Chapter 18: Level 2 Quest Preparation (2/2)

I shook hands with the ikemen cat-ears Alcedo, who had presented his hand.

It seems that adventurers mention their levels when introducing themselves.

“I’m Misha, of the demon race. Adventurer level is II. But, I think maps wouldn’t be a problem for someone as strong as Lute-kun.”

I also shook hands with the short silver-haired brown-skinned Misha.

“Then that unsociable one over there is our team leader, Akent. A human just like Lute. Adventurer level is III. Hey, introduce yourself.”

“……’m Akent.”

His 2 companions made a shocked face at that unsociable greeting.

I gave my thanks to them once again.

“Thank you very much for saving me from getting tricked.”

“It’s fine already. Adventurers are all about give-and-take, see.”

Alcedo laughed cheerfully.

“By the way, since you said you needed antidote fruits and a map of the forest, were you going to go into the Grey forest?”

“Yes, I had received a level II quest just a while ago.”

“Then, would you like to go on the quest together?”

“With everyone?”

Misha explained with an amiable smile.

“Truthfully, we also received a level II quest yesterday, but the target Orc was nowhere to be found. We even went deep inside the forest, but had no luck whatsoever but it was no use. So, we were talking about going to a far away place where orcs are bound to exist, even if it would take a day to get there.”

Misha bent her body down from the waist and looked at my face.

“So, if it’s alright with Lute-kun, how about going with us? I’m uneasy with being the only long-range attack capability. We saw Lute-kun’s true strength yesterday, it would be reassuring if you could come with us.”

The valley between her breasts flitters in front of my eyes.

Her healthy brown skin.

Burying my head between those silky smooth breasts would feel good, like going to heaven.

(Nonono! I already have a fiancee called Snow! Don’t get confused!)

Temptation attack aside, it’s a charming proposal if you really think about it.

I am still a beginner myself.

There are many advantages of joining their experienced team.

Alcedo supports Misha’s invitation.

“It’s not really a strictly regulated thing like a Legion, just a temporary team, you don’t have to think too hard about it. It’s okay to leave in the middle if you don’t like it. If you join up, we’ll teach you the way to make camp, the lay of the land, and the necessary techniques and knowledge for being an adventurer.”

“Uhh…… Why do you have to go so far?”

Toward my obvious question, Misha and Alcedo looked at each other, their expressions changed.

Alcedo replied with an over-the-top answer.

“We saw Lute’s power yesterday, we want to pick you up before other teams or Legions could get to you.”

I see, so in other words, a prior investment, huh.

Also―Misha added her own reasons.

“When we were beginners we also had some seniors take care of us, they taught us the basics of adventuring. If Lute-kun feels indebted to us, you can take another beginner under your wing when you grow up.”

If you put it that way, how can I refuse.

I let down my guard and bowed my head.

“Please let me be in a team with you all. I might be causing you some trouble since I just became an adventurer, but please take care of me.”

“Yahoo! Now you’re talking! We’ll split up the rewards according to what each of us defeated so we wont come to a disagreement.”

It seems that the preparation of things needed for camp will be left to Akent and the others.

They said that I only needed to buy the antidote fruits and map for today. How nice of them.

“So we’ll meet up again after lunch at the west gate.”

“Understood. See you then.”

“See you later, Lute-kun.”

“…………”

I bowed my head at the three who were slipping into the crowd, and once again went into the Adventurers’ Guild support miscellany shop.

Then I bought a map (3 silver coins).

And 5 antidote fruits (5 large copper coins).

I got out of the shop and went straight back to the inn.

I started packing the provisions for my new expedition in my room.

AK-47. 6 magazines.

“S&W M10” revolver. 1 box of bullets.

Map, 5 antidote fruits, spare magic liquid metal (1 liter portion), leather bag for monster parts, a change of clothes, thin blanket, raincoat, potion.

I also bought a travel cloak when I got to maritime city Grey.

“With this much preparation I can throw down 100 monsters with room to spare.”

After finishing all the preparations, I went to the bar next door with the canteen in hand.

I finished my lunch, paid the old man at the bar and asked him to fill my canteen with water.

Now all the preparation is complete.

Just in case, I paid the old man at the inn 3 days’ worth of inn fees in advance.

I walked out toward the west gate with my pack on my back.

The trio was already at the gate.

“Sorry, I was late.”

“No no, we also just got here.”

“We actually came here a bit early, so don’t worry about it.”

“Oi, enough talking, let’s get going.”

Alcedo and Misha followed up in succession.

But Akent just walked away on his own, blunt as ever.

“Good grief, he really can’t be honest….. Sorry, that guy, he’s always like that.”

“Though he really isn’t a bad guy.”

The two was surprised and covered for Akent.

“I get it already, I’m all right.”

He already saved me once.

If I just imagine he’s a tsundere bishoujo in my head, this kind of interaction is no problem!

I took on a level II quest together with my newly-met companions.