NOVEL NEXT WORLD Ch49 - Encounter
Chapter 49: Encounter
At Rachelle’s fresh food market, Lena purchased milk, bread, and leafy greens, all of which they had run out of. At a specialty shop selling bottled sauces, she bought three bottles each of tomato sauce and oil sardines. Lanash lacked solid soup stock, so these pre-seasoned bottled sauces were popular. Made with various vegetables, bacon fat, and a generous amount of salt, these versatile sauces were perfect for stir-fries or as a base for soups. The presence of oil sardines likely indicated the proximity of the sea. Lena was delighted to have fish again. That evening, Lena’s party enjoyed thick pasta with Brussels sprouts and oil sardines.
After a leisurely stroll through the bustling town, taking in the sights, Lena and her party arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild. They borrowed a monster encyclopedia and carefully examined the entries for monsters found in the forests around Rachelle. Bird monsters seemed particularly prevalent in the area.
Their target was the Goo-Goo Bird, a large, ostrich-like monster. Ranked F, they were highly fertile, laying an average of three eggs per day. Occasionally, a valuable golden egg would be found among them. These rare golden eggs, found only a few times a year, were said to be so delicious they would bring royalty to tears. They were nutritious, shimmering, and incredibly expensive, a delicacy rarely enjoyed by commoners. If Lena were to obtain one, she would undoubtedly eat it rather than sell it. Their wallets were full.
Goo-Goo Birds, which carried their eggs on their backs and traveled in flocks, occasionally raided fields, making them constant targets for extermination. Hunters brought the birds’ sturdy 20-cm lower beaks to the guild as proof of extermination, receiving 100 ril in exchange. The plump, delicious meat, of course, belonged to the hunter. Selling the meat would bring in a considerable sum. While monster meat was often tough and stringy, bird monster meat was tender and relatively easy to eat. Lena’s plans for tomorrow were set: hunt Goo-Goo Birds and make fried chicken.
Though it was still daytime, having finished their shopping and reviewed the guild requests, they started back to the inn. On the way, the topic of the Rachelle Adventurer’s Guild came up.
“That guild… had a unique atmosphere.”
Lena offered a wry smile.
『Yeah. How should I put it… the air was tense?』
『And in some parts, lovey-dovey?』
“…That’s about right. The Toilia Guild was comfortable, but… I don’t want to stay long in this one.”
『I agree. Lena-sama tends to get caught up in things.』
『Yeah, yeah. That guild receptionist at the center of the lovey-dovey atmosphere… her soul was a bit gray.
…Not quite a villain, but… best not to get involved?』
Everyone wore a slightly troubled expression. Let’s briefly explain the situation at the Rachelle Adventurer’s Guild, the cause of their unease.
Smaller than the Toilia Guild, the Rachelle Guild catered more to tourists than adventurers. Inside, three veteran receptionists and one young, newly employed receptionist sat at the counter. Several adventurers were lined up—in a single line. Only the counter with the young receptionist had a queue.
This didn’t sit well with the veteran receptionists, who were also beautiful women, mind you. Though they efficiently processed the waiting adventurers, “Next adventurer, please!”, more men kept lining up at the newcomer’s counter. Despite the veterans being much faster at paperwork, it was understandably frustrating. Even without the jealousy, the uneven distribution of work created a backlog and hindered efficiency.
As for the newcomer at the center of the tense glares, she didn’t seem particularly bothered. Exceptionally cute, she was also exceptionally thick-skinned, unconcerned by her seniors’ stares. If a handsome man caught her eye, she would engage him in charming conversation, obtaining his contact information within a timeframe that wouldn’t incur her superiors’ wrath. She was a cunning and calculating woman. While most adventurers were burly, intimidating men, she didn’t risk her reputation by treating them poorly. If a senior reprimanded her for a mistake, she would tear up, prompting the men to defend her, much to the seniors’ annoyance.
She had effectively created a comfortable reverse harem within the guild.
