We Have High Expectations For You?

He had a small amount of money left—the remainder of the travel funds the priest had given him.

But if he used it, he would be penniless.

He did not feel like spending it in his current situation.

After all, he had no idea what he might end up needing.

If he spent it now and then found himself saying “I don’t have money” when it truly mattered, it would be no joke—it could cost him his life.

“…I have to conserve. I don’t have any leeway.”

Repeating that to himself as he walked, Kikori eventually reached the gate.

This was the reason Nilgen was called a Fortress City.

In other words, it was a defensive line protecting humanity from hordes of monsters.

And the only gate leading from there into the monster-infested Contaminated Region.

When he arrived at the place known as the Hero Gate, he found people who looked like adventurers, along with a wide variety of street stalls doing business with them.

“Welcome, welcome! A lineup of holy swords blessed at the great Sanct El Cathedral! If you don’t buy now, when will you?”

“Top-quality potions! Adventurer discounts available!”

There was everything from items that seemed clearly essential to ones that looked downright suspicious.

For that matter, were holy swords really something you sold at street stalls?

Based on his memories from a past life, holy swords were supposed to be far more revered than this…

Even here, the “interference of past-life knowledge” crept in, and Kikori clenched his fist without thinking.

Don’t think unnecessary things. Don’t say unnecessary things.

Reaffirming that resolve in his heart, Kikori kept walking.

“Looking for a priest who can use detoxification! We’ve got a warrior and a mage already!”

“I am Ahat, a hero from the western city of Azaga! Is there anyone who will go with me?”

“We’ve got a ranger and a priest here! Looking for a heavy warrior!”

Voices echoed as people searched for companions to head into the Contaminated Region together.

It seemed some were even being called out to, but there was, of course, no voice stopping Kikori.

Well, even if someone did call out to him, he would probably suspect it was some kind of scam…

“Hold it right there. Are you an adventurer? Show me your adventurer ID.”

When he reached the gate’s exit, a guard stopped Kikori.

“Yes. My name is Kikori.”

When Kikori showed his bronze adventurer ID, the guard nodded and looked him over carefully.

“Your weapon is… an axe. A beginner, huh?”

“Yes. Today is my first day.”

“I see. The deeper you go into the Contaminated Region, the stronger the monsters become—but they’re living creatures. There are exceptions… do you understand?”

“That being close to here doesn’t mean it’s safe, right?”

“Exactly. Powerful monsters can appear even near the gate. And when that happens, the gate may be closed for safety.”

“Will you give a warning?”

“Depends on the situation. Sometimes there’s no time for that.”

In that case, accept death. Kikori understood that was what the guard meant without saying it outright.

But… he also understood that protesting against it would mean nothing.

“Understood.”

“Good. Then have a good adventure. We have high expectations for you.”

Receiving what was surely nothing more than a stock phrase, Kikori passed through the gate.

Beyond this point lay a killing field—a place where one either survived, or died.