Chapter 19

Ryan leaned back in his chair and let out a deep exhale.

"Fhuuu."

Currently, he was in the middle of experimenting with the newest information received from「Great Sage's Records」.

Fortunately, the information received this time is related to what Ryan wanted; Information about runes.

Catalyst... I need better fuckin' catalysts.

From what Ryan has discovered, it appears that the proper way to use runes requires a catalyst, and is in fact, similar to the practice of alchemy. If there was a major difference to be pointed out, it would be the type of catalyst that is required. For example, an alchemical catalyst would usually be something like a [Vial of Troll's Blood], or a [Goblin Ear]. Sometimes even multiple catalysts or similar ingredients are needed.

However, for runes, only one catalyst is needed―A mana crystal. As a general rule of thumb, pretty much anything that can be harvested from a monster will have a value of some sort, although of course the value will vary depending on numerous factors.

These goblin mana crystals ain't worth shit man. What's even the fuckin' point of collectin' them if they don't do nothin'? Since they don't even sell for more than a fuckin' bag of shit either.

This is mostly just a rule for adventurers, however, a veteran adventurer can either harvest only the most valuable parts of a monster they kill to sell while they're on the field, or they can sell the full carcass of the monster for a bigger price to people like collectors or the Adventurers Guild, who will strip and butcher it for a price, before selling the parts and giving you a cut.

There any way I can get more catalysts actually worth somethin'? Hm....

In short, there are many ways to make money off of dead monsters. Nevertheless, the easiest and most efficient way is to harvest and sell only the mana crystals that can be obtained. Of course, this method works best if your Luck stat is higher than average.

...Aaah, we're gonna go on that fuckin' thingy soon right? That hunt shit. If I kill whatever the target is then, I can probably get a decent catalyst from it, huh. Well, it's fine for now. I've still got these crystals to work with.

Ryan pulled out some table tennis ball-sized mana crystals from a bag beside him.

*whistle*

"These're pretty fuckin' good in comparison, huh."

Compared to the fingernail-sized, dull-looking mana crystals that came from goblins, these mana crystals were on another level completely. They were much bigger, and even looked so much more energised. It just goes to show how much higher quality they were. Ryan was glad to have 'found' them.

Mm, until I get ones of higher quality, these'll work just fi--

*knock knock*

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.

"It's Chris. I'm coming in."

Ryan only rolled his eyes in displeasure at the sound of his voice.

"..."

From the other side of the opened door stood Chris, who only looked at the back of Ryan's head as he went ignored.

"...Ryan. We need to talk."

Ryan inwardly sighed while ignoring Chris.

"Why did you do it?"

Chris waited for a reply that never came as he glanced over Ryan's shoulder and saw it―a strange layout of mana crystals, as well as other various paraphernalia scattered across the room. Chris had never been in Ryan's room before, and so he was quite curious, taking the opportunity to look around.

""......""

After a few seconds of silence, Chris belatedly realised he was being given the cold shoulder, as Ryan seemed to be continuing whatever he was doing previously, without even taking any notice of him. Chris called out again.

"Ryan."

"Tch. Ya mind shutting your trap for a fuckin' second? Or, actually, just fuck off. How 'bout that?"

Chris frowned upon hearing this. Finally, a reply came, but it was horribly rude. If it was like this, they wouldn't get anywhere, he thought.

"Ryan. Please return the mana crystals you've stolen."

"Aah?", Ryan turned his head around to glare at Chris.

"Return the stolen crystals. Please."

"Huhhh...? The fuck're you on about? I didn't steal nothin' since that one time."

Chris' eyes narrowed as Ryan kept up his seemingly defiant attitude.

"Ryan... Please, just return the stolen crystals and we won't have any trouble."

"But I said I didn't do nothin'? Are ya really gonna not trust me just 'cause one guy said somethin' 'gainst me? And what trouble, exactly, do you plan on havin' if I don't?"

"Ryan."

"I said I stole nothin', ya retard. So fuck off."

"This is a serious matter! Ryan! Julie's crying now because she worked so hard for that D-rank mana crystal! Return it."

