Chapter 68: Request

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Translator: Soafp

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I opened the door to the Adventurer’s Guild, revealing a scene that resembled the one in the capital.

“Let’s check out the request board.”

“Any extermination quests?”

Seems like they’re eager to take on extermination quests. Is that alright?

Lewis and Nero are inspecting the G and F-ranked requests.

I sneak a look from behind, and the G-ranked ones involve carrying luggage and house cleaning, more like city jobs.

The F-ranked requests include herb gathering, similar to what we had in the capital, and assisting with the fields outside the city walls.

There are also constant requests for goblin extermination, wind wolves extermination, and orc extermination.

(If orc extermination is a constant request, I should have kept proof of the orcs I defeated when moving to Blue Ring.)

I decide to remember the part about proof of extermination. It seems that the proof part is the same in any guild.

“Well, should we take on herb gathering and then hunt goblins or orcs?”

“That works.”

The two of them peel off the herb gathering request and take it to the reception.

The knights, Noel, Dios, don’t seem to object, so I assume they judged it to be reasonable.

We accept the request and ask the receptionist where the herbs are located. It seems they grow about an hour’s walk away.

They caution us to be careful since there have been frequent orc sightings in that area recently.

Although the receptionist looks worried, she seems relieved when she sees Noel, Dio and Tomenai, offers a wry smile.

Perhaps she thought we were noble kids playing adventurer, and in a sense, that’s not too far from the truth. Without correcting her, we leave the guild.

As we head towards the gate, I notice a shadow following us, about two people behind.

After observing for a while, it becomes clear that we are being followed. We decide to set up an ambush around a corner.

As the duo turns the corner, we approach them from behind.

“Do you need something? Mother, Ashera.”

The two followers turn out to be my mother and Ashera.

They’ve been occasionally seen around the guild, and their activities were mysterious. It seems they wanted to take on a request together.

“We were just taking a walk in this direction by chance.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“I see. So you’re not following us?”

“Perhaps occasionally giving guidance to my junior adventurers would be nice, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Ashera nodded while showing her adventurer card. This girl is F-rank! When did that happen?

As I was staring at Ashera’s adventurer card, she began to talk proudly.

“I registered right after Aldo and the others went to the royal capital. Now I’m allowed to go outside the town without an escort.”

She talked proudly, puffing out her chest that seemed to have grown a bit recently. I suspected something was odd when she came alone to welcome us when we returned from the royal capital!

“I see. It’s good that you can come along, but you’ll be in the same escort role as me. Basically, don’t do anything until it becomes dangerous… Is that okay with you, Ashera?”

“No problem.”

“Got it.”

So, with that settled, Ashera and Mother joined as escorts.

Thinking about it, we have adventurer Lewis and Nero, guards Noel, Dios, me, Ashera, and the Ice Witch; that makes five of us. We could probably annihilate an orc village like this. When we passed through the gate, the gatekeeper tilted his head, but after a word from Noel, he saluted and saw us off.

When we crossed the gate, the gatekeeper tilted his head as he watched us, but Noel said something, and he saluted, seeing us off.

We walked leisurely along the road. It would be nice to travel the world like this when I turn 15…

(But wait, if turning 15 means becoming an adult, does that mean I have to marry Ashera after graduating from school? I can’t just say I’ll travel the world. I need to find a job!)

“Mother, what kind of jobs can I get at 15?”

“What? Why are you suddenly saying something weird… Did you think you needed an income to marry Ashera when you turn 15?”

(This woman has always had a keen eye for the weirdest things…)

“Is it wrong?”

“It’s not wrong. So, what do you think you can do, Aldo? Whether it’s aiming to be a lord, a knight, or an adventurer, or even a merchant, anything would suit you.”

“Right. Being a lord or a knight would be too much trouble. An adventurer or a merchant…”

As I was thinking about what might be good, Mother murmured something.

“You’ll probably travel the world, won’t you?”

With a sad look, she muttered those words. It seemed like she was about to cry.

“Mother?”

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…”

“You’re a strange one.”

In the next moment, she returned to her usual carefree self, so maybe I just misread her expression?

While chatting along the way, after about an hour, we reached the edge of a small forest.

