The morning sun has climbed the sky once again and the darkness of the night has perished. It was a new day and with it, the familiar hustling and bustling melody of the city had started to play once again, orchestrated by the first bell.
If one were to rank the busiest parts of the city, it would be the market, the plaza, the main streets, and the areas around the five guilds. Of course, with the mention of guilds, the Adventurers' Guild would surely come to mind as adventurers fight over the quests they wanted to take.
With the guild's first come, first serve basis, the early morning is one of their busiest times. Even a single minute is precious so that one could take their quests. Being late meant they could lose their chance on getting a good quest. Diligence was a matter of success, failure, and profits.
"Larren, Nonna, good to see you hear." ［Grey］
"Ah, Yuna, Grey... Good morning..." ［Nonna］
"Yo, morning!" ［Larren］
Of course, Larren and Nonna aren't an exception to such a situation. Especially since they have only been adventurers for less than a year. Especially after climbing up to G-rank, the competition over quests only became fiercer.
It has been a few days since Grey and Yuna returned to Galderia, and with their insane clearing speed, all the high-ranking quests of D-rank and above have been taken care of. Now, their spare time could be enjoyed more leisurely.
It was also the reason why they could come in late and take any quests they wanted. It didn't matter to them what kind of quest it was or how much the rewards are. As long as they're enjoyable, they'll take it.
"Looking for a quest?" ［Grey］
"Ah, yes, but you see... Only a handful is remaining." ［Nonna］
Unfortunately for Larren and Nonna, the competition today was much fiercer than usual. Even when the two of them arrived early, the other adventurers still managed to take the good ones with high rewards, only leaving behind the troublesome ones.
The only ones which remained on the quest boards are escort quests which needed many adventurers, herb gathering quests which required knowledge on herbs, and subjugation quests which contained troublesome enemies. There wasn't much of a choice left for them.
Amongst the quests, there was one Larren and Nonna were particularly interested in. Unfortunately, they don't meet the requirements required to take the said quest. It has quite the hefty reward, too. It was truly unfortunate.
"Hmm... Larren, Nonna, do you want to take this quest?" ［Yuna］
"Yes, but sadly, it needs four people to participate..." ［Nonna］
"Then, should we help you?" ［Yuna］
"Eh?" ［Nonna］
It wasn't just Nonna, Larren was also bewildered by Yuna's suggestion. The quest was only a G-rank one and figures who are considered heroes are offering their help in such a trivial matter. It was an overkill. Everyone would be puzzled.
"Wait, wait, wait! Yuna, is it really alright with you? The rewards aren't that high, you know? Only a couple bronze coins!" ［Larren］
"Th-That's right. Plus, is it really alright for heroes such as yourselves to take this quest? I-It's only G-rank." ［Nonna］
"Fufufu, what does this have to do with our status? It seems enjoyable, so we want to take it. Right, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, it's fine with me too. We're done with our quests anyways." ［Grey］
There wasn't much of an objection when it came to Grey's part since they have only been taking mostly subjugation quests. While they have taken escort quests before, it was only a handful. It would be a nice change of pace
"See? Grey also agrees. Also, isn't it natural for friends to help out one another? Just think of it that way." ［Yuna］
Ending her words with a sweet smile, Yuna quickly captured Nonna and Larren's hearts. When she put it that way, they couldn't argue much with her. A warm feeling of gratitude was blooming in their hearts. A feeling of happiness.
"So, what do you think, Larren, Nonna?" ［Yuna］
"Fufufu, could we even decline when you say it like that? We'll be in your care once again, Grey, Yuna." ［Nonna］
"We owe you another one." ［Larren］
"Great! It's settled then!" ［Yuna］
Things were quickly settled. The four of them then took the request paper from the request boards and headed towards the reception desks where they lined up to process the four-man escort quest.
It was worth mentioning that Grey and Yuna used their alternate guild cards to take the current quest. While there would be no problems using their main guild cards, it would be troublesome to deal with the clients if they knew their identities. It would take out the fun of adventuring.
"Waah～! Yuna with black hair and violet eyes!" ［Nonna］
"Does it look weird?" ［Yuna］
"No, never! In fact, you look very pretty! It suits you!" ［Nonna］
"Fufufu, thank you." ［Yuna］
Grey also casted his illusion magic to wear their disguises, and when he did, Yuna and Nonna were fretting over Yuna's new look where her eye and hair colors were switched with Grey. No matter which world one is in, girls would always go crazy over beauty and fashion.
