Chapter 12: In the Royal Capital – 01
Soushi Okuno
C-Rank
Adventurer Level: 46
Weapon Skills
– Mace: Level 40
– Longsword: Level 13
– Dagger: Level 8
– Martial Arts: Level 27
Armor Skills
– Buckler: Level 20
– Large Shield: Level 22
Physical Abilities
– Stamina: Level 43
– Strength: Level 50
– Running Speed: Level 30
– Explosive Power: Level 29
– Reflexes: Level 28
– Body Control: Level 19
Sensory Skills
– Vision: Level 20
– Hearing: Level 17
– Smell: Level 10
– Touch: Level 11
– Dynamic Vision: Level 28
– Presence Detection: Level 16
Mental Skills
– Composure: Level 17
– Thought Acceleration: Level 14
– Excitement: Level 5
Special Skills
– Regeneration: Level 12
– Stability: Level 20 [max]
– Herculean Strength: Level 20 [max]
– Adamantine Strength: Level 8
– Steel Body: Level 20 [max]
– Adamantine Body: Level 5
– Honshin: Level 14
– Heavy Impact: Level 20 [max]
– Grasp: Level 15
– Shockwave: Level 11
– Immovable: Level 12
– Steel Core: Level 12
– Iron Wall: Level 5
– Provoke: Level 1 (new)
– Poison Resistance: Level 5
– Hallucination Resistance: Level 5
– Paralysis Resistance: Level 3
– Charm Resistance: Level 8
Item Box: Level 14
Vessel of the Commander: Level 1
Unique Skill
– Bad Luck: Level 10
Special Equipment
– Unusual Mace (Non-Rank Weapon)
– Ring (Agility +1)
– Ring (Fire Resistance +1)
Freinir
C-Rank
Adventurer Level: 31
Weapon Skills
– Staff: Level 20
– Spear: Level 3
– Martial Arts: Level 6
Armor Skills
– Buckler: Level 7
Physical Abilities
– Stamina: Level 19
– Strength: Level 11
– Running Speed: Level 18
– Explosive Power: Level 10
– Reflexes: Level 10
– Body Control: Level 8
Sensory Skills
– Vision: Level 15
– Hearing: Level 11
– Smell: Level 7
– Touch: Level 9
– Dynamic Vision: Level 11
– Presence Detection: Level 11
Mental Skills
– Dependency: Level 11
– Mental Concentration: Level 21
Special Skills
– Holy Attribute Magic: Level 20 [max]
– True Holy Magic: Level 3
– Divine Attribute Magic: Level 12
– Life Attribute Magic: Level 10
– Barrier Magic: Level 9
– Dual Magic: Level 6
– Range Expansion: Level 3
– Herculean Strength: Level 1 (new)
– Steel Body: Level 4
– Holy Aura: Level 8
– Life Force: Level 7
– Consumption Reduction: Level 13
– Charge: Level 9
– Remote Cast: Level 5
– Vitality Surge: Level 2
– Poison Resistance: Level 3
Unique Skill
– Saint’s Eye: Level 5
Special Equipment
– Staff of the Dead (C-Rank Weapon)
– Ring (Magic Power +1)
– Golden Circlet (Concentration +1)
Larni
C-Rank
Adventurer Level: 32
Weapon Skills
– Longsword: Level 29
– Dagger: Level 9
– Martial Arts: Level 13
Armor Skills
– Buckler: Level 10
Physical Abilities
– Stamina: Level 24
– Strength: Level 21
– Running Speed: Level 33
– Explosive Power: Level 29
– Reflexes: Level 29
– Body Control: Level 22
Sensory Skills
– Vision: Level 14
– Hearing: Level 21
– Smell: Level 24
– Touch: Level 11
– Dynamic Vision: Level 22
– Presence Detection: Level 19
Mental Skills
– Bravery: Level 11
– Thought Acceleration: Level 8
Special Skills
– Enchantment Magic: Level 11
– Swift Run: Level 13
