“Well, we can handle the talk about cooking after we’ve taken down this Gamelion, all right?”
“Ah, yes. That would be a huge help. Let’s make the Gamelion meat our top priority.”
“Now, I heard the area where these things appear is about half a day's journey from here. Were you planning on leaving now?”
At Rei’s question, Hasta glanced out the tavern window and shook his head.
“It takes about half a day to reach the Gamelion appearance point. Even if we left this second, the sun would be down by the time we arrived. Trying to hunt a target under those conditions would be a bit much. I mean, it might be fine for you, Rei-san, but for me…”
“True. It would be simple if we could both ride on Set, but unfortunately, he’s got his hands full just carrying me.”
“Set was the name of your Gryphon, right? Hmm… In that case, the smoothest plan would be to leave the city early tomorrow morning and arrive at the Gamelion appearance point around noon. We take it down and then head back to Gilm. That’s the ideal flow, but…”
Both Rei and Hasta fell silent for a moment before shaking their heads in unison.
“That’s impossible.”
“You’re right. I doubt things will go quite that conveniently. We don’t even know if we’ll find a Gamelion the moment we arrive. Actually, it’s usually impossible to be that lucky.”
“If that’s the case, we might have to be prepared to spend at least one night out there. As far as the dismantling work goes, there’s no problem if I just put the carcass in my Item Box and bring it back to the city, but the real issue is how long it takes to find one in the first place.”
“Exactly. And if possible, I’d rather avoid camping outside the city at this time of year. There’s the cold to consider, and more powerful monsters tend to show up during this season compared to spring or summer.”
“Heh, is that so?”
Rei, who hadn't known about that particular seasonal shift, spoke up with interest.
To him, a monster he hadn't met yet was synonymous with an unknown magic stone he hadn't absorbed. In that sense, the prospect of stronger monsters appearing was a welcome development.
“Would it be easier if Set and I just flew out to the plains and bagged the Gamelion for you? It wouldn't take much time, and it might be easier on your end, wouldn't it?”
Rei’s idea was simple: he would hunt the Gamelion, grab some magic stones from unknown monsters along the way, and Hasta could simply wait in Gilm. However, the young man shook his head.
“I appreciate the offer, but my father’s condition was that I had to take part in the work myself. I can’t just leave it all to you. If I were in debt to some crooked moneylender, I wouldn't have the luxury of worrying about appearances, but this is entirely my own selfishness. I’m the one who hates the fact that my parents are in debt… If I got the meat by letting you do everything, Rei-san, I’m certain my father wouldn't use a single scrap of it.”
“...Having a stubborn father sounds like a lot of work.”
“Ahaha. But because he’s like that, I want to be the one to help him.”
As Hasta gave a bashful but firm smile, Rei’s mind briefly drifted to Boruntar and Galahat from the Azoth Firm incident.
The transfer of Boruntar, Postgera, Koldo, and Minas to the Royal Capital had already been completed. There were rumors that until the day of their departure, heart-rending wails could be heard from their cells around midnight, but Rei’s expression didn't flicker upon hearing such talk.
“All right. Let's meet in front of the Main Gate tomorrow morning. We’ll move to the Gamelion appearance point and hunt as quickly as possible, then hurry back to Gilm. If we don't make it back by the gate closing time, we’ll have to camp for the night.”
“Yes. That’s the only way. It’s just… even if it can't be helped, the late sunrise is a real pain. Monsters are quite active when it’s dark.”
“That’s just the way of things. Besides, isn't this season the only time Gamelions show up?”
“Yeah. It’s said they come out to the plains where prey is abundant—both wild animals and other monsters—to gorge themselves and store up nutrients before winter. Actually, I had a chance to eat Gamelion meat about two years ago, and it was incredible. The flavor was easily on par with a B-Rank monster.”
Hasta wore a blissfully silly grin, clearly lost in the memory of the taste.
Watching him, Rei felt a pang of hunger, despite having just finished a light meal.
“Anyway, tomorrow morning. Let’s meet in front of the Main Gate just as it starts getting light.”
“Ah, y-yes! That works for me. I’m looking forward to it!”
Hasta bowed politely, and Rei gave a small nod before they parted ways to prepare for the following day.
In Rei’s case, his preparations were minimal. The Misty Ring on his right hand already contained a vast quantity of adventuring supplies, so he didn't need to buy anything new. He simply returned to his inn with Set, buying snacks from various stalls along the way.
The next morning arrived. Rei woke earlier than usual, finished a quick breakfast, and paid the inn to prepare a large batch of sandwiches for snacks and lunch. He made his way toward the Main Gate with Set while the world was still draped in the grey light of dawn.
“Man, it really is getting cold out here.”
“Guruuu.”
Rei muttered to himself as he watched several other adventurers heading toward the gate.
Unlike a few weeks ago, many were now wearing robes or heavy coats over their armor. He even spotted a figure who looked like a mage wearing several layers of robes bunched together.
In contrast, there was Rei in his Dragon Robe, which kept him at a perfectly comfortable temperature, and Set, who didn't seem to notice a dip in temperature at all. The one man and one beast stood out sharply from the crowd. While everyone in Gilm knew of Set by now, seeing someone in nothing but a light robe while temperatures were below 10°C drew plenty of stares.
