Chapter 53: Medicinal herbs

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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The day after the exams…

I was at the Adventurer’s Guild with Noel.

We were scanning the request board for G and F-ranked missions.

G-ranked missions were about cleaning gutters, toilet cleaning, or carrying luggage… F-ranked missions included herb gathering…

“Noel, what do you think about herb gathering?”

“I don’t know much about herbs.”

“That’s fine, I wasn’t expecting much. How about this mission?”

“It’s an F-ranked mission, so it should be simple, right?”

“Yeah, that seems right.”

“There doesn’t seem to be any G-ranked missions. I can’t picture Aldo cleaning gutters or toilets.”

“Is that so?”

“Will you take the herb gathering task?”

“Yeah, I’ll ask Naga-san.”

I decided to inquire with Naga, the receptionist.

“Naga-san, what exactly do I need to do for herb gathering?”

“If you gather five of the herbs listed in this document, the mission will be completed. By the way, the same document is placed next to the request board.”

“So, I need exactly five?”

“Yes, it’s five. Of course, it doesn’t have to be five different ones. If you gather five of the same type, it’s considered as completing the mission five times.”

“Got it. Where can I find these herbs?”

“The safest place would be… “

“It’s okay even if there are some enemies around.”

“Oh, right… In that case, I think Scarlet Forest, located along the main road from the west gate, might be a good place. It’s about an hour’s walk on foot.”

“Understood. The west gate, right? I’ll head there for a bit.”

“Take care.”

After checking the information beside the request board, which indicated the herb’s appearance—around 30cm in height with serrated leaves, almost like aloe—I left the guild. Equipped with my usual armor and two days’ worth of food, I was fully prepared.

I set off toward the west gate, walking with a purpose. If only we could walk atop buildings, it’d be more efficient, but unfortunately, Noel couldn’t use Space Kick.

Previously, I taught Noel Space Kick in return for teaching me horse riding, but she still couldn’t use it at all.

Perhaps Ashera’s ability to use Space Kick was due to her flexible childlike thinking.

Anyways, we were walking to the west gate.

While walking through the city, the capital and the streets of Blue Ring seemed the same. Traces of daily life were evident everywhere, indicating the bustling activities of the people.

As I observed the city, we finally arrived at the west gate. There was a gatekeeper, but nothing special was said.

Seems like it’s free to leave. When entering, an entry fee is collected, but it’s waived if you show an adventurer card.

“Off we go!”

I shouted aloud to boost my spirits and just enjoy myself while walking. People around stared, but I ignored them. Ignored them completely.

About an hour’s walk along the main road, a forest began to spread out from the side of the road.

“Is this Scarlet Forest?”

“I think so.”

“Alright, let’s enter the forest and gather some herbs.”

The forest was lush with trees, and the grass was up to my chest. Using wall-running, I climbed up to the branches and hopped from tree to tree using Space Kick.

While searching for herbs from atop the trees, I heard Noel’s voice from behind.

“Aldo! Wait, I can’t keep up!”

Looking back, I saw Noel struggling to catch up, pushing through the vegetation.

“Ah… Noel, are you waiting here?”

“Don’t be stupid! That defeats the purpose of being a guard, doesn’t it?”

“Well, that’s true, but… I thought with Space Kick, you could easily escape most enemies?”

“Even so, there might be surprises.”

“…Alright.”

I decided to come down from the trees and continue moving with Noel. However, I questioned if herbs would grow in a place like this. The document described them as 30cm aloe-like plants. Wouldn’t they need more open spaces to grow?

Perhaps they could be found deeper in the forest. But logically, this was just an F-ranked mission. It didn’t seem plausible to go this far in.

As we ventured deeper into the woods in search of the herbs, there was a peculiar atmosphere. It felt like the forest was consuming us. As we moved further in, the grass gradually vanished, making it easier to walk.

“Finally, it’s easier to walk.”

“Indeed.”

We exchanged some banter and continued deeper into the woods.

Suddenly, I felt a presence.

Something was there.

“Noel, keep quiet and listen. Something’s here.”

“What?”

Suppressing the urge to look around, Noel and I tried to sense the presence. It seemed like we were already surrounded. Once the encirclement was complete, they might attack.

“Noel, I’ll carry you and move up into the trees.”

“You’re carrying me?”

“Yeah, don’t struggle.”

“U-Understood…”

I swiftly princess-carried Noel and used Space Kick to move up into the trees.

As I moved, the enemies revealed themselves. Wind Wolves…

My mother taught me about these wolves that use wind magic on one of our expeditions.