"...So? Think I care if some pussy's cryin'? That shit's none'a my business. I said I didn't steal so I didn't steal―You can't just fuckin' pin the blame on me with no evidence. Did you even consider that it was someone else? Or did ya just come straight cryin' to me first thing without even thinkin'."

"Huh...? W-what are you talking about? Don't try to lie and squrim your way out of this, Ryan."

"Pft. I ain't lyin' though?"

"Wha.... Well then, what's in that bag you've got there?"

"What, this?"

Ryan held up the bag next to him―the bag that contained the large mana crystals.

"--Prolly stolen goods."

"!? Ryan, you...! I just told you to hand over the stolen mana crystals and you said you didn't steal anything! You lied just like I said! Return them!"

"...Huh. Never said I stole 'em. What made ya think that? I just coincidentally found this bag of mana crystals. It can't be that ya just want anythin' to incriminate me with, even if it isn't real evidence, do ya? Anyway, why should I return somethin' I didn't steal?"

"But you just...!!"

"I said they might be stolen, not that they are stolen. Of course, I don't know how they got procured originally―I don't care about that―I just found 'em and were puttin' 'em to good use is all. Why're you assumin' I'd do such terrible things to a fellow classmate? That's rude, ain't it? Apologise."

"U-uhh... But... You're always the one who does these types of things! Although I certainly don't want to accuse my classmate of such a thing... Something needs to be done about this to relieve everyone's worries. It couldn't have been anyone else but you, and you are aware of that fact. Ryan. If you don't return it now, then you'll face the consequences."

"Pfft! Hah! Hahaha!! Oh, that's the funniest shit I've heard all day!"

"..."

"....You're not kiddin', are you? You must be takin' the piss, right? Uhh, what consequences? Someone cries? Oh no. Chris, you're so much more of a fuckin' loser than I initially thought. You can't do shit to me, ya know? Don't try an' threaten me when it obviously ain't gonna result in shit, you fuckin' idiot. Are you actually retarded?"

Chris opened his mouth to refute, but didn't have the mind to talk when Ryan interrupted him.

"N--"

"--I've been sittin' quietly in my room like a good boy this whole time, yeah? Mindin' my own business, an' you, ya delusional bastard, just come in here and disturb me while demandin' me to return somethin' I never stole? How ludicrous can you be?"

"Bu--"

"--Shouldn't ya start apologisin' to me instead? In fact, I got no skills related to stealin' or stealth, or nothin', do I? How the fuck am I supposed to steal somethin' from someone else's room, 'specially when I've been here the entire time? Tell me that, you despicable fucker."

"..."

"And, not only that, but did anyone actually witness me steal somethin'? No, 'cause I didn't steal nothin'. You shitty bastard. Either you, or whoever told you it was me, is fuckin' framin' me for a crime I never commit in the first place. So, d'ya feel like apologisin' to a wrongly accused bystander who did nothin' now? Or are ya gonna pretend to be a hero and punish your innocent classmate."

Ryan didn't even have to ask this question, because he already knew what option Chris would go with. It was just supposed to be a provocation. He knew the outcome was set in stone the moment Chris flinched slightly when the words 'pretend' and 'hero' appeared together.

"...p it...", Chris muttered something almost inaudible.

His expression was currently the darkest it's ever been, and it was as if a shadow had been cast specifically on his face alone.

However, Ryan didn't cease his harrassment.

"Huh? Whazzat? An apology perhaps? Hmm... Nah, nah, nah, there's no fuckin' way in hell that this fraud hero would apologise to a supposed "villain" like me, is there...?"

A wicked smirk rose on Ryan's face as he kept talking down to the silent Chris.

"'Cause in your shitty fantasy, you're the oh-so-great, almighty 'Hero of Justice', ain'tcha? Pfft. God, just sayin' that cracks me the fuck up. The 'hero', 'protagonist', 'saviour of the nation', et cetera...... Are those the things you identify as? And I, as your poor, innocent little classmate, am but a itty-bitty side character, who amounts to nothin' in the end... Or is it somethin' more...? Could it be...?"