– Steel Body: Level 11
– Herculean Strength: Level 11
– Vital Strike: Level 12
– Slash: Level 11
– Jump: Level 12
– Space Kick: Level 10
– Acrobatics: Level 11
– Impact Absorption: Level 7
– Stability: Level 4
– Steel Core: Level 3
– Iron Wall: Level 1 (new)
– Blade Extension: Level 3
– Charge: Level 2
– Poison Resistance: Level 4
– Paralysis Resistance: Level 3
– Cold Resistance: Level 3
Unique Skill
– God of Plague: Level 5
Special Equipment
– Mithril Sword +2 (A-Rank Weapon)
– Ring (Physical Ability +1)
– Bracelet (Sword Acceleration +1)
Sfenia
C-Rank
Adventurer Level: 38
Weapon Skills
– Short Bow: Level 30
– Rapier: Level 10
– Dagger: Level 7
– Martial Arts: Level 9
Armor Skills
– Buckler: Level 11
Physical Abilities
– Stamina: Level 20
– Strength: Level 18
– Running Speed: Level 20
– Explosive Power: Level 19
– Reflexes: Level 17
– Body Control: Level 20
Sensory Skills
– Vision: Level 24
– Hearing: Level 15
– Smell: Level 8
– Touch: Level 9
– Dynamic Vision: Level 24
– Presence Detection: Level 21
Mental Skills
– Composure: Level 18
– Thought Acceleration: Level 12
– Mental Concentration: Level 21
Special Skills
– Advanced Fire Magic: Level 2 (new)
– Advanced Wind Magic: Level 3
– Fire Attribute Magic: Level 20 [max]
– Water Attribute Magic: Level 17
– Wind Attribute Magic: Level 20 [max]
– Earth Attribute Magic: Level 16
– First Strike: Level 3
– Steel Body: Level 9
– Herculean Strength: Level 8
– Stability: Level 8
– Consumption Reduction: Level 15
– Far Sight: Level 16
– Vital Strike: Level 17
– Sniping: Level 17
– Curved Shot: Level 2
– Remote Arrow: Level 11
– Penetration: Level 6
– Poison Resistance: Level 5
– Paralysis Resistance: Level 5
– Hallucination Resistance: Level 5
– Confusion Resistance: Level 4
Unique Skill
– ???
Special Equipment
– White Heron Bow (D-Rank Weapon, Special Effect: Action Stop – Weak)
– Ring (Concentration +1)
Mariane
Former C-Rank
Adventurer Level: 35
Weapon Skills
– Longsword: Level 12
– Dagger: Level 28
– Martial Arts: Level 12
– Throwing Sword: Level 21
Armor Skills
– Buckler: Level 9
Physical Abilities
– Stamina: Level 19
– Strength: Level 17
– Running Speed: Level 27
– Explosive Power: Level 30
– Reflexes: Level 24
– Body Control: Level 21
Sensory Skills
– Vision: Level 19
– Hearing: Level 18
– Smell: Level 12
– Touch: Level 19
– Dynamic Vision: Level 22
– Presence Detection: Level 20
Mental Skills
– Composure: Level 14
– Thought Acceleration: Level 13
Special Skills
– Status Ailment Infliction: Level 4
– Swift Run: Level 13
– Fast Running: Level 11
– Steel Body: Level 7
– Herculean Strength: Level 6
– Slash: Level 4
– Penetration: Level 2 (new)
– Vital Strike: Level 14
– Throwing: Level 13
– Sniping: Level 7
– Far Sight: Level 7
– Acrobatics: Level 14
– Impact Absorption: Level 6
– Stability: Level 3
– Stealth: Level 14
– Appraisal: Level 14
– Poison Resistance: Level 5
– Charm Resistance: Level 3
– Paralysis Resistance: Level 6
– Hallucination Resistance: Level 1 (new)
– Fire Resistance: Level 2
Unique Skill
– ???