I think they form packs of less than 10. But looking at them now, there seemed to be more than ten… Ice Witch was always so casual about these things.

Observing the Wind Wolves, they started using wind magic. While not deadly, the magic caused the tree bark to peel off. Getting hit multiple times wouldn’t be good.

1, 2, 3, 4… 12… 14?

They didn’t seem to pose much threat with their movements.

As a reconnaissance, I decided to take down one while using Sonar.

“Noel, try to stay hidden!”

I shouted, then jumped down from the tree.

“Aldo! xmbfjx;:”

Whatever she’s saying can be heard later!

I landed a mana kick on the nearest enemy. Immediately activated Sonar.

Perhaps due to using magic, their magical strength was slightly higher than Goblins… their physical strength, on par with Goblins? Are they… not that strong?

Deciding the Wind Wolves looked weaker than expected, I decided to annihilate them.

“I can’t believe you’re coming at me like a Goblin! I hope you’ll be a bit smarter in your next life. Well then…”

Swiftly passing by, I slashed the necks of three.

Moving in three dimensions with Space Kick, the number of attacks from the Wind Wolves decreased significantly.

I dived into the center of the pack, reducing their numbers with my dagger and kicks.

Employing an aggressive strategy that I usually avoid, I retreated into the sky. From there, I threw daggers and used a simplified version of Condensed Ray to take them down.

Before I knew it, out of the 14 Wind Wolves, only 6 remained.

The Wind Wolves’ eyes clearly showed fear.

Truthfully, I was a dog person back when I was in Japan. Even though they were monsters, facing a wolf, who hid its tail (in fear), made me lose the will to attack.

“Ugh… whatever. Go away. Shoo.”

I signaled by releasing my attacking stance and shushing. Five out of the six that remained seemed relieved and dashed away immediately.

One of them approached closer and sat down near me.

I took out a piece of dried meat from my backpack and tossed it over. After sniffing it, the Wind Wolf started eating it eagerly.

After finishing, it looked at me as if asking for more, wagging its tail.

“You’re… quite a character.”

Saying so, I handed two more pieces of dried meat directly to the Wind Wolf. Of course, the magical energy was dense enough to resist any potential biting.

There were no signs of concern, and it skillfully ate the dried meat.

“Hey, how long will you keep me hanging here!”

I heard a voice from above. Looking up, I saw Noel shouting… white huh.

I let the Wind Wolf go and brought Noel down.

“W-what are you going to do with that creature?”

Noel asked while hiding behind me. Weren’t you supposed to be my guard?

“It doesn’t seem harmful, so I’m letting it go.”

“…Letting a monster go… I’ve had enough. Do as you please.”

Now, I was considering what to do with the defeated Wind Wolves.

“There was a continuous extermination request for Wind Wolves at the Adventurer’s Guild… the proof of subjugation was their tail.”

With those words, I started extracting the proof of subjugation from their bodies.

Apparently, the Wind Wolves didn’t want to see their companions’ bodies being cut up, so they disappeared somewhere.

“There should be magic stones too.”

Upon hearing that, I used Sonar.

It seemed the Wind Wolves’ magic stones were located in the center of their chests.

“The magic stones are in the center of their chests.”

“Got it.”

With those words, Noel took out a knife, opened the Wind Wolf’s chest, and retrieved the magic stone. After I finished collecting the proof of subjugation, Noel had taken out about half of the magic stone.

“Noel, you’re quick to retrieve magic stones without hesitation.”

Upon hearing my words, Noel looked genuinely puzzled, as if she didn’t understand. She responded with a face that seemed to say, ‘I don’t get what you mean.’

“You say that after killing without hesitation. Aldo, your values are a bit odd.”

Noel’s words made me realize something within myself. Perhaps some remnants of Japanese values still linger within me. While I want to retain that sense, it might be perilous in this world.

After finishing the skinning, we decided to head back to the town.

The reward for collecting the medicinal herbs should have been 8 copper coins. The penalty was 2 copper coins… It might not be much, but failing the initial request feels incredibly disheartening. Maybe I’m just not cut out for being an adventurer… Such thoughts were swirling in my mind as I returned to the Adventurers Guild.

Unlike the morning, the reception area was bustling.

It seemed that by the time I had taken on the request, others had already been dashing around completing theirs.

It wasn’t just the failure of the task that made me realize my own shortcomings. Waiting in line, I finally got my turn and spoke to Naga.

