novelraw Chapter 47: Lucky Day
Chapter 47: Lucky Day
Chapter 47: Lucky Day
The defense battle at the garrison outside the empire.
My first mission since becoming an adventurer, although the damage was severe, was somehow successfully concluded because the demons and beastmen withdrew midway.
A sense of relief only came after returning to the guild, compiling a report of the recent events, and submitting it to the receptionist.
Yes, Adventurer Woo Hyo-sung. Your mission completion and survival return report have been confirmed.
Is this the end?
A sense of relief finally crept into my heart upon the receptionists confirmation.
Realizing that things have settled, I took time to contemplate what I gained and lost through this ordeal.
What I gained included the reward money for participating in the garrison defense as a low-ranking adventurer and a small amount of merit points needed for the rank promotion of an adventurer.
And there was also a minor change in my aptitude stats that had been stagnant for two years.
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Aptitude Stats
Physical: C+++ Skill: C++
Intelligence: C- Perception: C+
Mental: A+ Mystic: F
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Yes, my Mental aptitude, which was already A, had risen to A+.
It might seem like just a "+" was added, but considering that A-rank is essentially the human limit, this wasn't growth to be taken lightly.
In fact, it was this mental strength that became the decisive factor in my fight against that damn lazy bastard, and that mental strength had grown even stronger after that battle.
Apart from gaining one "+" in Physical after two years of being a porter, there hadn't been much change. Is it true that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?
Well, I don't really feel any different, but I'm pleased that the system has recognized my growth.
"...The problem is that what I lost outweighs what I gained."
Yes, as the saying goes, life is unpredictable—when something good happens, something worse follows.
Compared to the modest compensation and mental rank increase I gained, the losses from this mission were by no means small.
I had to say an indefinite farewell to someone I had hoped to continue with in the future, and even if I tried to forget that, the reality that my armor-which I had invested my entire fortune in-was destroyed awaited me.
Damn, after returning the Ego Weapon, I'll need to get a new weapon too. I wonder if I can afford even a used one with my emergency funds?
"Are you Adventurer U Hyosung?"
As I was lamenting, a guild employee approached the receptionist who was continuing my processing.
Behind him calling my name was a large backpack, which soon landed with a thud in front of me.
"W-what is this?"
"What else? These are processed materials from the demon corpse that you, Adventurer U Hyosung, defeated."
The demon's corpse.
Come to think of it, I'd heard that demons could be used as materials depending on the individual. Does this mean the guild dismantled the body of that lazy demon I killed?
"That demon, when the supervisors examined it, turned out to be quite high-ranking. Though its level was somewhat lower, in terms of potential, they said it was at least an executive-level member of the Demon King's Army?"
"What? That guy was an executive-level?"
"Based on the combined testimonies of the adventurers who were with you, it's certain. To single-handedly defeat a monster that could change the terrain-you're really amazing for a rookie!"
I knew that guy's power wasn't at the level of an ordinary demon, but to think his potential was at an executive level.
No, thinking about it, it makes sense.
He actually took all attacks with his body due to his laziness, and after the fight intensified, he poured all his energy into it until he reached a state of exhaustion.
For someone who found everything so bothersome that he had no interest in merits or promotion, it was only natural that he remained a foot soldier despite having such power.
"On top of that, it seems the guild will give you a high evaluation for this incident. You might jump up several ranks in your next assessment~"
On the other hand, the guild, which only sees the results, would naturally value that monster highly.
I felt like I was receiving an undeserved evaluation, but regardless, the fact that I defeated him doesn't change.
And everything gained from defeating him would be credited to me.
"Then, what's in this backpack...?"
"Yes! After deducting fees, taxes, and impurities from the processing work, 80% of the processed materials will go to you, Adventurer U Hyosung!"
Bones, carapace, tendons, and more, all neatly organized in heavy pouches.
Realizing that each item could be called a "high-grade material" in bundles, an unconscious exclamation escaped my lips.
"Jackpot."
Well, as they say, life is unpredictable.
If you struggle like a dog for two years, you're bound to hit the lottery at least once.
****
Of course, I still can't shake the feeling that it's more than I deserve, but since the guild is following the rules, there's nothing legally questionable about the situation.
So, considering this as a result of my efforts, I decided to visit Tachia's workshop with the luggage bag to figure out how to utilize it.
Whether to sell the materials for money or use them directly to make equipment.
I thought it would be good to consult with her, a blacksmith, while also returning the Ego Weapon.
"Hahaha! Hey, mister. That backpack you're carrying looks quite bulky~?"
But as I was heading to my destination with an excited heart, I encountered some unwelcome guests.
The men in leather jackets occupying the middle of the street were clearly thugs who made a living by extorting money from others.
"But what's this, mister? We've been occupying this area for a long time!"
"Yeah, this is our territory~!"
"Drop everything you have and get lost!"
The lackeys snickering behind the mohawked leader.
Encountering them, I sighed and quietly lifted the mask that had been hiding my eyes.
I had been wearing it at the guild because of my notorious reputation as a "Hero Killer," but sometimes such notoriety helps in clearing away troublesome matters.
"Step aside while I'm asking nicely. I don't have time to deal with small fry like you."
"Hehehe, acting so arrogant... Keh! T-that guy!?"
The moment one of the thugs recognized me and expressed shock.
On the other hand, the mohawked leader, who hadn't recognized me, couldn't understand his subordinate's reaction and expressed confusion.
"What's wrong? Why are you so surprised?"
