After agreeing to take the request, my sister led me to a separate room.
“You must be Cain-kun, the one who accepted this request?”
A white-haired man, probably in his early fifties, asked me.
“Yes, I’m Cain. And, um, who are you?”
“Ah, my apologies for the late introduction. I’m Zeltodash, the new Guild Master dispatched to this Guild. I was sent from the Royal Capital, but until recently, I was a B-Rank adventurer myself, you know?”
“That’s amazing.”
It really is amazing. To be able to continue as an adventurer at that age means he must have considerable skill.
“Well, that’s not important. More importantly, I heard you defeated the Archdemon in the cemetery managed by the Guild. Can you prove that?”
“Um… would showing my Guild Card be sufficient?”
The Guild Card records the history of defeated monsters. Thanks to this, adventurers can’t make false reports.
“Ah, yes, that would be helpful if you could show it to me…”
“Here you go.”
He seemed convinced after looking at the subjugation history section.
“Hoh. There really is an Archdemon listed. It shouldn’t have appeared in that cemetery.”
That’s right.
A monster that shouldn’t have appeared, did.
Due to environmental changes, the monsters that appear can change.
However, such changes usually happen gradually, with the number of monsters increasing or their strength rising.
It usually takes several years for even a higher-level species to be born.
Without any prior reports, an Archdemon suddenly appeared… which means
“A sudden mutation, an artificially created monster, or a monster that came from another land, perhaps?”
“Yes, among those, the possibility of an artificially created or brought monster is the most plausible. A sudden mutation would boast extraordinary strength. It wouldn’t just become an Archdemon. Besides, the probability is too low. As for a monster coming from another land, it’s not impossible, but it’s a cemetery in the middle of town. Even if it’s not in plain sight, someone would have seen it.”
“That’s true. I’ll be wary of other possibilities, but for now, I’ll act as if it’s an artificial one.”
“Yes, if that’s the case, it’s dangerous. It would be better to hire additional adventurers.”
“Please do.”
Good. I was honestly worried about being alone.
“Then, let’s recruit a few people skilled in exploration. Eclair-kun! Quickly prepare a request form.”
“Understood.”
It seems the new Guild Master is quite capable.
And so, five adventurers gathered.
“Should we introduce ourselves first? My name is Saga. I use a bow. My skill gives me good eyesight, so rely on me. I’m C-Rank.”
“I’m Ganjis. I use a greatsword. I’m D-Rank.”
“I’m Enema. I use daggers. But my best skill is my search ability… D-Rank.”
“I’m Paulo. I use magic. Currently D-Rank. Nice to meet you.”
“Lastly, it’s me. I’m Cain. I use a one-handed sword. I can also do some slingshotting. I’m a C-Rank adventurer.”
Once the introductions were over, Saga-san took charge.
“Then, Enema-san and I will do the scouting, with Cain-san and Ganjis-san as the vanguard. Paulo-san and I will be in the rear. If anyone has any objections, please speak up.”
Then, Enema, perhaps dissatisfied, asked a question.
“I can use daggers. Why am I not in the vanguard?”
“That’s because you’re also the scout. If the scout goes too far forward and gets hit, it might be dangerous when returning. Besides, in a battle, we in the rear can’t do close combat. I’d also like you to protect the rear.”
“Understood. I’ll protect.”
She seemed convinced by Saga’s explanation.
“Of course, if the two in the vanguard are in danger, I want you to help them. So, in a way, it’s the most important position with the most work.”
Hearing that, Enema’s mood visibly improved.
Saga… what a terrifying man.
“Is there anything else? If not, I’d like to go on an errand.”
…Errand?