Chapter 103 – Headhunters (1)
“It means don’t speak without thinking. Think about the hidden meaning of the other person’s words, and think about each word before speaking it out. Otherwise, you will regret it greatly later.”
Yetisha’s advice.
With that, the introduction of the adventure team ended.
* * *
“Come on~”
“Have a good trip, brother!”
Seris and Kara came out to the front door to see me off. Then he opened his arms to hug him. Since the incident with Amy, there have been a lot of requests for skinship from them.
‘If this also became closer, it would mean that we became closer.’
Netorase decided to quit now. Seris felt sorry for her, but she didn’t make a sound.
-What happened with Amy was a play, but if you keep doing it, it could really happen…
It’s not going to happen, but it didn’t hurt her to think that way. When she remained silent, Seris smiled, but she found it rather cute.
“I will be back.”
After seeing him off, I left the house and headed to the adventurer’s guild. I walked to the reception desk as usual, but Orr was nowhere to be seen.
‘Are you doing other work?’
It goes without saying, but being a receptionist doesn’t mean that you only do reception work all day.
There were so many things to do, from testing prospective adventurers, caring for new adventurers, adjusting the request unit price with the client, and filling in the personal information of the adventurer.
Orr’s favorite drink isn’t coffee for nothing.
In the meantime, she took care of our party. It wouldn’t be too hard though.
‘I’ll have to give you a good coffee as a gift next time.’
I sat down in an empty seat thinking about which coffee would be good. The intention was to wait until Orga arrived.
“Is this seat empty?”
I raised my head. A bald adventurer with a large scar on his head was pointing to the seat opposite me.
“There are plenty of seats elsewhere.”
There are empty seats scattered around. I said it with the meaning that there was no need to sit here. However, the bald man made a pleasant expression with a grim face and sat down.
“You mean the empty seat is right.”
“And he said he wanted me to go somewhere else.”
“Is the young man covering his face? It’s good to get rid of that habit. You will suffer later.”
“What…”
Embarrassed, I examined his expression. The armor that seemed to be covered with high-quality leather and plate, and the sword worn around the waist seemed well-maintained.
‘I’m not a rookie adventurer…’
I don’t think it’s even iron grade. Is it the same grade? Come to think of it, I think I saw it at first glance.
But why did this man come to me? The man revealed his curiosity without me having to ask.
“You, Han Yuseong, are you a rookie who joined the adventure party this time?”
“Are you an adventurer?”
“You are a senior. His name is Jackie.”
Jackie held out his hand. I grabbed his hand and shook it.
“This is Han Yuseong. Are you here to see the rookie?”
“That’s it. How long ago did you come to the Adventure Hall? So, how was the view of adventure from the eyes of a newcomer?”
It’s an impression of the adventure building…
I talked while recalling the adventurer’s building I had seen that day.
“When I first saw the building, I was very surprised. I’ve only heard that the Red Heart Adventure Corps is amazing, but I’ve never seen it myself. However, when I saw the exterior of the adventure hall, which looked splendid yet solid, I immediately realized the status of the adventure team.”
“Puhuh, was that enough? Well, our adventure rental is cool.”
He giggled, perhaps feeling better at the compliments on the building. It’s ironic that he’s happy when it’s not even his own building, but all salarymen with a sense of belonging are like that.
Even after that, I spread praise for the Red Heart Adventure Corps with which he belonged. Naturally, the atmosphere became friendly, and I steadily scored.
“Have you familiarized yourself with how the Adventure Team works?”
“I heard that the Adventure Corps receives operating funds from the guild and occasionally handles requests from the guild.”
“That’s right. However, the guild doesn’t give any requests. That’s why there’s no reason for the adventure team to exist. The quests that the adventurers receive are difficult for ordinary adventurers to handle. It is just as dangerous.”
“Okay.”
I nodded my head in agreement with his words.
In this world, unlike the place where I lived, there are monsters called monsters and strange alien races. There are also strange powers such as magic and mana.
In such a world, there is a limit to what ordinary adventurers who can’t use mana can handle. In order to deal with the situation, the clients would be looking for a famous warrior or an adventurer of silver rank or higher.
