Chapter 78: Arm Wrestling in Another World
"By the way, son-in-law, I hate to bring this up, but there have been some concerning signs lately..."
According to the Border Count, there have been signs of an anomaly in the dungeon near Badoru recently. The main reason the Border Count is stationed in this region is to monitor the dungeon.
Given that it's the only dungeon within the country, it has a strict surveillance system. This is because there's a possibility of a massive outbreak of monsters, known as a Stampede, overflowing from the dungeon.
There have been various discussions about why Stampedes occur, but no definitive conclusions have been reached. However, based on past cases, it is believed that when monsters that are supposed to stay inside the dungeon are found outside, a Stampede is likely to occur soon.
"So, does that mean monsters that should only be in the dungeon were found outside?"
I'm reminded of the recent Cockatrice incident. That was the work of the Demon Empire, but who could be behind this?
"That's correct, son-in-law. It would be helpful if you could inquire about the details at the Adventurer's Guild."
"In that case, would it be acceptable to consider this as a request to our party, the Black Reapers?"
"If you're willing to take it on, I'll officially submit the request to the guild."
"Understood. We'll accept the request."
I'll contact Flügel and have everyone come to Badoru. Whether we should discuss it at the guild or not will depend on what we hear there.
"My knight, of course I'm going too!"
Lady Liselotte seems highly motivated. She can provide guidance in the city, and the Border Count is also willing to accompany us, so we decide to go together.
"Thank you, Lady Liselotte."
"Mu... My knight, from now on, just call me Liselotte. We're not strangers anymore... So, talk to me like you do with everyone else."
Blushing and saying that makes me embarrassed. And when she crosses her arms while blushing, it's cute, but be careful not to get an arm wrestled off if you do that to someone else!
"...Alright. Sure thing, Liselotte."
***
"What is it? Another Minotaur sighting report? With over ten cases this month alone, it's hard to believe it's just a coincidence."
"Yes, Guild Master. There's also a formal investigation request from the Border Count."
Lately, Minotaurs, creatures that should only be inside the dungeon, have been sighted outside. While it's not uncommon for upper-level dungeon creatures to wander out, Minotaurs are a different story. Unless it's man-made, there's a possibility of something unusual happening inside the dungeon.
"From David? Show it to me... A designated request? The Black Reapers, you say?"
"Yes, they're a B-rank party affiliated with Primera. They've been quite the topic in the guild recently. It seems they're currently in Badoru..."
"Oh, their leader is from another world, right? Hehe, I'm looking forward to meeting him."
"...Guild Master, your face looks strangely happy. Are you sure you're okay?"
"Don't worry, Lino. I absolutely don't think he looks delicious..."
"Wow... It's been a while since the 'switch' turned on like this. Looks like Black Reapers are in trouble."
Our Guild Master, Lady Lilith, is a rare pure-blooded succubus around here. Most succubi use their racial traits to primarily run nightclubs, but Lady Lilith is a peculiar one among the supposedly weaker succubi who has been an adventurer for a long time.
I also didn't know before, but for succubi, absorbing the strong magical power of a man is said to be the ultimate pleasure. I had mistakenly thought that they were absorbing, you know, that thing of men, so I felt incredibly embarrassed!! So, when you think about it, the Adventurer's Guild might actually be a surprisingly good workplace for succubi.
But of course, it's not allowed to just absorb magical power without permission. It seems they negotiate properly when doing so. Please don't ask me what they exchange for it. I don't know, and I'm too scared to ask.
"Rino, what are you doing? Take a look, is this hairstyle and outfit okay?"
Somehow, the Guild Master putting in effort to dress up... it's kind of cute.
"I think it looks great, Lady Lilith!"
***
Heading to the Adventurer's Guild with Liselotte. This Badul Guild mainly has adventurers who enter dungeons to gather materials, so its atmosphere is a bit different from Primera and Fisteria.
I had thought they hunted monsters and gathered materials inside the dungeon, but in reality, the dungeons are treasure troves of ores and materials, and their job is to cut and collect them from the walls. Monsters are more of an annoyance, it seems. Isn't this just a regular mine? It's different from what I imagined.
Upon arriving at the Guild, I was first surprised by its size and then by its stuffiness. After all, most adventurers here look like burly bear men. Moreover, why is everyone shirtless!! At first glance, there's only about 10% women, or rather, you could say there's even less.
In the midst of this, bringing a beauty like Liselotte naturally made her stand out. Not a cliché, but she was immediately approached by burly men.
"Hey, scrawny guy, I won't say anything bad, so leave that woman and go. This isn't a place for weaklings like you."
Well, thank you for that refreshing cliché.
"I appreciate the advice, but I'm quite confident in my strength, you know. I was actually the strongest in the city, so how about you and I have a match? Arm wrestling."
The guild burst into laughter at those words.
"Gyahahaha! You think someone like you is the strongest, and of all things, arm wrestling? My sides hurt!"
"What, are you afraid of losing? You guys are all big in stature but have small guts."
"What did you say!"
The laughter in the guild turned into anger.
"Well, can't be helped. I'll bet my entire fortune, one platinum coin. But, if I win, I take all your money. So, who's up for it? First come, first served."
"I'll do it, I'm in! It won't be without a fight! I'll even treat you to drinks later. After all, it's a platinum coin, heheh."
"Alright, shall we begin? I'm Kakeru, and I'm betting one platinum coin."
"I'm Max, and I'm betting three gold coins."
The competition began on the table, and I was just barely winning each match. And then...
"The winner is Kakeru!"
As the guild cheered, I continued to rack up victories.
"What's up with that guy? He's incredibly strong!"
I made quite a bit of money, so it might be time to call it quits.
"This guild isn't that impressive..."
"Wait a minute, scrawny one. I'll wager 50 gold coins against you."
Oh, he seems to be the strongest one. The guild is abuzz; he seems quite famous.
"Ahh, that guy was strong, but he had bad luck. After a series of fights, he's going up against Gigas."
"In the end, Gigas is the one taking the good opportunities. He's got some luck."
"Well, this will be the final match. Bring it on seriously, Gigas."
(Is...is she okay, my knight?)
(No worries, watch me.)
"Scrawny one, I have some mercy. If you hand over that woman, I'll stop the match for you."
"Thanks for the concern, but let's get on with it!"
"Fool..."
Gigas exhaled.
Gigas's arms were as thick as tree trunks, and his palms were as thick and hard as gloves.
"Alright then, let the match begin!"
"Uooh!"
With a roar, Gigas put all his strength into it. However...
"W-Why isn't it moving..."
"Sorry to disappoint, but I haven't been serious even once. Until now, and from now on, you're quite strong for a human, Gigas."
I slammed Gigas's log-like arm down, shattering the table.
"The match goes to Kakeru!"
I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind. Liselotte? How was it? I looked cool, right?
"...Please compensate for the table."
The guild's older sister glared at me.
Yes, I'm sorry.