What Do You Think I Am?

And the next day.

Kikori and Kuon, having come before the Hero Gate, were exchanging opinions.

“Isn’t what we lack attack power? I think a mage would be good.”

“I think it’s overall ability. I think we should add an archer.”

After sharing various opinions, those were the proposals they reached.

They agreed a rear guard was needed, and both fell silent.

“…Come to think of it, you never said we need another vanguard.”

“Do you think a mediocre vanguard would be useful with your fighting style, Kikori?”

“Well, like a heavy warrior for defense?”

“They’d be in the way. I don’t want them getting split in half by your Mjolnir.”

“What do you think I am…”

“A berserker.”

Kikori fell silent again at the irrefutable rebuttal… he didn’t attack indiscriminately.

But… he couldn’t completely deny the possibility that when berserk he might think someone was “in the way” or use them as a stepping stone.

“…You’re pushing archer because of future growth, right?”

“Yeah. People who become archers usually have talent in that direction.”

“Really? Isn’t it just because they’re good with a bow?”

“Maybe some are. You’re pushing mage for destructive power, right?”

“Yeah. Even if strikes don’t work, magic would make things easier.”

“Wouldn’t Mjolnir solve that? That’s basically a magic attack already.”

That might be true.

But if he used Mjolnir every time, Kikori might collapse.

“Let’s go with an archer, Kikori. We definitely need one.”

“Hmm… actually, you’re really insisting…?”

“Well yeah. I seriously think we need one.”

“I see. Then I think an archer is fine too… but.”

While saying that, Kikori and Kuon looked around.

Because of its nature, there were many people recruiting companions in front of the Hero Gate.

“Looking for a mage! We’re a shield warrior, swordsman, and priest!”

“Any heavy warriors!? We have two mages!”

“I’m a priest! Looking for a vanguard!”

There were various recruitments… but none mentioned archers.

And there were no adventurers with equipment that looked like it either.

“Why…? Why are there no archers?”

“Maybe because it costs money. You know, arrows are expensive… tough for beginners.”

“That feels like the end of the discussion.”

“Hmm. What should we do…”

As Kikori and Kuon whispered to each other, a voice called out, “Um…”

“Hm?”

“Oh, a cute girl.”

“Wait, Kuon, is your aesthetic sense that way?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“I heard beastfolk and humans have pretty different standards of beauty.”

“That might be true, but I’ve lived here a long time.”

“U-um!”

“Oh, sorry.”

“Sorry.”

Pulled back from their tangent, Kikori and Kuon apologized honestly.

The one who spoke was a girl with short brown hair… but at a glance Kikori couldn’t tell her profession and tilted his head.

Slightly baggy thick clothes and lace-up boots.

She also carried a shoulder bag… a porter?

“My name is Eil! I’m an alchemist… um, would you form a party with me!?”