As an otherworld explorer, I usually woke up early.
I couldn’t say the same for everyone else, but I would get up at 7 a.m.
...Is it too early?
At the Familia Market, a store specializing in equipment dedicated to the explorers, was located near the Grand Palace Otherworld.
Inside the bar, I found myself standing in front of the bulletin board.
Every morning, the store would act as an intermediary for receiving commissions. As such, numerous sheets of paper with job descriptions printed on it would be posted there.
If you were to compare it to a game, it was akin to accepting some quests.
Upon finding a suitable job, you could accept it by bringing it to the request counter.
In urban areas such as the Grand Palace Otherworld, it had already become a common sight.
In addition, there were requests to capture monsters and to collect ores and other materials unique to the Grand Palace Otherworld. Of course, there were also monster subjugation requests.
“’15th floor, gather Absorbent Flower’; ’18th floor, mine Lapix Ore’; ‘33rd floor, defeat the Sangwis Crow; ‘22nd floor, exterminate the goblins’; ’42nd, defeat the Almighty Fox—'”
—As expected, most of the quests are too advanced for me.
At best, I could attempt to take on the subjugation of the Lansa Aranea Regina quest, which was located on the 5th floor.
However, it was a joint subjugation quest. Unless I had a party which consisted of 3~4 members, I wouldn’t be able to receive the quest.
...This is a waste of time.
“Why, if it isn't a Sword Boy! Well, aren’t you early today?”
The shopkeeper noticed me.
...Why is he already so noisy in the morning?
“As per your suggestion, I came early in the morning. But none of these quests seem to be within my scope of abilities...”
After all, I was a fledgling explorer.
However, the shopkeeper said, “So what? It’s important for you to know what is the current trend, and what is currently being sought after in the world. It may seem unnecessary to you right now, but it’ll be important in the future.”
Certainly, the shopkeeper had a point.
It was necessary to gather as much information as I could.
But just as an ant that crawled on the ground could never see the view above the clouds like a hawk could, I wondered if it’d be more sensible for me as a fledgling explorer to dive into the otherworld instead of wasting my time there.
Not like the ants could foresee if they were going to be blown away by a typhoon or something like that.
I was at a loss for words when someone other than the shopkeeper spoke to me.
“As expected of the manager of Familima. You sure have a lot to say. As for the man with the sword over there... You seem to be a novice explorer. If you like, I can assist you with the subjugation of Lansa Aranea Regina at the 5th level?”
It took me about 20 seconds to realize that by ‘the man with the sword’, the person was referring to me.
Because I was rarely called out to by others, I felt a bit awkward.
...Oh, but I sometimes spoke with the bartender before heading out to the otherworld.
In a sense, it was akin to getting ambushed. Being overly self-conscious, I didn’t know what to say. It seemed that I’d have to improve my communication skills.
Even so, the woman who spoke to me was slender. Her height should be around 170 cm, which was taller than most people. Not to mention, her face was out of this world.
I wouldn’t be surprised if she was a model or something similar. However, despite her youthful look, she held a cane.
Nevertheless, I was fascinated by her.
Then, the woman with a cane showed me the request form for the subjugation of Lansa Aranea Regina.
“...Lansa Aranea Regina?”
The shopkeeper repeated the foreign name.
“—Quit it, it’s still too early for Sword Boy. Even though it’s only at the 5th floor, it’s still a monster lord. It’s no simple matter.”
Due to my lack of information, I didn’t know what a monster lord was supposed to be.
I knew one thing for certain—apparently, I wasn’t ready to face it.
However, the woman insisted that I participate.
“It doesn’t matter? You don’t even need high-tier equipment for this request. My team will support him. By joining us, you’ll gain some experience, so won’t you consider it?”
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“By team, do you mean that about four or six of us will charge towards the monster? Then, does your team want to defeat it by yourselves?”
“I’m an intermediate explorer who usually delves from the 10th to the 20th level. However, when it comes to the Grand Palace Otherworld, I’d conduct a raid battle. This is a great opportunity to earn both money and experience. I’m planning to bring the others as well, don’t worry.”
Certainly, it was indeed a great opportunity. Even if it was only a little, an experience was an experience. At the very least, I’d like to believe that from a little bit, it’d become a hill.
However, the shopkeeper was still unimpressed.
“The shopkeeper sure worries a lot. Fufufu...” The woman laughed devilishly.
I didn’t know what the shopkeeper was concerned about.
Regardless of how dangerous it was, I’d like to try my hand at fighting against Lansa Aranea Regina.
“...Then, can I join you?”
I hesitantly asked. After all, if the woman were to say no, that was the end of the story. Nevertheless, it was my only chance to join a team, even if only temporary.
“Of course. Like I said, your ability doesn’t matter. You’ll do as it is. By the way, those swords... are they ornamental?”
Considering my current skill, they might as well be. I couldn’t say anything back.
In the end, I nodded.
After overseeing the situation, the shopkeeper laughed.
“Well, if you have the guts to participate, then do it. Besides, you’re alone, right? I still think that you’re too hasty, but the choice is yours. It’s certainly better than your usual search.”
Indeed. My usual search was barely profitable.
...Although, it’s kind of embarrassing to not wear any armor simply because I don’t have money.
However, I didn’t think that I was being hasty.
Apparently, the quest reward was 140.000 yen. If the amount was to be divided by the number of participants, I’d earn a little less. Still, it was in no way a bad offer.
My desperation for money had become my main source of motivation.
In the end, despite the shopkeeper’s protest, I decided to go.
After all, I’d be joining a team of senior explorers. Everything should be fine.
“...Hm~”
“What’s wrong?”
The shopkeeper asked the woman.
“...You’re kind of different.”
“I don’t think so?”
“Well, let’s leave it at that. Then, are you going to participate? Or not?”
“I will!”
“That’s wonderful. Before anything else, I’d like to inform you that both the advance payment and the reward of the raid will be divided in equal parts. Are you fine with that?”
“There’s an advance payment? ...Of course! I’m fine with that, thank you!”
“Eh, uhm, of course. After all, even if it’s an upper level, it’s still a raid. As such, we need as many participants as possible. However, if you were to run away with the advance payment... you know what’s going to happen, right?”
I gulped and nodded.
“My name is Mina. Feel free to call me Mina. Nice to meet you.”
“I-I see, my name is Haruhito. Nice to meet you!”
Somehow, I survived the awkward greeting.
Even though I was merely a novice explorer, they were willing to split the reward in equal parts.
How nice of them! They probably want to help the fledgling explorers improve! I’m sure of it!
A woman with a cane on her back.
After calling out to see if there were any other fledgling explorers, Mina went to the request counter to complete the procedure. Afterwards, she told me to come to the plaza with the streetlight in front of the Grand Palace Otherworld.
Thus, I decided to head there.