The grayness in her soul likely stemmed from accepting gifts from men she had no intention of dating.
“There are all kinds of people in the world…”
Lena, a genuinely innocent girl who possessed none of that cunning, murmured wistfully, staring into the distance.
『『Indeed. We’re so glad Lena is our master.』』
『Yes. I love Master! Shall I brush your hair again…?』
『Fluffiness belongs to Lena-sama!』
“You’re all so cute…!”
The unpleasant guild topic had become fodder for master-familiar affection. A peaceful ending, as always.
▽Lena was fueled by love for her familiars!
▽Affection gauge maxed out! (3rd time today)
Since regular requests only required submitting proof of extermination after the hunt, there was no need to accept them beforehand. Lena and her party rested that night and set out to hunt Goo-Goo Birds early the next morning.
And once again, they were being chased by monsters.
“Aaaaaaaaaah!!”
『『『『Kyaaaaaah!?』』』』
Behind them, a flock of what seemed like twenty Goo-Goo Birds was rapidly approaching, kicking up dust. The large birds, almost as tall as Lena, were an intimidating sight.
▽Wild Goo-Goo Bird appeared! x20
Lena, who had been eager to make a large batch of fried chicken, was now on the verge of tears. Goo-Goo Birds, though flocking creatures, usually formed small groups of five or six. To encounter so many at once… was it good luck?
No, the situation was far too dire to consider such things.
The considerable initial distance between them was the only reason Lena wasn’t caught yet. Being trampled seemed imminent.
However, Lena had anticipated such a scenario. One learned from experience.
“Haru-kun, just like we practiced! Skill: [Inspire]!”
『As you wish, Lena-sama! Skill: [Shape Change]!』
Hamal, running beside Lena, rapidly grew in size. Lena clung to the blue ribbon fluttering around the sheep’s neck. The slimes helped her secure herself to the ribbon.
“Thank you!”
『…Hmm? The Goo-Goo Birds… they don’t seem to be attacking us…?
They’re being chased by something… a black monster!』
『『『「！」』』
『What is that…? A very unpleasant presence…』
Lily’s observation was unexpected. She furrowed her small brow, staring anxiously behind them.
From atop the now four-meter-tall Hamal, Lena looked back and squinted through the dust cloud. She saw a large, dark figure running frantically towards them.
As it approached, it became clear that it was a boar-like creature. However, it was covered in a black, mud-like substance and drooled incessantly, as if devoid of reason. Its glowing red eyes were ominous, the whole situation unsettling.
Lena gulped. Hunting Goo-Goo Birds was no longer a priority. They had to deal with that black monster. Her slender body trembled, but she stared at the terrifying monster without flinching. –Truly commendable. Her familiars, glancing at her with pride, silently awaited her instructions.
“…Change of plans.
Haru-kun, stay still in that upright position until the Goo-Goo Birds have passed between your legs.
Once they’re through, kick that black boar with your hind legs!
Creha and Izumi, stick to Haru-kun’s hind legs and wait. When he kicks, assist with your “Slime Needles.”
Lily-chan, please assess the boar’s soul. Be careful not to get too close…”
『『Roger that!』』
『Yes! Leave it to me!』
Hamal, the giant sheep, snorted.
They all glared at the approaching black boar.
“Here we go… Skill: [Inspire]!”
Lena repeatedly cast the buff skill, her familiars’ eyes gleaming.
Ideally, a single kick would take down the boar. If the black boar, not listed in the guild’s monster encyclopedia, possessed high intelligence, a second attack might not succeed. Knowing nothing about the monster, they had to be extra cautious.
If necessary, Lena was prepared to use the Macho Man seeds and Mothra’s Whistle. Mothra would likely arrive quickly if they were only a town away. She clutched the seed capsules tightly in her hand.
The air crackled with tension. The Goo-Goo Birds frantically ran between Hamal’s legs.
『U-kuku… that tickles!』
Despite the twitching of his ears and tail, Hamal seemed to endure the tickling.