"Grey, it looks good on you. Especially with silverー" ［Larren］
"Thanks for the compliment, but please stop. It feels creepy." ［Grey］
"Yeah, I thought so, too... Sorry..." ［Larren］
"No worries..." ［Grey］
Meanwhile, the boys were just shrouded in an awkward atmosphere. While it would make one happy being complimented, if it was done as sophisticatedly as girls do, it was to be expected that men would feel strange.
After wearing their disguises, the four of them then went ahead and headed to where the client was. It was just near the gates where dozens of carriages and hundreds of people were lining up. It was a long and busy line stretching dozens of meters.
Heading out of the gates, there were a number of carriages lining up by the sides, waiting for their escorts and preparing their products and wares. It was like a caravan of merchants heading out to the world to sell what they can provide.
What Grey and others were looking for was a small carriage which carries vegetables and spices. The client was a stubby, bearded middle-aged man named Jeroz, a nickel rank merchant heading to the Gallen Village.
"Excuse me, are you perhaps Mister Jeroz?" ［Grey］
Fortunately, despite the number of small wooden carriages being considerable, there were only a few carrying vegetables and spices. And taking the client's description into account, their target was narrowed down to one. The man was currently taking inventory of the goods in his carriage
"Ohohoho, yes, yes, that's me, alright. I'm assuming you!42 the escorts from the Adventurers' Guild, am I right?" ［Jeroz］
"Yes, that's right. We're your escorts to the Gallen Village." ［Grey］
"Ohoho, just in time! Can you help me load these boxes here? This old man's back is starting to ache, you see." ［Jeroz］
"Sure, no problem." ［Grey］
Without further ado, Grey and the others helped out Jeroz in loading the said boxes and crates to the carriage. They were containers which were full of vegetables and spices like the others, some even containing fruits like apples and oranges.
There wasn't much effort needed. With Grey and Yuna's strength which needed a man or two to carry was just done with a single hand. It was as if they were just carrying empty boxes and crates.
"Ohoho, thank you very much! Are you ready to depart? Ohoho!" ［Jeroz］
His face full of glee, the carriage wheels started to move and the journey started. With a single whip from Jeroz, the horses neighed as they pulled the carriages towards the highway, accelerating faster and faster until it reached a stable speed.
Compared to the carriages of nobles and royalties, the simple carriage was much shakier and uncomfortable to one's bottoms. It was also the reason why Grey and Yuna avoided such quests. Still, they couldn't help but look forward to the quest ahead of them.
The journey continued smoothly without much trouble. And it was thanks to Larren, Nonna, and the very friendly Jeroz that the journey was enjoyable despite the shaky and uncomfortable nature of the ride.
"Ohohoho, and then what happened isー Hiyaa!" ［Jeroz］
Well, everything was smooth until they were hallway towards the village. Seeing danger, Jeroz immediately stopped the carriage and the others raised their guards. Thankfully, the ones who appeared before them weren't bandits.
Grrrrrrr
A pack of starving wolves appeared on the highway. Eyes were bloodshot and piercing, their bodies thinner than one would expect, drooling aggressively as they watched the carriage like predators eyeing their prey.
It was an unprecedented situation since the highway was mostly safe, but there was no need for panic. The wolves weren't beasts nor monsters, but just simple animals who couldn't even go against G-rankers. They were simple enemies.
While it leaves a bad taste in their mouths to kill animals which are just hunting for food, there was nothing they could do. If they just fended them off and left them there, others could fall victim to their hunts. There was no choice but to take them down.
"Mister Jeroz, leave this to us." ［Grey］
"Nonna, don't leave the carriage, okay? Just shoot from afar." ［Larren］
"Yes! I'll guard Mister Jeroz." ［Nonna］
It was an easy to make lineup. Grey and Larren were up front, Yuna guarded the rear, and Nonna stayed behind with Jeroz. Since she was a mage, she was much weaker than the others physically. It was better for her to stay behind and cast spells from a safe distance.
Grarrrr
Just as the three went down the carriage, the wolves quickly pounced towards them, opening their mouths and baring their fangs towards them. There was no ounce of hesitation as starvation took control of their actions.
Whimper
But there was no need to fear them. One after another, Grey released a punch towards the pouncing wolves, ending their lives in a single strike. He limited his combat power to match his guild card but it was still enough to kill them.
