◆ Avangarde Castle – King’s Chamber ◆
A long red carpet stretched out to the throne where the King sat, filling the spacious room. The ceiling was at least twice the height of a typical building. In this vast space, I found myself summoned alongside Roel, Barm, and Gilbert. However, I couldn’t understand why Kirkton was also present.
The King wore a stern expression, showing no signs of relaxation. Beside him, the Prime Minister, Belmund, regarded us with a gaze reminiscent of a lizard.
After passing the exam, I quickly scoured the Guild for A-Rank requests, and there were quite a few available. However, in this area, there were no dungeons surpassing Mist Village, so most of the requests could be considered at a B-Rank level. While there were other dungeons outside of Mist Village, there was no point in venturing there. It seemed that some A-Rank adventurers went to gather high-value materials, but for now, I wasn’t in need of money. I still had nearly 200,000 gold left. Given Roel’s appetite, I worried she might spend it all, but she was surprisingly good at managing our finances. Because of that, I couldn’t waste my allowance at all, and no matter how much I pleaded, she would never give me extra. That was truly disappointing.
Still, I wondered how much the reward for this request would be. After all, it was a request from the King, so it must be substantial.
“I have a task I wish to entrust to you, who have just recently been promoted to A-Rank. No need to be so stiff. After the exam, I thought it fitting to test you personally. The request I have for you now is merely a matter of gathering medicinal herbs, akin to what a D-Rank adventurer would do.”
Despite his words, the King’s expression remained rigid. He was much older than the King of the Wizard Kingdom, but he seemed to be the type who never smiled.
“First, Barm and Gilbert. You are familiar with the Kingdom of Normitz, correct?”
“Yes, it is renowned as an agricultural nation. It has the highest import rate of vegetables and fruits to the Kingdom of Avangarde, with famous exports including Hydra Fruit, Pofpof Fruit, and Emerald Lettuce. However, many of the Momoru Fruits also come from Normitz. While they are cultivated domestically, Normitz has its own unique varieties.”
“Y-yes, that’s enough, Gilbert. The Kingdom of Normitz has long been a friendly nation to ours and is indispensable to our development.”
“Indeed, while Normitz excels in agriculture, its military strength is quite weak. Thus, the Kingdom of Avangarde has poured its efforts into training adventurers…”
“Alright, alright. Just listen to what I have to say. The imports from Normitz have suddenly ceased. In fact, I sent a messenger about two months ago, but they have yet to return. The route to Normitz is not far, and there are no dangerous areas like Kizel Valley along the way. While I considered the possibility that they may have been killed by monsters, our soldiers, on average, possess B-Rank adventurer-level skills. Therefore, it is unlikely they were slain by monsters in that area.”
“That is indeed puzzling… Did you not use the Gigas Horse carriages?”
“No, unfortunately, they are all out for other reasons.”
“Hmm…”
“That is why I wish for you to travel to the Kingdom of Normitz. If anything arises, report back immediately. It is crucial that you do not delve too deeply. If anything were to happen, it would be beyond your capabilities. Understood?”
“Yes, understood. We will set out at once.”
“All expenses will be covered by us. You will receive the funds from Belmund. Additionally, I have prepared a reward of 80,000 gold. Use it as motivation.”
Indeed, as an A-Rank adventurer, we were entitled to support from the kingdom. Unlike B-Rank adventurers, everything necessary would be provided, which was a significant difference.
According to Roel, not only could we significantly reduce our expenses, but the reward amount was also on a completely different scale, so she was considering increasing my allowance moving forward.
“Now, Rua and Roel. I am pleased to see you have risen to A-Rank as expected. Therefore, I have something I would like you to do immediately.”
The King suddenly broke into a smile, a stark contrast to the stern expression he had directed at Gilbert and Barm. It was as if he had switched masks in an instant. Now that I thought about it, he seemed to have something to say to me the last time we met.
“You are aware of Tiferia, correct?”
“Yes.”
“She has managed to recover somewhat recently. However, the threat has not completely passed. It is still difficult for her to return to the front lines.”
Naturally, Roel was quite nervous speaking to the King, carefully choosing her words. Even now, she was only responding minimally.
That said, it was a relief to hear that someone as important as Tiferia wouldn’t easily perish. But what was it about Juo’s blood that had caused her so much suffering?
“The true nature of what was afflicting Tiferia remains unclear. If it were some sort of epidemic, we would not be able to focus on fighting the Demon Lord Army. If it were indeed caused by the Demon Lord Army, we would need to devise a countermeasure urgently. Therefore, I wish for you to venture to Mount Daigami in Azuma.”
“Azuma… That is the island nation in the western sea, correct?”
“Yes, the area surrounding Mount Daigami is a treacherous region, with numerous mountains that even the locals rarely approach. However, there is a herb known as the Millennium Herb that only grows at the peak of that mountain. I need you to retrieve it.”
“What is the Millennium Herb?”
“Rua-chan, please use respectful language…”
“It is said that if brewed and consumed, one can live for a thousand years. It is rumored to be a medicinal herb capable of curing even the gravest of illnesses.”
“Is there really such a thing?”
