Act 1: Chapter 55: Raging Steel Ox

Act 1: Chapter 55: Raging Steel Ox

Note : PK... Killer?

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Pomera and I, having received a special subjugation commission for D-rank adventurers from the adventurer guild, were headed towards the plains just outside of the city.

As long as no special circumstances popped up, there were a lot of subjugation-type commissions that were available to be done close to the city. These subjugation commissions were mainly about maintaining the safety along the highway and in the vicinity of the city. Our current subjugation target was the Iron Cow that often appeared in the plains.

The Iron Cow was a huge, cow-like monster whose entire skin was covered in metal. Its metal head made it look like it wore some sort of weird mask and its horns were made of an even sturdier metal. The strongest attack that it had was its rush ability where it put an entire body weight into its metal mask-like covered head and surged forward towards its target. Its entire body was extremely tough as well since it was covered in metal.

Apparently, the adventurers usually called it the ‘Rampaging Steel Cow.’

The standard of what was considered powerful for them was only around Lv. 25. Such small fry shouldn’t pose a problem for the current Pomera.

After strolling around the prairie for around an hour, we were able to find three Iron Cows.

Yup, just like the rumors, its head DID look like a weird mask. I think it’s comparable to Moai statues. [TL Note: Moai Statues]

The subjugation proof that we needed to collect for this monster was its weird head. It’s quite bulky for a subjugation proof, but well, it might be useful for manufacturing after melting it down.

Additionally, it seems like its meat is edible too. Though the metal skin is inedible, its meat is a high-grade ingredient.

The Iron Cow rushed at us as soon as they saw us.

Good grief, what an energetic creature.

「Been a while since we fought monster.」

I looked at Pomera.

The meaning of my gesture to Pomera was, “I’ll leave these guys to you.” Pomera nodded obediently and walked out while clasping her cane.

I wanted her to experience the results of her increased level firsthand. I mean, obviously she was too weak to confirm the results of her increased level against those devils. Whether it was when she was Lv. 38 or Lv. 201, all she could accomplish against those devils was barely leaving a scratch due to the overwhelming difference in their statuses.

Pomera closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

It seems that she’s preparing to use her spirit magic.

「I think... you should try to looking for someone else」

Despite my hesitance, I respected Pomera for her inability to curse someone and instead choosing to look at her own faults and try to improve on them instead. That’s why I wouldn’t outright stop Pomera from trying to repair her relationship with Roy-san and co since that’s also something that’s necessary for her growth. Naturally, I’ll just stand back and rest on my lapels if she gets involved in some sort of trouble due to her own decisions.

「I think... even they wouldn’t treat you badly at your current level.」

And then, I suddenly recalled that Roy was Lv. 14.

「...The level difference between you guys is so much that things would turn awkward.」

「As I thought, it’s really worrying right!? RIGHT!?」

「C-Certainly, though Roy’s level might be a tad too low to get started getting along with you... I think you should raise your level a bit more to guarantee a safe adventurer’s life.」

「L-... Level 200 isn’t enough... what is the basis for your assumption?」

「M-My master... Lunaire-san told me so.」

「Uhm... Pomera is always worrying over that matter but, are you really sure that it’s not just Lunaire-san lying to you?」

There’s no way she would do that. I mean, there’s no reason nor merit for her to train me until I became this powerful. Lunaire might’ve predicted that something might happen to me. She wouldn’t look down on another person like that with such a lie. Having received her genuine kindness, I was the one who could understand this fact the most.

Pomera suddenly rose to her feet when I was washing down the dried bread that was stuck in my throat with the water from the canteen.

「... Someone is coming toward us. Is that person receiving a similar commission as us?」

I rose to my feet too while scanning our surroundings.

Then, I saw a man walking straight towards us from the direction of the city. He was a burly man armed with a conspicuous great axe. Though there was still some distance between us, one glance was enough for me to recognize that man.

Eternal D-rank adventurer, Octavio.

He was grinning ear to ear when his eyes met mine.

He was grinning ear to ear when his eyes met mine.

「Yo... sissy noble magician, you’re ruining the forest by indulging in your hobby with that lass.」

It was a malicious smile. This guy was up to no good.