Chapter 21: Arc 2 – Chapter 7: A Team’s Strength

Finally! I get to set out on my first Quest as an Adventurer!

 

I was grinning from ear to ear as I imagined myself finally working with a team that's going to raid a dungeon and earn some loot as a first hand experience. I played so many RPGs and some MMOs in the past that I couldn’t help getting giddy as one of my dreams is finally going to be fulfilled!

 

It’s one of these few times that I’m glad to have the face of a lizard, as the group couldn’t tell my facial expressions… well, save except for one… Glenn.

 

“Hm? You seem to be really happy about something sir Camus? Oh! Is it because we finally get to go out on a Quest with the famous Titan’s Hammers? Hehe, I know how you feel! I mean, how often do us newbies actually get to be taught by a famous Adventurer party? I mean there was this one time… “

 

Gah! I don’t know when and how this kid got to be able to read dragon face, but it’s certainly not helping! He somehow interprets that every little thing I do involves Ellen’s group even if it doesn’t have anything remotely to do with them. I just met them a few days ago, so how the hell am I supposed to be excited over partying up with them even if they’re famous? There’s just one thing I can think of whenever I see Glenn in this mode… total fanboy.

 

To geek out at every little thing just because he’s in the presence of famous Adventurers… he’s most definitely an Adventurer fanboy…

 

I sighed as I was made to listen to his nonstop machinegun talk of glee, but it seems I wasn’t the only one annoyed.

 

“Um… Camus? I understand your friend’s enthusiasm and we really appreciate how he looks up to us, but… can you… um… tell him to shut up?” <Dustin>

 

“Gregor’s ears and head are in pain. Gregor does not like this new kind of attack.”

 

It’s funny how Dustin tried to be polite at first, but with Glenn’s rambling as our background music, even he has his patience huh? Also, I think it’s impressive how Glenn was even able to make a tank with hundreds of scars like Gregor feel helpless with just his mouth.

 

“… Glenn.”<Camus>

 

“… and then they – yes, sir?”

 

“Save your energy. We’re almost at the Nest.”

 

“Oh! I’m sorry… I kinda lost myself there…”

 

No kidding. Everyone except the three girls aside from Ellen finally made a sigh of relief.

 

“Gaaaah! Can ya’ believe the mouth on tha’ kid? He’s chattier than one o’ those Foxkin merchants who’s tryin’ to con ya’ into buyin’ their stuff.” <Lawrence>

 

Yeah… sorry about that everyone… although, I am curious as to how those girls were able to remain calm despite the others being half-driven mad. Seems like I’m not the only who caught on.

 

“Ooooi! Alma! Can ya’ hear me? How the hell did ya girls put up with all that? I’d like ta’ know fer future references! Hey!”

 

The Bunnykin archer, Alma, seems to have noticed Lawrence waving his arm. She then tapped on the mage, Angela’s shoulder and pointed towards Lawrence.

 

Angela’s face twisted as if like she looked at something filthy and recited a chant with closed eyes. Heh, so that’s it.

 

“Yes?” <Alma>

 

“W-What tha’!? You girls used magic ta’ block them noises all this time!?”

 

“Hmph. Only an imbecile like you wouldn’t bother to think that magic could be used so conveniently. Knowing full well we’d be traveling with “that” type of newbie, I of course had prepared beforehand.” <Angela>

 

No, no. I don’t think anyone would find it convenient to continually cast an area spell for two straight hours just to block some noise when you could’ve simply told Glenn to can it. It seems Ellen shares my opinion.

 

“Angela, I told you that you could have simply asked young Glenn to keep calm. I’m sure he would’ve understood especially since he seems to admire our party a lot. Also, casting an area [Quiet] spell continuously for a long time wastes a lot of mana even if the effect is simple.”

 

“No worries, Ellen. I have mana potions at the ready. Besides, why should I ask him directly when your new Scaly friend could have done us the courtesy of quieting him sooner?”

 

Well, she got me there, but it’s not easy for a guy who’s used to being polite in society to just suddenly be frank about it. Though I’m sure hanging out with the Adventurers for a while should clear up that kind of thinking in no time.

