Port City Emocion. Among the many coastal cities in the Kingdom of Mireana, this one boasted one of the largest scales in the country. Renowned as a hub for maritime trade, the recent war with the Bestia Empire had been fought, in part, because the Empire desired to seize this very port.
Because a massive number of ships arrived daily, the population fluctuated constantly, yet it was estimated to be somewhere between five and six hundred thousand people.
With vessels arriving from other nations and even from distant continents, the profits Emocion brought to the Kingdom of Mireana were immense. Naturally, such wealth attracted those with ill intent, and the surrounding areas were teeming with thieves and pirates.
After listening to Marina's explanation of the city, Rei nodded, though he still had questions.
"And why exactly is it that I'm the one who has to bother going all the way out there?"
"Please don't misunderstand; I'm not ordering you to go. It’s more of a suggestion—a 'how would you like to try this?' sort of thing."
Marina clarified that it was a request rather than an official guild instruction, but to Rei, the distinction didn't particularly matter.
"What's the reason, then?"
"Sigh... The truth is, for about the last half a month, a giant monster has been appearing off the coast of Emocion. It’s been sinking ships trying to enter the port. Of course, it hasn't sunk every single vessel; occasionally, high-ranking adventurers happen to be on board and manage to drive it off. But the damage is real and significant. It’s reached the point where Emocion’s standing as a port city is in jeopardy if that monster isn't dealt with soon."
Marina didn't sound particularly grim, but the situation itself was clearly dire. Considering how much profit Emocion generated for the kingdom, the city's upper management undoubtedly wanted the monster dead as soon as humanly possible.
Listening to her, Rei suddenly recalled a story he’d heard once before.
"Speaking of which, Elk mentioned staying up for several nights in a row to fight a monster in some port city... was that Emocion too?"
"It was. I did indeed dispatch the Axe of the Thunder God back then. However, the difference this time is that the monster isn't launching direct attacks on the harbor. That’s why the damage is less severe than before, but the downside is that it won't leave the water. Driving it off temporarily is one thing, but actually killing it has proven impossible."
"...I see."
Rei understood the headache immediately. If the monster attacked the port directly, it would have to surface or come closer to land, making it vulnerable to attacks from the shore—unless it had incredible long-range capabilities. But if it simply sat out in the deep water, those on land couldn't even reach it.
Furthermore, even if they tried to force an attack, the seawater itself likely acted as a barrier.
"What about water-system magic?"
"Unfortunately, that's useless. Given that it's a port city, Emocion has plenty of water magic users. Apparently, a mage from a B-rank party even tried, but the monster itself seems to use water magic, so the spells had almost no effect."
"Almost? So there was at least some effect?"
"Yes. A little... I suppose."
Marina’s words trailed off meaningfully.
"Is there a problem?"
"Water-system magic is relatively good for recovery magic. Which means..."
Rei realized what she was getting at. He made a face of pure annoyance.
"The monster can use recovery magic too?"
"Close. It would be more accurate to call it a regeneration ability rather than magic."
"...And what do you expect me to do against something like that?"
It was already underwater, protected by a seawater shield. Adding a regeneration ability into the mix made it the worst possible matchup for Rei. Above all...
"As you know, my specialty is flame magic. It’s already weak against an opponent submerged in the sea, but if it can regenerate on top of that, I’m at a total loss."
Rei let out a heavy sigh, but Marina merely smiled and shook her head.
"Flame magic might be ineffective, but you have other ways to fight, don't you? You have a magic item great scythe, and I’ve heard you can use wind magic as well. But more importantly, you possess an overwhelming advantage that the adventurers currently in Emocion lack."
"An absolute advantage?"
"Yes. You have a gryphon as a tamed monster. You’ve been seen flying through the skies on its back. In a situation like this, being able to fly makes you far more capable than anyone else on the ground."
"...Well, I can't argue with that."
Rei had learned exactly how massive an advantage flight was during the battle on the Seremuse Plain. However, if flight was the deciding factor, it didn't necessarily have to be him.
"Then shouldn't you just send the Dragon Knights?"
"Dragon Knights are incredibly expensive to mobilize. Even if the state dispatches them, someone has to foot a massive bill."
"Even so, isn't Emocion the largest port in the kingdom? If the monster keeps the port shut down, the crown is going to lose way more money in the long run, right?"
"That’s true. However, if the government started sending Dragon Knights for free, every territory in the country would start demanding their help for every little thing. It would also rob adventurers of their livelihood. If you can get the elite Dragon Knights for free, why would any lord pay a reward to hire adventurers?"
"That makes sense."
Rei accepted the logic. If lords could get monsters cleared out by the military elite without spending a copper, they would stop using the guild entirely.
"Furthermore, Dragon Knights are a small, elite force because of the sheer cost of training them. If we worked them to the bone without rest, they would burn out instantly."
Rei nodded in silent agreement.
"So, the guild in Emocion sent out a notice to every guild in the Kingdom of Mireana and the neighboring countries."
"Asking for help to subjugate the sea monster?"
Rei assumed that was the case, but Marina shook her head.
"Not quite. It’s a request for combat power, yes, but specifically, they’ve announced a bounty on the monster's head. A massive one. By now, adventurers from all over Mireana—and likely from guilds in nearby nations—are already on their way."
