Kays Translations

Chapter 31: Beyond My Back

"Hear me!"

In front of the temporary branch of the Adventurer's Guild, I raise my voice. This isn't really my style, but if Saran tells me to do it, I have no choice.

"From now on, Malhas Adventurer's Guild is issuing a joint national selection mission! The job is simple! Enter the forest and subjugate monsters as much as possible! Crush them!"

"Oh!!!!!"

"Our 'young master' brought plenty of gold coins from the kingdom's treasury and additional adventurer credit scores from the guild headquarters! The adventurers' company and the military will cover our backs! Don't worry about the casualties! Just beat them up!"

"Ooooh!"

Over a hundred adventurers from the pioneer city raise their voices in excitement. The morale is high, and they've built up their skills and teamwork over the past two months. Everything is for the purpose of defeating the threatening scarred beast.

"You guys will defend this new city! This new territory should become an adventurer's paradise! Let’s brag to the women that Malhas, the pioneer city, was built and protected by us!"

"Boss, there are no women here!"

"Shut up! If you work harder, they'll come to you! Don't lay a finger on Fimia unless you want to become minced meat!"

A light laughter escapes from the adventurers. Well, it's good that there's room for banter. It's much better than being trembling with tension.

"We have prepared ample rewards! Work together in parties! If you get injured, the priest team is on standby! Today's services are free!"

I said it myself, but I wonder how much money this is costing. Where did that cunning strategist pull this budget from? Even though we’re comrades, it's a bit too shady, making me nervous.

"Now, go! ──After it's over, we'll open all the barrels of booze. Make sure you come back alive!"

Once again, the adventurers raise their voices and dash towards the unexplored area of the forest.

Despite saying it's not a first-come, first-served basis, these guys are full of youthful vigor. Well, adventurers are like this.

"As expected of Jurg-sama! That was so inspiring!"

"Don't give me such a rough compliment. I’m going too. I’m counting on you for the rest."

"Understood! Everyone, return safely!"

Kati says this, and beyond her gaze, the fully-equipped 'Mercia' members gather for the first time in a while.

I can't help but feel a slight discomfort at Albert's absence, but if we can crush the scarred beast, he might be able to rise again.

...I hope he's not dead yet.

"As expected, the Guild Master's speech is effective. It really tightens one's resolve."

“I’m missing a deputy, you black-hearted bastard. You made me do something I shouldn't have done."

"But it was cool! I might get fired up for the first time in a while."

With a face full of enthusiasm, Rolo nods. It's rare, but it's nice to be praised by a close friend.

"I was captivated too. It was like a hero appearing in an epic tale."

"Hey, coming from the Saint, that's no joke. Spare me."

"Oh, it's an honest impression."

Even the laughing Saint is dressed in combat gear today. With this, she's not just someone to be protected. Her flail easily slaughters monsters, and she has toughness from protective magic. Although she usually supports me from the rear, she's an adventurer who can also engage in close combat if necessary.

"Is everyone ready?"

When I confirm, my comrades nod. While the adventurers push the front line against the monsters, we will delve into the depths to either defeat the scarred beast, or discover the cause of the abnormality. That's the goal of 'Mercia.'

"Gerguree!"

Just as we were about to depart, a familiar cry reached our ears. When I look, a villager with a familiar face is walking towards us with a pure white running large lizard Raptor.

"Thomson?"

When I call out, Thomson suddenly bows his head.

I don't understand the meaning, and just as I feel confused, Rolo lightly taps my back.

"Jurg, I'm sorry!"

"Huh? Wait, what are you apologizing for?"

"Even though you've been working so hard for the village, I've been suspicious and avoiding you. Even though I knew it was different from the past...... I'm sorry."

While saying that, Thomson hands over the reins of Greg.

"Take him with you. He's been crying, wanting to go with you all this time."

"Is that so? Greg."

"Gregre!"

Jumping around, the pure white running large lizard Raptor playfully nibbles on my head.

Its body is adorned with what looks like a high-quality scale mail made from materials of the Forest Sharkhead and the hard-scaled serpent.

It's a high-class armor that other adventurers would envy.

"Grandpa Tanto and a craftsman from the city who came together made it. Conti prepared the materials, and the village women did the groundwork. I trained this guy to move with the armor on."

"Gregure."

As if agreeing, Greg snorts his nose. He's a smart one, but I hope he doesn't understand human language.

"Everyone is still a bit confused. The evil brat has become too respectable."

"I'm not becoming splendid or anything."

"Just the fact that you're saying such things means you're more of an adult than us."

Somewhat awkwardly, Thomson laughs.

"Hey, Jurg. Let's have a drink when you come back. I've got a special something hidden from ten years ago."

"...Yeah. I'm looking forward to it."

I lightly hit the fist offered to me with my own fist and nod. I feel like what I need to protect has become even clearer.

"Greg, are you really coming with us? It's dangerous, you know?"

"Gregure!"

As if saying "let me ride," the running large lizard Raptor kneels in front of the Saint.

"Isn't it fine? He's also our comrade."

"That's right. Greg, we're counting on you to watch over Fimia."

"Gregure!"

Gregre responds energetically, and Fimia mounts him, saying, "It can't be helped." It's a picturesque duo as always.

"Well then, Thomson. We're off."

"Yeah! Be careful, Jurg!"

Turning away from Thomson, who waves his hand, I walk towards the new city.

It's not bad to have something to protect on my back.

Muttering that in my heart, I firmly grip the handle of the mace I was carrying.

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