 

Glenn on the other hand looks depressed and ashamed of himself as he seems to think he caused everyone trouble. I pat his shoulder roughly and told him to cheer up.

 

“No one blames you for it, but just try not to go overboard next time.” <Camus>

 

“Right… thanks, sir Camus.”

 

Seems Glenn perked up with that and held his head high as we continued on.

 

Our journey started a day ago when Ellen invited us to take part in their Quest. They had an unfinished Job so they wanted to invite Glenn and me so that they can kill two birds with one stone by receiving extra pay from the Guild for training newbie adventurers. I didn’t mind since I wanted to learn in the first place, and they also decided to waive the fees I’m normally supposed to pay on account of all they alcohol I gave them. They even bought extra supplies for the both of us.

 

After some preparations and renting horses, we set off on a daylong trip towards a satellite town situated close to the Labyrinth and left the horses there. It seems the rest of the way can only be traveled on foot since the Nest is located near the top of a high rocky mountain. Heading off, I once again started getting excited at the prospect of doing my first Quest.

 

Speaking of Quests, they are split into two categories such as Jobs and Requests.

Jobs are the generic gathering quests coupled with subjugation type quests put up by the Guild. It’s aptly named since it’s the Adventurer’s main line of work. There are also dangerous ones like exploration quests, but those are rare and usually reserved for Steel Grade Adventurers or higher. It involves scouting Nests or new territory.

Requests on the other hand range between escort missions, delivery requests, or mercenary work that are mainly put up by clients. Sometimes they can have similar contents with a Job, but the fact it’s put up by a client outside of the Guild makes it categorized as thus.

The reason for the difference is that while Jobs pay a standard fee for the commission, it’s generally safe and you can expect a fair return for your work. Requests on the other hand are Quests given out by people from outside the Guild and can range from ordinary civilians to nobles. The rewards vary while the Guild does the minimum required investigation to confirm whether a commission from an individual is safe. It’s up to the Adventurer to investigate further if the Request is legit, so it’s not hard to imagine how some Adventurers end up getting caught by traps disguised as “Requests.”

In fact, I heard from Ellen’s group that many newbie Adventurers as well as a few skilled ones have disappeared in the recent months prior to my arrival. The reason why Requests haven’t been removed entirely is because the Guild earns more profits from Requests rather than Jobs, and a lot of their clients tend to be high-ranking nobles. The Guild doesn’t completely ignore it, however, and put up warnings for shady looking ones. Vague Requests also have higher commission fees and will only be put up if provided with a large reward. In short, Requests are Quests with high risk and high rewards.

 

The one we’re doing right now is a Job, and it’s a simple one where we harvest materials from a certain monster that appears from the Nest that we’re heading to. Normally, Adventurers would need to rent carts in order to bring back loot from a Labyrinth, but thanks to my “Space Magic,” we’re spared from the inconvenience, and it’s even the main reason why the 4 other members who ditched the drinking session agreed to me joining them in the first place.

 

Currently, we’ve been trekking on the rocky mountain for almost two hours until we reached a plateau with a stream flowing in the center. Bordered by fences with small buildings and shops within, armed groups can be seen all around. Some of them bear Orgo’s emblem of the Town Guard, while the Adventurers with mixed equipments are wearing their Identity Plates bearing the metal of their rank. These ID Plates, as I like to call them, can take the form of headbands, dog tags, or armbands. There are other variations, but these are what I noticed to be the most common. Mine is currently a Copper Tag that’s hanging from my neck like a necklace.