If so, do the clients prefer to go directly to a silver-ranked adventurer, or do they prefer to ask for an adventure party whose trust is guaranteed?
The answer is out there.
The pride of working in a guild with Orr’s Adventure Team also came from this.
“As it is dangerous, the unit price is high. But what’s the use of money and fame if you’re lost? Aren’t you?”
“That too.”
“But I can’t say it’s dangerous. If so, we need to somehow increase the survival rate, but what do you think is the way to do that?”
Jackie’s way of talking now seemed to be trying to elicit something from me. However, he didn’t know what it was, so he decided to answer the question for now.
“It must be a skill, too.”
“Yes, skill is essential. Also?”
“It’s a good piece of equipment.”
“Good armor saves many lives. Also?”
Also?
What are you doing to get me to say something? I thought about it and spit out what came to mind.
“And… A colleague?”
Only then did Jackie raise the corner of his mouth. As if you got the answer you wanted.
“That’s right! Colleague! Skills and equipment are important, but the most important thing is colleagues. Even if your skills or equipment are a little off, there is no problem as long as you have a reliable colleague you can entrust your back to!”
Jackie sighed, spreading his arms in a V.
‘Isn’t it just a nuisance if I just rely on my skills and equipment?’
He thought so, but he didn’t say it.
“And I have friends like that. Comrades who would never run away even if their legs were cut off in battle!”
“Oh, I’m envious.”
I smiled and rested my chin. I didn’t know what to say, but in the end, I was proud of my colleagues. It was a pure intention.
“Do you have any colleagues like that?”
“Me?”
The sudden question reminded me of a sister at home. How would the two of them react if I cut off my leg in the middle of a fight? There was no figure of the girls abandoning me in the vague expectation.
“Hoo? Judging by the expression on your face, your colleagues seem to be pretty decent people too.”
“Yes. They’re really good kids. It’s too much for me.”
That’s why we need to save more.
“But those friends can’t join the request that came down from the adventure party.”
“I know. Things that came down from the adventure corps should be solved by the members of the adventure corps.”
“Right, actually, aren’t you in trouble too? I’ve just joined the adventure party and no one knows me. I had a time like that too. It was dark ahead. I was worried about hitting him. But then there was someone who reached out to me. Do you know who that is? That’s right, the Berserk Warrior, Varian! Under his guidance, I gained a trustworthy companion, and I am still alive and speaking in front of you.”
“Ah, yes.”
Why do you brag about your colleagues for so long? Once was enough, but it was a bit boring because it kept doing that.
However, it was unexpected that the name Varian came out of his mouth.
‘I was indebted to you during the bandit subjugation last time.’
I was going to buy you a drink, but I couldn’t because I didn’t have a chance to see it.
By the way, whenever everyone calls for Varian, they always put ‘Broad Warrior’ in front of it. Is that the same for other silver ranks? If I get a silver rank, will I get something like that?
I remembered what title I had recently acquired.
Goblin Slayer.
Fuck.
“Hey, are you listening to me?”
“Yes? Oh yes, I am listening.”
“That’s fortunate, hmmmm… Yeah, how about it. Don’t you think it would be fun?”
“If you enjoy it..?”
“Oh, I wasn’t listening to this guy. I will tell you again, so listen carefully this time.”
In the end, I had to hear all over again the praises of Varian and what an honor it was to be with him. And when asked if he was interested, he nodded his head, seeing his sincerity. Jackie’s face brightened.
“Um, okay, then when are you going to come over? No, rather than simply coming to play, it would be better to do something together. When is your time okay?”
I couldn’t come to my senses at the words that suddenly fired like a machine gun.
Why is the story suddenly moving like that? As I was puzzled, I remembered Yetisha’s advice.
– It means don’t spit out words without thinking. Think about the hidden meaning of the other person’s words, and think about each word before speaking it out. Otherwise, you will regret it greatly later.
No way…
I forced a smile and shook my hand.
“Um… Thanks for the words, but I’m really busy these days.”
“Haha, it’s okay. I’ll give you the right amount of time. Okay, when will you be free?”