“Is it around here?”

“Yeah… Is this it?”

“That’s it! You’re quick. Nero.”

“I can tell by the smell. Over there, and there, a bit far away, too.”

Nero demonstrated an unprecedented level of proficiency and quickly gathered the herbs.

“If we have this, it should be enough.”

“Hey, they are pretty good.”

“Aldo, you look disappointed.”

“Aldo, how many requests have you taken so far?”

“Just one….”

“Really? So, if you’ve only accomplished one request, you’ve been surpassed by those kids, huh?”

“…”

“Huh? I can’t hear you.”

“That one time was also a failure!”

“Huh? You haven’t succeeded in a single request?”

“…”

“Uhyahhyahya…hihihi…… you are being all high and mighty, but got outdone with just one accomplishment? Uhhyahyaa… Oh, my stomach hurts… Hihihihi…”

“I might be carrying the cross of a parent-killer today.”

“S-sorry. Put away that murderous intent… Pu.”

“A-Aldo is a capable kid when he puts his mind to it… Pu.”

Oh, even Ashera… Sitting down, I started drawing the character “の” on the ground with a stick lying around.

“Ah, I haven’t laughed this genuinely in a while. My bad. I won’t laugh anymore. Sorry, Aldo.”

“…”

“Oh, this is a serious case. Ashera, wait a moment…”

I was genuinely sulking. No matter what happened, I would keep drawing the character “の”.

Suddenly, Ashera hugged me from behind, breaking my sulking mood.

“Aldo, I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”

“I forgive you…”

Knight Noel and Dios looked bewildered with disgust, while Lewis and Nero envied us as they watched.

Lunchtime was approaching, but nobody dared to give unsolicited advice.

We walked separately, each chewing on dried meat while occasionally checking and refilling Noel and Dios’ water bottles, offering a bit of chilled water as a courtesy.

“We’ve gathered nine sets of medicinal herbs, but there are no goblins or orcs.”

“Shall we go a bit deeper?”

“Sounds good.”

Lewis and Nero proceeded deeper into the forest.

As we debated whether to stop them, Mom opposed it, insisting that this was also part of gaining experience. She argued that they needed to face danger, especially when guarded. As a result, we didn’t stop Lewis and Nero.

To be safe, Ashera and I climbed a tree using space kicks to watch from above. The rest of the guard team approached a bit, staying vigilant to provide immediate support.

Unaware of the guards, Lewis and Nero ventured further into the forest. Orcs came into my sight—three of them. All three were carrying clubs, walking together.

Orcs, generally twice the height of an average person, possessed great strength. On the downside, their slow speed meant they could be outrun with full effort.

They used other species’ females for breeding, and the captured females served as orc breeding grounds until death. As the group size increased, higher-ranking orcs emerged, strengthening the group even more.

When viewed from above, we’re about 5 minutes away from Lewis and Nero encountering the orcs. I rejoined the guards quietly using spatial kicks to avoid making noise.

“In about 5 minutes, they will engage with three orcs. What should we do?”

“Let’s inform the other two.”

“No, we shouldn’t. We won’t intervene until they request assistance.”

“It’s dangerous. What if something happens?”

“Are you all only concerned about protecting while guarding? To nurture newcomers who will become adventurers, they must learn the danger firsthand until a request for help is made. This is a decision.”

“Understood… I feel like I understand why Aldo and the others are strong now, whether it’s happiness or not.”

Mom shrugged her shoulders with a smile.

I returned to the tree, leaving Ashera waiting. I explained Mom’s decision.

“As expected of our mentor. As long as it doesn’t lead to instant death, there’s healing magic.”

“Your thoughts are scary…”

“Utilize the fact that there are guards now to learn the danger threshold with your own body.”

“True… understood. They should be engaging soon. Let’s disperse and be prepared for any emergencies.”

“Roger.”

I separated from Ashera and quickly moved to the location where I could assist. I had borrowed two daggers from the knight’s warehouse yesterday.

Within a minute, the engagement was about to happen. I unsheathed my daggers and prepared for combat. I didn’t forget to check the presence around me, not just Lewis and Nero. It wouldn’t be amusing if the guards were attacked.

