“Ah, Rei-san. How did the request turn out?”
As he stepped out of the meeting room and returned to the guild’s first floor, Lenora, the receptionist, called out to him. Since she was someone who had helped him many times before, he couldn't simply ignore her, so he made his way toward the counter.
“Yeah, no problems. It’s settled—I’m taking the request.”
“I see. But your opponents are Orcs. And I heard there’s a considerable number of them. Please be careful. The guild would hate to lose such a promising newcomer.”
Lenora’s eyes were clouded with genuine concern as she spoke.
“That’s right. Rei-kun is still a rookie, so you need to leave the hard parts to the high-rankers and focus on staying alive.”
The voice came from the cat-beastman receptionist standing next to Lenora. Since he had never spoken to her before, Rei shot her a suspicious look.
“Ah, sorry. I haven't introduced myself yet. I’m Kenny, Lenora’s partner in crime. Nice to meet you, Rei-kun.”
“Oh... yeah. Nice to meet you.”
Despite it being their first real interaction, Kenny approached him while radiating blatant affection. Somewhat bewildered by her forwardness, Rei shook her hand.
“Honestly, Kenny,” Lenora sighed.
“What? The morning rush is over, so a little chat shouldn't hurt.”
Rei glanced toward the quest boards at Kenny’s words; indeed, there was hardly anyone left in that area. Over in the tavern, a few adventurers were eating breakfast before heading out, but none were drinking yet.
“Anyway, Rei-kun, this Orc subjugation is going to be very dangerous, so please be extremely careful.”
“Yeah, I intend to. Well, I have preparations to make, so I’ll be going now.”
“Ah, yes. Take care, Rei-san.”
“Rei-kun, if you come back safely, this big sister will give you a special reward, so don’t go getting hurt!”
Lenora gave a light wave, while Kenny saw him off with a pose that emphasized her impressive chest. The few adventurers remaining in the guild cast envious glares at the scene with their favorite receptionists, but Rei left the building without noticing a thing.
“Oh, welcome back. That was fast. Are you off today?”
Upon returning to the Dusk Wheat Inn, he ran into Lana at the entrance. She was carrying a massive pile of ingredients in her stout arms, likely for tonight’s dinner.
“Perfect timing. I’ll be away for a few days for a request.”
“Understood. However, if you stay past the days you’ve paid for, we’ll move any luggage in your room to storage. If you don’t return within three months, the items will be disposed of. Is that acceptable?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. And naturally, I’ll be taking Seto with me.”
“Understood. When are you leaving?”
“Around noon.”
“Then stop by the dining hall before you head out. I’ll have a lunch box ready for you.”
Lana disappeared toward the kitchen after that brief exchange. She was likely swamped with lunch and dinner prep.
Rei watched her go, then returned to his room, where he took off his Dragon Robe and Sleipnir's Shoes and lay down on the bed. Since his essential gear was all stored inside the Misty Ring, the only personal belongings left in the room were a change of clothes and some loose change.
A pack of Orcs. And a high probability they’re led by a Rare Species or a High-ranking Species, huh.
Rare Species and High-ranking Species were distinctly different categories. For instance, the Rare Species of Goblin Rei had defeated before was a sudden mutation of a base Goblin. In contrast, a High-ranking Species—like a High Goblin—was a creature born as a superior existence to the standard species.
Either way, Orcs themselves are high enough rank that I can expect to learn new skills. However, I should probably keep the unique abilities of Seto and the Death Scythe out of the spotlight.
Rei already stood out in a bad way due to his strength and equipment. On top of that, he had just demonstrated the existence of his Misty Ring in front of a crowd. It was inevitable that people with ulterior motives would eventually approach him. In fact, several people in the meeting room had fixed him with sharp glares the moment he showed the ring. If the existence of a Gryphon that breathed fire and water, or a Death Scythe that corroded metal on contact, became public knowledge...
No, wait. I can't really hide Seto’s Water Ball and Fire Breath, but maybe I can pass off the Corrosion as my own magic? Well, either way, it’s best to keep a low profile as much as possible.
The Death Scythe’s ability to corrode metal was far more effective against humans than monsters. Unlike monsters who used claws, horns, or tails as weapons, humans were rendered almost helpless if their weapons, shields, and armor were destroyed. Considering most human equipment was made of metal, the Corrosion skill was their ultimate natural enemy.
I’ll have Seto fight using only the standard abilities of a Gryphon. And I’ll try to keep the Corrosion skill hidden. But according to Zephyle's knowledge, many Orcs use equipment, so I’ll just have to play it by ear.
Deciding to go with the flow, Rei sprang up from the bed and began his final preparations—which mostly consisted of putting his Dragon Robe and Sleipnir's Shoes back on.
It was still a bit early for noon, but since Bobbs had told him to be at the guild before then, Rei figured he would eat at the inn’s dining hall before heading out.
“Ah, guest! Here, take this. Eat it for dinner tonight.”
The moment he entered the dining hall, he was handed a basket stuffed with sandwiches. It felt much heavier than his usual lunch boxes. Surprised by the weight, he couldn't help but ask.
“This is a lot more than usual, isn't it?”
“Of course it is! You’ve paid for ten days upfront but you’re going to be away for a few of them, so I’m being generous. Also, I’ll count today’s lunch as already paid for. Now, have a seat; I’ll bring your food right out.”
After enjoying his lunch and taking the heavy basket of sandwiches, Rei headed to the stables, feeling satisfied.