Special Equipment
– Ring (Physical Ability +1)
The day after conquering the Wandering Dungeon, we proceeded with our usual morning training before diving into an F-Class Dungeon as planned.
Of course, we dispatched the boss on the lowest floor without any issues in about two hours. Since it was a standard boss, each of us only gained a “Resistance” skill, but that alone is significant and shouldn’t be underestimated.
The next day, we tackled an E-Class Dungeon, which we also cleared in about two hours. Again, we mostly acquired “Resistance” skills. Perhaps I had already picked up all the low-rarity skills that suited me.
“Soushi-san, there’s a gathering request that would be perfect for our party. What do you think?”
That evening, during dinner, Mariane brought this up. I felt a bit of joy at her use of the phrase “our party.”
“What kind of request is it?”
“It’s for collecting the wings of Paralyze Moths. However, they must be from regular field monsters, not from the dungeon.”
I had encountered Paralyze Moths in the dungeon before, and their wings had a silky texture. So, they were looking for the “natural” ones.
“You know where they appear, right?”
“Yes. They are said to appear in the forest beyond the abandoned village where the Wandering Dungeon was located. It’s quite a large forest, though…”
“Well, for us, it should be a piece of cake!”
Larni casually chimed in while munching on her meat.
“By the way, the requestor is the Toronto Trading Company, so I thought that might be appealing to you, Soushi-san.”
“I see.”
As expected of Mariane, she has a keen sense for these things.
The Toronto Trading Company is one of the top three trading companies in the royal capital. I had just recently made an acquaintance with Mr. Toronto, the head of the company, but I never knew adventurers had such ways to strengthen their connections. I still have much to learn in terms of experience and knowledge.
“Since the monster’s rank poses no problem, I think we should accept it. What do you all think?”
When I asked, Freinir and the other three readily agreed without any objections.
“Alright then, Mariane, please take care of it first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Understood. However, it seems that their appearance rate isn’t as high as that of the Unicorn Rabbits.”
“If it’s higher than the Unicorn Rabbits, then it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“I think so too. But knowing you, Soushi-sama, there might be a chance of encountering a special monster again.”
As Larni and Freinir responded, Sfenia nodded in agreement, saying, “Ah, so it happens even outside of dungeons.”
Perhaps Mariane also wants to confirm one of our unique traits with her own eyes. A request that kills three birds with one stone—truly, a skilled staff member should not be underestimated.
The next morning, we completed the request procedures at the guild and headed straight to the forest where the wild Paralyze Moths were said to appear.
As we passed by the abandoned village, it had completely turned into ruins, with not a single undead in sight. This village had become abandoned due to an outbreak of disease, but perhaps the presence of the Paralyze Moths we were about to hunt was also a contributing factor.
After passing the abandoned village and running for another thirty minutes, we finally spotted a dense forest. There were paths that seemed to be beast trails, and we entered the forest with Larni leading the way.
Searching for wild monsters relied heavily on Larni’s keen nose and ears. Though she is a wolf beastman, her combat prowess is high, and her ability to detect prey is exceptional. If it weren’t for her God of Plague skill, she would have been sought after by parties everywhere.
“Hmm, there’s a faintly toxic smell overall. Could it be that the Paralyze Moths are increasing in number?”
Larni said ominously while sniffing the air.
“If that’s true, it could be quite bad. It would be dangerous if ordinary people wandered in here, regardless of adventurers.”
“This forest was once referred to as the Forest of Disease. It seems the name came from the presence of Paralyze Moths, and if they are breeding in large numbers, the danger level increases.”
At Mariane’s words, I glanced at the back of the one with the Bad Luck skill. No, if we’re talking about breeding, it would be more about Larni’s God of Plague skill, right?
“The smell is getting stronger, so I think we’ll find them if we keep going, but the direction might be a bit tricky.”
