NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 28
Chapter 28: Adventurers, Receive a Survey Commission
“Hey, let’s take on a commission outside the Forest of Demons for once. Lately, we’ve been fighting the same monsters, and it’s not much of a training either, right?”
After finishing a commission, we were having an early dinner at the Guild cafeteria when Mauri came over with a commission notice he had been looking at on the bulletin board. Indeed, due to it being the peak season for forest wolves, we hadn’t been taking on commissions from other locations.
“Uh, so it says, ‘A monster has appeared at the East Mine of Myca. Three miners were attacked inside the mine tunnel, but the identity and number of the monsters are unknown. Mining operations have been interrupted, and an urgent response is required. Investigate the cause of the monsters and, if possible, eliminate them. Additionally, upon arrival, speak with the responsible party on site,’ it says, right?”
While explaining the notice to Cross as well, Pamela peered over from the side.
“A D-rank investigation commission, huh? Five gold coins for just reporting the nature of the monster. And if we can eliminate it, there’s an additional reward.”
“Is the town of Myca far?”
“It’s a full day’s carriage ride from Angila, and from there, it’s about half a day’s walk to the East Mine.”
“Three days round trip… Depending on the size of the tunnel, it might take a few days for the investigation too. Considering this as five gold coins for a week’s work… it’s kind of cheap, isn’t it?”
The standard price for the E-rank commissions we usually take on is five to eight silver coins. Assuming we take a commission every day, that’s thirty-five to fifty-six silver coins in seven days. After deducting various costs, like equipment repairs or additional purchases, it would leave us with thirty to fifty-one silver coins. Considering the extra preparation needed for tunnel exploration like lighting and preserved food, five gold coins for seven days is a price worth hesitating over.
“Heh, I knew you’d say that. Look, if you take this commission alongside the other, it adds up to a decent amount, right?”
Mauri placed another commission notice over the investigation notice.
“A commission for escorting from Angila to Myca… one gold coin each way. Yeah, this could make the budget work somehow.”
“Escort commission? Are we guarding a person of importance?”
“Nah, it’s not a VIP escort from the mercenary Guild. Escort commissions in the Adventurer Guild are usually guarding supplies of a trade convoy. This time… it’s from the Toto Trading Company, isn’t it? It’s probably for transporting food supplies.”
“Is the Toto Trading Company the place we usually buy our food from? I didn’t know they had a branch in Myca.”
“Then I’ll go handle the acceptance procedures—see you!”
Watching Mauri head to the reception desk in high spirits, Franz began calculating the necessary expenses for the long-term commission in his head. The party’s operating funds were reaching dangerous levels due to the recent costs of repairing the roof from rain leaks.
“Lantern oil for the number of people, dried meat and dried fruits… we might need some water medicine too?”
To maximize profit, we need to save wherever possible when preparing. Since Cross’s training started, the damage to equipment has decreased, but we’re still living hand-to-mouth.
I do have a plan of sorts, though …
…
Two mornings later, the Guardians of the Wilderness were waiting for the client in front of the East Gate.
“Oh, isn’t that the cargo cart?”
Three cargo carts, covered with tarpaulins, approached with a clattering sound. Just as Pamela said, the familiar figure of the cart driver was leading the way.
“Good morning everyone! It’s a pleasure to work with all of you!”
The one who descended from the driver’s seat was Toto the Gnome Merchant. Though not very close, we have met many times while shopping.
“Good morning Toto. Having the president drive himself gives us some motivation!”
“Ah, you know, we’re a small shop that just became a trading company after being peddlers, so the other two carts are my sons, and let me introduce them first. Hey, you two! Greet the adventurers!”
Responding to Toto’s call, small drivers descended from each cart.
“It’s Roro!”
“It’s Ruru!”
The lively one and the sleepy-eyed one both resembled their intelligent father. Franz greeted them back and introduced the party members when he overheard some whispers from behind.
“Mauri… Mauri…?”
“What is it?”
“How old are these children? To me, they all look like the same children.”