“Is it the one rumored to have quelled the spread of the Ash Death Disease…?”
Barm suddenly interjected. What was this Ash Death Disease?
“The Ash Death Disease causes parts of the body to gradually turn gray, leading to a shutdown of bodily functions. Hands and feet become immobile, and it feels as if one is rotting alive from an unknown cause. It has spread in certain regions of Azuma, claiming many lives.”
Belmund spoke in a calm tone, devoid of emotion, even while discussing such terrifying matters.
“Azuma is originally known as the longest-living nation in the world. Its knowledge of medicinal herbs and processing techniques is unparalleled. However, regarding the Millennium Herb, as Barm mentioned, it remains within the realm of rumor. Yet, I am convinced of its existence. For some reason, Azuma has been adamantly denying this fact, which raises my suspicions.”
“The Millennium Herb grows at the peak of Mount Daigami. This is the information we have managed to obtain.”
Listening to the conversation between the King and Belmund, I felt uneasy about being sent to retrieve something whose existence was uncertain. What if it didn’t exist? That would be a complete waste of time. Moreover, we would have to cross the sea like the Wizard Kingdom, which would take several days.
“…That is all. I will also provide you with travel funds. Azuma is located far to the west of here. It will be a long journey, but I wish you luck.”
“Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, this request…”
“That matter has already been settled, Captain Kirkton.”
“However, Mount Daigami has…!”
“Stand down. Further discussion is unnecessary.”
Belmund shot a piercing glare at Kirkton, as if to silence him. Kirkton, visibly frustrated, fell silent, his expression filled with dissatisfaction.
“The reward for a successful mission is 250,000 gold. I look forward to your good news.”
The reward amount presented so casually was truly staggering. Even now, I had 200,000 gold, and if successful, that would total 450,000 gold. I couldn’t help but wonder how much my allowance would increase.
◆ Avangarde Castle – Corridor ◆
Having received an unbelievable amount of gold coins, we promptly decided to head toward Azuma. It seemed we would have to pass through a port on another continent from Avangarde Port, making it a truly long journey. I thought about swimming to get there faster, but that would leave Roel behind.
Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was more than just a request. Listening to the conversation, it felt as if I were a soldier receiving orders from the King. If this were truly a request, we should have the option to refuse. But I wouldn’t do that.
Only a select few adventurers could enter Ikana Village. If I wanted to be recognized, I needed to complete more requests. Besides, I hadn’t forgotten about the One-Winged Demon. If we traveled to another continent, perhaps someone would know something about it. So, going to various places wouldn’t be a waste.
“Sigh… I get so nervous in front of the King.”
“Really? I feel kind of sleepy when I’m around that person.”
“Please don’t actually fall asleep…”
“By the way, I wonder what Kirkton was trying to say at the end.”
“Hey! Can I have a moment with you guys?”
It was Kirkton, chasing after us. Perhaps it was about what happened earlier.
“Kirkton, why are you in such a rush?”
“The king didn’t say anything, but several others have taken the same request and headed to Azuma. However, not a single one has returned. I’m not trying to scare you, but please be extra cautious.”
“I-Is Mount Daigami really that dangerous?”
“…That country is renowned as the land of the Divine Being. Despite being a small island nation, they have repelled invasions from other countries multiple times. According to their people, it is said they are protected by the Divine Being. Their faith in the Divine Being is incredibly strong. I visited once long ago, and they tend to be rather exclusive towards outsiders. It’s best not to insult Daigami, whom they revere. There are rumors that adventurers who don’t return were erased for that reason, or that they angered the Divine Being by approaching Mount Daigami. The stories are not good.”
“Daigami?”
“That’s the name of the Divine Being they worship. Listen carefully: even if you’re an ignorant outsider, you must never refer to him simply as Daigami. Always say ‘Lord Daigami.’ In fact, just doing that should make you somewhat welcome as a diligent tourist.”
I found myself overwhelmed by Kirkton’s fervent explanation. The land of the Divine Being, Lord Daigami… I couldn’t quite wrap my head around it, and I didn’t know how to respond. Do gods really exist? If they do, then why was my village destroyed? If it truly is the land of the Divine Being, shouldn’t he have protected us?
“Mount Daigami is said to be the mountain where Lord Daigami resides. It might not be easy to approach. I opposed this reckless mission until the very end…”
I felt a bit disappointed when Kirkton referred to it as a mission instead of a request. He might not mean any harm, and he’s not necessarily wrong.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to hold you up. I know your abilities, but this is an unusual place. It’s better to be cautious.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
After bowing my head, I watched as Kirkton turned and left, his cloak billowing behind him. As I saw him off, I imagined what Azuma would be like. It was just a matter of going to the mountain and collecting some herbs to put into the special box I received. That was all.
“Um, first, I need to go from Avangarde Port to the port on the Ballad Continent…”
Honestly, I thought it would be impossible for me to navigate an unfamiliar place alone. Just figuring out which port to go to and where to head next was overwhelming. I decided to leave that to Roel.
Alright, my destination is Azuma. Just wait for me, Millennium Herb and Lord Daigami. Oh, and the Divine Being doesn’t need to wait for me.