It was obvious he was using some kind of magic item, but since Rei had earned a reputation as someone better left unbothered, no one approached him. He reached the gate and joined the group of adventurers waiting for it to open.
“Ah, Rei-san! Good morning!”
As soon as Hasta spotted him, he offered a vigorous greeting and a deep bow.
“...You’re awfully energetic for this hour.”
“Guruuu.”
“Heh. I’ve seen him from a distance in the city, but this is my first time being this close. Um… nice to meet you, Set. That’s right, isn't it?”
“Gururuuu.”
Set let out a soft trill from the back of its throat in response.
Seeing that, Hasta reached into his backpack and pulled something out.
“Um, I brought some staff meal from our diner. Would you like some?”
He held out a sandwich. However, it was so packed with thick slices of meat that it looked less like a sandwich and more like meat with bread.
“Guruuu!”
Set chirped happily, taking the offering in its beak and swallowing it down.
“Rei-san, please have one as well. My father made plenty of them to serve as my breakfast.”
“In that case, I won't say no.”
Even though he’d had a light breakfast at the inn, Rei took one of the meat sandwiches.
It wasn't exactly a refined dish, but the meat wasn't grilled—it had been slow-stewed until it was so tender it practically dissolved on his tongue without needing to chew.
“...This is good.”
The praise slipped out naturally. Hearing it, Hasta beamed with pride.
He clearly enjoyed hearing his father’s cooking being appreciated.
“I’m glad you like it! Ah, look, it seems the gate is opening. Let’s get going. We have a lot to do today.”
“Right. Set, let’s move.”
“Guruuu.”
Tossing the last bite of the sandwich into his mouth, Rei headed toward the gate with Set and Hasta.
The surrounding adventurers began to move as well, preparing for the exit procedures. However, many of them slowed down or stopped to chat with their party members once they noticed Rei and Set, giving the pair a wide berth.
“Oh, Rei-kun. It’s been a while.”
The one processing their departure was Ranga, the guard captain who had practically become their personal handler at the gate. Even with the sun barely over the horizon, his face was full of vitality, his rugged beard as black and glossy as ever.
“Yeah. My vacation is officially over. I’m heading out to the plains with this guy to hunt a Gamelion.”
The moment he heard the word "Gamelion," Ranga’s cheek gave a slight twitch.
Rei didn't miss it. He handed over his Guild Card and Set’s Tamed Monster's Necklace while looking the captain in the eye.
“Is something wrong?”
“...Well, I suppose there’s no need to worry with you involved, but… as you know, Gamelions show up every year around this time.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“They’re incredibly delicious for a C-Rank monster, so adventurers always flock to hunt them for requests or just for their own dinner tables. But…”
“But?”
“This year seems a little different. Several parties have already successfully hunted them, but they’ve been bringing back some strange reports.”
“...”
Rei waited in silence for Ranga to continue.
“A typical Gamelion is about three meters long. But some of those adventurers claim they saw one exceeding 8m.”
“...8m over? That’s massive. That’s nearly three times the normal size.”
“Yeah. It’s likely a Rare Species. At any rate, if you’re going after them, it would be wise to stay on your guard.”
“I will. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll make sure we’re careful not to get blindsided.”
“Please do. Honestly, it would be a relief if someone like you just took care of it. All right, here you go. Good luck out there.”
Rei took back his card and walked through the gate with Hasta, who had been waiting a few paces ahead. Set followed close behind, matching their pace.
They began the trek toward the Forest of Magic, skirting around the outskirts of Gilm.
“Did you hear that part about the Rare Species?”
“I did. A Rare Species is usually an entire rank higher than the base monster. If there really is a Rare Species Gamelion out there, it would be a B-Rank equivalent. Honestly, that’s a bit scary.”
Hasta let out a heavy sigh.
For a Rank D adventurer like him, hunting a C-Rank Gamelion solo was already a significant risk. He had only found the courage to do it because he had the strength of Rei and Set backing him up. The prospect of facing a B-Rank equivalent was enough to make anyone in his position hesitate.
“Well, we can probably handle a B-Rank.”
“...Huh?”
Rei’s casual remark left Hasta staring at him in shock.
There weren't many people in Gilm who could take on a B-Rank monster alone. Was this Rank D kid really saying he could manage it? Hasta’s doubt flared for a moment, but then he glanced at the Gryphon walking behind them and felt a wave of relief.
True, with an A-Rank Gryphon like Set, even a B-Rank monster should be manageable, he thought.
He didn't know that Rei had personally slain an Orc King, a Spriggan (albeit with Elena’s help), and countless Emerald Wolves—monsters that were B-Rank threats. The story of the Orc King was known to some, but it seemed the news hadn't reached Hasta’s ears.
“I’m counting on you if things get ugly.”
Assuming Set was the primary muscle, Hasta reached out and patted the Gryphon’s head for luck.
“Gururuuu?”
Set tilted its head, unsure why it was suddenly being petted, and let out a confused but friendly chirp.