 

“Alright, we’ve reached the Nest Hamlet. We’ll rest for a bit then head for the Guild Shack to show that we’ve accepted a Quest. Once they’ve confirmed the Quest we’ll then make final preparations before we head for the Nest’s entrance.”<Ellen>

 

It almost seems like just getting to the Nest requires a lot of work. I guess it makes sense they need all this security to prevent other groups from stealing credit for a Job and to determine who’s entering a Nest to keep Guild records of living Adventurers accurate. Because of all these systems in place, the act of going out on a Quest feels more like going to a mundane job rather than an exciting feeling of going against the unknown… Reality and games are vastly different after all, so I can’t help but feel it’s a bit of a letdown…

 

“Alright, now that confirming the Quest is done, make sure to check if all your gear are in order and that your supplies are all set.”<Ellen>

 

I’m already all good to go since I have most of the supplies in my ring. As for armor, I don’t really have to check if my scales are in place, do I? After all, my shoulder guard, leggings, and vambraces with wrist guards are simply accessory equipments to make me look more warrior-like. My leather cloak with a hood is just there to keep people from immediately recognizing me.

 

Since I have some free time, I decided to get a good look at Ellen’s party once more.

 

Dustin is Steel ranked and wearing a half plate set while wielding a round shield and a broadsword. He’s also wearing something like a plated headgear. His job is called Guardian, and I can assume that it involves being the tank of the party.

Gregor is Silver ranked and has the same job, but his armor is only composed of a metal cuirass, cuisses, shin guards, arm guards, and what looks to be a barbute helmet. He wields a rectangular tower shield and a large one-handed mace. If anything, he looks more like a badass bandit boss or a savage knight.

As a Steel ranked Thief, Lawrence is still wearing his brown bandana but this time he had a grey scarf around his neck. For his attire, he’s wearing something like sleeveless tight fitting clothes along with matching unconnected tight sleeves on his arms leaving his shoulder joints exposed. He has a leather heart protector, leather gloves and boots, and a leather utility belt around his waist tightened over his seemingly loose pants.

 

Now for the girls… I repeat, I’m a guy, ok? So it’s obvious I’d save them for last…

 

Ellen looks mostly the same other than the giant two-handed warhammer that’s slung on her back. It’s like an elegant sledgehammer only 5 times the size with the handle having the width of a lamppost.

Alma, the Steel ranked bunnykin Archer, is actually very tall at around 190cm. She has long straight chestnut hair with dark brown eyes and light brown skin. Her nose is incredibly pointed with a cute tiny triangle in the center like a bunny. Her gear includes a longbow with the quiver slung at the back of her waist. Her attire includes a sleeveless leather vest with an exposed waist and a short skirt over tight shorts. Wearing leather arm and leg wraps, she also has really high heels.

Now that I look at her closely, she has incredibly long limbs when proportioned to her body. Her arms are so long her hands reach all the way to her knees. And while she’s tall, most of the height is from her legs rather than her body, which actually looks petite. If anything, she bears an incredible striking resemblance to the race of rabbit people from a famous JRPG franchise that spawned many titles back in my old world. The only thing that probably sets her apart is the cute pointed fluffy tail sticking up just above her skirt.

The girl with short curly blue hair that reaches her shoulders and a child-like face is Silvi, a Steel ranked Healer. She’s wearing what appears to be a full body robe with elegant designs and loose sleeves. It has slits at the sides for ease of movement like a china dress and she wields a wooden staff that curls at the top on a jade-like jewel mysteriously floating in the center. Her eyes seem to be always half-open like slits so it almost looks like she's walking with her eyes closed. She also tends to smile a lot.

The last one, the mage named Angela, is Silver ranked and has a job called Reaver. I was surprised when I heard this at first but it turns out that mages that specialize in offensive magic in this world are called Reavers. This time, she’s wearing only a short black mantle draped over her shoulders and a simple but chic matching dress along with high stockings. Looking at her, I don’t know whether she’s planning to go shopping or head to a party. Oh, and she also has a magic rod with a red gem at the tip. As opposed to a Healer’s staff, a Mage’s rod is slightly shorter since less mass in magical conductivity prioritizes spell casting speed and power over a staff’s efficiency at magic control and focus with its greater mass.

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After seeing that everything’s in place, Ellen gives the order to move out into the Labyrinth. The entrance to the Nest is actually quite visible from when we found the plateau – it’s wide a cave at the other end of the hamlet, which is the source of the stream.

 

It’s well guarded to keep the monsters in rather than prevent people from entering it. There were lit torches lining the entrance as we entered and it grew wider as we traveled further in. Occasionally, we’d see guard posts or Adventurer’s lined along the walls as if waiting for their party members. There were even some ballsy peddlers who were hawking their wares on the side.