Yuna, despite being alone in the rear, didn't have much of a difficulty. Just like Grey, it only takes her a single strike to finish off the wolves, making their head fly off in the air as she brandishes her daggers, dancing as if she was in the middle of a ball.
"Haap!" ［Larren］
Larren didn't fall behind the two either. Despite being much weaker, he wielded his sword gracefully, striking the wolves' heads, necks, and joints, aiming for their vital spots and their weaknesses. He may be slower than the two, but he also took down wolves one after another.
Grrrarrrrr
Slipping from the forest nearby, another pack of hungry wolves attacked, attracted by the sounds and smell of blood. They were just as reckless as the previous pack, pouncing towards them without any plans.
⟨⟨Fireball!⟩⟩ ［Nonna］
A wolf tried to pounce on Larren from behind, but before it could, a ball of flames came striking its torso, blasting it a distance away and charring its whole body black. The wolf's life escaped its eyes as the flames devoured it whole.
It wasn't the last one either. After that fireball, a couple more balls of crimson flame came flying towards the pack of wolves, burning them down without mercy. It was a rain of fire which spelt doom towards those which received its wrath.
"Haah... Looks like I'll have to get a little serious." ［Grey］
Commented Grey as he looked at the number of enemies increasing. He didn't know what was happening in the forest, but there were a lot of starving wolves in the forest. It was a little worrying but there wasn't much he could do with it.
"May you rest in peace. ⟨⟨Wind Cutter⟩⟩!" ［Grey］
A burst of wind gathered on Grey's palm and as he brandished his hand, a blade of wind came flying towards the wolves, sharp as one can be as it lopped off several heads in an instant. The sound of dying whelps and cries resounding in the air.
⟨⟨Mantis Cross!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
The same went for Yuna as an X-shaped blade of mana came rushing through the enemies' ranks. The blades passed through them like that of a hot knife cutting easily through butter, not slowing down as it ended lives one after another, splattering blood all over the place.
A rain of fire, blades of mana, and dauntingly heavy strikes. Such attacks relentlessly rained down on the enemies, whittling down their numbers over time. Jeroz could only watch in amazement as he observed an amazing feat by such youths.
⟨⟨Heavy Slash!⟩⟩ ［Larren］
A heavy strike came from above and struck one of the wolves' heads, splitting it open without mercy and gracing the land with fresh blood. With it, the battle has ended with Grey and the others rising victorious.
"Is everyone alright? Any injuries." ［Grey］
"I'm fine!" ［Yuna］
"Other than a light scratch, I'm good too!" ［Larren］
No sustained any injuries or the likes. If there was a single problem, it would be that blood is scattered all over the place. Of course, in such a fierce and bloody battle, Grey, Larren, and Nonna were also stained with blood.
But there wasn't any need to worry over such a trivial matter. With just a little bit of fire, water, and wind magic, the stains were easily removed as if they weren't even there to begin with. Grey and Yuna were already masters in such crafts.
"How about you, Mister Jeroz, Nonna. Are you both alright?" ［Grey］
"Ohohoho, what's there to worry about when I have such capable escorts. I feel at ease traveling with you. Ohohoho!" ［Jeroz］
"I'm also fine, just... Haah... a little exhausted." ［Nonna］
Of course, if everyone in the frontline was fine, Nonna and Jeroz who were in the carriage were even more fine. Aside from Nonna suffering a little bit of rapid mana exhaustion, everything was fine and dandy.
As for the corpses of the wolves, it was decided to just burn them. While they could be a valuable source of meat, since the wolves were starving, there was no need to risk it and get ill due to unwanted pathogens. It was best to burn them to not attract any more starving animals.
The only materials which were salvaged were the wolf pelts, fangs, and claws which could be sold for a little bit of sum. It may not be much, but with the numbers they defeated, they could earn a couple hundred kiels to add to their earnings.
Only resting for a little bit, the ride then continued on and the sun continued climbing higher in the sky. They only stopped once to have lunch where Grey and Yuna once again showcased their cooking skills. Everyone loved the food they cooked, eating them with bliss traced on their faces.
After eight long hours of journeying and chatting, their destination was finally in sight. Over the horizon, a village could be seen, appearing bigger and bigger as they drew closer. A few more minutes later, they finally arrived and the village gates opened to welcome them.
