him from the approaching receptionists. However, she was intimidated by their pressure and hid in Yuu's flying cap. The receptionists let out squeals of delight at the sight of Momo's face peeking out from the cap. Collette wanted to pet the pixie's head but was afraid of being rejected, so she fidgeted in anticipation. Mofu, though calm, was clearly interested, as evidenced by her swaying tail and intense gaze.

Yuu wanted to finish the appraisal and go home, but the receptionists' attempts to pet Momo delayed him significantly. By the time the quest settlement and material appraisal were completed, it was already dusk.

When Yuu arrived home, the Black Wolves greeted him playfully. Momo, who was afraid of the Black Wolves, stayed hidden in Yuu's flying cap.

Inside, Marifa greeted Yuu and took his equipment. She glanced at Momo but showed no particular interest.

In the living room, Marifa had already prepared the meal, with bread, stew, and other dishes on the table. Nina and Rena looked slightly displeased, which caught Yuu's attention.

"Is something wrong?"

"Marifa..."

"...cheated."

Yuu had no idea what they were talking about, but his mood improved when he saw Momo. Momo, who recognized Nina and Rena, was less wary and let them pet her head while munching on vegetables.

After finishing his meal, Yuu went to take a bath, and Momo followed him. Curious about the water, she tentatively touched it but, realizing it was safe, immersed herself in the water Yuu scooped up with his hand. After the bath, Yuu returned to his room, but Momo, feeling a bit overheated, lay on his head.

The next morning, the Black Wolves were making a commotion early.

When Yuu and the others went outside, they found the dryad and pixies surrounded by the Black Wolves and giant bees.

"Hey! Do you know who I am? Don't underestimate me!"

"You, a mere wolf, threatening us? That's scary!"

"Those bees, don't make a nest there. Ah, Yuu-san, help me!"

The pixies, upon seeing Yuu, initially looked happy but quickly regained their composure, crossing their arms and standing tall.

"Hmph. I came to help you."

"Wow, is this our new home?"

"What are you looking at? Hurry up and help us. You will help us, right?"

"Yuu-san, thank you for your help."

Yuu made a gesture as if to look up at Momo, who was lying on his head. Momo, sensing Yuu's gaze, quickly moved to the back of his head.

Name: Yuu Sato

Race: Human

Job: Magic Warrior, Enchanter

Level: 36

HP: 1488

MP: 1932

Strength: 397

Agility: 321

Vitality: 403

Intelligence: 399

Magic: 424

Luck: 1

Passive Skills:

Sword Mastery LV7

Axe Mastery LV5

Dagger Mastery LV4

Staff Mastery LV2

Unarmed Combat LV7

Spear Mastery LV6

Mace Mastery LV4

Shield Mastery LV5

Throwing Mastery LV4

Brute Strength LV3

Physical Enhancement LV6

Agility Enhancement LV3

Detection LV6

Leadership LV5

Intimidation LV2

Night Vision LV3

Fire and Lightning Resistance LV4

HP Regeneration Speed LV3

MP Regeneration Speed LV5

Dark Resistance LV2

Trap Detection LV4

Stealth LV3

Status Resistance LV4

Disarm LV3 (UP)

Chant Speed LV3

Skin Hardening LV3

Dragon Eye LV2

Regeneration LV3

Cooking LV2 (UP)

Magic Resistance LV3

Light Armor Agility LV3

Heavy Armor Defense LV1

Dodge LV3

Chantless Casting LV2

Magic Power LV3

MP Consumption Reduction LV3

Staff Mastery LV2

Active Skills:

Sword Techniques LV5

Combat Techniques LV5

Dagger Techniques LV4

Staff Techniques LV1

Fighting Techniques LV5

Magic Fist LV4

Spear Techniques LV5

Shield Techniques LV5

Axe Techniques LV5

Mace Techniques LV4

White Magic LV6

Black Magic LV6

Necromancy LV2

Enchantment LV4

Elemental Magic LV4

Temporal Magic LV3

Magic Sword LV3

Blacksmithing LV2

Alchemy LV5

Steal LV4

Stealth LV4

Appraisal LV4

Analysis LV3

Roar LV5

Lockpicking LV5

Trap Setting LV3

Trap Disarming LV5

Barrier LV4

Magic Awakening LV3

Breath LV3

Poison and Paralysis Attack LV4

Electrification LV3

Martial Techniques LV4

Combat Techniques LV3

Unique Skills:

Otherworldly Magic Eye LV3

Plunder LV3

Follower Subjugation LV3

Beast Killer

Enhanced Hearing

Regeneration

Brute Strength

Whisper of the Spirits

Equipment:

