Chapter 10

We got ready and decided to meet at the Adventurers' Guild in thirty minutes to take on a request. However, I had already bought recovery items on the way to the "Erentz Sacred Kingdom," so I didn't need to prepare anything new.

So, I decided to look at the request board.

---I wonder if there are any good requests?

I have some money from my hometown, but it won't last forever. Even though I try to save, buying good equipment and consumable items will quickly drain my funds.

"There are a lot of quests like in the game."

In addition to the guild's issued monster hunting requests, there were escort, herb gathering, and even shopping and farm assistance quests... These quests were also available in the game. They were safe and provided immediate income, but the rewards weren't great. They were known as beginner money-making quests.

"Oh, there are scenario quests too..."

The game had several scenarios, and through quests, you could learn about the world. For example, there was a war-related scenario called "Shattered Dreams" involving my home country, the "Fablem Kingdom," and the "Erentz Sacred Kingdom." As players, we were neutral third parties, so it wasn't a pleasant or enjoyable scenario.

I looked through the requests in order and stopped at the last one.

"What's this high-reward quest? The request is to deliver the 'Gem of Lament'?"

...Huh?

I've heard of this item, but I've never used it, so I can't quite remember. Besides, in the game, it was an item with an unknown use.

Since I was curious about the request, I decided to ask Nana.

"Oh, that request? It's been around for a while, but no one knows about the item, so it's been unfulfilled."

When I chuckled, Nana hung her head and said, "That's right~" The guild wants it completed as soon as possible.

"The reward is 3 million riz, which is quite high, so at first, everyone was researching and going to dungeons... but they didn't get any results..."

"Without knowing where to get it, there's nothing you can do."

"Exactly... Since the request is for delivery, it would be better to accept it if you find the item. There's no deadline, so it's easier."

Hunting requests need to be accepted beforehand, but for delivery, it's better to collect the item first. I nodded and said, "I'll let you know if I find it."

When I finished talking with Nana, Kent and Cocoa came back. They seemed to have bought recovery items.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sharon."

"We're all set!"

Both of them looked excited about the upcoming adventure, their eyes sparkling. To be honest, I was also thrilled about my first hunt.

The requests we decided to take were herb gathering and wolf hunting, perfect for beginners. They provided more experience points than Purrus, but they were a bit strong for me to handle alone. So, it was a relief to go hunting with them.

After Nana processed the requests, we left the Adventurers' Guild.

***

Our destination was the "Shuria Forest," located southeast of the "Holy City Tzire." It took about thirty minutes to walk from the city to the forest. The forest was a beautiful place, with sunlight filtering through, and it didn't feel dark. There were many plants, and I could easily spot the herbs. It was perfect for low-level players to level up. Even though I was from the city, I found it mystical.

"Deep breath..."

As I took a deep breath, Kent laughed and asked, "Are you nervous?"

"No, I'm just trying to calm my excitement about being in this beautiful place."

When I answered honestly, Kent blinked, unsure of how to respond. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"I rarely went out, so I love seeing new places. That's why I'm going to work hard to level up and visit many places!"

"Oh, I see! Me too! I want to see many places!"

"Really!? We get along well~!"

It seems that the desire to enjoy the world's scenery is the same for those living here. As I nodded in agreement, Cocoa smiled wryly.

"Let's not chat at the forest entrance. Let's go in."

"That's a good point. I'll lead, so follow in the order of Sharon and Cocoa."

"Understood!"

Before we moved, we confirmed our formation. It was a simple strategy, but it was just right for our low levels. I thought it would be easier to move smoothly without overthinking coordination. Kent drew his sword to be ready to respond to any monsters. It might be tiring, but it was safer for our low levels.

"Alright, let's work hard on the requests—! It's a wolf!!"

A wolf appeared from the bushes, and Kent shouted. I gripped my iron mace tightly.

---Real wolves are scary!