“How about we have Freinir use Purification to clear the area first, and then follow the direction from which the smell is coming?”
“Oh, that sounds good. Freinir, can you use Purification?”
“Yes, I can. I’ll use Range Expansion for Purification.”
When Freinir activated Purification, I could indeed feel the air becoming noticeably cleaner. We must have unknowingly stepped into an area where the scales of the Paralyze Moths were floating at a considerable density. It wouldn’t be surprising if ordinary people started showing symptoms of illness just from this.
After a moment, Larni sniffed the air and nodded.
“Yeah, it’s clearer now. This way.”
Larni quickened her pace. After about ten minutes, my Presence Detection picked up a response. There seemed to be about twenty of them in a wide area. This number would be quite dangerous in the field, unlike in a dungeon.
“Oh! The forest opens up ahead. It looks like a flower field!”
Just as Larni said, about a hundred meters ahead, the trees of the forest came to an end, revealing a flower field. And on the carpet of flowers, several gigantic moths were resting their wings. It was quite an unusual sight.
“Alright, once we get closer, Freinir, use Range Expansion for Purification. Then, Sfenia and Mariane, I want you to take them down. I’ll only step in if absolutely necessary since I might crush them along with their wings. Larni, you can handle this too, right?”
“Yes.”
“I’m good at aerial combat, so leave it to me.”
As we approached the flower field, Freinir activated Purification, neutralizing all the toxic scales of the Paralyze Moths.
As we entered the flower field, the Moths noticed our presence and took off into the air all at once. Sfenia’s arrows and Mariane’s throwing spears shot them down one after another. Larni also utilized Jump and Space Kick to slice through their bodies.
Before long, over twenty Paralyze Moths were exterminated. It seems that no matter how many monsters are eradicated, they will always spawn again from somewhere, so the basic rule is to eliminate them all upon discovery.
Afterward, we split up to collect the Magic Stones and the silky “wings” that were the objective of this request, storing them in our Item Box.
“That wraps up the request, Soushi-sama.”
“Indeed. Thanks to Larni and Freinir, we finished quickly. The hardest part of these requests is usually the search.”
While responding to Freinir, I noticed Sfenia looking off into the distance, seemingly concerned about something.
“Sfenia, is something bothering you?”
“Yes. I see something strange over there.”
“Strange?”
As I turned my gaze to where Sfenia was pointing, I spotted a mountain. It was a small mountain, about the size of a rural Japanese hill, but the problem was that colorful moths were perched on its slopes, spreading their wings.
From the contrast with the trees, it looked like the wings stretched about twenty meters from tip to tip. The wings had patterns resembling eyes, and the body was stout and bulky. Two leaf-like antennae protruded from its head, and anyone with a fear of such creatures would likely faint just from looking at it.
“What is that? A gigantic Paralyze Moth…?”
“I can’t say for sure, but it looks like the same species,” Sfenia replied.
Mariane, who was also observing the giant moth, nodded.
“I believe that’s the Queen Moth. It’s the queen of the Paralyze Moths and is said to produce many of them. If it flies over a town, it can cause significant damage with its toxic scales.”
“Seriously? What a troublesome monster! And this means that Soushi’s skill has led us to encounter a rare monster again, right?”
As Larni exclaimed, Freinir smiled and said, “As expected of Soushi-sama.” I hadn’t done anything, but since Freinir looked pleased, I decided to let it slide.
“Since we’ve found it, we can’t just ignore it. Mariane, is it alright for us to take it down?”
“Of course. It’s a monster that triggers an emergency extermination request upon discovery. It’s ranked B, so we need to be cautious.”
Well, I wasn’t entirely unprepared for this, but it seems we’re heading toward a typical development for us, the Soul’s Guidance party. I felt a slight hesitation about taking down a giant moth that resembled a monster from my childhood that fought alongside humans… but I couldn’t say that out loud. Given that it possesses toxic scales, extermination seems unavoidable.