"Ah, boss. I saw him at the guild before. That guy is the famous Hero Killer!"
Yes, there's always someone who recognizes me.
Causing trouble is only for when I'm cornered in places with few people around.
Since such opportunities don't occur every time, they need to do odd jobs to make a living, and it's not unlikely that they might have seen me by chance while frequenting the Adventurer's Guild.
"Aha~! Now that you mention it, I've heard rumors. Didn't he almost kill a Hero at the guild?"
In contrast, the mohawked guy, though meeting me for the first time, seemed to have heard rumors and was snickering.
While his subordinates were tense, his expression showed confidence, as if he had something to rely on.
"I heard he screamed and trembled as soon as the clerics revived him. You must have scared him quite a bit. Hehehe."
Not just rumors, but there were actual eyewitness accounts of me almost killing a Hero.
Yet he displays confidence, which clearly shows that his current swagger isn't just bluster?
"But in the end, aren't Heroes just people who die when stabbed? Whether it's a Hero or a Hero Killer, there's nothing to fear if you have a weapon that can kill them!"
"...That sounds like you're saying you have a means to defeat me."
"Hehehe, if you're interested, I should show you."
Shing! A sharp dagger drawn from his possession.
It looked ordinary on the surface, but if such an ordinary object was the basis of his confidence, it wasn't a situation to be taken lightly.
"Hey, mister, do you know what kind of weapon this is? It's a dagger made from the processed fang of a Demonic Venom that inhabits the magical realm!"
"Don't underestimate it just because it looks ordinary. When infused with mana, it secretes a poison that can send even someone with abundant vitality like a bear beastkin to their grave in one hit, let alone a Hero!!"
-Woong.
The moment a vibration sound occurred from the dagger as mana was infused.
The mohawked man confidently licked the dagger and began to close the distance between us with swagger.
"Kihihihi! I wonder if our mister can avoid being stabbed by this dagger even once while fighting me... Gulp!"
And before he could swing the dagger, he collapsed.
"Gulp, kuh...urgh!"
After coughing up blood, the thug's head hit the ground, and his body began to tremble as if paralyzed.
It was a natural result since he had blatantly licked a knife coated with poison.
What is this? Is he an idiot?
"Aaaah! The boss has collapsed!"
"You cowardly bastard! How dare you provoke our boss's habit and make him end up like this!?"
"...Isn't the idiot the one who bought a poison-secreting dagger while having such a habit?"
Is conscience an erogenous zone?
They started the trouble first, so why are they blaming an innocent person?
"Setting aside the fact that he collapsed due to his own stupidity... Do you still want to continue? If left like this, his internal organs might dissolve and he might die."
"G-grrr! We have no choice. Retreat for now! I've remembered your name, you bastard!"
"Just wait, Hero Killer Uhyo! Next time we meet, I'll never forgive you!"
No, it's not Uhyo, it's Hyosung.
Even though fantasy-type people put their family names at the end, why do they do this only to me when other otherworlders are properly called by their names?
...Is it because the last part of my name is my family name, so they're just omitting the family name?
"Anyway, a dagger that secretes poison."
Well, in any case, the roadside bandits have retreated.
I picked up the dagger that was left behind where they had collapsed and examined its blade.
A dagger that secretes poison just by infusing mana.
Seeing him cough up blood as soon as it touched his tongue, it seemed that depending on the infusion of mana, it could produce poison lethal to the human body.
"It looks quite expensive, but... They're lawless guys anyway, so there's no need to report to the guards."
The corpse of a guy I happened to catch turned into a treasure trove, and now I've picked up a rare item on the road.
Today is really my lucky day.
****
Of course, as I think several times, life is unpredictable.
Good things happen, and bad things happen too, and usually, the bad things that happen in this world can be directly related to life and death.
This time I was lucky because the bandit was an idiot, but given what I possess, the risk of being targeted by others is not small.
Therefore, I proceeded with maximum vigilance and safely arrived at the workshop where Tachia, the owner of the Ego Weapon, was located.
"Ms. Tachia. Are you here?"
The moment I returned on the promised return date.
Given that she had willingly lent me the Ego Weapon, she probably wouldn't harm me, but still, not knowing what might happen, I decided to proceed without lowering my guard even after entering the workshop.
"Ms. Tachia, are you not here? Ms. Tachia..."
-Splash.
The sound of water being poured from the basement of the old workshop.
Feeling that it was evidence of someone's presence, I immediately moved to the stairs leading to the basement where the sound was coming from.
Is Ms. Tachia over there?
It's a bit concerning to hear water sounds in a workshop, but... I guess it's not strange since cold water is needed for processes like quenching.
"Ms. Tachia. Are you working... Kuheck!"
But what I encountered in the place I entered with such a light heart was an unbelievable sight.
As I froze in place upon encountering it, the woman with her back turned began to move towards me.
"T-Tachia. That appearance..."
Yes, the person there was Tachia Pilloy.
She was the original owner of the Ego Weapon strapped to my back, but I couldn't even give her the weapon, let alone offer a polite greeting,
as I stood frozen in place facing her again.
She seemed to have just come out of the bathroom, as her body and hair were wet, and all that concealed her voluptuous body was a hand holding a towel wrapped around her body instead of clothes.
Her extremely voluptuous figure was barely covered by just one wet cloth in a precarious manner...
"Haa, haa..."
The moment I realized I was breathing hot breaths at that sight.
Power began to gradually build in my lower body, which had shrunk due to the aftereffects of my injury.