Ryan's evil smirk grew wider and wider as his relentless verbal assault continued.

"Could it be that... I am the antagonist in your fantasy―your dream world? Oh... Oh, no, how terrible... How on Earth could you do such an awful thing to me, my friend. Well, I guess we aren't on Earth, are we..... But still. I am no villain. I'm but a humble classmate of yours.... Right? Of course, I'd never do anythin' wrong, like stealin' or murder, would I? Of course not. Oh, how betrayed I feel, that my friend would accuse me of such unspeakable crimes...... "

Ryan covered his face with a hand, as if pretending to weep.

Silence dominated the room for a good few moments, as Ryan kept a hand over his face, and Chris stood still, silently staring at the floor with clenched fists and trembling eyes.

"...."

Who knows what distateful blend of emotions he was currently feeling, or what kinds of thoughts passed his mind...

But then―

"....Hah."

―Ryan simply chuckled, still with his face covered. He slightly widened the gaps in his fingers and peeked through with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Huhuh..."

Removing his hand, Ryan walked right over to Chris, and whispered in his ear with a cold, icy voice.

"You're just fulla shit, ain'tcha?"

Ryan took one step back, continuing on with his almost endless 'hero bashing'.

"You're no hero."

"..."

"You are just a sad, naïve kid who dreams and wishes he could be a hero."

"..."

"All you can do is run around try'na be everyone's little pushover errand boy, in a shit attempt to help them."

"..."

"Sure, ya got lucky with your Status, and the Princess...."

"..."

"...But ya know what? That don't mean shit to anyone but you."

"..."

"You're nothin' in this world."

"..."

"Not a hero, not a protagonist, not a saviour, not a guardian, nor a hope to the people."

"..."

"You, my friend, are nothin'."

"..."

"With you in your piss-poor state, you ain't worth fuck all, pal."

"..."

"That's just the reality of it all."

"..."

"......The truth hurts, doesn't it? I think it's 'bout time you learned that."

"..."

Chris could say nothing in response to any of it. He only kept clenched his fists, and teeth, and with a hugely distorted expression, he felt like he was in the most powerless and helpless state he has ever been in, in his entire life. It is rather ironic, considering that right now he is also the most powerful he has ever been in his life.

Chris' entire body shook as Ryan began to speak once more.

"Aah, I can hear it already..."

――His body was covered in goosebumps as a frosty chill ran down his spine.

"The dyin' cries of all this country's citizens that you fail to save, all callin' out in resentment and pure enmity for you, all for single-handedly bringin' their kingdom to ruin."

――His eyes shivered with a look that resembled either fear or hatred, or possibly even a mix of both, as Ryan's cold voice resounded throughout the room and in his head.

"No one will ever believe in or revere you, Chris."

――His brain felt as if it was submerged in below-freezing water, and scenes of his close friends' smiles passed by his mind.

"No one will praise you."

――His body was frozen, as if time had stopped, and he could not think straight at all.

"No one will congratulate you."

――His emotions were in such disarray that he couldn't see the person right in front of him, nor hear anything other than that harsh, bitter voice.

"You will live, accomplishin' nothin', and then die, havin' accomplished nothin'."

――He simply couldn't take it anymore.

"You pitiful, incompetent hero."

Finally, Ryan placed one hand on Chris' chest―

"...Now get the fuck outta my room, you shit, fake hero trash."

―and pushed.

*thud!*

*SLAM!*

After being shoved, Chris fell to the floor just outside of Ryan's room, who slammed the door in Chris' face.

"......."

He only lay there, unable to move or even think.

"...God damn, how much of a retarded asshole can that fucker be? Accusin' me of stealin' like that when I ain't even the thief this time. Jesus..."

Though they were indeed stolen.

"Well, hopefully this'll put him in his fuckin' place for a while."

Ryan promptly returned to his chair and continued where he left off in his research. Soon, the rune research would be complete, as he was almost there now.

These runes...

Ryan recalled the moment he was told about the 'hunt'.

I can't wait to field test them.

