Chapter 92

Today is the second episode.

The next day.

(Ah... my head hurts...)

Looking at the watch on the desk, it was already past 11 o'clock.

This was the first time I woke up so late since I transferred.

While thinking that [Poison Resistance] doesn't work against alcohol, I stumbled down to the first floor of the inn.

Heading to the courtyard to wash my face, I saw the innkeeper's wife hanging laundry.

"Sorry, innkeeper... I overslept despite you preparing breakfast for me."

"That's unusual. Hey, you don't look so good. Are you okay?"

"I drank alcohol for the first time yesterday. I was surprised to find out my body is so weak against it..."

Maybe it's not that my body is weak against alcohol, but rather that my body is still too small.

Yesterday's drinking party... well, I guess it was a good life experience.

As expected, when I went to the guild after the evening bell rang, the hunters who participated in my plan were waiting for me.

The attendance rate was estimated to be over 120%.

There were also some women who seemed to be someone's wives or girlfriends, but I probably shouldn't pay attention to the details, so I followed everyone without saying anything.

The group headed to a tavern on a side street off the main road.

It seemed to be reserved for us, as there were no other customers when we entered, and everyone quickly found their seats.

Mostly, they sat in party units, so I naturally ended up at the counter with Alba.

I remember a few other women, who weren't hunters, also sitting at the counter looking for empty seats.

At Alba's urging, I gave a brief greeting, and Mizuru asked for a personal financial report, which I reluctantly provided, causing most of them to fall off their chairs—

After that, my memory is a bit hazy.

A flood of food and drinks was brought to the table.

When I saw the contents of the mug placed in front of me, I tilted my head in confusion, and Alba told me it was 'Ale.'

I was naturally impressed.

So this is the famous 'Ale,' I thought.

But I was disappointed when I realized it was served at room temperature.

I forced myself to drink it, but it lacked the smoothness of beer.

While the guys around me were enjoying it, I couldn't join in because I knew the taste of beer on a hot summer day.

Feeling disheartened, someone's wife or girlfriend sitting next to me spoke up.

When I honestly told her it didn't taste good, she laughed and suggested trying wine instead.

When I drank the red wine she offered, it was quite good.

It didn't feel much different from modern wine.

So I drank it, following her suggestion.

Later, I saw a large barrel being rolled in from the back of the room.

Seeing people dip their mugs into it and drink heartily, I realized there were different ways to enjoy drinking.

Feeling a bit lightheaded, I watched them...

—Yeah, that's about as far as my memory goes.

I don't even remember how I got back to the inn.

When I fumbled with my waist, I found the leather pouch with money still hanging in its usual spot.

Checking the contents, it was lighter than before, but there was still a good amount left.

So, it seems that a group of about 40 people only cost around 200,000 bekes?

If it was enough, that's fine.

The wine was decent, but the ale didn't suit my taste.

And with this body, I get drunk quickly and lose my memory.

It was a bit expensive, but I learned something, so it's not all bad.

"Really... you must have been drunk by the other hunters. Go to the dining room first! I'll bring you some cold water when I'm done hanging the laundry."

"Thank you..."

I'm sorry.

I'm not a hunter.

I got drunk by a cute someone's girlfriend or wife and passed out happily. I couldn't tell the innkeeper that.

---

In the afternoon, after exploring a new restaurant with Ferin, I headed to the Hunter's Guild.

"Amanda, please announce my arrival to Yagov."

"Guild Master is waiting in his room, so you can go right in."

Since the drinking party was on schedule, I had set the visit to Yagov for the afternoon today.

I think it's about leaving Bezart, but there might be something else.

"Master, Loki is here."

"Come in."

The room I was led to—yeah, it's the same as always.

Actually, it seems like there are more wooden boards.

I don't think it's my fault...

"Loki's work has increased dramatically. The profit has improved significantly, so I can't complain."

"That sounds like a complaint to me..."

While chatting, we sat on the sofa, and Amanda brought tea as usual.

I wonder if there's no steeping or waiting process? But it tastes good, so there's no problem.

While enjoying the tea with Amanda sitting next to me as usual, Yagov asked a direct question.

"So, when are you leaving Bezart?"

"Choke! Haha... as expected, you know everything..."

"You just got back from Rurubu. There's no better hunting ground within commuting distance from this town, so you're probably heading to Malta next, right?"

"That's right. The weapons will be ready in about four days, so I'll leave the day after that... around five days from now?"

"Hmm. I think the weapon cost was around 17 million bekes, right?"

"Yes, I think there will be some change left."

"Also, just to confirm, you don't plan to move your base, right?"