“You’ve always wondered about people’s ages, haven’t you…? Anyway, Toto is about the same age as me, around thirty. The kids are both around fifteen years old.”
“No, for a warrior, respecting the hierarchy is important…”
In the Pharas Kingdom, where various races coexist, people generally don’t worry much about others’ ages. Moreover, it’s often impossible to judge age by appearance, so there’s no point worrying about it.
“I’m glad Franz and the rest are handling the commission. Since you’re regular customers, it gives me peace of mind.”
In a guard commission where we’ll be sharing meals and sleep over a short period, it’s somewhat a gamble for the client who the adventurers will be. While the Guild doesn’t approve of obviously reckless individuals, there are still plenty of unpleasant ones around.
“It’s nice you trust us. Let’s decide the escort plan right away, shall we?”
After discussing with Toto, the plan was to have Mauri in the lead carriage, Franz and Cross in the middle, and Pamela and Barth in the back. We would try to keep the carriages as close as possible and Franz would give instructions if necessary. Since Cross has been brought his bow this time, stationed in the middle, it would allow him to act flexibly as a mobile unit if an emergency arises.
We confirmed our strategy regarding monsters and proceeded out of the East Gate.
…
“Roro is young but seems quite skilled with the horses. Have you been doing this job long?”
Poking his head out from behind the driver’s seat, Cross addressed Roro.
“I started helping with the work recently! But since I didn’t have any playmates while I was growing up except horses, by the time I realized it, I was already an experienced driver!”
“Father told me you used to be a traveling merchant, right? Have you traveled to many cities?”
“It’s a traveling merchant’s job to buy local specialties in rural areas and sell them in urban areas for profit. I’ve been to most of the kingdom’s major cities!”
Chatting leisurely, we proceeded along the road. After several hours, we decided to take a break in an empty area along the road.
“So far, it’s peaceful, isn’t it”.
“Yeah, there’s no trace of monsters”.
“It’s still busy here with people passing by. Once we get a bit further and closer to the forest, that’s when the task begins in earnest”.
“Weren’t we planning to arrive at Myca today without camping overnight? How’s our progress?”
“We’re slightly delayed because we got stuck in traffic. If we want to arrive before sunset, we’ll need to hurry a bit. I’ll go check with Toto”.
Based on Barth’s judgment, who has been to Myca, we decided to quicken the pace. Unlike before the break, the carts swayed significantly, and the vibrations were noticeably felt through our seats. Attempting to make it slightly more comfortable, I retrieved a sleeping bag from the luggage to place under the seat when a loud shout came from the lead cart.
“Franz!! There’s a cart stopped 100m ahead! Looks like a wheel fell off!”
“Alright! Stop all carts!!”
At Franz’s command, the caravan came to a halt.
Upon descending from the cart and looking ahead, as Mauri had reported, there was a cargo cart blocking the road. Its right rear wheel had fallen off, causing the cart to tilt significantly, and a solitary man, presumably a merchant, was pacing back and forth with his head in his hands.
“Franz. Since we have spare wheels, I thought we might lend a hand.”
Before the wheel falls off entirely, darkness will ensue in just a few hours.
“Yeah, let’s—“.
“Hold on”.
Toto’s suggestion to lend a hand crossed Franz’s mind, but before he could voice his agreement, Cross interjected.
“What is it?”
“Perhaps it’s just paranoia… But something about the terrain bothers me. The bushes are dense on both sides, obstructing our view, and there’s the rock formation perfect for archers. These conditions seem ideal for an ambush.”
Hearing those words, Franz and the others widened their eyes.
“Could it be— bandits?”
“To me, it simply looks like someone in trouble… but…”
“No, I’ve heard stories about groups that set up decoys by stopping carts and then attack in unison once everyone is close,” said Mauri. “…I’ll go check it out”.
Before Mauri could sprint forward, Barth grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him back.
“Hold on. With an archer around, either me or Franz, wearing armor, would be better.”
“…Toto. Please have the children go inside the cargo cart and don’t let them come out until we tell you. The rest of you, stay here to guard the carts. I’m going”.
