Volume 1 Chapter 16-2 The Next Prey
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Tifi smiled at me as I made up my mind.
”I understand. Let me explain. First, there are goblins. They’re small, humanoid monsters with some smarts, and they often carry weapons. They’re not too strong alone, but they can be trouble when they attack in groups, so don’t let your guard down.”
That’s the monster the rogue adventurer was talking about yesterday.
I guess it’s the quintessential low-level monster.
”Next are dusk wolves. They’re nocturnal, wolf-like monsters that move fast in packs to surround and attack their prey. Also, there are dart hogs, pig-like monsters that are tough and good at charging. You’ll need to be especially careful in close combat.”
”I see, there are quite a few, aren’t there?”
Tifi continued with a serious expression.
”Don’t underestimate any monster. Make sure you’re well-prepared with good weapons and armor. And of course, don’t forget to bring potions.”
”Understood, thank you for the information. I’ll consider it.”
I thanked Tifi for her advice and left the guild behind.
The greedy adventurers’ eyes seemed to stab into my back.
It was the right choice not to bring Lifia.
If I had brought the half-elf beauty along, they would have been even more jealous.
Making the half-elf girl my servant, getting special treatment from the beautiful receptionist.
If I wasn’t careful, I might have gotten even more tangled up than yesterday.
As I walked out of the guild, I thought about the next request.
Goblins, dusk wolves, dart hogs.
Which would be easiest to defeat, or rather, which could I even take on?
I’ve defeated thorn moles and leveled up to 3.
I feel like my physical abilities have improved a bit.
But it’s just a feeling.
Goblins with weapons and smarts, dusk wolves that attack in fast, coordinated groups, and tough, charging dart hogs.
To be honest, I don’t feel like I can beat any of them.
What should I do?
I don’t have an answer.
Hire a guard?
The thought suddenly crossed my mind.
If I sell the amenities from the Love Hotel, I could easily get enough gold to hire a higher-level adventurer.
With their help, taking down goblins should be a breeze.
And I could level up too.
…No good.
You can’t trust adventurers.
I just got in trouble with some lousy adventurers yesterday.
There might be trustworthy adventurers out there, but I have no way to tell.
I don’t even want to think about getting attacked by my own guards.
Plus, I really don’t want anyone else to see this skill.
The “Love Hotel” is handy, but it has its weaknesses.
Can I keep this skill hidden while traveling with adventurers?
If I plan to hunt a bunch of monsters, I’ll be with them all day, maybe even for days.
Not being able to use the Love Hotel the whole time is too inconvenient.
No bath, no bed, no room service.
I don’t think I can handle it.
I guess I have to figure it out on my own.
Anxiety is gnawing at my chest.
Without any answers, my feet just wander the streets of the town.
I slip into an alley to avoid people and activate my skill.
The red door of the “Love Hotel” quietly appears.
I open the door and──
”Welcome back, Master!”
Lifia was waiting for me at the entrance.
She could have been relaxing on the sofa inside, but she was sitting on the floor.
She’s like a loyal dog.
Her tail seems to be wagging happily.
Lifia looks up to me.
Just knowing that makes my heart calm down and my worries fade away.
I have Lifia.
That’s right, what was I worrying about.
Lifia was there for me yesterday, and it worked out fine.
I’m sure it will be okay next time too.
”Thanks, Lifia.”
”? Yes!”
She responds energetically, not really understanding as I pet her head.
Cute.
We sit down on the sofa together and decide to talk to Lifia about monster hunting.
”Well, I think the goblin would be a good choice out of those 3.”
”Hm?”
What about its heart?
”Goblins rely a lot on their eyesight, but wolves and boars have a very good sense of smell and hearing. If we ask Moo-Moo, he can find the goblins even outside their field of vision.”
I see, so we might have a chance to take the initiative.
”With wolves or boars, they might notice us before we notice them.”
”Lifia, you’re a big help.”
”Hehehe”
I gently patted Lifia’s head, and she smiled a little smile, looking happy.
But even with her advice, the real problem starts there.
”But that only means until we find it. To defeat it…”
Even if I find the goblin, it’s my job to actually fight and take it down.
Even if I strike first, if my attack misses, it will hit back hard.
It’s hard to guarantee a hit with my strength on the first try.
Honestly, it’s impossible.
”I need to either finish it off, or at least escape before it can hit back, or hold it off.”
As I grumbled, Lifia looked a bit apologetic.
”I’m sorry, if I could use Moo-Moo a little better…”
”No, Lifia, you’re doing enough. I’m just relying on you too much.”
Just being able to find it with her Spirit Magic is a big help.
* * *
Staying locked in a room won’t bring good ideas.
I should think while walking outside.
Tifi told me to get my gear ready, so maybe I should think about preparations while shopping.
Walking through the lively streets of the capital, there are all kinds of shops on both sides, filled with colorful goods and the voices of shopkeepers calling out.
The sounds of people chatting, laughing, and the delicious smell of food fill the air, lifting my spirits a bit.
Suddenly, I spotted a blacksmith selling weapons and armor at the corner of the street.
A heavy wooden door and a sign with a big hammer mark the place.
I could hear the strong sound of metal being struck from inside the shop.
I looked at the price of a leather armor near the entrance, and it was 50,000 Aurum.
Isn’t that a fair price for protecting my life?
Speaking of which, Tifi said, “Don’t forget the potions.”
It’s important to have a way to heal.
The horned mole just hides and doesn’t bite.
But goblins attack.
I need to prepare armor and potions; otherwise, I’ll feel uneasy.
”Lifia, do you know what potions do?”
”Well…”
After thinking for a moment, Lifia starts to explain.
”There are Lesser Healing Potions that stop light bleeding and close wounds, Standard Healing Potions that can heal serious injuries, and Greater Healing Potions that can fix big wounds like missing limbs.”
”What’s the price?”
”The Lesser Healing Potion is probably around 100,000 Aurum, and the Standard Healing Potion might cost close to 1,000,000 Aurum. As for the Greater Healing Potion, I don’t even know if it’s available or how much it costs.”
I see.
Right now, I can’t afford armor or even a Lesser Healing Potion.
I need to level up, but I also need to make money.
But if I keep hunting only the Horned Moles, I won’t earn much at all.
I guess I have no choice.
I need to make a big score this time.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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