“Gururuu.”
Seto let out a happy cry the moment Rei appeared. Simultaneously, the other horses in the stable began to shift restlessly. Seto was an existence on an entirely different biological level. Even though they had been safe while the Gryphon was asleep, the fact that it was now awake reignited their primal terror.
Rei led Seto out of the stable with a wry smile.
“Seto, we’re heading out for an Orc subjugation. It’ll take a few days.”
“Guruu.”
Seto gave a short chirp from the back of its throat in acknowledgement.
“But this time it’s not just us. We’re moving in a group of nearly thirty people. I don’t want others to find out about your special abilities. It’d be a pain if weird people started bothering you, right? Outside the city is one thing, but if we end up killing someone inside, it’ll be a huge mess. So, while we’re hunting Orcs, you’re forbidden from using Water Ball and Fire Breath. Of course, you can use them at your own discretion if your life is in danger.”
“...Guruu.”
Seto agreed, though it sounded a bit reluctant. Rei scratched the Gryphon’s head to soothe it.
“Look at it this way—there are going to be a lot of Orcs. And since there might be Rare Species or High-ranking Species like the ones from the Goblin quest, we can expect some good Magic Stones. Plus, you’re interested in Orc meat, aren’t you?”
“Gurururururu!”
Seto’s mood did an immediate about-face, and it let out a joyous cry. Smiling at how easily food could fix its mood, Rei began walking toward the Adventurer’s Guild.
As usual, passersby reacted with a mix of shock and fear. Rei bought random snacks from street stalls and fed them to Seto, ate some himself even though he’d just had lunch, and bought extra to store in the Misty Ring.
Upon reaching the guild, Seto moved to the designated waiting area for carriages and tamed beasts and flopped down to rest without being told. Rei gave its head a final pat and stepped inside.
With noon approaching, the tavern area was filled with about ten adventurers eating lunch. As Rei approached the counter, several of them stopped eating to observe him.
...Is someone watching me?
He could feel the gazes. He assumed these were members of the Orc Subjugation Force who were interested in the Misty Ring he had displayed earlier.
It seems I won’t be able to relax even on the way to the Orc Settlement. Oh well...
A faint, sharp smile played across his lips.
If they try anything, I’ll just deal with them.
“Rei-san?”
His expression smoothed out as Lenora called to him from behind the counter.
“Oh, Rei-kun. What’s wrong? Forget something?” Kenny asked from beside her.
Since it was quiet before the midday rush, the staff seemed to have some downtime. In fact, most of the employees were missing from the counter.
“No, a guild official named Bobbs told me to be here before noon. Speaking of which, the staff seems a bit thin today.”
“A lot of people were pulled away to prepare materials for the Orc subjugation and get the wagons ready,” Lenora explained.
“More importantly, why did Bobbs-san call for you? Don't tell me you changed your mind about going?” Kenny asked, sounding a little hopeful.
Rei shook his head. “No, it’s about the transport of supplies.”
“Supplies? Why would they call you for that?”
“Hey, Kenny! You’re being too nosy!” Lenora scolded.
Usually, adventurers never showed their cards to others. Even among allies, they were still competitors. That was the common sense of the world. However...
“Oh, it’s because I have an Item Box,” Rei answered bluntly.
Rei had already shown off the Misty Ring during his clash with the Falcon’s Claws in front of the guild, and again during the briefing. He assumed the information was already public knowledge.
However, as it happened, Lenora and Kenny hadn't heard about it yet. They stared at him with wide, shocked eyes.
“Eh? You have an Item Box, Rei-san?”
“Whoa, Rei-kun, that’s amazing! Hey, hey, let me see it for a—”
“You’re here.”
A low, heavy voice cut through Kenny’s excitement. It was a voice with such presence that it was impossible to ignore.
“Ah, Bobbs-san!”
“H-Hello, sir.”
Lenora and Kenny immediately stiffened and bowed. Bobbs gave them a brief glance before turning his attention to Rei.
“This way. Follow me. The supplies are ready.”
He turned and headed toward the back exit of the guild. Rei nodded to the receptionists and followed. As they left, the persistent gazes from the tavern vanished the moment Bobbs appeared.
“These are the supplies I want you to carry.”
Rei looked at the massive pile of goods Bobbs pointed to. There were Potions, Mana Potions, Antidotes, and Paralysis Cures. There were rations like dried meat, dried fruit, and hardtack. There were tents and various other necessities for the mission. The Orc Settlement was about a day’s journey away, but the expedition would take at least three days—one day to get there, a day for the battle and cleanup, and a day to return. With thirty people and emergency reserves, the supplies formed a small mountain.
“Can you handle it?”
“No problem.”
Rei began touching the supplies, storing them into the Misty Ring one after another. Bobbs watched with a look of genuine admiration.
In less than ten minutes, the entire mountain was gone. At Bobbs’ direction, Rei practiced retrieving and re-storing specific items a few times.
“Good. I’m entrusting all of it to you. Also, since you’re a solo, you’re to stay with the Axe of the Thunder God until we reach the settlement. It wouldn't be a very funny joke if you died on the road and all our supplies disappeared with you.”
“Understood.”
“The others should be gathering at the Main Gate soon. I have other business to attend to, so head there first.”
Rei nodded and set off.
Finally, the Orc subjugation. I wonder what kind of Magic Stones I’ll get. And with people already targeting me, it doesn't look like I’ll be bored.