Watching, Nero seemed to notice the orcs. However, they were already about ten meters away. He had to decide whether to run, fight, or give up and call for guards.

Lewis and Nero seemed to choose to fight. They each drew their weapons, preparing for combat.

(If it were me, and they hadn’t noticed me, I would have circled around for a surprise attack.)

While considering the difference in our responses, I continued to observe Lewis and Nero.

The orcs also noticed Lewis and Nero. Probably because they were downwind, they hadn’t noticed until now. They swung their clubs and shouted, heading towards Lewis and Nero.

Although they seemed calm from the side…

Two against three.

Nero seemed to divert the attention of two orcs, not engaging directly but guiding them toward him. In that opening, Lewis engaged one orc in a one-on-one battle.

Orcs had an unmatched strength compared to goblins. However, due to Lewis using body reinforcement, he wasn’t losing.

Gradually, Lewis started to push back the orc. In one of the clashes, Lewis’s sword cleanly pierced the orc. The orc’s right hand flew through the air.

While the orc, bleeding and screaming, raised its voice, Lewis dealt the finishing blow with a downward swing.

Now it was a 2-on-2.

Nero distracted two orcs. Meanwhile, Lewis quickly circled behind the orc attacking Nero, delivering a swift strike from behind in a diagonal cut.

Now it was 2-on-1.

It should be okay now. I relaxed, but still, I didn’t forget to check the surroundings. It was no laughing matter if the guards were attacked.

Lewis smoothly attacked, and in the end, Nero, with a hand axe, struck the orc’s neck to finish it off.

They must be happy. Lewis and Nero were celebrating together. I understand their feelings, but…

Drawn by the smell of blood, Wind wolves were gathering.

About seven Wind wolves were surrounding the joyous pair.

“Windwolves, seven in number, are surrounding them. We’ll take care of it. Let’s go, Ashera!”

“Got it.”

With that signal, Ashera and I headed towards the Wind wolves.

As Ashera punched one of the Wind wolves in the torso, its opposite side exploded, and its entrails spewed out. What was that…? Was I the one who took that punch…? This isn’t some Northern God Fist, right?

Originally, Ashera should have noticed the Wind wolves approaching with her mana sight magic eye. She should have known the enemy’s location. She swiftly defeated them, approached Lewis and Nero, and finished them off.

“That was close at the end. After a battle, the smell of blood often attracts other magical creatures.”

“Yeah… We got carried away after defeating the orcs.”

“How many Wind wolves were there?”

“Nine. We defeated seven, and two escaped.”

Oops. I thought there were only seven. I shouted seven… Embarrassing.

“Both orcs and Wind wolves usually have requests available, so let’s take their proof parts and magic stones.”

Wind wolves are the tails, and orcs are their right ears. I used sonar to locate the position of the magic stones. It seemed to be in their chests.

Lewis and Nero handled the orcs, while Ashera and I dealt with the Wind wolves. Noel was eager to help.

“Noel, I’ll keep watch, so help with the skinning.”

“Understood.”

Noel started skinning with joy.

As a precaution, I activated sonar in the area.

“Huh, there’s an orc nest nearby… and there are two upper-ranked individuals.”

Everyone focused on me after my words.

“After finishing the skinning, we’ll withdraw immediately. We’ll regroup and deal with the nest with the knight’s squad. It’s too risky for adventurers; the damage would be too significant.”

“””””Understood.”””””

From there, we hurried to finish the skinning. I and Ice Witch monitored the surroundings.

As there was a possibility of being discovered, I couldn’t use sonar repeatedly. Well, it also consumes a significant amount of magical power, so I wouldn’t do it anyway.

Before the final withdrawal, I activated sonar once again… It was the same as before.

It seemed that there were no magic users in the orc nest.

“Alright, let’s withdraw.”

“””””Ou.”””””

From there, we swiftly withdrew.

On our way back to the Blue Ring City, Mother asked me about the area sonar.

“Al, the area sonar you used just now? Is it a magic that can be used for reconnaissance?”

“Yes. It sends out sonar over a wide area and detects the reflected magical power. However, magic users might notice it, so it’s challenging to find the right moment to use it.”

