Chapter 12

"Welcome back! How was your first party?"

When we arrived at the guild, Nana greeted us. It seemed she had been worried and on edge.

"It went well. Thank you for the introduction, Nana."

"I'm glad. Let's confirm the request, then."

"Please do!"

We each handed over our <Guild Cards> and <Herbs> for the request confirmation. To put it simply, the <Guild Card> records monster slayings. They check it to determine if the requested monsters have been defeated. Incidentally, levels and skills are also displayed, so those without an <Adventurer's Bracelet> use the <Guild Card> to check their levels.

Nana confirmed today's results from the records.

"Twenty-three <Wolves> and five bundles of <Herbs>. Yes, that's correct. Here's your reward."

"Thank you."

The reward for the <Wolves> was 26,000 Liz, and the five bundles of herbs were 5,000 Liz. The distribution of the reward is set so that if any consumables were used, they are deducted as expenses, and the remainder is divided equally into three parts. When Kent and Cocoa saw the reward, their eyes sparkled.

"Wow, we have to treat ourselves today!"

"Meat, let's eat meat!"

I understand. After achieving something, nothing beats a good meal of meat. I completely agree and let my imagination run wild thinking about what dishes we could have. A steak made from beef would be nice, but skewers are also incredibly delicious.

As I was thinking about how fun it would be to have a meal together, the entrance area suddenly started to buzz. Looking over, I saw a party of four: three women and a girl of the <Kitsune> race. They were about my age, but from their equipment and aura, they seemed to be high-level adventurers. Nana's exclamation of "Really...!?" suggested they were probably famous. One of the four, a woman with deep red hair, looked around the guild and spoke.

"Excuse me, is there anyone familiar with the structure of the dungeon <Erlngoa's Paradise>?"

The guild buzzed at the mention of <Erlngoa's Paradise>.

<Erlngoa's Paradise> is a dungeon where the <Sage> Erlngoa built a mansion to spend his later years. Erlngoa, who wasn't particularly fond of humans, set up various traps and gimmicks to prevent easy access to the deeper areas. It's a troublesome dungeon, but there are rare herbs behind the mansion, so a steady number of people visit to gather them.

"We can't proceed past the second area because of a poisonous mist. If we could find the switch to stop it..."

She looked quite desperate, but no adventurer spoke up. Nana also looked troubled as she looked at the woman.

...I should tell her about the bypass path.

It was indeed difficult to discover the path through the poisonous mist. Many players had tried to find a way to proceed. Some tried to push through while healing from the poison, others tried to increase their poison resistance to the maximum... but all attempts ended in failure. I also had a hard time with it.

"That's not a switch. There's a bypass path right next to it."

"Huh...!?"

So, out of nostalgia, I blurted it out. The woman's eyes widened in surprise when she heard my words.

I had also searched the area extensively, believing there was a switch to stop the poisonous mist. But it turned out to be a simple bypass path. In other words, the poisonous mist was a decoy for the main path.

"It's not very obvious."

As I said this with a laugh, Nana, who was at the counter, raised her voice.

"How do you know this information that no one has cleared yet...!?"

—What!?

I instinctively covered my mouth. It seems that in this world, information about dungeons and items is extremely scarce compared to the game era. I had inadvertently said something I shouldn't have...

I closed my eyes and thought for a moment—then quickly stepped back.

"Excuse me—"

—Before I could finish, the woman with deep red hair grabbed my shoulder. Oh... And even though I was wearing a <Cat Robe>, I couldn't react at all. This person is strong...!

"Please, could you guide us through <Erlngoa's Paradise>? Of course, we will provide ample compensation!"

"Um... well..."

What should I do?

Honestly, I don't want to draw attention to myself right now because of Prince Ignatius—but, I'm already quite noticeable.

...There's no choice. I had been planning to gather the herbs in <Erlngoa's Paradise> anyway, and it would be good to accept. Besides, I'm curious to see the <Erlngoa's Herb Garden>. The place where herbs sprout must be very mysterious and beautiful.

"Alright, I'll guide you within the limits of what I know."

"Thank you!"

When I agreed, the woman with deep red hair showed a brilliant smile.

"I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Frey, and my job is—<Hero>."

"Huh..."

I couldn't help but freeze. After all, I never expected to meet a <Hero>.

The <Hero> is a unique class, different from my <Healer>. It's a class that only one person can take on.

This was true even in the game era, where only one player could become a <Hero> despite the vast number of players worldwide. Moreover, the conditions to become a <Hero> are quite special, and the methods to change classes for many unique classes are unknown.

Of course, the guild would buzz... I thought belatedly. I also chuckled, realizing that the conversation at the city gate was a foreshadowing.

"Please don't treat me differently just because I'm a <Hero>. You can call me Frey."

"Understood... I'm Sharon, nice to meet you."

"Ah, nice to meet you too!"

We shook hands, and I looked at Frey.

She has deep red hair and strong blue eyes. Her long hair is tied with a blue ribbon, and she wears <Gracious Armor> to protect her upper body. The sword at her waist is the <Holy Sword Gracious>, a weapon often used by mid-level players as a stepping stone.

But, it must have been quite difficult to obtain in this world...

Next, Frey called the other members of her party.

"Here are the other members of our party."

"I'm Luna, a <Wizard>. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Reina, a <Chaser>. I'm Luna's twin sister, nice to meet you!"

"Meow, we have a new companion! I'm Torte, the helper, meow."

"Nice to meet you."

I shook hands with the other members and smiled.

I was relieved that none of them seemed to dislike me. A beginner in obvious gear would be a hindrance even as a guide.

—But, since I know the layout, I won't be attacked by monsters.

Luna, the <Wizard>, has light blue hair tied in a side ponytail on the right. She has amber eyes and a calm demeanor. Her robe, which is primarily a deep blue, has blue decorations and is paired with white tights and matching short boots. She holds a long staff called <Droplet Flower Staff>, indicating she is skilled in water-based magic.

Reina, the <Chaser>, has light pink hair tied in a side ponytail on the left. She has the same amber eyes as Luna but is visibly more competitive. Her equipment, primarily a dark red color, prioritizes mobility with a chest plate and a short, thick cloak. She wears a crop-top short pants outfit, has a dagger at her waist, and carries a bow on her back, suggesting a diverse range of attack options. <Chasers> can also perform roles like scouts, making them valuable members to have in a party.

Torte, the <Helper>, is a cute two-legged cat girl. She is a <Kitsune> girl about 80 centimeters tall, with a two-headed body. Her ears are perky and black-tipped, and she has a face that is more cat-like than human, with a fluffy body. She wears a grass-green jacket and a flowing white skirt. On her back, she carries a large backpack with a frying pan hanging from it.

The <Helper> is a somewhat special class, essentially a support character for adventures. In the game era, you could also hire NPCs.

They assist with cooking and carrying items during adventures.

While there is no healer, I think the party composition is solid. The fact that everyone is female and unlikely to cause any unnecessary conflicts is also a plus.

"It's late today... How about we set out tomorrow morning?"

"Agreed."

Frey's suggestion was fine, so we agreed to meet at the adventurer's guild tomorrow morning.