"...And you want me to join the race?"
Marina smiled and nodded at Rei’s question.
"Exactly. You’ve become quite famous after the war. As the Guild Master of the City of Gilm, it would be a huge help if you made a name for yourself once more. Besides, a few adventurers from our city said they were heading there, but for D or C-rankers, they’re basically just going there to die."
"Hey, I'm C-rank too, you know."
"I’m aware. But you’re you, Rei. This war proved that your strength can't be measured by ordinary rank standards. I heard the stories, you know—how you summoned a flame tornado and annihilated the Bestia Empire’s lead unit."
"Those stories are exaggerated. That rumor hasn't just grown a tail; it's grown a dorsal fin, gills, arms, and legs."
"Hehe, that would make it a half-fishman, wouldn't it?"
Marina’s smile suggested she knew exactly what he was capable of. Seeing that he had no chance of winning this argument, Rei sighed and steered the conversation back.
"Even if there’s a bounty, I’m not exactly hurting for money right now. And I’ve never been one to care much for fame."
To Rei, as long as he had enough to live on day to day, he was satisfied. Even if he wanted expensive magic items from a shop, he could earn plenty by taking requests or hunting monsters with Set to sell the materials and magic stones. Of course, given Set’s appetite and his own, his "comfortable" living expenses were several times higher than the average person's, but he could still manage.
However, Marina had anticipated his lack of interest in coin.
"I heard you were collecting magic stones, Rei. Don't tell me you aren't interested in the magic stone of a giant sea monster? Besides, with your achievements from the war and the potential success in Emocion, you’d be eligible to take the Rank Up Exam for B-rank. Normally, you’d need years of experience after reaching C-rank, but with two massive contributions like these, neither the guild nor other adventurers could possibly complain."
Rei froze. He had been looking for a way to decline, but her words struck a chord.
Magic stones were essential for him, given the nature of the beast magic that sustained Set and the Death Scythe. Experience had shown him that high-rank monster magic stones were far more likely to grant new skills upon absorption.
If this monster was powerful enough to sink multiple ships despite the efforts of local adventurers, it was almost certainly a high-rank creature.
...I see. When I put it that way, it’s definitely worth the trip. Since it’s a port city, there will be plenty of other sea monsters besides the target, which means more chances for skills. And if I can take a crack at the next rank, I might as well.
His mind made up, Rei immediately changed his tune.
"You're right. Considering the magic stone, I shouldn't pass up a rare chance like this."
"Oh? Not interested in the Rank Up Exam? Well, regardless... does this mean you'll go?"
Marina asked with an air of finality, knowing he wouldn't say no now. Rei nodded.
"Yeah."
"Good. But be careful. Killing the target is first-come, first-served. You're allowed to cooperate with others once you're there, of course, but..."
Marina trailed off, knowing Rei’s personality. Given his poor social skills, he was unlikely to find a partner unless he got incredibly lucky.
"I get it. But that sounds like a recipe for a fight over the bounty, materials, and the magic stone. It’s probably better if Set and I handle it alone... though I guess I'll figure that out once I get there. I’ll clash with it once to see what I'm dealing with, and if it seems too much for a solo run, then I'll reconsider."
"I'm sure you and Set can escape if things get hairy, but please, do be careful. Oh, wait a moment. I have something for you."
She stood up from the sofa and retrieved an envelope and a slip of paper from her desk.
"What are these?"
"The envelope is a letter of introduction from me. Any adventurer can take on the subjugation, but having the Guild Master's personal introduction should cut through some of the more annoying red tape."
"That's helpful. Thanks. And this paper?"
"A simple map to Emocion. I can't give you a highly detailed one, but this should be enough to show you the way."
Rei looked at the map. Unlike the detailed map he had borrowed when traveling to the City of Baar during the magic fever crisis, this one was roughly sketched, showing only the general positions of major cities. It was crude, almost lazy.
Still, maps were valuable commodities. Even a crude one like this was a luxury that only people of a certain status could obtain. A common traveling merchant would never be able to get their hands on something like this.
"I'll head toward Sablusta... no, that's not right. Since I'm flying on Set, I don't have to follow the highway. If I head south from the City of Abuelo, I can fly straight over the forests and cut the distance significantly. If I keep to the air and use the towns along the way as landmarks..."
Normally, traveling from the City of Gilm to Emocion would take at least a month, even in a hurry. But with Set as his partner, Rei could bypass the roads entirely, cutting the travel time down drastically.
Shortcutting the highways that wind around dangerous areas makes a huge difference.
"How is it? Any problems?"
"None at all."
Rei nodded and stored the map in his Misty Ring.
"Good. Then, just to confirm one last time—you're heading to Emocion?"
"Yeah."
"This isn't an official guild request, so there’s no payment or compensation if you fail to kill the target."
"I'm fine with that."
"...Understood. Then, I’m counting on you. Fortunately, the chaos from the war has settled, and while they aren't on your level, we have other capable hands available. You should take your time and enjoy the trip."
"Take my time?"
"Ah, no. I just meant that you must be exhausted after the war. Since you're going to a port city, you should try to get some well-deserved rest while you're at it."
Rei felt a flicker of doubt at her behavior, but he pushed it aside and finalized his decision to depart for the port city.