"...Ah. I should get Nico to gather more mana crystals in the meantime though. These ones seem to be sufficient."

It was only after laying on the cold hallway floor for a unknown amount of time that he could think again. It was as if his brain finally thawed.

"......I...."

Tears streamed like waterfalls down Chris' face, as if a dam holding it all back had finally broken due to the accumulated stress.

"....I don't... understand...."

He just lay on the floor, trying to wipe away his endless tears, to no avail...

"Ahh!? C-Chris!? Oh my god! A-are you okay?"

Eventually, he was found by someone.

"...Ashley..."

It was Ashley Moore.

"...rry....hic... I'm....hic... sorry...."

"Chris, what...? No, no, don't be sorry...! Please, tell me what happened. No, wait... This is Ryan's room..."

She stared with a mix of emotions at the nameplate,〔Ryan Kashiko - Hero〕, that was on the door right in front of them.

"..."

...Ugh, whatever, that can be dealt with later. For now, treating Chris is more important.

"Chris, I'm taking you to the infirmary, okay?"

"Ashley....hic....I'm okay.. Just go..."

"No, you're not, idiot. Come on, just lean on me, I'll support you until we get there."

Obviously Ryan did something, but....

For the life of her, Ashley could not figure out just what went wrong. Chris clearly wasn't injuried physically, but there were definite signs of mental suffering.

When she thought of how confident and reliable the hero, Chris, normally looked, she could never have imagined for him to end up in a state like this. It hadn't even been 30 minutes since he left to visit Ryan's room.

Ashley was incredibly concerned.

Just what the hell did he do...

"Don't worry, no permanent damage has been done. It seems that he's just stressed. Good sleep should help."

"Phew..."

"But, er..."

"Ashley."

"Yes, sorry. Hero Ashley. You should probably make sure to not tell anyone about Sir Hero Chris."

"Yes, I certainly wasn't planning to. It will just worry the others. I'll just say he over-exerted himself whilst training."

"Mn. Good. Well, that should be all. I won't leak the truth about this incident either, so don't worry."

"Yes, thank you. I'll come back later."

Ashley bid farewell to the infirmary healer and left, relieved.

At least he'll be fine with only some rest. I thought it was much worse, but thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case.

As she wandered about the palace, not knowing what to do, Ashley remembered something.

Oh, that's right! Don't we have the monster hunt soon? I need to prepare.

Instantly, Ashley's mood shot up. She immediately headed back to her room.

"Hmmm, I've got the arrows, throwing knives, poison vials, antidotes... Ah! I need to see Mr. Kavanah again! I need to stock up on potions too."

Right! Let's go then!

The Summoned Heroes had gotten permission―quite a while ago, actually―to leave the palace. Of course, not permanently, but they were allowed to temporarily leave the palace if they had business in the capital, or even just simply wanted to explore it. This allowed the heroes to actively gain experience in the real world.

In the first place, they need to leave the palace to attend lessons in the Royal Academy, too.

Obviously, some were scared to leave the safety of the palace; people who were frightened to explore a huge, unknown city by themselves. They had also heard stories about kidnappers and murderers, but this only helped to weed out the unworthy individuals. The ones that are confident to leave the palace can do whatever they want in the city like any other denizen.

Some simply flat-out refused to leave the palace, but those who do are just scared or too lazy.

*bell ringing*

"Mr. Kavanah!", Ashley called out after opening the shop's door.

There was no reply even after waiting a few seconds. The shop was empty. She called again while walking towards the counter.

"Mr. Kavanah? It's Ashley."

It was then that a short-statured yet bulky man appeared from the door behind the counter.

"Uhng? Oh, Ash is it? You come for the dagger, right. Let me fetch it."

"Yes, thank you."

"Aah, of course. 'Tis my job. As always though, you're a polite lass, eh?"

She only smiled, slightly embarrassed, as the bearded man who closely resembled a 'Dwarf' returned back through the door he came. He returned moments later, holding a strange dagger.

"Here. Look.", Kavanah placed the dagger down on the counter and began to explain while roughly scratching his head.

