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— Ispreet Great Forest.
Also known as the [Forest of Spirits], it is a vast sea of trees that spreads out near the city of Gilbadia.
It is a bountiful and blessed forest, serving as a treasure trove of important resources. However, due to this, many monsters inhabit it, and the appearance of threatening monsters is not uncommon.
On the outskirts of the forest, there are small-scale villages and roads, so the main work of the adventurers based in Gilbadia is to exterminate those monsters.
“Gyyrraaaaaaaa!!”
“We’ve driven it this way! Please, Master Luke!”
“Please help!”
“Ah…”
The members of the “Gray Wolf’s Claw” group, including Zack, raised their voices, and Luke softly responded. On the plains stretching between the Ispreet Great Forest and the city of Gilbadia, a massive magical beast called the “Giant Lizard” was rushing fiercely across the land.
(… It’s always so huge, this thing.)
The monster approaching in front of Luke was a massive giant that could easily swallow a human whole.
However, it was already a familiar sight. In fact, this “Giant Lizard” was a common monster for the adventurers of Gilbadia, and Luke had already defeated it several times before.
That said, it was a threat-level B monster, and a fairly formidable one at that.
Whether to use a sword or magic, Luke hesitated for a moment, then reached for the hilt of his sword. It wasn’t because the sword was more effective. There was no rational thought behind it – Luke simply chose the sword out of pure preference.
“GRRRRAAAAAAHHH!!”
“Heh… as noisy as ever.”
Luke kicked off the ground and leapt towards the neck of the Giant Lizard. He then drew his sword and struck in one swift motion.
By the time they passed each other, the giant’s head was no longer there. It was an abrupt and unexpected end.
“Well done, Lord Luke!”
“… It always just charges ahead. I’m starting to get bored of it.”
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“Haha… its massive body charging ahead is still a considerable threat, though.”
“Dahaha! As expected of Lord Luke!”
“Magnificent!”
“… As impressive as always.”
It had been two weeks since Luke temporarily joined the “Gray Wolf’s Claw” and began acting as an adventurer.
Luke had already achieved an exceptional rank upgrade to A-rank, and he had become reasonably acquainted with the other party members besides Zack.
At first, Zack had been overly cautious and wearing himself out, but after just three days of being with Luke, he couldn’t help but notice the benefits. With Luke’s addition, the efficiency of completing a single request had skyrocketed, significantly increasing their income.
Zack had also been worried about their teamwork falling apart, but surprisingly, that never happened.
He still had to be considerate in many ways. But he came to the conclusion, “Well, if we’re getting loads of money, I can’t really complain!” He had that kind of positive attitude.
“Uh, the dismantling and processing…”
“Of course, I’ll do it.”
“Understood. Me, Jippel, and Lord Luke will handle the dismantling work. Kigon, Sfusasa, please keep watch around the area.”
“Got it!”
“Acknowledged!”
“… Understood.”
As he took out the knives for the dismantling, Zack couldn’t help but wonder.
(… Why does Lord Luke bother with this tedious work?)
The processing of a monster’s remains after its defeat – it serves purposes like providing proof of the kill, securing materials, and preventing infection. But there are few adventurers who enjoy doing this work. The simple reason is that it’s a hassle.
Some monsters even require delicate procedures, which is another reason it’s disliked. As a result, many adventurers, rather than doing it themselves, pay the Guild to handle the processing later, even though it costs more.
Luke’s reason for doing the dismantling work himself was partly out of arrogance – the belief that there was nothing he couldn’t do. But more than that, every aspect of being an adventurer felt fresh and enjoyable to him.
The simple pleasure of defeating monsters and earning money, without any baggage – that simplicity was what he found so satisfying.
“Hey, Zack.”
“Y-yes!”
Suddenly addressed, Zack responded in a slightly strained voice. Even though he was getting used to it, he still tended to be intimidated by Luke.
“I’m just curious, but does your group, the ‘Gray Wolf’s Claw,’ have a particular origin for that name?”
“Ah, well…”
That was just a random idea of Luke’s.
There was no deep meaning behind it; he had simply wondered about it.
“You see, do you know about the monster called the ‘Gray Wolf’?”
“Of course. It’s a threat-level D monster, nothing too remarkable.”
“Well, when we were just starting out, we actually got nearly killed by one of those Gray Wolves…”
“… What?”
“Dahaha! Yeah, we were nearly done in! Good times, good times!”
The burly man named Jippel laughed heartily.
“Back then, we were still inexperienced, full of confidence without any real skill. A moment of carelessness almost led to our total defeat. Look at this.”
” ………… “
Zack rolled up his sleeve to reveal a large claw mark.
