Chapter 31

7/17 This is my first post of the day.

Rody, the supervisor of the dismantling yard, was peeling something as usual at the workbench in the back.

"Good morning, Rody."

"Hey, Loki. If you want a basket, just take one from over there."

"No, I came today not for a basket, but because I have something I want to ask."

"Hmm? What is it?"

He stopped his work, wiped his hands with a cloth, and walked over to the counter. Feeling a bit guilty, I quickly got to the point.

"Sorry to bother you while you're working. I'm planning to go to Locker Plain from tomorrow, and I wanted to ask about the materials that can be exchanged for money."

"Ho... Already Locker Plain, huh? Well, you've been consistently hunting Palmera's monsters, so no one will complain."

"Haha... If it's too early, I'll come back right away."

"It doesn't seem like there will be any problems, but don't overdo it. As for the monsters in Locker Plain, there are two types: Poison Mice and Air Mantises. The only materials we buy are their magic stones and the heads of the Poison Mice."

"Hmm... I read in the reference books that only the heads are in demand as materials. That means the earnings will be low, right?"

"It depends on the hunter. Those who can handle a lot of numbers can earn more than in Palmera, and some stay in Locker Plain instead of going to Rurubu. Think about it? It takes about an hour one way to Locker Plain. Can you make multiple round trips in a day carrying a lot of materials?"

"Ah, I see... The small size of the materials is actually an advantage, right?"

"Exactly. The key to Locker Plain is how much you can fill your basket in one trip. Also, the magic stone of the Air Mantis has a relatively high buyback price."

"Because it's an elemental magic stone?"

"Yeah. It's not as popular as ice, but wind is still in demand. One Air Mantis magic stone is worth 8,000 Beke. If you can kill 10 in a day, and add in other materials, you'll earn more than in Palmera."

"True... If you can kill that many, the basket won't be full, so you can make it in one trip."

"But be careful there. If you get poisoned by the Poison Mice, it's troublesome. It's not lethal, but your limbs will feel heavy, making it hard to move. So, the skill of the hunters who frequent Locker Plain is shown in how many they can handle without drinking too many Poison Potions."

After that, I ended up asking for more details.

- Poison Mice: 1,200 Beke per kill from a regular bounty, 1,500 Beke for the magic stone, and 3,000 Beke for the head (poison sac). It's recommended to take the head back after dismantling. The kill part is the tail.

- Air Mantises: 1,800 Beke per kill from a regular bounty, 8,000 Beke for the magic stone. The kill part is the head.

However, since Poison Mice reproduce quickly, if there's an emergency bounty, the reward can double.

I learned that unlike the Palmera Great Forest, it's important to check the morning request board.

After getting the information I needed, I apologized for interrupting Rody's work and thanked him. I left through the back dismantling yard to avoid the hassle of meeting Amanda.

While heading to the weapon shop, I thought:

- Poison Mice: About 6,000 Beke per kill.

- Air Mantises: About 10,000 Beke per kill.

- If I go for a day and kill 10 Poison Mice and 5 Air Mantises, that's 110,000 Beke.

- It's a bit less than the income from the Palmera Great Forest with the pills, but if I aim for 20 Poison Mice and 10 Air Mantises, it should be around the same.

- Or, if there's no emergency bounty, I could avoid the regular bounties.

- But, bringing a lot of mouse tails back to the inn to sleep with is a bit much...

- Even with a medium-sized basket, stuffing it in a 4.5 tatami room would be too creepy and smelly, so it's probably not a good idea.

While thinking about this, I realized I had already entered the weapon shop, and Paiser was looking at me with a puzzled expression.

"What are you doing, standing there in the store?"

"S-Sorry... I got lost in thought!"

Hmm... Too close, too close!

I got here so quickly even after leaving through the back door.

Since time is limited, I decided to focus on the conversation.

"Finally, I've saved enough money! Please sell me a weapon and armor!"

"Hmm? I heard about the weapon, but armor? What kind do you want?"

"Something that will work in Locker Plain and, if possible, in Rurubu Forest as well."

"Budget?"

"About 300,000 Beke."

"In that case, metal armor is out of the question, so it will be leather. It can protect your chest and torso, and if you protect your head well, it's unlikely to be a fatal injury. We can't use the best monster skins, but it should be fine up to Rurubu."

"Wow! That sounds good!"

"Sounds good? ...Anyway, I'll measure you, so come over here."

"...Huh? Measure? Don't you have any in stock?"

"Are you an idiot! Weapons can be in stock, but armor? It needs to fit your body well, or it will hinder your movement in battle. Even if we had stock, it would be for adults. With your height, some adjustments won't be enough."

"W-What! By the way... How long will it take to complete?"

"Since we have the leather in stock, 5 days... No, 4 days should be enough."

Seriously... I messed up.

I messed up, I messed up, I messed up!!!

I somehow thought I could buy it like clothes, or even like in a game...