"Ehh, frankly, it's an odd type of dagger. I've never made anything like it, so I'll give you a discount for the joy of letting me create something new. It's not meant for stabbing like a normal dagger, but slashing, so the blade can chip or snap easy if you use it to stab or block an impact. You requested it like that, so don't come to me crying if you try and stab but it breaks."

"Um. Yes. Originally, I had the idea of coating the blade with poison, because that seems like it would be more effective that stabbing with poison, so I wanted a dagger specialised for slashing and slicing attacks."

"Oho. I thought as much when I was making it. It's interesting. It would be better for a paralysing or other restrainment coating, and slicing is quicker than stabbing. Although stabbing is more lethal in most cases, I assume that, because this is supposed to be poisonous, it's more for subduing targets than killing."

"Yes, that's exactly right, Mr. Kavanah."

"Well, I look forward to how it performs. If it ever needs repairing or improving..."

"Hehe, of course. I'll be sure to report back to you too. By the way..."

"Hm?"

"Are you working on something in the back?"

"Oh. Yeah. Just finished it when you came by. Some kid requested a sword to be made. Think he's about the same age as you, Ash."

"The same age as me?"

"Mmhm. Brought his own materials in, just like you, too. He's a regular here, also like you. An adventurer kid."

Ashley was shocked. She was certain that no one in her class bought weapons from any of the blacksmiths or weapon shops in the city, because they were all granted free weapons in the palace. In fact, the only reason why Ashley herself bought weapons was because she was a registered adventurer and used many different types of weapons.

But I haven't seen any other adventurers that are my age...

Ashley sheathed her newly-acquired dagger.

*bell ringing*

―It was then that someone entered the shop. Both Ashley and Kavanah turned to look.

"Oh, speak of the devil. The kid who requested that sword, right."

"Ah... It done?"

"Mmh, hold on for a second."

"Alright."

Kavanah walked through the door, leaving the two young adventurers by themselves. They seemed to look eachother up and down for a moment, before simultaneously speaking.

""Are you an adventurer?""

"―Yes."

"―Ah."

They both paused for a few seconds, seemingly amazed. Then, Ashley began laughing while the boy simply stared in confusion.

"Pfft, hehehe."

"..."

"Hm? What's funny?", Kavanah asked as he returned.

"O-oh, it's nothing.", Ashley replied.

"Anyway, boy, look."

Kavanah laid the sword he carried onto the counter.

""!!""

Woah, it looks amazing! Wow... I've never seen such a cool-looking blade, even among all the weapons our class got given for free...! Don't tell me this guy can afford such a thing?!

He then tapped his finger on the centre of the sword's handguard.

"In here's half of that mana crystal, embedded safely and protected by the guard, so it shouldn't break easy, and it's possible to charge it with magic just by holding the hilt. As requested, the crystal's other half has been smelted along with the blade's metal, so it's sufficiently combined. The balance will allow the sword as a whole to have an efficient mana flow, so it can be charged easier and faster."

"Ah... As always, your works are sublime. Thanks. Is the blade..."

"Hmph. The blade? Of course it is. All of the materials you provided went into that just like you requested."

"....Thank you."

"...Aaagh, 'tis my job. Don't say soppy stuff like that."

Ashley watched the tiny warm smile that formed on the unknown adventurer's face as he gazed excitedly at the sword.

"Right, now the payment."

"...Ah. Sure."

"Ash too."

"...Oh, of course."

"Now. Since you both provided your own materials, the majority of the cost can be crossed off. And... I'll give you both a discount."

"Huh?"

"Why...

"Kids. You're adventurers. I've seen many, many young kids like you two, all aspiring to be one of the best, but in the end, they always get ahead of themselves, take on a job one rank too high―one rank more than they can handle, and... They always wind up paying the price... Anyway, I don't want you two ending up like they all did. I won't let you kids go down the wrong path. On my pride as a blacksmith, I refuse to take advantage of desperate kids like you, and I refuse to be the one who caused one of you death by not leaving you with a weapon to defend yourself with or enough money to get by."

"..."