"Mister Jeroz, you're here! I see you've brought some wonderful products againー Oh, are those mangoes I see?" ［Chief］
"Ohohoho, that's right. They're mangoes, alright! The sweetest and tastiest of their kind, your favorite, Chief." ［Jeroz］
"Hahaha, you really do know me well, Jeroz!" ［Chief］
The village Chief was the one who welcomed them warmly. Just like Jeroz, he was a friendly man who laughed a lot. Judging from how he interacts with the former, it was easy to see that they've known each other for quite a long time.
In just a quick moment, they totally forgot there were still others near them. It was as if they were there in their own world as they discussed the deals and bargained with one another, mostly focussing on the mangoes the Chief loved so much.
"Oh, dear me! How could I forget!" ［Jeroz］
It was only when Jeroz saw the four in the corner of his eyes that he realized the escort quest was still not finished. It had totally slipped his mind that he still needed to sign the quest papers for the contract to be fulfilled between client and adventurers.
"Here you go... Your rewards are already in the guild. It was a good experience meeting you all. Ohohoho!" ［Jeroz］
"Thank you, Mister Jeroz." ［Grey］
"Ohohoho, I should be the one thanking you youngsters. Because of you, I've had an amazing journey. I hope we can meet again someday." ［Jeroz］
Jeroz's signature marked and ready on the quest papers, the quest was finally finished. All that was left to do was head back to the city, process the quest, and receive the rewards for their efforts.
Since the escort quest was only a one-way one, Grey and the others didn't need to wait for Jeroz to finish his business in the Gallen Village. They can just head back on their own and process the quest as they like.
"Then, Grey, Yuna, since the reward is 600 kiels, we'll be splitting it even, 150 kiels each. As for the wolf materials, we'll have to waitー" ［Larren］
"Ah, about that, there's no need to split the rewards. You can also keep the money from the wolves we defeated." ［Grey］
"N-No, we can't do that! We can't just accept it!" ［Nonna］
"Th-That's right, this amount of money is too much! We can't just shamelessly take money from other people! Especially our friends!" ［Larren］
Grey tried to hand over the whole reward to the two. He already expected they'll disagree to some extent, but he never imagined they would do so so strongly. Just like how Grey's "eyes" judged them, they really were good people.
"Haah... Really, you should just accept it when we're giving it to you. It's exactly because we're friends that we're giving them to you." ［Grey］
"Un, that's right. There's no need to feel so indebted. If you want to repay us, a pork skewer or two would be nice." ［Yuna］
"Oi, Yuna. Your gluttonous side is showing again..." ［Grey］
"Who's a glutton?! I'm just saying it to comfort them!" ［Yuna］
The warm atmosphere quickly turned into a comedic one as Grey and Yuna bantered over a trivial matter. Well, rather than bantering, it was more like Grey was poking fun at Yuna once again, enjoying her cute reactions.
It hasn't been long since the two of them knew Grey and Yuna but they couldn't count how many times they've been indebted to them already. They couldn't be any more grateful to be friends with them.
"Grey, Yuna, thank you..." ［Nonna］
It was only a silent mumble, but it resounded loud and clear inside Grey and Yuna's ears, a smile forming on their lips as they loomed at the two. It was then that they realized how good it was to have friends once again.
"By the way... Larren, Nonna, are you going back to Galderia today?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... That would be hard. Even if we depart right now, by the time we arrive, it will already be late at night..." ［Nonna］
"Yeah, it's a bother, but we'll have to spend the night here in the village. It would be dangerous if we get attacked by hungry wolves at night, after all." ［Larren］
"I see... That does make sense..." ［Yuna］
It was a problem neither Grey and Yuna could relate to. Since they were High-rankers, they could just cruise through their quest areas and back to the city in just a matter of minutes. It was also the reason why they could take so many quests and complete them in a short amount of time.
After which, the four of them then walked around the village to find an inn to stay at. They explored quite a bit and saw a lot of beautiful sceneries as they did so, also seeing the children play around with smiles on their faces.
"Yeah, and thenー" ［Grey］
In the middle of their conversation, Grey suddenly cut off his words and halted his steps. He looked at the sight in front of him, speechless and frozen, traces of shock and surprise on his face with a hint of happiness and excitement surging in his heart.
"Grey, is something wrong?" ［Yuna］
Asked Yuna, but no answer came from Grey. He just continued staring at the landscape with his eyes unwavering. The more he looked at it, the more excited his heart became to the point a smile started showing on his face.
A large river cruising along the fertile wetlands, the water overflowing and creating large, shallow marshes with tall grasses growing healthily everywhere. It wasn't just a beautiful landscape. It was one which could make dreams come true.
CHAPTER 158