The black boar charged towards them, closing the distance!
Lena and her party’s eyes sharpened, matching the boar’s intensity.
“Let’s do this,” Lena whispered, and her familiars nodded resolutely. Here it came!
“Bruoooooooooah!!”
▽Wild Black Boar (provisional) appeared!
『『We’re ready!
Skill: [Ultra Harden]! Stretch, stretch!』』
Creha and Izumi acted swiftly. Attaching themselves to the soles of Hamal’s feet, they transformed their bodies into sharp spikes.
▽Slime Needle Shoes, harder than diamond, were created!
『…Don’t come near me! Out of the way!』
『『Slime Needles!』』
▽Black Boar’s Charge attack!
▽Hamal’s Hind Leg Kick!
▽The spiked hind leg and the Black Boar collided with full force…!
“…!”
Lena gasped.
▽The Black Boar was impaled and sent flying!
The boar soared through the air, landing with a thud about ten meters away.
The “decaying” body was mangled by the slime needles, which had extended at the moment of impact. It lay motionless, spewing dark red blood, its flesh torn apart.
…Surely it was dead!
Everyone looked expectantly at Lily, but she continued to stare at the boar with a serious expression.
『…! …Stay alert!』
『『『「！？」』』』
Despite the devastating attack, the black boar stood up!
But something was clearly wrong.
White bones were visible through the gaps in its decaying flesh. The rotting meat emitted a foul odor, and the ground where its blood had seeped was turning black. Despite its grievous wounds, the boar didn’t writhe in pain; it simply glared with its red eyes, its gaze unfocused and vacant. The eerie sight made Lena and her party pale.
…Lily’s brow furrowed sadly.
『…Please, just rest in peace…』
Whether the boar heard the fairy’s quiet words or not, it dragged itself forward a few steps and then finally succumbed.
………
Its red eyes turned cloudy white.
Silence hung in the air. Even the insects avoided the boar’s carcass as if repelled by it.
『Lena… Coo and Iz touched that black goo, right?』
『The “Curse” was blocked by our Gift.』
“…What!? Are you alright!?
You both look terrible, one bright red and the other pale blue…”
▽Lena is panicking!
『『Pffft! We’re always like this!』』
Lena’s silly remark lightened the mood.
Everyone relaxed slightly.
“Was the boar cursed?” Lena asked Lily, who replied with a faint “Probably.” Lily’s Gift allowed her to discern the good and evil in souls but provided only vague information about status ailments. Lena gently stroked the fairy’s silky white hair.
“…I’m glad you’re both okay. Thank you for your hard work, everyone.
Skill: [Familiar Recovery].”
『『Hauuu♡』』
『Coo and Iz are imitating Loulou…? giggle』
『They sound just like her!』
“Fufu, you’re right! Thank you for making me laugh.
Haru-kun, can you shrink back down? You’ll be a target if you stay that big.”
『Certainly. Ah, good news for Lena-sama!』
“Hmm?”
Hamal, now back to one meter tall, respectfully presented Lena with large Goo-Goo Bird eggs.
There were four in total, and one of them was golden!
The eggs had gotten caught in his fluffy wool as the Goo-Goo Birds ran under him. Despite the harrowing encounter with the black boar, they had also experienced incredible luck. Perhaps fortune couldn’t be obtained without hardship.
Lena stored the eggs in her magic bag. She couldn’t risk others seeing the golden egg, so if they were to cook it, they would have to do so outdoors.
While thrilled with the eggs, the gruesome state of the black boar prevented them from celebrating fully.
“We need to report this to the guild,” Lena said, and the party, marking their path with signs on the trees so they could find the boar again, headed back to Rachelle. Leaving the grotesque carcass behind made them uneasy, but its condition made it difficult to handle.
It seemed they had stumbled upon another troublesome matter.
▽Defeated the ferocious Black Boar!
▽Next! Report to the Guild