Chapter 8

The update is an hour late.

I'll do my best tomorrow.

The number of unique visitors has surpassed 1,000. It's a joyous occasion.

Thank you.

Use what you can.

Noble protection is a common thing here. I won't hold back.

Still, that idiot, the guy called the Lion King, was the one he disliked the most.

The old man hates people who are all talk.

The viscount's position is his parents', not yours.

Because I can handle such idiots, the branch manager wanted me to be the front desk.

I understand that if I were called out for every one of them, my work wouldn't progress.

That guy is extremely lazy...

Even so, I don't want to send such an idiot off carelessly and let him die.

If I knew and let him die, I'd feel bad.

The front desk started moving again as if nothing had happened.

Just then, I caught the eye of a traveler who had just arrived at the guild.

In the entrance, there's an information board for travelers.

The hooded traveler stared at me for a moment before walking over to the board.

What's up?

I was a bit curious, but if he had something to ask, he would speak up. I returned my attention to the user in front of me and nodded in response to their consultation.

He is a cat beastman, and it seems he's not getting along with the new mouse beastman in his party. It's instinctual, so it can't be helped.

I recommended that he eat a lot of herbal tea and salad. Unfortunately, I couldn't think of anything else to reduce stress. Sorry.

Glancing up, I saw the man who had just entered the guild talking to the hooded traveler.

After a brief conversation, the one who came in later approached me.

I didn't recognize his face, so he must be the traveler's bodyguard?

Still, he has a very well-built body.

He has two swords at his waist, and they're probably not just for show. He looks strong.

"Hello, I'd like to take on this request."

"Hello. Yes, the request from Rufus Village. Goblin extermination, only available for parties, B rank. Please show me your guild card."

In the case of party-only requests, separate registration is required from solo rank.

Even if your solo rank is S, you can't take on the request if your party rank doesn't meet the criteria.

I held the card I received from the man up to the crystal.

Alphonse Bergmann

Registered/Wentos Branch

Solo Rank/B

Party Rank/B

Wentos is the name of a city in the neighboring country.

With a guild card, you can travel between the five major countries without going through complicated procedures.

However, this Alphonse doesn't seem like someone who would be content with a B solo rank.

Looking at his completed hunts and requests, it seems he has just cleared the minimum number required to advance in rank. He must have a lot of experience.

If he were a beginner, I would check the members, but there should be no problem.

"I've confirmed your rank. Would you like me to explain the rewards and precautions?"

"It's fine if there are no issues. I'd like to sign the contract."

"Understood. Please wait a moment."

While I was imprinting the contract on the crystal, I activated "Appraiser" and took a subtle look at the man.

"…!"

"Hm? Is something wrong?"

"No, there's no problem. The contract is complete. Here's your guild card back."

Alphonse's stats were incredibly high. He had several skills, and despite his swordsman appearance, his MP was high. He must use magic sword techniques as his main attack.

"For the way to the village, please use this map. If you take a carriage along the road, it should take about half a day."

"Since I don't know the area, this will be helpful. Can I rest the horses near this lake?"

Alphonse pointed at the map and asked.

I thought for a moment before answering.

"Yes, the shallows should be fine. However, be careful if you go deep into the forest side."

"Is there something there?"

Tilting his head slightly, Alphonse asked, and I replied with a face that said I didn't know much.

"I haven't confirmed it, but I heard that a dragon species... a Worm, has settled there."

"Wow... Thanks. I'll be careful."

Worms are quite tough. Dragon species are a different level of strength among monsters.

I asked the spirits, and apparently, the Worm has been lurking in the back of the lake for the past few days.

The village and the city are close, so it's not good to leave it as is.

I was thinking of reporting to the branch manager after checking the situation, but if it's Alphonse's party, they should be able to handle it easily.

If they don't encounter it, that's that, and if they don't want to fight, they won't get close.

Alphonse is calling out to the hooded person.

I thought he was a traveler, but it seems he's also part of the party. He wouldn't take on a request in the middle of a journey.

Alphonse and his party wave at me and leave the guild.

I smiled and saw Alphonse off.

2015/01/10 Revised