“Sorry. I couldn’t find the medicinal herbs. It’s a failed request…”

“I see. Shall I proceed with the paperwork for the failed request?”

“Yes… Please.”

While processing the documents, Naga looked at me.

“Forgive me for prying, but you seem down due to the failed request.”

Internally, I couldn’t help but think, “Isn’t that obvious?”

“Yes, indeed. Failing the initial request might make one think they’re not cut out for this…”

“I understand your sentiments, but it’s actually the opposite.”

“Eh?”

“Many people can’t accept a failed request and end up pushing themselves beyond their limits. Sometimes they go on expeditions all through the night without considering exhaustion…”

“That seems plausible.”

“I understand the sentiment, but people like that, despite being pitiable, often can’t sustain the life of an adventurer for long.”

“… “

“Failure is a part of being human, so there’s no avoiding it. The issue is how to recover from it. Accept the failure gracefully or delve a bit deeper… Those who can quickly discern this tend to last longer as adventurers.”

“… “

“Most of the time, ‘delving deeper’ involves ignoring things like weapon degradation, accumulating fatigue, or dwindling food supplies by ‘enduring.'”

“… “

“I believe Aldo’s judgment this time was appropriate. You considered the initial adventure, the approaching dusk, and fatigue, and made the decision to accept the ‘failure.'”

“… “

“It’s precisely because of this ‘failure’ that I can assert Aldo is suited to be an adventurer.”

“Is that so?”

“As someone who has witnessed adventurers for decades, I can assure you it’s alright.”

“Decades…”

“Does that catch your attention?”

“No, it’s just… Naga, you’re lovely. It’s just that I was surprised by the years of experience. If I hadn’t known, I might have been inclined to flirt…”

“… “

Oi! Why blush now? This was the perfect moment to reprimand a cheeky child!

From there, I outlined today’s adventure.

Strangely, several lines at the reception stopped, and even other receptionists were listening to my story.

“I see… Aldo entered the Scarlet Forest to search for medicinal herbs, encountered 14 Windwolves on the way, and repelled them…”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Naga was rubbing her temples, wearing a troubled expression.

“Do you have the proof of Wind Wolves’s defeat?”

“Yes, here it is.”

I took out the defeated part, the tail, from my backpack, and lined up the magic stones.

“Hmm… Wind Wolves are indeed single E-rank creatures…”

“Yeah, they seemed weak.”

“However, in a pack, they escalate to C-rank. They have a habit of coordinated attacks and surrounding their target before striking. Encounter with a group of Wind Wolves, even at C-rank, is something to avoid.”

“I see…”

“Handling them at G-rank and even reducing their number while eliminating them…”

“Oh, I didn’t eliminate them. Once I reduced their numbers from 14 to 6, they got frightened and ran away.”

“That’s even worse! Wind Wolves are very aggressive. Even when the last one remains, they don’t stop attacking. Scaring them away implies there was a massive gap in strength!”

“Is that so? Ah, one of them just approached me in a friendly manner.”

Naga was rubbing her temples again.

“Aldo… Who exactly are you?”

“I-I’m just a regular 12-year-old!”

“If just a regular 12-year-old could exterminate Wind Wolves, humans would have wiped out monsters by now!”

“Well, I’m always being beaten up by my childhood friend…”

“You’ve mentioned that before, but is that friend a human? Not from a demon clan or something, right?”

“Just a regular human. She is just an amazing mage with magic sight, trained in knightly martial arts, and her body enhancement is stronger than an average person’s…”

“That’s stepping into hero territory! What kind of combat elite is that?! Sounds like some kind of secret weapon!”

“I wonder…”

“What’s normal even…?”

Naga finally collapsed onto her desk. A somewhat awkward atmosphere filled the room.

“Well, I’ll just leave Naga-san the proof of defeat and the magic stones to offset the penalty for the failed request… I’ll come back for the rest later. Goodbye!”

I quickly left the Adventurers Guild as if fleeing.

“Noel, it got a bit troublesome at the end there…”

“…”

“Noel?”

“Aldo, I’ve been thinking… you guys are weird.”

“Hmm?”

“Ashera-sama had extraordinary combat skills, but you’re even more bizarre! At this rate, Elphus-sama must be… surely…”

“Really? As long as we’re strong, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Haa… forget it.”

(Seems like it’s better to stay away from the Adventurers Guild for a while. Besides, school is starting, so it works out perfectly.)

I shifted my focus to the academy, deciding to forget about the Adventurers Guild for now.

And so, together with Noel, I headed back to the mansion in the evening of the capital city.