Chapter 47

With a vigorous shake of his head, the request to slay the orc was firmly rejected. Well, considering our levels, it is indeed a formidable opponent. If a player is to take on an orc, a party of level 25 or a solo player of level 30 can hunt them stably.

...But, I really need the "Orc Rags" to make the "Flame Bottle."

As I was pondering, Tarte raised his hand and said, "I agree, nya."

"Wh-What!?"

The voices that rose were Kent and Cocoa. They seemed extremely surprised that the smaller Tarte was going to challenge an orc.

"Um, I didn't ask about your levels. Kent and I are level 25, but what about you two?"

"I'm still level 17."

"I'm level 18, nya."

"Isn't challenging an orc a bit reckless...?"

During the time we hadn't met, Kent seemed to think that I might have become strong enough to fight orcs. Unfortunately, reality isn't that kind. It's not a game, you know.

--Not leveling up, SETUNAI☆

"Anyway, let's level up quickly!! Don't worry, the request is to slay ten orcs. Let's start with that."

"Eh, a, ah, okay..."

Perhaps intimidated by my intensity, Kent nodded readily.

***

The place we arrived at is the "Sunlight Forest," a field where orcs live. It's located immediately east of the field where "Elngoa's Paradise" is. Despite the name, which doesn't seem to fit the orc habitat, it's a very beautiful forest. The light filtering through the trees is warm, and I think it would be fun to go hiking. There are also several open areas, making it relatively easy to fight.

Here, three types of monsters live: orcs at the top, "Snails," which are snake monsters, and "Spails," which are spider monsters. There are also some herbs and other collectibles.

"Ahhhhh..."

"Nyaahhh..."

Seeing Cocoa and Tarte with teary eyes, I smiled wryly. Orcs are one thing, but snakes and spiders are quite a pain, right? I understand. When I first came here, even knowing it was a game, I screamed and hunted while trembling. Now? I'm used to it.

"Women don't like snakes and such, right?"

"Is Kent okay with them?"

"I'm fine. I used to kill bugs that appeared in the house normally."

I wonder if it's okay to put bug monsters and actual bugs in the same category, but I'm relieved. It would have been a problem if Kent, who is the front-liner, had a phobia of bugs.

"Is Sharon okay?"

"Yeah, I'm used to it, so it's fine."

"Used to...? Well, if it's fine, that's good."

To Kent's curious look, I laughed and said, "Let's review the strategy." If I had said I was used to it at level 17, it would have been suspicious.

--Well, let's get back on track. We reconfirm our hunting methods.

"The main damage will come from Tarte's 'Flame Bottle' attack, the 'Potion Throw.' I think we can one-shot snakes and spiders, but not orcs. With our current levels and equipment, it will probably take a little over two bottles. So, Cocoa, please cast one magic attack on the orc. I think we can one-shot it with two of Tarte's 'Flame Bottles' and one of Cocoa's attacks. Thanks!"

Tarte and Cocoa nodded vigorously at my words.

The damage from the 'Potion Throw' depends not only on the attack power and performance of the potion used and the skill level of the 'Potion Throw' but also on the user's level and equipment. There is a formula, but we don't need to get into such detail.

"I'll be the front-liner, gathering the monsters. One orc at a time, and a few snakes and spiders are fine. When we find an orc, let's attack. But if there are too many snakes and spiders, we'll attack them too."

"Ah!"

We all nodded and shouted, "Let's go!" to get pumped up.

Walking through the forest, it's immediately clear that the visibility is very good. We can see quite far, and most importantly, there are few thick trees. Since orcs are larger than trees, it's a significant advantage that they can't surprise us. Conversely, it's easier for us to hide and find them.

"We need to take the initiative. I'll cast 'Body Strengthening' and 'Guardian of the Goddess' on everyone. 'Regeneration' on Kent, and 'Mana Regeneration' on me, Tarte, and Cocoa!"

I cast all the support I can. I'll recast 'Guardian of the Goddess' as needed, but I'll be careful not to let 'Body Strengthening' and 'Mana Regeneration' run out.

Kent is looking at me and muttering, "Can you use so many skills...?" but I can't let that get to me.

"Ah, there they are! An orc! And a snake in front of it."

"Thanks, Kent. When you have a moment, I'll cast 'One Strike of the Goddess' on Tarte."

"Got it."

Saying that, I cast 'One Strike of the Goddess' on Tarte. This doubles the attack power when the 'Flame Bottle' is thrown. It's incredibly overpowered.

Kent nodded and struck the snake with his sword, then ran to the orc and used a skill.

"Here we go, 'Provocation'!"

"Wow, you have a hate skill!"

I couldn't help but applaud in my heart. He didn't use it when we hunted together before, so it might be a new skill he learned after leveling up.

'Provocation' is a skill that directs the monster's hostility towards the user, essential for a front-liner. If used well, it prevents the monster from attacking the back-liners, making the hunt much easier.

Kent gathered one snake and one orc nearby and jumped to the side.

"Both of you, now!"

"Okay, nya! 'Potion Throw'!!"

"Here we go! 'Fire Arrow'!!"

The two attacked at the same time. Tarte's 'Flame Bottle' explodes within a three-meter radius of the impact point. Therefore, I asked Kent to gather the monsters as close as possible and then move away quickly. Cocoa also managed to land a hit on the orc. The orc and the snake turned into particles of light and disappeared, leaving behind drop items.

"Wow, amazing! We took down an orc so easily!!"

Kent picked up the drop items, his eyes shining with excitement. He kept saying, "Amazing," so he must have been very happy.

"Alright, let's keep this up and complete the request!"

"Okay, nya!"

"Ooh!"

I'm a bit late with this post.

Thank you always for your comments and corrections. (They really help...!)

I can't reply, but I read every one of them.