“Did the orcs notice it?”

“They didn’t notice. Probably, there was no magic user among them.”

“Tell me what you found with the area sonar.”

“The enemies are orcs, around 200 in number, with two upper-ranked individuals. About 400 meters away from the previous location, there’s a nest.”

“400 meters? Isn’t that a distance that can be covered in 3-4 minutes if they run!”

“Yes. That’s why I was surprised.”

“Alright, when we return to Blue Ring, report to Joshua immediately.”

“Yes. Once we’re back in town, let’s split up to report to the guild and the mansion. I’ll also escort Ashera.”

“Understood.”

From there, we walked in silence, without much conversation.

Upon reaching the city, I, Ashera, Lewis, Nero, and Dios headed to the guild. Mother and Noel returned to the mansion.

“When you escort Ashera and become alone, make sure to come back straight away.”

“Got it.”

Splitting into two groups, we aimed for the guild.

At the guild, Lewis and Nero received rewards for herbs and orcs, while Ashera and I, along with the absent Noel, received rewards for Wind wolves. However, Dios seemed sad, so I decided to give him a bonus of two silver coins from my share.

After completing all the tasks and parting ways at the guild, Lewis asked with a somewhat worried expression.

“Alright, I’ll go escort Ashera.”

“Are you okay alone?”

“It’s the city I grew up in. Even if I close my eyes, I can find my way home.”

“I see. Okay.”

I escorted Ashera back to her home. By the time we reached her house, the surroundings had darkened slightly.

“Alright, see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, today there’s no escort, so…”

I got it. Can’t let the girl feel embarrassed!

I led Ashera into a slightly darker area and kissed her a bit longer than before.

“I-I’ll be going…”

“Y-Yeah…”

Turning away from the slightly dazed Ashera, I sprinted towards the mansion. Running along the walls to reach the roof, I dashed across it with space kick. It felt like wings sprouted from my back due to the joy from the recent kiss! With more magical power than usual, I soared through the sky.

I arrived at the mansion in half the usual time.

It seemed like I had overtaken Lewis and the others on the way, as Lewis looked surprised when he spotted me.

Dinner was approaching, but I headed for Father’s office. Knocking and announcing myself:

“It’s Aldo.”

Mother’s voice came from behind the door.

“Come in.”

Upon entering, I found Father, Mother, and Roland, all wearing serious expressions.

“What’s the matter?”

Everyone wore a grim face and remained silent. After a while, Father began speaking.

“You found the orc nest, didn’t you?”

“Yes. It was near Lewis and Nero’s campsite, just a coincidence.”

“It’s fortunate you found it before they grew too large. Thank you.”

“No, it’s nothing special.”

They spoke as if they had something caught in their back teeth.

“Father, is there something you want to say?”

“Why do you think that?”

“I felt like you were hiding something while talking.”

“Is that so… Well…”

Father adjusted his seating position and looked at me.

“Al. I intend to ask El and Ashera too, but could you participate in the orc nest subjugation?”

“Understood.”

“Is there something you don’t l… huh?”

“Understood. I’ll go.”

“Are you sure? It’s a dangerous task.”

“Oh, it’s a bit tough alone, so if it’s the three of us, including El and Ashera…”

“No, I want you to participate in the Knight Order’s strategy.”

“Ah, if that’s the case, it’s not a problem at all.”

“By the way, can the three of you destroy the orcs’ nest?”

“If you don’t consider the damage, I think so.”

“By the way, can you elaborate?”

“Yes, El and I will shoot Condense Ray, and Ashera will retrieve us. If we continue this for two days, we should be able to annihilate them.”

“I see, but this time, it would be helpful if you could eliminate them conventionally.”

“Understood.”

“See, just as I said, Al would definitely accept.”

“Right…”

“If that’s all, shall we go to dinner?”

“Yes, let’s go.”

Aldo and Rafina moved towards the dining room.

“Roland… I’ve heard that Condense Ray is an extremely powerful magic that can potentially set the forest on fire.”

“I’ve heard the same.”

“Shooting it with Al and El… for two days… won’t it change the terrain?”

“I think so too…”

Joshua and Roland’s lamentations continued indefinitely.