Chapter 31
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“Listen up!!”
In front of the temporary branch of the Adventurer Guild, I shouted at the top of my lungs. This kind of thing isn’t really my style… but when Saran tells you to do something, you don’t really have a choice.
“From this moment on, the Marhas Adventurer Guild is issuing a joint National Campaign Request! The job is simple! Head into the forest and hunt every monster you see! Slaughter them all!”
“Ooooohhh!!”
“Our little ‘young master’ here managed to wring out a hefty stash of gold from the national treasury, and the main guild HQ has agreed to boost adventurer reputation scores for this operation! The adventurer companies and the army will handle the rear guard! Don’t worry about stragglers—just keep swinging!!”
“OOOOOHHHHHH!!”
Over a hundred adventurers from the New District raised a thunderous battle cry. Morale was high. Training and coordination had both been hammered in over the past two months. All for the sake of taking down the looming threat known as Scarr.
“You lot are the shield of the New District! Of this land of new beginnings! Brag to the ladies that you built and protected this adventurer’s paradise, this frontier city of Marhas!”
“Boss! We’ve got no ladies!”
“Shut it! If you guys worked harder, they’d come to you! And hands off Fimia, got it!? Unless you want to end up ground into mince!”
Laughter rippled through the crowd of adventurers. Good. If they’ve got the energy for banter, it means they’re not frozen with fear.
“I’ve made sure the reward is plentiful! Work together, party to party! If you get injured, the cleric unit is on standby! And today—just for today—it’s free! Damn, how much is this all costing…?”
I muttered the last bit to myself. Seriously, where did that scheming bastard Saran get all this funding? We’re friends, sure, but he’s so shady it’s actually scary sometimes.
“Now get out there! —Once this is over, I’m cracking open every barrel of booze we’ve got. Come back alive, you bastards!”
Another roar went up, and the adventurers charged off into the uncharted forest. I told them it wasn’t a race… but they’re all full of fire.
Well, that’s how adventurers should be.
“As expected of you, Yulg! That was electric!”
“Don’t just throw around compliments like that. Katie, we’re heading out too. I’m counting on you for the rest.”
“You got it! Wishing everyone a safe return!”
Katie’s eyes turned toward the fully armed Mercia, lined up for the first time in a while. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting just a bit that Albert wasn’t here. But if we crush Scarr today, maybe he’ll finally find peace.
…Assuming he’s dead, that is.
“Your speech worked wonders, Guildmaster. I feel invigorated myself.”
“You mean ‘acting’ Guildmaster, you scheming bastard. Forcing me into this…”
“But it was cool! Honestly, I feel fired up for the first time in ages!”
Rolo gave an enthusiastic nod, his face shining with excitement. It’s rare, but being praised like this by a childhood friend feels pretty damn good.
“I was swept up by your words as well. You looked just like a hero from a legendary tale.”
“Hey now, coming from the Saint, that’s a bit much. Cut me some slack.”
“Oh? But I was just being honest.”
Fimia giggled, dressed in her battle garb. She’s not someone who just sits back and gets protected. That flail of hers can tear through monsters like paper, and her defensive magic makes her surprisingly durable. She usually plays rear guard, covering me, but if needed, she can go frontline and handle herself in close quarters.
“Everyone ready?”
At my call, the team nodded. While the other adventurers push the frontlines, we will drive deeper, aiming to strike down Scarr—or whatever is causing all this.
That is Mercia’s mission.
“Gre-gre!”
Just as we were about to depart, a familiar cry echoed in the air. Turning to look, I saw a familiar villager approaching, leading a pure white Raptor.
“Thomson?”
When I called out, Thomson suddenly bowed his head low. Confused by the unexpected gesture, I stood frozen—until Rolo gently tapped me on the back.
“Yulg, I… I’m sorry.”
“Huh? Wait, what are you apologizing for?”
“You’ve been doing so much for the village, and all I did was doubt you… keep my distance. I knew you weren’t the same as before, but I still…”
While saying this, Thomson held out Gregre’s reins to me.
“Take him with you. He’s been crying nonstop, saying he wants to go with you.”
“Is that right, Gregre?”
“Gre-gre!”
The pure white sprint lizard bounced up and down, gently nibbling at my head. He was clad in high-grade scale armor even a glance could tell was top-tier. Probably made from materials from the Forest Sharkhead and a Hardscale Worm. Other adventurers would be drooling at the sight of this armor.
“Old man Tanto worked with a craftsman from the capital to make it. Conti gathered the materials, and the village women handled the base stitching. I trained him myself so he’d get used to wearing it.”
“Gre-gre.”
He snorted as if to say exactly. He’s always been a smart one, but… don’t tell me he understands human speech now?
“Everyone’s just a little thrown off, you know? You grew up too much, you scoundrel.”
“I didn’t grow up that much.”
“Just the fact you say that shows you’re more mature than the rest of us.”
Thomson gave an awkward smile.
“Hey, Yulg. When this is all over, let’s have a drink. I’ve been saving a special bottle for ten years.”
“…Yeah. I’ll look forward to it.”
He held out a fist, and I bumped mine against it with a nod. It felt like what I needed to protect had become even clearer.
“Gregre, are you sure you want to come? It’s dangerous.”
“Gre-gre!”
He knelt before the Saint, as if to say, Hop on.
“Why not? He’s part of our team too.”
“Yeah. Gregre, take care of Fimia.”
“Gre-gre!”
With a cheerful reply, Gregre let Fimia mount him, and she did so with a resigned sigh. They really do make a good-looking pair.
“Well then, Thomson. We’re off.”
“Yeah! Be careful out there, Yulg!”
I turned my back to Thomson, who waved us off, and walked through the New District. It’s not so bad, having something to protect behind you.
As I whispered that in my heart, I tightened my grip on the handle of my war mace.