Though Barth’s speed has improved significantly from his daily training, since the distance is considerable, Franz felt he should go instead.
“I can go too”.
While cautiously moving towards the cart surrounded by bushes, Cross approached alongside.
“Thanks, but it’s dangerous for you with just leather armor”.
“The arrows of amateurs won’t touch me. Besides… Haven’t you ever killed anyone?”
That question made Franz’s heart skip a beat.
“…How did you know?”
It had struck a nerve. Though Franz had been involved in combat as an adventurer and had faced humans in battle, he had never killed anyone. This wasn’t just because it went against the teachings of the Luktstra Religion; he had a deep personal aversion to killing.
It’s a shameful softness for an adventurer. Even though monster hunting is his specialty, skirmishes with unruly individuals during missions are common. If other adventurers found out, he’d surely become a laughingstock.
“You’re kind-hearted. You would hesitate, even if your adversary is an evildoer?”
“…Yeah, I’d prefer it if I didn’t have to kill anyone”.
“A warrior who avoids killing… It’s an idea difficult to understand for someone like me who only knows how to fight. …However, if this is your path, I won’t deny it”.
“Crooss”.
“What?”
“I am… Maybe it’s a childish thought, but I don’t want anyone to die as far as I can see. I’d rather capture enemies alive if I don’t have to kill them”.
“…Would that resolution suffice? Leader”.
With a face grimaced as if swallowing a bitter pill, Cross answered and for some reason, laughter bubbled up inside Franz.
“Yeah, thank you. That’s all I need”.
Surely, that request must have been hard for Cross to accept. He shows no mercy to any enemies. But because he considers Franz his comrade, he was willing to make this compromise for him.
Moved by Cross’s intentions, Franz tightened his focus as they approached the cart.
“Hello, are you in trouble?”
“Oh, adventurers, are you? As you can see, my wheel broke. Could you give me a hand?”
“Not a problem. Where’s the fallen wheel?”
“Right in here”.
The man tapped on the cart’s tarp.
“Is that so? Then—!”
The next moment, a spear burst out from where the man had tapped, piercing through the covering. Fortunately, Franz had been alerting and dodged quickly, but the momentum caused him to lose his balance and sit ungracefully.
“Go, now!!”
Three ragged-looking men jumped out from the cart, and war cries erupted from the bushes around them.
“Die!”
A spear lunged towards Franz’s heart but was severed by Cross’s sword.
“Franz, I’ll leave this driver to you”.
In no time, Cross charged at the three men, wielding his sword. Regaining his footing, Franz unsheathed his sword and positioned himself against the man posing as a merchant.
“Damn it! You should have died back there!”
The man held hand axes in both hands, throwing one of them. Though it had force, its aim was haphazard—shield not needed.
While dodging, he closed in and struck the man’s jaw.
“Ugh!”
Confirming the man was unconscious, he quickly glanced around.
Cross had already defeated the initial three and was expertly dueling with the group that had come out from the bushes. Arrows were flying towards Toto’s wagons, but Barth stood in front acting as a shield while Maury and Pamela retaliated.
Perhaps aimed intentionally, Pamela’s flames spread to the bushes, creating smoke that effectively screened the archers positioned on the rock formation.
“Damn! Kill the magician first!”
“Never!’
A few members of the group charged with the intent to absorb arrows, but Barth’s shield bash sent them flying.
“Once they’re close, they’re mine! Gwah!”
The one who barely avoided the strike lunged at Pamela but was easily thrown off by her, who then struck the back of his head with her staff.
“It’s a mistake to think mages can’t handle close combat!”
Judging the wagons safe, Franz moved to support Cross.
“There’s another one— Gaaah!?”
“Can’t… Can’t take these guys! They’re too strong!”
“High-ranking adventurers, dammit, let’s retreat!”
After dealing with a few, the bandits began fleeing one after another.
“We can’t let them…!”
“Crooss! If they run, let them! Our job is to protect the wagons!”
Franz stopped Cross, who was about to chase after, and returned to the group.
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