Chapter 31

The return trip was the same as the outbound journey.

We used the carriage that had been waiting for us after we left the Azaramia Forest, spent a night on the way, and the next day, we had advanced to the point where we could see the walls of Bartrein.

"Miss Lisandra, Mr. Gardenant, thank you so much!"

"It's fine, it's fine. After all, it was part of our duty."

At the sight of the walls, we received another bow from Porta, who had lost count of how many times he had thanked us.

He had woken up just as we were setting up camp and, after receiving an explanation from Nidori and Saricats about what had happened, he had been bowing repeatedly to me and Srena.

He had recovered enough to walk by now.

Well, it's a relief that there were no lingering injuries. Perhaps there were, but the potions we used were quite effective.

As a swordsman, he is certainly still in the developmental stage. However, his straightforward gaze and attitude suggest a character that faces his sword with determination.

In that sense, I had a feeling that he would become a good swordsman. The question of how much talent lies within him is another matter.

"First, take your time to recover and heal your injuries."

"Yes! There's no point in pushing yourself too hard."

"That's a good attitude. Make sure you rest well."

Indeed, such sincerity is a high point.

Generally speaking, as Porta said, there's hardly ever any point in pushing yourself too hard. I hope he can prepare himself thoroughly and advance further.

Adventurers are often quite spirited. Of course, they all aim for a big score, so they dive headfirst into danger.

Conversely, without such a spirit, they wouldn't be suited to earning a living as adventurers.

Desire, confidence, and danger.

Those who can consistently balance these things survive and grow. If you die, everything is lost.

"We've arrived at Bartrein. We'll head straight to the Adventurer's Guild to report. Is that alright with you, sir?"

"Yes, that's fine."

Instead of Nidori or Saricats, Srena, who was driving the carriage on the way back, called out.

This was something she had suggested herself.

Normally, it would be unthinkable to have a Black Rank adventurer handle a carriage, but Srena is the kind of adventurer who can show such consideration.

She may seem spirited now, but she is originally a kind person.

I can't help but feel protective. Well, that's how she used to be.

"Sir, is something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing."

I can't let this continue. I ended up staring at Srena for too long.

But she has grown so much. I only took care of her a little when she was a child, but I feel a warm feeling inside.

We stopped the carriage at the usual stop and walked to the Adventurer's Guild.

Saricats was supporting Porta. I want to let him rest as soon as possible, but we have to report to the guild first. Poor Porta, he has to keep going a bit longer.

"Please get the Guild Master."

"Y-Yes, understood."

We slipped through the guild doors and approached the counter. Srena spoke on our behalf.

The receptionist, seeing Porta's condition, seemed to sense that something was seriously wrong. Still, she didn't lose her composure, which is impressive.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. ...Is something the matter?"

After a while, the Guild Master, Nidas, with his prominent white hair, and his companion, Maigen, arrived. They seemed to have sensed something from the first glance at Porta and the others.

I've thought this since the first time I met him, but Nidas seems to have a certain kind of courage. It's probably not just a matter of experience.

"The training itself went well. However, after that, we encountered a special extermination target in the Azaramia Forest, the Zeno Graybull. We defeated it, so we're here to report."

"Wh-What...!"

The Adventurer's Guild lobby buzzed with excitement.

Come to think of it, I knew about the existence of special extermination targets, but I never really knew how much of a threat they were. It wasn't something that concerned me, so I never had the opportunity to learn more.

"We brought back evidence."

"......Hmm. It seems to be true..."

Srena placed Zeno Graybull's fur and claws on the counter with a thud.

Other adventurers, who had gathered like onlookers, were watching from a distance.

"Did Miss Lisandra do this alone?"

"No, with... Mr. Gardenant's help. I only dealt the final blow."

Srena answered Maigen's question.

She subtly stopped exaggerating the story.

"I see... Mr. Gardenant, thank you very much."

"N-No, not at all. It's not worth bowing so deeply..."

Nidas turned his body and gaze towards me and bowed deeply.

I want him to stop. While it's true that we defeated it, Srena did most of the work. I was mostly running around and didn't deal much effective damage. It's quite uncomfortable.

"You all had a tough time. But it's good that you made it back alive."

He also addressed the three adventurers behind me.

Since Nidas is the Guild Master, he is probably the top of this Adventurer's Guild. It's unusual for someone of his status to care about a mere Bronze Rank adventurer, but that shows the kind of person he is.

"Shall we immediately form a recovery team and send them out?"

"Yes. Normally, I should have stayed, but with a new recruit and Mr. Gardenant, we prioritized returning."

"That was a good decision. Just tell us the location, and we'll take care of the rest."

Nidas and Srena continued their conversation.

Hmm, they're going to recover the Zeno Graybull's body. Srena mentioned something about materials, so they'll probably use everything effectively.

"Since a special extermination target has been defeated, we need to announce it widely."

"Indeed. We'll hurry with the arrangements."

Nidas seemed pleased.

Announce it widely. So, a special extermination target is that big of a deal.

"Excuse me, I have a question..."

"What is it, Mr. Gardenant?"

I thought I should ask about the special extermination targets now. I fought and won without really knowing what they were.

"I've heard of special extermination targets, but I'm not very knowledgeable... I don't understand the details..."

"Hehehe, I see."

Nidas laughed pleasantly in response to my words.

I'm a bit embarrassed. If someone points out that I didn't know such a thing, I can't really argue.

But, as they say, it's a momentary shame to ask, but a lifelong shame not to. I'm not sure if this situation fits that saying, though.

"Maigen, explain."

"Yes, sir."

Oh, it seems the speaker is changing.

But is it really okay for someone like me to have such a long conversation with the top of the Adventurer's Guild? I'm starting to feel a bit out of place.

"Special extermination targets are primarily used to refer to unique individuals, and the Adventurer's Guild is the central authority. Currently, there are fourteen confirmed special extermination targets in the Reberis Kingdom, one of which is the Zeno Graybull."

"Fourteen...?"

Fourteen doesn't seem like a large number, but one of them was taken down by Srena. That's impressive.

"Of course, the number can fluctuate with successful exterminations or the discovery of new species... Generally, only Platinum Rank or higher adventurers can accept requests involving special extermination targets. They are that dangerous."

"I see... Thank you."

Maigen finished his explanation, and a moment of silence followed.

Platinum Rank or higher, huh. Come to think of it, Landrid, who is in Bident Village, is a Platinum Rank... or rather, he used to be.

Srena, who can take down such a dangerous creature, is indeed in a league of her own.

"By the way, Mr. Gardenant."

"Yes, what is it?"

This time, Nidas, replacing Maigen, looked straight at me and spoke.

His eyes showed a clear trust and passion.

"Are you interested in becoming an adventurer?"

"No, thank you."

I declined immediately.

I'm just a regular old man!

Monthly High Fantasy 2nd place

Monthly Overall 3rd place

Thank you _(`ω、」∠)_

The next chapter will conclude this arc.

If you found it interesting, please continue to support and cheer us on.