Eventually, the path opened to a wide area lit by crystals on the ceiling instead of torches. It was really surprising, but the wide hall was filled with stalls and people as if it was a marketplace in some city. Contrary to my expectations, this place was actually bustling with life as Adventurers and Merchants were haggling with each other. The place didn’t even look dull as some greenery and flowers seem to be growing on the side.

 

“I bet you newbies are surprised. This is what you call the Labyrinth Market, and this sort of place can exist in well-maintained Labyrinths with high security. I wouldn’t advise buying necessities from here though, as prices can sometimes go as high up as five times the market price. Materials can also be sold for cheap here if you’ve got too much to carry or if you’re in a rush to get rid of loot.”<Dustin>

 

“It’s also a great place ta’ find stuff ya ain’t gonna see often in the open market. Good luck with yer wallet though since this sorta’ place is often filled wit’ lowlives.”<Lawence>

 

“Hmph. Uncouth thugs like you I bet. How else would you know the activities of their lot.”<Angela>

 

“Haaaah!? Why don’ ya try an’ say tha’ again yer highness? Careful now, or ya might end up losin’ one or two of yer knickers along the way!”

 

“If you even so much as think of stealing my underwear, you’re going to wish you didn’t have teeth after I’m through with you!”

 

Looks like they’re about ready to rumble, but Ellen soon cut them off with a fist to their noggins.

 

“Gack!”

 

“Owie!”

 

“Hey, knock it off you two. We’ve still got a Job to finish and we need you both to be healthy.”

 

The both them quieted down after that and turned away from each other with a humph.

 

As we went on our way, the party pretty much ignored the hustle and bustle as we continued to move forward. Soon we left the Market, and as things got dark again, we saw multiple paths stretch out.

 

Ellen picked one and asked Lawrence to head out and scout ahead. She then turned towards me and Glenn looking like she had something to say.

 

“After this point, it finally gets serious. Are you two ready?”

 

As we looked at each other with a smile, we turned to Ellen and nodded.

 

“Good. Since you two are here to learn, you’re welcome to stay in the back and observe in the meantime. However, you two must remember that you’ll be responsible for your decisions and your lives when you choose to take action, since many unexpected things often happen in a Nest. We can’t always be there to watch over you.”

 

Glenn and I nod once again in affirmation. No words need to be said.

 

“Alright. Titan’s Hammer, let’s move out!”

 

…

 

Sigh…

 

Why does it seem like I’m disappointed? Because so far it’s been dull and boring…

 

The moment we set foot into the path, the area suddenly changed into dense woodland. I was again shocked at first but soon got accustomed to it... I should really start remembering this is a fantasy world... Anyways, everyone was moving slow and was being wary of their surroundings, but so far nothing really major has happened.

The Job this time is to gather the wood of Savage Oaks, a species of Treant. The wood is more resilient and durable than regular oak wood and can be used to make Magician rods and staves.

The Savage Oak is considered a D+ grade threat and is usually handled by Steel ranked adventurers at the average. Glenn and I wouldn’t normally be allowed to take this type of quest, but since we’re partying up with a group composed of Silver and Steel ranked adventurers, then it’s fine. Although, I’d probably be able to handle everything myself, but I don’t like being conceited and throw off everyone’s game.

 

The reason I’m so bored is because we haven’t found a single Treant for the last hour or any other monster for that matter. Lawrence soon came back and we were hoping for good news.

 

“This’s weird, Ellen… I wen’ ahead as far’s I could, but couldn’ find a single thing. Not even the super common Rat Moles.”

 

“Hmm… I’ve heard of a phenomenon like this in the Guild before. Situations like this where monsters don’t appear only happen due to three reasons as I recall.

The first one is that the Nest has withered and can no longer spawn monsters. This isn’t likely since the Nest still has this vast Woodland Region and the Sun Crystals were still active at the Labyrinth Market.

