CH 28.1

The day was bright and we left the city of Wilpeck.

To the nameless forest on the northwestern border of the Fifth and Fourth Lords’ territories.

Is this a dungeon again?

I gazed at the scenery outside the window, lost in thought in the carriage.

This time, the place where the mystery was hidden was probably also a dungeon. Because Tair said so.

The difference between a ruin and a dungeon was whether there was a risk factor or not.

If there were only hidden treasures, it was a ruin, and if there were dangers such as guardians or traps, it was a dungeon. Just like when I was looking for the floating veil last time.

The dungeon I had to find this time was a place I had no information about, so the danger was unknown.

It’s said that Tair accidentally broke through the dungeon and found the mystery, so it doesn’t sound like a very dangerous dungeon…

Tair was only at level 20, so there was a high probability that the level of the dungeon was at that level.

Of course, it’s just speculation, and in the end, nothing was certain unless I experienced it myself.

Aside from the risk, there was also the problem of deciphering the code and then finding the dungeon.

Time passed, and we arrived at Oron City, on the northwestern border of the Fifth Lord’s territory.

This time we arrived quite early in the day, so we could grab a lodging and I went straight to the adventurer’s guild to hire a guide.

If they described it as the biggest tree in the forest, it would mean that it was so big that it would stand out, so I wondered if there would be many people who knew about it.

Upon entering the guild building, the hall was buzzing with overflowing adventurers.

I looked around for a moment and then spoke in a slightly louder voice.

“I will hire the best guide who meets the conditions for 10 gold.”

Pop.

Like a miracle, the noise stopped, and all eyes turned this way.

I wondered if everyone had heard it correctly, but I spoke again as they were making faces that seemed concerned.

“I’ll hire a guide for 10 gold. Does anyone know of the biggest tree in the Northwest Border Forest?”

Every time I hired a guide; I ended up spending money.

Well, there was an abundance of money, and it’s the most effective way, so what about it?

The adventurers seemed to look at each other, but soon words came out one by one.

“…Are you talking about the Mengrodi tree?”

“I think you’re right. What else could be the tallest tree in the Northwest Forest?”

Looking at the reactions, it was a famous tree that everyone knew about.

It was a good thing. At least I wouldn’t have a hard time finding the tree.

“…Hire me! I know very well where the Mengrodi tree is!”

Soon, an adventurer raised his hand and shouted.

Starting with him, other adventurers also intervened one by one.

“You’re fucking shit. How many adventurers in this city don’t know that place!”

“I’m much better than that guy! I can guide you to your destination quickly and safely!”

In an instant, even the employment auction hall became open, and I could see the staff at the counter perplexed.

I said a bit of my apologies to them. Did this cause too much of a fuss?

Just then, we heard a loud cry from above.

“Shut up everyone! You said you would hire the best adventurer!”

The mouths of the adventurers who were making a fuss shut their mouths all at once at the gruesome voice, like a beast roaring.

I looked upstairs.

At the same time, someone jumped off the railing and came down.

[Lv.  41]

A beastman woman with scars all over her bare skin, carrying several short swords around her waist.

“Sir, I’m the best here, so hire me.”

She strode towards me and said with a confident smile.

Among adventurers, talents over level 40 were quite rare. Was she a first-class adventurer?

“No, Railo… you can receive so many other requests. Isn’t it too much to take such a request?”

An adventurer raised a disgruntled voice.

But when the woman turned her gaze to him and glared at him, he instantly shook and withdrew.

“Well, you idiots. If you’re complaining, do you think your skills are better than mine? You’ll get 10 gold after guiding the road with those skills? Have you lost your conscience?”

There were no adventurers who expressed their dissatisfaction further. They either frowned or sighed and turned around as if they had given up.

It was harsh, but not wrong. All the commissions one received were proportional to their skills.

Turning her gaze back to me, she introduced herself with a slightly business-like smile.

She said, “I am Railo, a first-class adventurer. There is no adventurer more skilled than me in Oron City, so you will not regret hiring me.”

I nodded and took the money out of my pocket.

“Here’s half the down payment.”

Railo smiled when she was handed the five gold coins.

“When are you planning to leave?”

“If possible, right now.”

“Okay. Then let’s go right away.”

So I quickly hired a guide who seemed pretty good at her job.