The boy quietly clenched his fists.

"Mr. Kavanah..."

"Ugh, Ash, stop it with that wimpy stuff, you're an adventurer. Don't you dare cry in my shop, ya hear? Anyway, for the dagger, it'll be 36 Gold 6 Silver, and for the sword, it'll be 560 Gold 2 Silver."

""....""

560 Gold!?

"I'm just kidding. That's the original price; before the discounts."

"Phew..."

"That's not funny, old man."

"Yeah, yeah, you humans and your... Anyway, the price of the dagger is 19 Gold 3 Silver, and the sword'll be 299 Gold 9 Silver."

Handing the money over, the two young adventurers seemed happy with their new weapons.

"Oi, telling me to spend over 560 Gold isn't funny, bastard. You know full well how little I make as an adventurer. In fact, you should be glad I'm willing to spend 300 Gold on a sword. But... Thanks, I guess, for the discount."

"Hmph. Gratitude from you? Well, that's certainly rare. Though, ain't that low income because you work solo? I hear Ash works solo too, why don't you two party up, cover eachother's weaknesses, I think you'd be a great party."

Ashley and the boy looked at eachother, before she gave her opinion.

"I don't mind. I think it'll make everything a lot easier, and it seems we play different roles, too."

The boy seemed to think about it for a second before nodding.

"...Ah. Alright. We share loot 50:50, unless an item drops that clearly fits one of our classes, then that person can declare ownership and do whatever they want with it. For all the loot we get, you can decide to do whatever you want with your half, sell, keep, trade, whatever. Any mana crystals lower than C-rank will be sold with the profits split 50:50. If we come across a mana crystal C-rank or higher, then we decide together what to do with it. Everything else can be sorted out later."

"Sounds good to me."

And just like that, the two formed an adventurer party.

"Ah. Then I'll meet you at the guild in 30 minutes."

"Yes, I'll see you then."

"Wait, you two. Huhum. If that's the case, then I'll be looking forward to you two rising in fame. Your future is bright, kids. Don't forget who supplied yer weapons, hear me?"

"Of course, Mr. Kavanah. We'll buy often."

"Ah. You know that you're the most cost-effective blacksmith in the city, old man. I'll keep coming 'til you croak."

"Hah, that ain't happening in your lifetime, kid. Though I am the best in the city, obviously. You two are smart, talented kids; I'm sure it won't be long 'til you can afford weapons above even a thousand gold apiece."

"Haha... I hope. Thank you very much."

"..."

"Well, 'til next time then. Come buy soon."

"Yes, of course."

"Ah. Don't die 'til we next come back at least, old man."

*bell ringing*

The two adventurers left the store, and, as they stood outside, Ashley called out.

"Wait. We should know eachother's names. I'm Ashley. Feel free to call me Ash."

"...Ah. Okay. Aracia."

Aracia? I feel like I've heard it somewhere before...

"Should we go to the guild now, or do you have other business first?"

"Ah... Well, we'll need to register as a party, so the first thing we should do is head to the guild and do that. Try to come up with a party name on the way. By the way, what rank are you? I've never seen you at the guild before. You new?"

"Yes. I'm rank E at the moment, but the receptionist said I'll rank up to D after two more hunting-type quests."

"...I see. You ranked up fast. I've been.... No, nevermind. Anyway, isn't that the Royal Academy's badge?"

"Ah... Yes it is. I heard you get discounts in certain stores with it, so I carry it around with me."

"Aah? You do? ...That bastard never told me about such a useful thing... Are you saying I could've been saving money this whole time?"

"Huh? Wait, you go to the Royal Academy too? What class?"

"Ahh.... Class 5-A."

"...What? That's my class."

"...."

"...."

"...."

"...Oh! 'Aracia'!"

"What?"

"The same 'Aracia' that skips almost all the lessons, right?"

"Uh... Ah. I don't go to anything other than the combat and magic classes, so I guess it'd be me."

"Hehe, that's why I didn't recognise you then. That adventurer outfit really fits you, you know?"

"Ah..."