"No, not at the moment..."

"Alright, then this should be fine."

He handed me a piece of... parchment?

Not a wooden board, but valuable paper!?

I was so surprised I couldn't speak, but Yagov continued.

"The content is a letter summarizing Loki's status as a hunter. Of course, it doesn't mention that you're from another world or a transfer. It includes your current rank, the amount of money you've deposited with the guild, and a brief summary of your achievements."

When I read the parchment, the first thing I saw was 'D-Rank Hunter.'

For some reason, it wasn't E-Rank.

"Hmm? I checked my guild card, and it still says 'E.'"

"You've hunted so many monsters in Rurubu. You definitely meet the criteria for D-Rank, so get your card updated later."

"I see, so my rank can be upgraded before I'm informed..."

"It's rare, but it has happened before with Loki, right?"

"Y-Yes, that's true!"

I remember that.

When I was promoted to F-Rank, Amanda told me I had been F-Rank for six days without showing up at the reception.

It's understandable, I was busy hunting!

Continuing to read, I saw a large amount of money: 'Deposit: 39,718,800 bekes.'

This is...

"The total is the amount from your last day in Rurubu, minus the 17 million bekes for the weapons and 3 million bekes as a bonus to guild members. You should be able to manage for a while with what you have now, right?"

While saying this, Yagov looked at the bulging leather pouch on my waist.

Yes, that's right.

I think I can live comfortably for about three months with just this money.

But this solves one of my concerns.

"Does this mean the deposit isn't tied to the town?"

"Of course not. As I said before, the Hunter's Guild is an organization that spans countries. With this letter, you can transfer your deposit to any guild."

This was something I was worried about.

If I couldn't transfer it directly, I would have had to withdraw the money, which would have delayed my departure from Bezart.

I was even considering leaving the money behind, so this system is a huge help.

"Your work is impressive. Even people from another world would be surprised. But why use such valuable parchment?"

"That's because I received a bonus."

When I asked about the usual procedure, Yagov explained that the guild compiles information on people moving and sends it via a guild-exclusive carriage at irregular intervals.

However, this process can take a considerable amount of time depending on the distance, and during that time, you can't receive credit for your achievements.

So, using parchment to personally transfer your information is a method typically used by high-ranking hunters who have money.

Of course, it's rare for E-Rank or D-Rank hunters to do this.

I see, the bonus effect is significant.

"Thank you very much. I'll submit this to the Malta guild."

"Actually, you should be careful about submitting it to the Malta guild."

"Huh?"

"If you plan to stay for a long time, it's fine, but if you're going to move again soon, you'll need to get another letter prepared, which will cost you. If you don't mind the usual method, you don't have to worry about it."

"I see..."

"When you get to Malta, you'll find that there's one F-Rank hunting ground, two E-Rank hunting grounds, and one B-Rank hunting ground."

"B-Rank?!"

"Yes. Loki should be fine with the F-Rank and E-Rank hunting grounds in Malta, but B-Rank is a different story."

"True... even with the special exception, I can't take B-Rank quests as a newly promoted D-Rank hunter."

"Further ahead, there's a town called Ripsam with a D-Rank hunting ground. So, it's up to you whether to use this letter in Malta."

"Thank you, Yagov! I appreciate it!"

I can't say for sure until I get to Malta, but I've already maxed out the levels I can realistically achieve in the E-Rank hunting ground in Rurubu.

I might go to the F-Rank and E-Rank hunting grounds just to gain skills.

But for C-Rank achievements, killing E-Rank monsters doesn't seem to matter much.

So, it comes down to whether I can handle the B-Rank hunting ground.

...No, I can't. It's definitely too much.

It's a stretch to go straight to B-Rank, even in a game.

In real life, stretching too far and accidentally dying is not an option.

So, as Yagov suggested, it might be a good idea to keep this letter until I reach a place with a D-Rank hunting ground.

I'm not short on money, and if I need more, I can always earn it locally.

While I was thinking about this, Yagov put down his teacup and changed the subject.

"Anyway, that's the end of the letter issue."

"Huh? Just the letter?"

"Yes. The main reason I called you here is... I want you to take Amanda with you when you go to Malta."

"Wh-What?"

W-What do you mean?

A trip with Amanda... I'm afraid I might get attacked!

When I glanced at Amanda, she gave me a huge smile.

"Don't be so wary. It should be a positive experience for you too."

Saying this, Yagov pulled something out of a drawer—

"What? Is this... a ballpoint pen!?"

The item that was most likely to be replicated when I showed Earth products before.

A similar object to a ballpoint pen was now on the table.