By The Way, What Was Your Name Again?

“Then, to get started, please take this.”

Receiving the paper handed to him by the receptionist, Kikori stared at it intently.

It showed a drawing that looked like some kind of grass, along with what was probably an explanatory text.

“Um… I’m sorry, I can’t read.”

“Oh my. Then I’ll explain.”

As she said that, the receptionist took out another sheet of paper.

Yes—exactly the same one.

“Hehehe, surprised? Not everything, of course, but by using woodblocks we’re able to simplify things while preserving the content.”

It’s printing, Kikori almost said, but swallowed the words.

He should not say something like that. Knowing that, Kikori chose his words carefully.

“I-I was surprised. I didn’t know you could do something like that.”

“That’s right. And as for the contents, it’s a medicinal herb gathering request.”

The receptionist explained that it was a request to gather Nibe grass, an ingredient used for simple healing salves.

“It works for small cuts that don’t need a potion, and also for things like chapped hands, so it’s a medicinal herb that’s always in demand regardless of profession.”

“I see…”

“The reward is one hundred yen per plant. If you collect ten, you can stay at the cheapest inn partnered with the Adventurers’ Guild!”

If it was called the cheapest inn, Kikori thought, then it was probably really just a place to sleep.

No meals included, shared sleeping space—well… that kind of thing.

“Understood. Also, um… if I wanted to earn more, what should I do?”

“That would of course be gathering higher-value items, or else subjugation. Especially subjugation—it can be said to be the very reason adventurers exist.”

“Subjugation…”

“For goblins, there’s basically only magic stones as loot, but once you deal with monsters above a certain level, their materials can be sold for good money.”

Saying that much, the receptionist suddenly clapped her hands as if she had remembered something.

“Oh, right. Magic stones are crystals of magical power that form inside monsters. They’re used for all sorts of things, so they’re wonderful items that can function as money almost anywhere.”

“They’re near the heart,” she added, and Kikori nodded.

Magic stones. If he could obtain those, his life would become much easier.

“That said, there are mountains of rookies who get themselves killed going after goblins. So don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

“Yes, I understand.”

Even so, Kikori thought he would have no choice.

If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then the day after.

It was a path he would inevitably have to walk.

If he did not kill monsters, he could not survive on this path.

“Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome—have a safe trip!”

He bowed his head, and then suddenly Kikori realized something.

“Um, by the way… what was your name again?”

“Hehe.”

At Kikori’s question, the receptionist smiled.

“If you come back alive, I’ll tell you.”

Was that her way of encouraging him?

Or did it mean that there was no name worth telling to someone who would die?

For Kikori, there was no way to tell yet.