Chapter 98

Well, regarding the results of this time, the number of rock beetles I defeated over four days was 108.

The bounty for these white rock-like insects is two large copper coins.

It’s the same as for rock lizards.

The skill points per kill are also the same at twenty points.

The reason the number of kills was lower than last time, despite spending a full day hunting, is that I hardly hunted on the fourth day and called it quits early.

This was partly because my portable food supplies were running low.

I miscalculated by being a bit too optimistic, thanks to the lizard meat from the eastern route, which made things easier.

The income was 21 silver coins and six large copper coins.

I had 32 hard white stones, and the droplets of the Thousand-Thorn Flower were equivalent to eight conch shells.

Since I set out in the afternoon, it was already completely dark by the time I reached the city.

I had the night guards open the gate to let me in.

Perhaps because I had given them a tip before, the carriage driver helped me carry the sled full of stones to the collection office.

By the way, when you rank up, the staff will even come to buy your goods as soon as your carriage arrives.

After exchanging all the items for vouchers and completing the kill assessment, Thor and the others headed not to their nostalgic home but to a tavern across the square.

Since it was late, they planned to have dinner out.

The Green Oak Tree Inn seemed to be in the middle of its busy hours, bustling with patrons.

Thor and the others were led to a corner table and finally got a chance to rest.

"Today we're having dinner out! I like Grandma Yuril and Sora's cooking, but it's nice to eat out sometimes too."

"Muu, today's special is meat buns! It says they're full of meat juice."

"Wow, that sounds exciting!"

"Yuril, you must be very tired. Would you like something sweet?"

"Yes, and if they have Fire Spirit Wine, please order that too."

While savoring the dishes brought to the table, they also discussed their future plans.

"The next carriage reservation is said to be a bit delayed."

"Yes, it seems there will be a bit of a gap."

"Maybe it's because Bettina and the others have reached the White Hard Rank?"

"Undoubtedly, that's the reason."

Currently, there are nine D-rank parties exploring the Raging Wind Wilderness, including Thor and Bettina's group.

Additionally, there are six C-rank parties, including guides and those hunting for materials.

To visit frequently, a simple calculation would require fifteen carriages.

However, more are needed in reality to allow horses and drivers to rest.

Furthermore, carriages are also needed to transport high-ranking adventurers to the Miasma Enchanted Swamp, which lies beyond the wilderness.

Thor recalled the face of the Dadan Bureau Chief, who had been complaining about the budget.

"Well, it's fine to wait until Bettina and the others return. I also want to hear about the southern route."

"Then, I can play a lot with Muu. Thor, are you happy?"

"No, there's a lot to do in the city. I'll visit the weapon and armor shops tomorrow."

"I'll deliver the droplets to Oudel."

"Ugh, I can't decide. Oudel's stories were so interesting... but going out with Thor is invaluable."

"Muu is definitely going to chase butterflies!"

Thinking of the disappointed face of the armor shop owner as the children played, Thor smiled silently.

The next morning, Thor and Sora headed to the North Avenue of the outer city.

Yuril and Muu were going to the Exploration Temple in the inner city.

They planned to meet up in the afternoon to take care of Muu's errand, which they couldn't do last time.

The first place they visited was an armor shop in a back alley, which was quite busy even in the morning.

The shop owner, Ramon, who usually had a stern expression, raised his eyebrows when he saw Thor and the others.

But upon noticing the absence of the children, his eyebrows quickly returned to their original position.

"I just received rock lizard leather yesterday. Even if I estimate early, it will take about a week to complete. The leather boots will also take a bit longer."

"Got it, sorry for the trouble."

"Is something wrong? You looked like you swallowed a frog."

"What kind of face, miss? Actually, the price of tools has been too high lately. I still have some in stock, but if this continues, it will affect my work."

"Really? That sounds tough. What exactly has become more expensive?"

"Of course, it's the adhesive, the essential item for armor shops."

The main ingredient for the adhesive is slime body fluid.

It has been in short supply, causing prices to rise significantly.

Thor scratched his chin, wondering if it might be related to him.

"I'll come back in a while. I don't know when, as the next exploration is undecided."

"Sure, I'll make sure to have it ready. Don't worry."

"Thanks, old man."

"See you. Take care."

"Bring the kid next time."

Waving goodbye, Thor and the others continued north.

They walked straight down the main street and crossed a large stone bridge over a moat.

"There's a moat here too?"

"This area is full of blacksmiths."

"Hmm, does that mean it's to prevent fires?"

"Exactly."

If a fire breaks out in any workshop, this area is isolated to prevent it from spreading.

Additionally, the noise is a significant reason.

The small blacksmith shop, unlike the previous store, was deserted.

Thor and the others entered and passed the time looking at the weapons displayed in the shop.

"Should I carry something too?"

"Better not. An amateur might end up cutting themselves. Also, they are heavier than you think."

"Really? I thought Betty looked cool, and I wanted to try holding one."

"No, a rapier looks light, but it's as heavy as a regular sword."

"Moreover, it requires considerable skill to use. Sorry to keep you waiting, Thor."

The weapon shop owner, Truk, had joined their conversation casually.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and smiled warmly.

"Hi, I'm Sora!"

"Nice to meet you. Are you here to place an order today?"

"No, just for me. I got some white hard copper."

"Oh, that's quick. Let me see it."

The craftsman nodded deeply after checking the voucher.

He then spoke with enthusiasm.

"Let's go over the details, shall we?"

It seems there are standard sizes for bladed weapons, but they can be custom-made to fit individual body types and preferences.

Thor's body was measured in various places, and he tried swinging different swords to choose the right one.

In the end, they finished the trials just before noon.

Sora, who had disappeared at some point, had been observing the forge.

Her happy voice could be heard a few times.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you."

"Sure, it will take about a week to complete."

Thor, who had finally finished his order, noticed the package Sora was holding.

"What's that?"

"This? I was given one to use during exploration. It's not a weapon."

"It's not a weapon? What is it then?"

"It's something better. Look!"

The girl showed a broad smile.