Greytile Town (Part 4)

Before returning to the Greytile Town guild house to make my report, I ensured the area was cleared of monsters. This not only helped keep people safe but also earned me valuable experience points. Two birds with one stone.

To defeat the blood-manipulating demon, I need to become stronger. Charging into a fight without a plan would be reckless. I can't afford to be naive.

I would love to kill that demon with my own hands, but I have to face reality—I'm not strong enough yet. That's why I have a plan.

First, I'll gather evidence by taking pictures of the high-level monsters in the area. Second, I'll document the destruction they've caused. Third, I'll collect eyewitness testimonies.

This should be enough proof to request aid from the capital.

Knights are on a different level compared to ordinary adventurers. I've seen it firsthand. If I'm lucky, a knight as strong as Retto might be dispatched to help.

With powerful allies, we might stand a chance against that demon.

But for now, I'm exhausted. My stock of magic potions—each restoring 10% of my mana—is completely depleted. I have no way to replenish them. It's time to head back to town.

Not just that, though—I've also prepared traps and alarms that will trigger if a dangerous monster crosses my earth wall.

Heh... The survival skills I honed in the dungeon are proving useful once again.

---

I arrived at the guild house.

"Welcome back!" they all greeted me.

"We didn't expect someone as young as you to be this strong!"

"What level are you?"

"Hey, where did you come from?"

The atmosphere was lively, almost celebratory.

It seemed like everyone knew about my battle with the Thunder Dragon. They probably thought the crisis had been resolved.

But they were wrong.

I didn't like spoiling the mood, but someone had to break the news.

Before I could speak, someone stepped forward. "That was amazing! You took down that Thunder Dragon with ease. My instincts were right—join our party, and let's become heroes!" He extended his hand toward me.

This guy was trying to charm me with a skill. He wanted me in his party because of my strength.

"No thanks," I replied flatly.

"Why? Becoming heroes is the greatest achievement!"

I didn't hate the idea. As a kid, I used to dream of being a hero in a fantasy story.

"Well, I just hate you, so scram. Step away, or I'll burn you to cinders."

I ignited flames in my hand.

The guy and his party backed off immediately, fear written all over their faces.

I had no interest in befriending people like them. They only saw me as a tool.

Clearing my throat, I addressed everyone. "I hate to ruin the mood, but the problem isn't solved. Monsters are still in a panic, and another wave of attacks is possible."

"Thank you for clarifying, but we're already aware," a voice responded.

It was Rebecca, the receptionist.

"While you were gone, we held strategy meetings to discuss how to protect the town and nearby settlements."

"I see... It just surprised me how everyone looked so cheerful, as if there was no danger."

I studied their faces.

"We're going to war against monsters. There's a real chance of dying."

One of the adventurers chuckled, raising his mug. "Instead of dying worried, wouldn't it be better to die satisfied and happy?" He then downed his drink in one go. "Another!" he shouted.

A war against monsters? Weren't we going to request aid from the capital? I had questions.

"Miss Rebecca... I need to talk to you."

"Good timing—I wanted to speak with you too."

As the adventurers continued their celebration, Rebecca and I headed to an office on the second floor.

On the table, a slice of strawberry shortcake and a cup of tea were already prepared.

"This looks delicious," I muttered, drooling.

"Help yourself."

I didn't need to be told twice. I sat down, grabbed my fork, and took a bite.

It had been a while since I had something this sweet.

"Shall we begin?" Rebecca asked.

"Sure~" I replied, my mouth full.

"Swallow before answering," she sighed. "I won't waste time— the guild wants to personally hire you for a subjugation quest."

"A subjugation quest? This is about the eastern mountains, isn't it? I thought we were asking the capital for help."

"That was the original plan, but things changed. The capital is preparing for war with a neighboring country. They can't send reinforcements."

"That's awful..." I pulled out my smartphone, showing her the pictures I took of the high-level monsters and the destruction they left behind. "This is serious. If we don't act, people will die."

"That's exactly why we need your help."

"Me?"

"You're a high-level adventurer, and you proved your strength by defeating the Thunder Dragon."

"I doubt I can take on whatever's hiding in the eastern mountains."

"You noticed it too, huh?" Rebecca sighed. "It's been months. Monsters are abandoning their natural habitats. We already deployed an adventurer that specialize in scouting uncharted area. According to their reports something is driving them away—and it's in the heart of the mountains."

I took another bite of the cake, deep in thought.

"Don't worry, you won't be alone," Rebecca assured me. "The guild has hired other high-level adventurers to assist you."

I was a little doubtful in my skills, However, this was a serious situation—I couldn't just walk away and let people suffer.

And if Eriko was behind this... I wouldn't hesitate to destroy her plans.

"Count me in. I'll take the quest."

"Thank very much… We're going to have a strategy meeting later. I think, we'll find out what kind of monster is lurking deep in the eastern mountain. Here—" Rebecca placed a bag of silver coins on the table. "This is your payment for your previous quest, along with a bonus and a down payment for the new one."

My eyes sparkled.

"Whoa... I almost forgot." I took the money. "Very generous of you."

"That's only half. You'll receive the rest once the new quest is completed."

"Well, this is more than enough for now. Guess I'll spoil myself later... oh, I almost forgot... we're not introducing ourselves yet are we?"

"My apology... I was so busy in work, I forgot. Anyways, my name is Rebecca, the receptionist and guild master in training."

" My name is Hiyami Mayu... Wait... you are the guild master?!"