The missing writer.

Looking at the missions, the first thing I noticed was that each paper had a classification indicating whether or not it could be accepted.

I also observed that they were divided into different types, which is relatively common in this kind of organization.

The first type was gathering, which could involve collecting plants and herbs, as well as minerals or other resources.

The second type was hunting, which focused on gathering specific resources from certain monsters or eliminating creatures in areas that remained infested. In these cases, besides open fields, there were also items to be collected in dungeons.

The third type was related to exploration and intelligence gathering, requiring adventurers to travel to unexplored regions to obtain information about these areas. There were also missions involving collecting intelligence on people, groups, or other targets.

Lastly, there was a category for miscellaneous missions. For example, some involved repairing or creating magical barriers in certain areas, others were aimed at blacksmiths, and so on.

In the end, I chose three missions that were located in the same region: one hunting mission, one gathering mission, and one investigation mission—the reward for which caught my attention.

Taking the papers, I handed them to the receptionist.

"Three missions. Since they are in the same area, it shouldn't be too problematic. However, try not to take too long—especially for the investigation mission, as it has been marked as urgent," she said. She didn't seem to find my choice unusual, suggesting that this was a common practice here.

As she used what looked like a stamp to approve the three papers, they suddenly vanished and seemed to be absorbed into my body. Right after, I received three mission notifications.

.....

Mission: Investigate the disappearance of the writer Lupin.

Type: Investigation

Allowed Rank: Iron and above.

Reward: Skill Book – Magic Decipherer.

Description: The son of the writer Lupin is worried about his father. Ten years ago, Lupin left on a journey, saying he was seeking inspiration and a possible new contract. Since then, his letters have become scarce and brief, and his son has not seen him in years. Suspecting something is wrong—especially in the past two years—he has issued this mission to gather any information regarding his father's whereabouts.

Note: To gather clues, meet with the mission issuer.

.....

Mission: Collect 10 pelts from the rare Green Raccoon.

Type: Hunting

Allowed Rank: Iron and above.

Reward: Gold, depending on the condition of the pelts (the better the quality and quantity, the higher the reward).

....

Mission: Collect 12 Kazekusa herbs.

Type: Gathering

Allowed Rank: Iron and above.

Reward: Gold, depending on the condition of the herbs (the better the quality and quantity, the higher the reward).

....

For the last two missions, there were pictures and descriptions, as well as possible locations where the targets could be found. However, the first mission provided no clues, meaning I would have to find the writer's son myself.

Following the information on the paper, I headed toward the place where I could find him.

Aqui está sua tradução com correções de ortografia e coesão:

The house was a bit far, as it was located outside the city.

Its walls were made of a type of wood that reminded me of ipê, with a beautiful, warm dark brown hue, and its roof was covered in light amber-colored tiles.

The house had only one floor, but it exuded a calm and literary atmosphere, as if inviting you to sit down with a cup of tea, read a book, and enjoy the gentle breeze and the scent of leaves.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I noticed a large brown dog in front of the house. It seemed to be guarding the entrance, acting as the protector of the place.

As I approached, it raised its head. After seemingly sniffing the air to catch my scent, it allowed me to pass.

....

Name: Billy

Type/Breed: Guardian Dog

Level: 27

Description: A common breed often brought in by city guards and individuals living outside urban areas. It possesses a unique ability—it is said to sense an individual's "karma," allowing it to determine whether someone is good or bad. Of course, there are ways to mask one's scent from its detection, but it remains an effective tracker.

...

Reading the description, I realized that was exactly what it had been doing before. As if to confirm, Billy stood up, sniffed me and the surrounding area once more, and, seemingly satisfied, lay back down.

Reaching the door, I knocked gently.

"Knock, knock."

There was no response the first time. Only on the third knock did I hear some noise from inside, followed by a voice.

"Just a moment!"

The sound of things falling echoed from inside—judging by the noise, it seemed to be wooden objects and books. But soon, the person stepped out.

The man wore glasses and slightly tattered clothes. His aura was gentle and calming, yet he gave off a somewhat clumsy impression.

"Ah, if you're here, I assume you're a member of the Adventurers' Guild, here to help find my father. Please, come in."

I nodded and stepped into his home.

We both sat on wooden chairs covered with what seemed to be blankets made of a leaf-based material, woven in a mix of blue and orange.

"Well, may I know your name?" the writer's son asked, adjusting his glasses a little awkwardly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Alan. Though I'm a new adventurer, I promise to do my best to fulfill this mission. If possible, could you tell me more about your father's story?" I asked with a polite smile, waiting for his response.

"Oh, of course. Well, my father was a writer of various tales. He especially loved writing about magical theories and the possibility of using letters to create unique effects. Of course, much of his work became more of a hobby, but his ability to decipher foreign scripts, ancient runes, and even magic circles is quite impressive. The book I'm offering as a reward is a product of his knowledge, which I have kept safe."

As he spoke, he held up a book. Its cover was beautifully and intricately decorated, resembling something that belonged to royalty, as if promising a high-quality reward. However, I couldn't see its description.

"As for information regarding his disappearance, this is what I've managed to gather so far. It's not much, but it might help."

He handed me a set of notes containing general details, including a small map that pointed to a possible location—southwest of my current position. I frowned slightly. That area had no connection to my other missions, which meant I would have to deal with them later…

I decided not to dwell on the issue for now. After bidding him farewell, I set out toward the mission location.

As I left, I noticed the writer's son in a praying stance, clutching an object that seemed sacred. It was clear he was hoping for his father's safety.

.....

Walking a bit further, I arrived in a region filled with small trees and a large number of low-growing plants.

All of them had a mix of green and soft yellow hues.

There was a strong presence of wind and wind-elemental energy in the air, but instead of being refreshing, it was warm and lacked any sharpness.

As I moved through the area, I didn't detect any monsters. Ivory was already wrapped around my neck.

Carefully but swiftly, I activated my magical senses, trying to identify anything unusual in my surroundings. Ivory did the same—her strong sensitivity to mana and water elements allowed me to perceive things in a different way.

Walking a little further, I came across a small herb—surprisingly, it was the exact one I needed to collect.

"I don't remember seeing this marked on the map…"

I was about to step forward and pick it up when Ivory spoke to me.

"Master, this plant has a guardian."

Hearing her words, I stopped and raised my hand.

I formed a small sphere of darkness and shot it in the direction Ivory had indicated.

There was no cry of pain, but I saw a creature leap from the area and land a few meters away from me.

Observing it carefully, I noticed its green skin and slightly sharp teeth.

Seeing the monster, I decided to read its description while my small summoned creature let out a sharp, dangerous whistle.