Volume 3 Chapter 5-2 The Golden Eye and the Silver Sword
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I see, that’s an obvious guess.
It seems that Gaedaf figured things out during this exchange.
His gaze is directed at the sword at my waist.
Looks like I’ve been completely found out.
”I was attacked by Hasa and had to use this to escape. I can’t explain the specifics, though.”
I provide the minimum information.
”Did you use a Pole Python? That’s the only thing I can think of, but it’s hard to believe.”
Surprise mixes with Gaedaf’s voice.
Other members of the Star of the Dawn look equally shocked.
Naturally, they reach the conclusion that a Pole Python was involved.
Nobody expected that a stamina potion would trigger the Hitchcocks.
”Well, I don’t intend to pry into that. More importantly…”
Gaedaf cuts off his words, takes a deep breath, and continues.
”Thank you for pushing Hasa this far. If we had fought him head-on, we might have lost more comrades. Now, I can face them with confidence.”
Saying this, Gaedaf quietly bows his head.
There’s a look of relief, like he has been freed from a heavy burden he’s carried for a long time.
It seems he has a personal history with Hasa.
”No, I should thank you for delivering the final blow. Honestly, I didn’t want to get close to him even if he was on the brink of death.”
I also express my gratitude to Gaedaf.
If Hasa had managed to escape, it would have been a problem for me too.
Even though he acted alone, if he survived, information about me would eventually leak.
That would have led to an even messier situation.
The gazes of the Star of the Dawn soften, and for a moment, there’s a silence in the air.
”So…”
Gaedaf takes on a serious expression again and starts to speak.
”About the bounty for Hasa, do you have a desired amount?”
Now that I think about it, Hasa was a bounty target.
We should receive a reward for taking him down.
The amount was supposed to be 10 million Aurum.
But how will the distribution work in this case?
Given that we cornered Hasa, and the Star of the Dawn delivered the final blow.
Is it common to split 10 million among multiple contributors for a single hunt?
”We don’t have evidence that we used the Hitchcock to corner him, but will we still get something?”
I ask a little cautiously.
”We recognize it that way. That’s enough.”
Gaedaf says firmly.
His seriousness feels genuine, no hint of a lie in sight.
”I see. Then I’ll gratefully accept it. I don’t know the market rate, so I’ll leave that up to you.”
I shrugged lightly.
”You really are generous.”
A small smile appeared on Gaedaf’s lips.
It seemed like my attitude made a good impression on him.
”Well then, we’ll take Hasa’s head back and report to the guild. We’ll meet again on the surface.”
Gaedaf said this and began to carry Hasa’s body with his companions.
It looked like they would return to the surface soon.
I watched their backs disappear.
There was a feeling of accomplishment around them.
But at the same time, it felt a bit lonely.
I couldn’t tell if it was because of defeating Hasa or something else entirely.
We should start moving again, too.
Later, Lifia and I continued hunting in the now calmer third layer of the dungeon.
With irregular threats like Hasa gone, it was nice to relax and focus on hunting.
* * *
A few days later, we took a break from hunting in the dungeon and visited the Adventurers’ Guild.
Our hunting in the dungeon had gone very well, and our teamwork had gotten even better.
Our levels were steadily rising, and I could feel my growth.
────────────────────────────
Aisuku Taro (Human)
Lv26
MP: 128/540
Possessed Skill: Love Hotel
────────────────────────────
My MP is abundant, so I can restock on “Love Hotel” items as needed.
After selling drop items from the third layer of the dungeon, my funds reached several million Aurum, so I had no money worries.
Among all this, I was invited today by the Gold Rank adventurer party “Dawn of the Stars.”
The goal was to receive the reward for the bounty on Hasa.
We were led to a room in the guild and met Gaedaf and the others again.
”As for the reward distribution, we will take 8 million, and Taro will get 2 million.”
Gaedaf started off apologetically.
”If Iron Rank adventurers take too much, then Gold Rank adventurers will get less, and that’s bad for our reputation.”
His tone had a hint of confusion, but he didn’t seem unhappy with what he said.
Two million Aurum is more than enough.
”That’s plenty. I don’t have any complaints.”
I replied calmly.
I was the one who said to let them decide the amount.
Plus, if Iron Rank gets more, things might get complicated, and I don’t want that.
”In return, we intend to recommend that Taro’s adventurer rank be raised to Bronze Rank.”
I was a bit surprised by Gaedaf’s words, but I listened seriously.
”Normally, to be promoted to Bronze Rank, you need over 6 months as an Iron Rank. But this time, your recommendation as a Gold Rank adventurer makes it a special case.”
Tifi, a guild staff member, explained as if adding more information.
”This was achieved thanks to Taro. Plus, it’s quite unusual for Iron Rank adventurers to be active in the third layer of the dungeon.”
Gaedaf spoke with a serious expression.
For him, this promotion recommendation was a way to show gratitude and also his sincerity.
Indeed, for me, moving up in social status is much more helpful than the two million Aurum.
My trust as an adventurer will grow, which will affect the jobs I receive and my range of activities in the dungeon.
”Gaedaf, thank you. This promotion really helps. I gladly accept it.”
I bowed deeply and offered my hand to Gaedaf.
”Hearing that makes things easier for us too. I hope we can have a good relationship moving forward.”
Gaedaf smiled and shook my hand back.
From that strong handshake, I could feel his experience and conviction as a battle-hardened warrior.
After that, with Tifi’s efficient support, the procedures for promotion went smoothly.
Just like that, I was officially promoted to Bronze Rank adventurer.
We finished the paperwork and went back to the guild hall.
Inside the lively guild, the first thing we hear are whispers from the adventurers around us.
”Look, that’s Gaedaf from the Star of the Dawn.”
”He also took down that bounty hunter, huh. As expected.”
”Think I can get his autograph?”
The gazes directed at Gaedaf are full of respect and admiration.
He must be like a hero to the adventurers.
His proud stance and fame give him an aura that matches his reputation.
”Who’s that skinny guy next to him? Was there ever someone like that in the Star of the Dawn?”
”No, he’s probably the rookie everyone’s talking about. With an elf maid.”
”Is he the guy TifTif is crazed over? Damn, why is it always someone like…”
Looks like my name is also being talked about.
But the rumors don’t seem very good.
I sense some jealous glances mixed in.
”Master…”
”Don’t worry about it.”
I shrugged lightly at Lifia, who looked worried.
Since coming to this world, I’ve gotten used to attracting strange attention.
Amidst the noise around me, I felt a strange gaze.
The one watching me is a girl.
Her golden eyes shine sharply, and her long red hair is tied in a ponytail.
Her flowing hair looks like flames──beautiful.
She wears a steel chestplate and carries a well-maintained long sword at her waist.
Her poised stance makes her look more like a knight than an adventurer.
Her elegant dress and manner draw attention, but the problem is her gaze on me.
She’s glaring, and it’s not just hostility.
It’s a gaze filled with strong obsession.
Even though she’s a beautiful girl with a perfect face, her stare pierces into me, making me instinctively tense up.
Then she raised her voice despite all the attention around her.
”You! I finally found you!”
That one line was definitely meant for me.
Here’s how the adventurer ranking works.
Gold: Hero
Silver: Elite
Bronze: Veteran
Iron: Full-fledged
Wood: Beginner
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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