Chapter 21: Townsperson A and an Act of Filial Piety (Part One)

“Kid, you’re pretty damn amazing, aren't you?”

“Thank you very much!”

I handed over the Goblin Lord’s magic stone to my mentor and let him buy it from me. With this, the achievement for conquering the Goblin Labyrinth would be officially recorded on my Guild Card.

I had just returned to Luluden from Strezen by carriage and was currently checking in at the Guild.

“A total of 138 goblins culled, too. At this rate, the goblin situation in Strezen should be stable for the time being. Well done, kid!”

My mentor praised me while roughly and vigorously ruffling my hair. Thanks to my efforts, the permanent request for goblin extermination in Strezen was finally being withdrawn.

Checking my Guild Card, my current status looked like this:

Name: Allen Rank: E Age: 12 Divine Protection: Wind God Skills: Stealth, Appraisal, Alchemy, Wind Magic, Multi-Cast, Chantless Residence: Luluden Funds: 5,519,416 Level: 6 Stamina: E Mana: D Achievements: Goblin Labyrinth Conquered

I had reached level 6, pocketed the 200,000-credit subjugation reward, and earned an additional 500,000 credits as a completion bonus—or rather, the profit from selling the Goblin Lord’s magic stone.

My next move should be running high-speed laps through the Goblin Labyrinth to grind levels. I wanted to get my level high enough to challenge the next dungeon, but for high-speed farming, I needed a weapon capable of taking down a Goblin Lord in a single shot. Without that, breaking through the Great Orc Labyrinth I had my eye on would be a tall order.

Since I planned to spend a while focused on the research and development of a new firearm, I decided it was time to move. I wasn't thrilled about the idea of sleeping in the same room as my mother in our cramped one-room house forever, and I desperately needed a warehouse to stockpile my materials.

I wanted to find a 2LDK or a 3DK apartment—somewhere I could give my mother a slightly more comfortable life.

With that goal in mind, I finished my paperwork at the Guild and headed home.

“Mom, I’m back.”

“Ah, Allen. Welcome home. You aren't hurt, are you?”

“I’m fine. I managed to conquer the Goblin Labyrinth. More importantly, how have you been, Mom?”

“Of course I've been well. I'm always fine. Besides, you should hear what Martina-san from next door said...”

It was a mundane, precious conversation between parent and child, and it warmed my heart more than anything else. There’s no way I’m letting some 'Scenario' take my mother away from me. I won't let anything take her.

“By the way, Mom. I’ve started making a decent amount of money lately, so why don’t we move into a bigger place together?” I asked, finally broaching the subject.

“Allen, we can still live in this house, can’t we? Besides, you should use the money you earn for yourself. I’m not some mother who expects to be supported by her own child, you know?”

I figured she’d say that.

“It’s not just about that. Being an adventurer means my gear and supplies are piling up, and it’s becoming a real problem. We just don't have the space here. But it would be a waste of rent if we lived separately, right? So, the thing is... I really want to move. And it would make me happy if you came with me.”

My mother looked at me, falling into deep thought.

“A-And, well... I’m away from home so often. It would be a huge help if you were there to look after the place and handle the housework...”

As I trailed off, a soft sensation enveloped me. My mother was hugging me—tightly, yet with a gentle touch.

“You silly boy. You don’t need to make up excuses. For me, seeing you happy is what matters most.”

How long had it been since she held me like this? A profound warmth filled my chest.

“Well then, tomorrow is my day off. Shall we go look for a new house together?”

“Yeah!” I nodded honestly, a smile tugging at my lips.

＊＊＊＊

“Hah, so you dragged your mother all the way to the Guild, did you?”

My mentor gave me an exasperated look.

“My son is always in your care,” my mother said, bowing politely. “Um, is he doing a good job? I hope he isn't causing everyone too much trouble.”

“O-Oh. The kid works hard. Uh...”

“I am Katerina, Allen’s mother. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’m Rudolf. I handle the reception here and teach the kid swordsmanship. Nice to meet you. Honestly, your boy is the Guild's most promising newcomer. His track record is flawless, and more importantly, he’s got the sheer grit to have spent four years cleaning gutters every single day without fail. Plenty of people are watching him; once he hits D-rank, half the adventurers here will probably be tripping over themselves to invite him to their parties.”

“My goodness. Thank you so much, as always.”

“Y-Yeah, don't mention it.”

I see. So people are already talking about parties? If an E-rank joined a party, it placed restrictions on what quests they could accept, which made people reluctant to recruit them. But at D-rank, those restrictions vanished.

I knew I was being treated well, but I had my Destiny Destruction Plan to consider. I wasn't sure what to do about a party. Well, no point worrying about it until I actually rank up.

Shaking off the thought, I got back to the matter at hand.

“So, Mentor. I was hoping you could recommend a good property.”

“Like I told you, kid, the Guild isn't a real estate agency. I could give you a few leads, but they’re all aimed at adventurers. They’re usually in rough neighborhoods—not the kind of place a civilian like Katerina-san should be living.”

“Then please, introduce me to a real estate agent!”

“O-Oh. You're more aggressive than usual today. Well, if that’s the case...”

“Oh? Allen-kun, are you moving?”

Monica-san interjected, leaning in from the side. She was in her street clothes, so it didn't look like her shift had started yet. At least she didn't try to tackle-hug me this time.

“That's the plan, Monica-san. I've saved up a bit, so I thought I'd find a larger place for me and my mom.”

“I see. How admirable. In that case, why don't you come to my place?”

“Huh?”

“Wait, Allen-kun... what exactly were you just imagining?”

Monica-san gave her lips a slow, sultry lick. An ordinary boy probably would have felt his heart skip a beat, but to me, it looked exactly like a snake flicking its tongue. It sent a different kind of shiver down my spine.

“Uh, well, no...”

As I struggled for an answer, Monica-san mercifully changed the subject.

“My father runs an apartment building. I can show you a place that’s just right for a family of two. Oh, and you must be Allen-kun’s mother. I’m Monica, a waitress here. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“I'm Katerina. Thank you for looking after my son.”

The two finally exchanged formal greetings.

“I see,” Rudolf muttered. “Monica’s place would be safe enough. But isn’t the rent a bit steep?”

“For Allen-kun and his family? I can do 100,000 a month. Why don't you come take a look before you decide?”

100,000 credits? That’s a bit high. On the other hand, our current dilapidated one-room shack probably cost around 60,000 or 70,000. If it was a significant upgrade, it might actually be a bargain.

“Yes, please. I’d love to see it.”

“Then it’s settled!”

And so, we set off to inspect the apartment owned by Monica-san’s father.