The second is that there’s a powerful monster that has spawned and ended up devouring the creatures in the ecosystem. If this is the case, then we’d be seeing its mess by now, but we haven’t…”

 

Ellen then narrowed her eyes and grit her teeth upon the realization. Her grip on her hammer tightened while she raised her battle aura.

 

“Shit! Everyone, prepare yourselves! Curse our rotten luck, it’s the worst one!”

 

As soon as we noticed some movement all around us, Glenn and I took our positions behind the Support members while we faced our surroundings back to back. I was using an ordinary two-handed sword this time since I didn’t want to be too conspicuous, but I can still wield it like an ordinary longsword.

 

Everyone also became serious, as monsters soon appeared surrounding all of us. There were large moles with sharp fangs and rat-like tails, wolves with green fur that somehow seem to be enveloped by air, large headed deer with big eyes and sharp teeth, and even the Treants we’ve been after looking like large uprooted oak trees with evil smiling faces. There were a lot of creatures I couldn’t even describe but the fact doesn’t change that we were surrounded and there were hundreds of them.

 

The monsters of varying species were all around us and appeared as if they were working together. It’s an odd sight, but I guess I finally get to see some action. I know it’s wrong of me to think this mess is a good thing, but it’s my dad’s fault that my blood boils for combat and the desire to test myself.

 

“Get ready! Here they come!”

 

The huge tide of beasts soon surged towards us... or at least they tried, but we stood our ground. Blasts of magic and the sound of steel cutting through flesh and bone soon sounded across the forest.

 

Ellen, while looking valiant, swung her mighty hammer and shattered the earth – the shockwave spreading out like a cone in font of her. This technique seems similar to what my dad used against me in his corrupted state. Only this time it was aimed at the wave of beasts in front her, turning them into a sea of giblets and ripped flesh.

Dustin and Gregor were stalwart like stone walls that denied entry and ripped apart anything that thought it could do them harm.

Alma’s arrows flew and struck true to their mark, the speed at which she released them almost rivaling a machine gun’s.

Lawrence weaved through the beasts like an agile cat sowing confusing and disturbing their orientation with his traps.

Angela, with her magic, was the deadliest as she caused untold destruction with her AoE spells that slaughtered the monsters by the hundreds.

Silvi’s healing light bathed everyone with warmth and gave them the strength to continue their onslaught.

 

Of course, Glenn and I didn’t stand idly by. As we practiced on our travels, we performed a Swords Dance that synchronized our offense and defense in the form of a deadly dance. My blows were slow but heavy and contained power, while Glenn’s were fast and accurate but lacked the decisive factor to kill. Combining our strengths while removing our weaknesses, we became a whirlwind of carnage. We didn’t really need to do the dance, but in order to see if I have a convincing amount of “skill,” I needed to fight like I’m still within the logic that a two-handed sword is “heavy and slow.” Besides, I wanted to learn how strong these things are without relying on [Status], and I also wanted to see how well Glenn's growth is coming along.

 

I watched the party as they perform since I had lots of leeway. At first I only imagined it based on their setup, but seeing them in action, I’m pretty much convinced.

Ellen’s party is pretty solid with her as the vanguard and main attacker while the two Guardians protect the support members in the back and keep the monsters at bay. The Healer replenishes lost vitality and casts support buffs, and the Archer picks out opponents while assisting in the offense. The Reaver is for nuking large swathes of enemies while assisting with offensive magic, and the Thief, while normally scouts ahead for monsters and traps while kiting in potential targets, can also cause confusion with his agility and own traps in the middle of a battle. It’s a pretty balanced Adventurer team that focuses on versatility and efficiency.

 

Glenn and I covered the back of the Support since the two Guardians and Ellen were engaged in the front.

 

The monsters started becoming afraid and soon stopped coming as they realized they were only rushing towards a meat grinder.

 

Ellen and the rest stopped as well and took this opportunity to rest.

 

“… ! So it’s here…”<Ellen>

 

Everyone looked towards the place Ellen pointed out, and there it was... staring at everyone with a suffocating pressure and massive killing intent.

 

“The last and worst possible scenario… that a “Lord” of monsters was born.”

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