The Eastern Forest

Vim and Hana sat side-by-side on the sofa.

“I would like to thank you for coming all this way on such short notice.”

“Not at all.”

“Then, allow me to explain the details of the request,” Branch Manager Camilla said, placing several documents on the table.

“Please.”

“First, there has been a massive outbreak of magical beasts in the Eastern Forest, located just a few dozen minutes from here. The Knight Order is doing their best to suppress them, but there is no sign of the numbers decreasing.”

If the Knight Order is engaged and the numbers aren’t dropping, it suggests that high-rank magical beasts are likely appearing. Furthermore, this town is known as a “beginner’s town,” populated by many who have only just become adventurers. These beasts are clearly not something a novice could contend with. Usually, the knights periodically cull powerful monsters to keep the area safe for beginners.

“I understand. I’ll do everything in my power.”

“Thank you. My apologies for troubling someone of S-rank with this.”

The Branch Manager remained perpetually humble.

“Please, you don’t need to be so formal with me.”

Being S-rank doesn’t inherently make someone superior, and if I were to act arrogant here, I’d lose people’s trust. The adventuring business relies heavily on credibility. If you’re paying the same reward, it’s only natural to want to hire an adventurer you can trust.

“Well, I’ll head out immediately.”

“Eh? Already?”

The Branch Manager wore a look of surprise. It made sense; normally, one would spend time on thorough preparations before heading out.

“Yes. Seeing is believing. I believe you can’t see the true essence of a situation until you look at it with your own eyes.”

This was a principle Vim held dear.

“I see. Very well. This may be unnecessary worry, but please be careful.”

“Thank you.”

With the conversation concluded, Vim and Hana left the guild branch.

“Alright, shall we get to work?”

“Yes!”

Hana looked highly motivated. They passed through the town and headed toward the Eastern Forest. As they walked, Vim noticed just how many adventurers were dressed in beginner gear. Someone with proper equipment like Vim or Hana stood out significantly.

After walking for a few dozen minutes outside of town, they arrived at the Eastern Forest.

“Don’t let your guard down from here on.”

“Understood.”

Vim deployed his search magic and stepped into the forest.

“Incredible…”

His search magic pinged one magical beast reaction after another. Despite having only walked a short distance, the first beast appeared. It was a lizard-like creature larger than Vim’s own body.

“Here it comes.”

“I’ll handle this.”

With that, Hana drew her sword. She closed the distance in an instant and swung her blade. The lizard’s head was severed, and the beast died instantly.

“Impressive as always.”

“Thank you very much.”

The speed she just displayed would be nearly impossible for an ordinary person to follow with their eyes. Hana’s skill with a sword was formidable.

“Burn.”

Vim disposed of the beast’s carcass by incinerating it with a pale blue flame. The materials from a monster like this weren’t particularly useful, and he didn’t want to leave obstacles cluttering the path.

“Your magic is amazing too, Master Vim.”

“Thanks.”

With that, the two began walking again. There had to be a reason why the number of magical beasts had increased this much. Unless they addressed the root cause, the problem wouldn’t truly be solved. Investigating that reason was also part of the job.