“That’s why the name ‘Gray Wolf’s Claw’ is a reminder – to never forget our beginnings. As adventurers, a moment of laxity can lead to sudden, unexpected death.”
“I see, so that’s the reason. I rather like it.”
“… Eh?”
Zack was already recognized as a skilled adventurer by Luke. Fortunately or unfortunately, this story further endeared Luke to him.
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§
After finishing the processing of the Giant Lizard, Luke and the others returned to the city of Gilbadia.
“Let’s take a break and then accept another good request, shall we?”
“Of course.”
“Understood.”
It had become routine for Zack and the others to complete multiple requests in a single day.
But first, they need to cash in the completed request. So, while resupplying along the way, they head towards the guild. There are still some residents who look at Luke with fear, but they are slowly getting used to him.
“Hey, come over here, Zack!”
“What are you talking about, old man? It’s still daytime!”
Many call out to Zack and his companions. That’s how much the residents like them.
they walk on, answering casually. And they arrive right in front of the guild.
As Luke reaches for the door, suddenly–
“I’m telling you! I just want to know where Luke is!”
“………..”
The moment a shrill woman’s voice is heard, Luke’s heart feels heavy as lead.
“……Zack, listen carefully.”
“W-what is it…?”
“I have a feeling that some trouble is about to start.”
“…That’s a coincidence, I feel the same way.”
“You know what to do, right?”
“Ugh……looks like it’s me again……”
In fact, Zack also had a bad feeling the moment he heard that voice. And their premonitions are usually right. But they can’t just stand here. Luke steels himself and slowly opens the door.
“Hey, Lily. Calm d– Ah! Luke!”
“………..”
The one standing there was Abel.
In an instant, question marks dance in Luke’s mind and he loses his words.
“S-sorry about that. I was just wondering how you were doing, Luke, so I came to visit!”
“It’s been a while, Luke.”
He had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.
“Visit……. You came …… to.?”
He desperately tries to comprehend the meaning of those words, but still doesn’t understand.
“Yeah! I was surprised to hear you became an adventurer! Actually, Lily and I became adventurers too! What a coincidence, right!”
Luke’s brain almost short-circuits at this turn of events that exceeds his comprehension, but there’s one thing he understands.
(Does this guy really think of me as his friend…?)
A powerful dizziness overcomes him.
“Zack……I’m tired. I’ll rest for today.”
“……Huh?”
“D-don’t worry, Luke!”
Deeply concerned, Abel rushes over to Luke.
3
At that moment, Luke was convinced.
This world truly has something called [fate].
There’s no other way to explain why Abel is here. It’s incomprehensible, completely incomprehensible.
Oblivious to Luke’s lament, Abel peers at him with genuine concern. Seeing this, Luke’s heart is further stained with gloom. –But he suddenly thinks.
When exactly did he start unwillingly accepting this unpleasant reality as inevitable? The endless stream of trouble beyond his expectations ultimately can’t be helped. That’s why he had unconsciously been compromising, Luke realized.
(Did I really compromise…?)
“Heh…you’re making me laugh.”
“–Eek!”
In an instant, the air freezes. And at the same time, everyone remembers.
The nightmare of that day. The existence known as Luke.
Anger engulfs Luke’s melancholic heart, not just towards the Abel before him, but towards everything that troubles him.
Together with Luke’s heightened emotions, an icy, vast magical power is unleashed.
Zack, being the closest, lets out a small scream. It’s the overwhelming pressure of a vastly superior magical being within arm’s reach.
“KYAAAAAAAAA!!”
“M-Mokkel!?”
Once again, the adventurer Mokkel screams and runs off somewhere.
However, the majority of those present are paralyzed, unable to move from the violent magical power radiating from Luke.
“Since when did you become my equal? Tell me, Abel.”
“…Huh?”
This time, Luke approaches Abel.
“I’ll make it clear since you seem to be mistaken. To me, you are–“
“Hey, stop it!”
Without hesitation, Lily steps between Luke and Abel.
And she glares defiantly at Luke, her limbs trembling slightly.
“You guys go to the same school, so it’s fine for Abel to come visit, right? Abel was really looking forward to seeing you!”
To keep from succumbing to fear, Lily raises her voice more than usual.
“…You are–hmm, never mind.”
An existence that directly opposes him.
In that moment when Luke felt a fresh emotion towards her, a bell-like sound reverberated through his core.
[Emergency!! A Disaster-designated monster, the [Ice Dragon], has been detected approaching! All knights and adventurers of this city, please arm yourselves and gather at the west gate immediately!!]
The urgent announcement followed, its slightly trembling voice echoing through the city.
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