It was clear how much of a bonus stage Purrus and Flower Rabbits were. The wolf was about the height of my waist and looked like a large dog at first glance. However, its sharp fangs and low, intimidating growl were menacing.

"!"

Kent readied his sword, and Cocoa began casting a spell. Despite being beginners, they quickly switched to combat mode.

*Grrr*

"Is that all!"

Kent deflected the wolf's attack with his sword. As soon as the spell was cast, Cocoa raised her staff.

"Fireball!"

*Yowl!*

"Nice!"

Cocoa's Fireball hit perfectly, dealing significant damage. However, the wolf was still alive and trying to get up. Kent cursed and readied his sword again, but I wanted to contribute somehow.

"Leave it to me!"

"Huh!?"

As I raised my mace and charged at the wolf, Kent's eyes widened. It made sense; I was supposed to be a healer. But since I could deal physical attacks, I wanted to contribute by hitting it. I swung my iron mace with all my might.

"Go!"

*Yowl!*

My hit seemed to be the final blow, and the wolf disappeared in a burst of light. In its place, a "Wolf Fang" and "Low-Quality Fur" dropped. They could be sold as materials, but not for much.

*Ping! *Ping!*

---Oh, my level went up.

Sure enough, defeating the wolf raised my level by two. I was happy. Each level-up granted one skill point, so I was now level 3 with 2 skill points.

I immediately used my "Adventurer's Bracelet" to open the "Skills" menu. A list of skills I could learn appeared.

As a healer, I could learn healing skills like "Heal," defensive buffs like "Guardian of the Goddess," and offensive skills like "Iron Hammer."

"For now, I'll take 'Heal' at level 1 and 'Body Strengthening' at level 1."

At the beginning, the damage from monsters isn't too severe, so level 1 "Heal" is sufficient. "Body Strengthening" is essential as it boosts allies' abilities.

As I level up, I'll gradually take support skills and increase "Heal's" level.

After that, I'll advance to the second job, "Healer," and eventually to the awakened job, "Archbishop."

This way, I can finally show off my support skills again.

When I finished allocating my skills, Kent and Cocoa looked at me with puzzled expressions.

"Huh, aren't you a healer?"

"I am a healer, but since my level is low, I thought it would be better to carry a weapon and hit things at first."

"I see...?"

Kent nodded, though he seemed confused. He probably wanted to say that healers don't do that. ...But it was pretty common among players.

"Well, it's a risky move only possible at low levels!"

"Right. I can't cover you if you go after strong monsters."

"I won't do anything reckless. My life is important."

"Good to know."

Kent laughed, saying that even with multiple hearts, it wouldn't be enough. Cocoa looked at me, then at her staff, and said, "So you hit things... I see."

Yeah, hitting things as a mage is fun! ...In the game, at least.

As we were talking, another wolf appeared.

---Alright, this time I'll focus on support.

"Let's go, 'Body Strengthening'!"

"Huh!? What!? Wow! I feel so light!! This will make it easy to win!"

Kent kicked the ground and swung his sword at the wolf. However, the wolf wasn't stupid and jumped to avoid it. But we were one step ahead.

"Fire, lend me your power! 'Fireball'!"

Cocoa used her skill at the right moment, hitting the wolf. Kent followed up, dealing more damage. It was a great team play.

*Yowl!*

"---!"

The wolf, using its last strength, clawed Kent's arm but couldn't inflict a serious wound and disappeared in a burst of light.

"Heal!"

I immediately healed Kent, and his wound was completely healed. "Heal" was only at level 1, but it was enough for this kind of injury.

For some reason, Kent looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Huh... Sharon's skill... isn't it 'Body Strengthening'? I thought it was only level 1..."

"Hmm? I have 'Body Strengthening' and 'Heal' at level 1."

What's the problem? I tilted my head, and not only Kent but also Cocoa looked surprised. Their gazes were painful.

"No, you said your level was 3 after leveling up, right?"

"Why do you have two skills!?"

---Huh?