Published: August 2, 2025
Today, five chapters posted simultaneously.
This story is the second chapter.
"Ryoma-kun!"
When I showed my face at the Adventurers' Guild, I was suddenly called over to the reception.
"Just in time."
"Hello, Mayleen-san. Is something wrong?"
"There was a notice through the guild's communication network from the guilds in the towns around Lake Latoin concerning the mud salamander."
Mud salamander! That’s a type of magical beast I’ve wanted to fight.
"They say mud salamanders come to Lake Latoin every year to feed before hibernation, and this causes various problems among the lake’s fishing community. Especially in small fishing villages, it can become a matter of life and death."
Lake Latoin was the hometown of the people who once sold me the bloody slime, if I remember correctly.
"Is the village called Shikum also affected?"
"Mud salamanders appear throughout the entire Lake Latoin area, so Shikum is no exception. There are many places that need protection, and subjugating them requires quite a few people. So, adventurers willing to help with mud salamander subjugation requests or village defense are being recruited. There are even some small assistance-type jobs related to the subjugation. If you’re interested, you should give it a try."
I definitely want to go. But I wonder when that request will be issued?
"Apparently, the period with the most damage is about two months from now, so going around then should be fine. Do you have any plans?"
"If it’s two months later, that’s okay. I have something scheduled next month, so I’d be happy to go then."
"Good. So, do you want to do some work today?"
That’s right.
"I just heard from the commercial guild master that some suspicious individuals, possibly remnants of bandits, might be moving toward the Gimul area. Do you have any other information or requests related to bandits?"
"I see, Ryoma-kun, you’ve already got permission to take requests, right? Wait a moment."
She pulled out a bundle of parchment from under the counter.
"There are two recent pieces of information about bandits. One is the matter you just heard about. The other concerns a suspected bandit group related to that. But that bandit group was apparently subjugated near Gaunago Town, so there are no requests for them anymore. As for the suspicious individuals, they haven’t been confirmed as bandits yet, and their location is unclear."
It looks like the situation is still just at the caution stage. In that case, maybe I’ll make more medicine today...
"Um..."
Huh? It’s Paena, the capable rookie. She still seems a bit timid.
"Ryoma-kun, sorry, could you wait a moment?"
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation!"
"No, no, go ahead."
"Someone wants to request your help..."
I averted my gaze from the two who were quietly talking and glanced around the less crowded guild hall.
...Most people must be off today?
The few here at this hour are mostly either absentmindedly looking at the bulletin board or chatting about trivial things with nearby adventurers... Huh?
A bearded man was walking over from the edge of the counter. Judging by his height, he must be a dwarf.
"Hey, kid, could you move aside for a moment? Young lady!"
The man came up to my counter and called out to Paena.
"Yes! No, that’s not allowed! I’ll properly assist you, so please wait at your place."
"Sorry. But it’ll be quicker if I speak directly. I want you to find Pedro as soon as possible."
It seems someone has gone missing...
Mayleen, who looked complicated upon seeing the man bowing his head abruptly, stepped forward.
"You’re Guts, right? Sorry, but the fee you offered for this request..."
"I know I’m making an unreasonable demand. But that’s all the money I have available right now. If Pedro is found, there should be cargo he was transporting. If I can sell that, I can pay an additional reward. Even if not, I can get the money if I have more time. Time is the only problem."
He seems pretty desperate... A few more people are gathering despite the small crowd.
"The place shouldn’t be too far. Is there any adventurer who can go look for him?"