“No. You don’t even have to do that because of me…”
“Oh hey, it’s okay. Now. Let me tell you. When is the time?”
Jackie shook his hand saying it was okay.
Why is this person so persistent? If you say it back, you’ll understand a little bit.
It was time to think about whether I should speak frankly. A female adventurer shoved Jackie on the shoulder. Jackie frowned and turned to the woman she pushed.
“What kind of bird… Kek, is that you, Marid?”
“Do it in moderation. Can’t you see that the newcomer doesn’t like it?”
“Who doesn’t like it? Can’t you see those eyes full of interest and anticipation?”
“It sucks. Where do you see it, full of interest and anticipation? Eyes full of annoyance and boredom. Don’t mess around and get out.”
An adventurer named Maridra flicked her hand as if telling her to go away. At that, Jackie meekly withdrew as if her persistence until now was a lie.
“Damn it… Marid, if you live like that, you’ll get stabbed later. Hey, newcomer! Our party is always open, so come if you feel like it!”
“Can’t you get off soon? Sudden!!”
“Sheesh!”
So Jackie left.
‘I’m glad you didn’t have any ill feelings toward me.’
I sighed.
“Newbie, are you okay? Didn’t he bother you?”
Marid, dressed in a cool outfit with short purple hair, asked. I replied with a smile.
“No, he was an interesting person. To the point where I don’t even notice the time passing.”
“No, there are rumors that the conversation with him is not interesting.”
Marid looked at Jackie’s back as she left and she grunted and then she sat down in the seat across from me.
…?
What, why are you sitting there?
“Don’t hang out with them. Loyalty and whatnot, but in the end, things that are not even capable are parasitic to a giant tree called Varian. As long as we’re together, the level just drops. On the other hand, Orca-sama’s party…”
Oh shit.
* * *
“Why are you so dead?”
A voice from the side.
Lying down on the table, I lifted my head slightly. There was a woman with bobbed red hair that reached her shoulders and a leather armor that stuck to her, revealing her voluptuous body.
“Hey, are you chewing?”
It was Belita.
I sighed and got up.
“Because of company politics.”
“What? What politics?”
“No. It just happened.”
“Is it because of the adventure team?”
“…Did you know?”
“I saw it. That you suffer from them.”
“Why did you ask when you knew?”
“It’s my heart.”
Belita shrugged her shoulders and tried to take the seat across from me.
“No, sit here, not there.”
I patted the seat next to me.
“Ok?”
“After being tormented all day, I feel like I’ll get a mental breakdown if anyone sits in front of me anymore.”
“Aha.”
Belita peeked out and she came over and sat down next to me.
“So how was it? Do you think it is similar to the life of the adventure club you imagined?”
It was a soft scratching voice, as if it was determined to make fun of me. I put my hands together and buried my face in them.
“No. It sucks.”
Momentary silence.
After that, Belita’s laughter broke out. She laughed out loud as she slapped me on the back.
“What. What’s so fucking crazy about it?”
“Six hours.”
“What?”
“Six hours. Six hours! Damn does this make sense? There’s no end to what this bastard says so much. I can’t even stop halfway through spitting it out like liquid water. I’d rather not talk if it’s fun. But the repertoire of words is the same. The other parties are fucking assholes, so why don’t you come to our fucking party? I’ll treat you well~ Fuck you! Not one, not two, not three, but five in a row, so I thought it was really crazy.”
When I let out my complaints like a waterfall, Belita knocked on the table and laughed. I’m serious, but what’s so funny?
“Kuh, kuh… Uh, so, have you decided where you’re going?”
Belita, who had stopped laughing, put her chin on her chin and looked at me.
“No. I haven’t decided yet.”
“I heard all five people talking for six hours, but I couldn’t decide?”
“Don’t make fun of me.”
I fell on the table again. Belita tapped me on the shoulder.
“What is it, hey? Are you upset? Oh, I’m sorry. Please tell me why you couldn’t decide. I’m curious.”
I sighed again and explained why I couldn’t decide.