At this point, I'd be dead if it didn't, he thought.

"But, wouldn't you get kicked out of school for not attending lessons? Of course, I know there are exceptions, but..."

"Ah, it's part of the contract I was offered."

"Contract?"

"Ah. I've only been in the academy since the start of the year. The only reason I joined was because I was offered a contract that included some benefits, one of them being an exception to any lessons I don't want to attend. The sole restriction is that I have to attend until graduation, but other than that I can basically do whatever I want."

"Wow... Graduation is at the end of the 6th year, isn't it? So we have about a year and a half left."

"Ah. But, I didn't know there were other adventurers that went to school. Well, I've seen a couple, but since they were all such fucking egocentric nobles, they quit right away due to the nature of the job. ...You look like you've been doing it for a while though."

"Ahaha, thanks? I've only been doing it for a short while, but it's been really fun! I registered at the same time I joined the academy, which was like six weeks ago."

"...'Fun', huh...."

Aracia wore a solemn expression, before Ashley spoke again in an attempt to repair the mood.

"I tried getting my friends to party with me, but they all abandoned the idea after the first job. Saying stuff like, 'it's too dirty' and that it 'requires too much effort for the miniscule pay'. Well, they're not entirely wrong though, ahaha..."

"...Ahhh. If your friends are the type to complain and give up during mere F and E-rank quests, then they could never become real adventurers."

"Yes, well... While I do want to believe in them, believe that they could do it... Now that I have experienced it first-hand, I know that being an adventurer is not easy, and it only gets tougher."

"Ah. Well, quitting early isn't necessarily a bad thing. It beats getting ahead of yourself and dying."

"Aha, I guess so..."

The two quickly arrived at the Adventurer's Guild.

"...Ah. Ashley, before we enter."

"Yes?"

"We need a party name."

"Oh..."

"Got any ideas? I'm all blank."

"......Uhhh... We might have to think for a while, hehe..."

"Ah. Gotcha. Well, we can take a break for today. It's not good to go straight into a job with someone you've never worked with before anyway. A good idea is to get to know eachother a bit first; things like our fighting styles, classes, levels, skills, et cetera."

"Wow, you know a lot. Is it from experience?"

"Ah.", Aracia nodded.

"I think we can have lunch. There's a bar in the guild. You drink alcohol?"

Wait, what...? You're allowed to drink at 16? ...Well, the society seems rather medieval, and this is another world, so I guess it makes sense, but...

"No, I don't. Sorry."

"Ah. Don't worry about it. We should just go to an inn then. They're cheaper than restaurants, but the food is about the same in terms of quality and the staff are usually nicer, since most of them are home businesses and it's the only way to attract and keep customers. Anyway, I know a good, cheap one, so just follow me."

"Right. By the way, do you know about that hunt the academy is making us go on soon?"

"Ah. It's monthly. Usually, the first 5 months are easy, then there's one crazy difficult one for the 6th month, repeated."

"Oh, so it's basically just like, there are 2 hard hunts every half a year, and then every other month are easy hunts?"

It's good to know that there are 12 months in this world, too. And every month even seems to have the same amount of days that Earth's months do. Is it a coincidence or not? I originally thought that the language comprehension skill translated the months' names for us, but maybe that isn't the case...

"Ah. It's always been in that pattern, apparently. Though the 'easy' ones seem to only be easy for me, from what I've seen of our classmates' skills... Well, that's because I have experience though. You should be fine too, since you'll have decent experience."

"But it's always good to practise and prepare, right? Oh, that's right! I was going to ask, what month hunt is this one?

"...The 6th month's one. It's December's hunt."

"....So, this is the「Difficulty: Insane」one, isn't it?"

Aracia slowly nodded.

"Ah."

"Hmm... W-well, it'll be our first one, won't it? Let's beat it together!"

"Ah. We're a party now, so of course we will."

"Now! Let's go eat some lunch! I'm hungry."

Aracia stared blankly at Ashley for a second, before slightly smiling.

"....Ah."

Two and a half months have passed since the Hero Summoning.

Two weeks remain until the 'hunt'.