Ah... What an idiot I am...

I had plenty of time to prepare...

I was looking forward to going to Locker Plain tomorrow...

"Aaaaah..."

"What? I always thought you were strange, but are you getting even stranger?"

"Ugh... Please look at my tears! Even though it's my own fault, I'm so shocked I feel like I'm going to fall over!"

"You don't look like you're crying at all... But I guess you are shocked. Why do you want to go to Locker Plain so soon? You can still earn money in Palmera, right?"

"It's not just about money... If I think a place will help me grow, I want to go there as soon as possible. That's what being a hunter is all about... I think."

"Tch... Just like my son."

"Ah, you have a son? From what you said, he seems to be in the same profession, a hunter."

"Yeah."

"Haa... But there's nothing I can do. Can you measure me, please?"

While he was measuring my chest and other areas, I looked at the sword I wanted.

"By the way, I was going to buy that weapon I reserved, but I didn't realize it had a magic power increase enchantment."

"Yeah... That's why it didn't sell at all. I'm relieved it finally has a buyer."

I noticed it was cheaper than other weapons.

I thought it was just because it was short and the material cost was lower...

"Is the magic power increase enchantment not very popular?"

"Yeah. Magic power increase is mainly for mages. They usually put it on their main weapon, a staff. This town only has E-rank hunters at most. They don't need an expensive backup weapon. A short sword for dismantling is the most they would have."

"But didn't you make that, Paiser? The lady at the magic stone shop said you can do enchantments."

"That idiot... Yeah, I made it."

"Hmm? You made it even though it doesn't sell well... Ah, maybe it was for your son?"

"..."

I realized I had said too much.

Why is your son's weapon on display?

If it was used and worn out, it would be in a barrel, right?

Since it's hanging on the wall, it's probably new...

"Sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have asked..."

"...No, it's fine. Since you're buying that weapon. Your guess is correct. So, take good care of it."

"...Of course I will."

After the measurements were done and I conveyed some requests, I told Paiser I would buy the weapon.

"I'll buy that weapon today. Don't worry, I won't ask for a discount this time."

"That's good... But you're not planning to go to Locker Plain before your armor is ready, are you?"

...It's easy to lie.

I can just say I'll go to the Palmera Great Forest until the armor is ready.

If I do that, there won't be any problems.

But the Palmera Great Forest is too easy now.

After clearing the quota, continuing to hunt there would be boring without a new goal or purpose.

Considering the level factor and the price of magic stones, Locker Plain shouldn't be a problem. I didn't gain much experience in the Palmera Great Forest due to the level cap.

At my current level, I'm probably already slightly over the appropriate level for Locker Plain.

So, armor would make it safer, but it's not necessarily essential.

Sigh...

I can't lie here.

"Sorry, I do plan to go, but just to get a feel for it. The Palmera Great Forest is too easy."

"Figures. Unlike Palmera, almost no one goes to Locker Plain without armor. If you're not careful, an Air Mantis's magic can split your stomach open. Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'll do as much preparation as possible, but there are things I can't know until I go."

"...What if I said I won't sell you the sword until your armor is ready?"

"I'll go with the knife I bought here. Definitely. Of course, I won't push myself. If it's stronger than I expected, I'll turn back."

"Right... That's what my son said. ...And he died while I was making a custom weapon for him."

"..."

"Why are so many hunters stupid? Don't they overestimate their own strength?"

"I don't know. But at least, without confidence, you can't move forward. They create their own path by finding some reason or another."

"Haa... Wait a moment."

Paiser went to the back of the store and came back with something.

"This is a parting gift. It's second-hand, but it hasn't been used much, and the size should only need minor adjustments. My son was about your height."

"...A keepsake, right?"

"Yeah. My son died in Rurubu Forest. He said he was in a party and that he would be fine with armor since he was a backliner. The survivor brought it back to me."

"Then I can't accept it... It's important to you, right?"

"Are you an idiot? I'm an armor maker. Do I let good equipment sit around? Equipment is meant to be used. If it helps you survive, that's the best outcome."

"...I have confidence I can survive without the armor, but is it really okay for me to take it?"

"Ke, don't be cocky. If you die halfway, I'll stab you again."

"That sounds scarier than a monster... I'll have to rely on your son's sword and armor to survive."

Paiser, seemingly satisfied that I would use the armor, adjusted it to fit me without a word. It fit well from the start, and with a slight adjustment to the chest, it was perfect.

--Was he waiting for someone to buy that sword?

--Or was he looking for someone who reminded him of his son?

This is the only weapon and armor shop in Bezart.

Hunters who aim higher inevitably visit this shop.

Among them, there are children like Jin and his friends.

There must have been many.

There must have been people who fit the size.

If he wanted to sell it, he could have.

There must have been people he could entrust the equipment to.

Seeing Paiser laugh and say, "Try holding this short sword," I felt like making a silent vow.

Paiser...

--I will definitely not die.

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