“Seeing that the five of them were slandering each other, it seemed that they were not on good terms. Listening to it, it seemed that it was not simply a matter of individual feelings.”
So I thought about why, and it didn’t take long before I came to a conclusion.
“It seems that the conflict between the silver ranks is severe within the adventure band. Otherwise, the faction fight wouldn’t be that serious.”
“Hmm?”
Belita snorted her snort as if to keep going.
“How can you decide which faction to join by listening to them in such a situation? What if it’s different from what you thought after going in with such complacency? Since you can’t come out and join another faction, aren’t you just going to be indebted to a duck egg in the Nakdonggang River?”
The more I talked, the more frustrated I was, so I sighed. Belita patted me on the shoulder.
“Tsk. I have a lot of trouble. Hit me up if you’re having a hard time and come join our party. Did Celis and Kara get iron ranks the other day? If possible, they will also…”
“No, that’s all right.”
Flatly refused.
No matter how hard it is, it wasn’t a bit of a big deal to leave a large company and go to a small business.
Belita narrowed her brows.
“Tsk, shut up. We don’t need you either She told me because she thought about the youngster.”
She turned her head away, clutching her chin.
“What, were you empty?”
He put her hand on her shoulder and she elbowed her away. She laughed out loud at the opposite situation from earlier.
“Ah, what are you getting mad about?”
“Turn off. Ji. Count. Yo. This.”
Stop she came up with him.
“Huh… Isn’t that too harsh? Let go of your anger.”
“Then get me a drink.”
“…? Why does the story go that way?”
“You work hard and have a lot of money, don’t you? Just buy one drink.”
“I don’t have that money.”
The money she had given Amy the other day made her wallet lighter. If she didn’t give her that much, Amy couldn’t hold back her anger and she could have reported it to the guards, so she couldn’t help it. The results were good, so that’s okay.
“And Belita has more money than I do, right? Buy it yourself.”
“Let’s see, how long was the contract period for your house…”
“Oh, are you going to come out like that?”
“If you twist it, buy a citizenship card. If you make a mistake, I will sever the contract, so behave yourself.”
I had no choice but to give in to the threat of housing. Is this the weight of the head of household? I sighed and called the waiter.
“Yes, what would you like?”
“A glass of ale.”
“What, why are you only ordering one drink? Aren’t you drinking?”
“You have to go home and eat dinner.”
“Is this a married man? Wow, Mr. Can I live alone because I’m sad?”
“I am not married yet.”
“Then have a drink and go. Can’t you have a drink with your friends?”
“Uh… Were you and Belita-san friends?”
“What?”
Belita frowned. She used to have a sharp face, but now she has become very ferocious.
“Fuck, what did you think of me as if you weren’t a friend until now?”
“I thought of you as an adventurer senior rather than a friend…”
“Damn it. Shut up and we’re friends from today. If you refuse, you will come after me. Algan?”
It overflowed with power.
“Um… I see. We are friends.”
“And bitch, let go. It’s time to let go.”
“Um… But…”
“Let go.”
“…Yes, I understand.”
Belita then smiled contentedly and then patted me on the shoulder. Sick. It would be nice if you could lighten it up a bit.
“Um… So what about the order?”
The waiter who had been waiting for him looked at him and asked. Belita spread her two fingers.
“Two glasses of ale.”
“Yes, two ales!”
Employees returned quickly. I looked at Belita with a puzzled expression.
“Am I really going to drink?”
“Uh. Drink and go.”
“…Usually, friends take into account circumstances.”
“Oh, just have a drink and go. Just one drink.”
“Haa… It’s been one drink.”
“Okay.”
“Two glasses of ale!”
Belita and I accepted the ale. I drank beer that was lukewarm, without foam and carbonation.
“But what about Mr. Patrick and the other two being alone?”
“Uncle Patrick is dating his family and the chicken couple.”
As we chatted and drank ale, one glass became two, and two became three. By the time she was about to become agitated, Belita let go of her rhyme, saying, “Oh, that’s right.”
“Do you want to go work with us after a long time?”
“What is it?”
“Not a big deal. Just catch a crazy spirit.”