Weapon: Spirit Sword (LV4): Increased damage to ethereal beings

Headgear: Flying Cap (LV5): None

Armor: Damascus Armor (LV4): Increased resistance to confusion and sleep

Gloves: Damascus Gauntlets (LV4): Increased resistance to instant death and charm

Boots: Damascus Boots (LV4): Increased magic resistance and status resistance

Shield: Magic Shield (LV4): Increased magic resistance and status resistance

Accessory: Mirage Ring (LV3): Displays false information during analysis

Name: Nina Reba

Race: Human

Job: Thief, Assassin

Level: 35

HP: 712

MP: 347

Strength: 276

Agility: 437

Vitality: 228

Intelligence: 113

Magic: 109

Luck: 22

Passive Skills:

Detection LV4

Trap Detection LV3

Dagger Mastery LV4

Stealth LV4

Dual Dagger Mastery LV2

Assassination Techniques LV3

Dodge LV3 (UP)

Agility Enhancement LV4 (UP)

Active Skills:

Steal LV2 (UP)

Ambush LV4

Trap Disarming LV3

Stealth LV4

Combat Techniques LV3

Dagger Techniques LV4

Assassination Techniques LV3 (UP)

Lockpicking LV3

Unique Skills:

Earth Magic

Equipment:

Weapon: Mithril Dagger (LV4): MP absorption on hit, Damascus Dagger (LV4): HP absorption on hit

Headgear: Mithril Headband (LV4): Increased magic resistance and defense

Armor: Orc King's Leather Jacket (LV4): Increased defense and status resistance

Gloves: Serpent Dragon Leather Gauntlets (LV5): Increased poison resistance

Boots: Thief's Boots (LV4): Increased agility

Accessory: Demon's Bracelet (LV3): Increased strength

Fairy Earring (LV4): Increased charm resistance

Sisya's Pendant (LV5): Camouflage and concealment

Dragon Bracelet (LV4): Increased all stats

Dwarf Earring (LV5): Increased agility

Name: Rena Forma

Race: Human

Job: Mage, Witch

Level: 33

HP: 322

MP: 1623

Strength: 61

Agility: 82

Vitality: 89

Intelligence: 478

Magic: 513

Luck: 16

Passive Skills:

Staff Mastery LV2

Chant Speed LV4

MP Regeneration Speed LV3

Magic Power LV3

MP Consumption Reduction LV2

Active Skills:

White Magic LV4 (UP)

Black Magic LV4

Barrier LV4 (UP)

Magic Awakening LV3

Unique Skills:

None

Equipment:

Weapon: Mild's Staff (LV4): Reduced MP consumption and increased magic power, Mithril Broom (LV4): Increased magic power, chant speed, and MP regeneration speed, wind blessing

Headgear: Bishop's Hat (LV5): Increased white magic effect

Armor: Mithril Robe (LV4): Increased magic resistance

Gloves: Bishop's Gloves (LV5): Increased white magic effect and reduced MP consumption

Cloak: Sticker's Mantle (LV5): Increased fire resistance

Boots: Ogre Boots (LV5): Increased magic resistance, poison resistance, and paralysis resistance

Accessory: Ygg's Amulet (LV5): Increased defense

Life Ring (LV5): Increased HP by 50, increased HP and MP

Golba's Necklace (LV4): Reduced MP consumption

Rock Dragon Ring (LV4): Increased defense

Name: Marifa Nagts

Race: Dark Elf

Job: Trainer, Bug Master

Level: 30

HP: 486

MP: 356

Strength: 142

Agility: 167

Vitality: 151

Intelligence: 156

Magic: 172

Luck: 3

Passive Skills:

Bow Mastery LV2

Magic Eye LV2

Training LV3 (UP)

Bug Mastery LV2 (UP)

Active Skills:

Bow Techniques LV2

Elemental Magic LV2

Follower Enhancement LV3 (UP)

Unique Skills:

None

Weapon: Elven Bow (LV6): Increased attack power

Armor: Lesser Demon Leather Jacket (LV5): Increased magic and physical resistance

Boots: Spirit Tree Boots (LV4): Increased panic resistance and magic power

Gloves: Strengthening Gauntlets (LV4): Increased physical stats

Accessory: Leather Choker (LV6): Increased strength

Leather Bracelet (LV6): Increased magic resistance

Artes' Amulet (LV4): Increased holy and dark resistance, panic resistance

Healing Bracelet (LV5): Increased HP regeneration speed

Name: Kuro

Race: Black Goblin (Zombie)

Rank: 4

Level: 35

HP: 2133

MP: 410

Strength: 586

Agility: 323

Vitality: ∞

Intelligence: 63

Magic: 218

Luck: 1

Passive Skills:

Sword Mastery LV3

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