Chapter 131
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 131
Chapter Title: D-rank Adventurer Kim Katt
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We took about an hour to rest, just in case any hobgoblin friends decided to come back, but no matter how long we waited, they never showed. Looks like those 23 in the abandoned mine were all there was.
Even if the young ones out hunting came back within an hour, we'd already wiped out the 'group of 20 hobgoblins in the abandoned mine' as per the contract. Quest complete.
"We've waited long enough. Let's head down."
At my words, Lina grunted as she hoisted the sack onto her back. It was stuffed with 23 heads, clubs, and assorted farm tools and straw mats, making it pretty bulky.
Now, could Lina really handle that weight with her frail little body?
But that's the weight of life for F-rank adventurers.
If you can't shoulder it, you'll just get crushed and weeded out.
This world doesn't go easy on kids just because they're kids. Even a delicate girl has to pull her weight like an adult, or she won't earn a fair wage. That's just how it is.
Hang in there, little sis.
"Lina, is it heavy?"
"N-no, it's fine. I'm getting used to it lately."
"Alright, then let's hustle."
And so we barreled down the mountain like a flood.
If luck was on our side, we could make it back to the inn tonight. Assuming the carriage was still there, of course. If not, we'd be stuck for another day.
We headed straight to the village chief's house and knocked.
Thud thud thud.
"Hmm?"
After three knocks and some waiting, the chief opened the door.
He eyed us for a moment before speaking.
"Weren't you heading up this morning? I figured you'd be back around sundown..."
"It wrapped up easier than expected. Take a look."
I had Lina dump the sack in the yard. The hobgoblin heads rolled out with a clatter, scattering across the ground.
"Oh, ooh! Hobgoblins!"
The chief let out a cheer at the sight. He snatched up a head that had rolled to his feet and inspected it gleefully from every angle.
"Twenty-three in total. We cleared out the whole back of the mine."
"Good call requesting the guild! Who knew it'd get sorted this quick!"
We chatted about any possible stragglers, but it seemed all clear. He promptly handed over the guild confirmation document for the request.
"Well done. Oh, and a carriage showed up this morning. It's still waiting, so hop on for the trip back."
Luckily, a carriage had arrived.
We could make it to the inn tonight after all.
"Thanks. By the way, any interest in buying the spoils? A couple of those farm tools look usable."
"Looted farm gear, huh. Can't hurt to have extras, but after paying the guild fee, we're short on cash... Trade instead?"
We agreed to offload the farm tools too. They might as well have been the village's lost property, but spoils are spoils—they're ours by right.
No cash was a bummer, but it was a fair exchange for their hospitality. We took some food in trade.
"What about the clubs? Or the hobgoblin leather hides? Could arm the village watch with 'em—be fun."
"Appreciate the thought, but no need. Might be amusing, but not much practical use."
I'd picked the decent-looking clubs just in case, but of course junk like that wouldn't sell. Same for the filthy hides. Who'd buy trash like this?
How the hell do I unload this stuff?
As I pondered, I spotted Lina sorting the spilled items from the sack.
"Hey, Lina. Just take all that crap."
"H-huh?"
"The clubs, hides—all yours. Looks like I don't need 'em."
No point dumping it, so I generously handed it off to Lina. She nodded, flustered. I grinned and asked, "Grateful?" She managed an awkward smile and thanked me.
Yeah, gotta do some charity now and then.
"Time to head out."
We said our goodbyes to the chief and made for the village entrance.
Sure enough, a carriage was waiting. The driver waved us over—happy for passengers on the return trip.
"Driver, to Isvant?"
"You bet!"
We paid 30 coppers and boarded.
"Darkie."
"Hm? What?"
Winia, who'd climbed in first, glared at me from her seat. Wondering what now, I looked over to see her tapping the spot beside her, eyes narrowed.
...Seemed like an invitation to sit next to her.
"Nah, pass."
"What?"
"No means no, Winia."
"Tch. What an asshole."
I plopped down opposite her. Claudy hopped in next to me, and Lina beside Winia, who turned away with a huff.
Damn it.
"Mm, Katt. Boarding's fine and all, but think we'll make it before the gates close?"
"Doubt it. It's getting late."
Claudi said from beside me.
Even if we pushed it and reached Isvant tonight, we'd arrive after dark—no entry. Figuring travel time from yesterday, it'd be well past sunset.
So, back to the inn tomorrow morning.
Argh, screw long-distance quests.
Travel time just drags you down.
Most D-rank gigs seemed like this—decent pay, but plenty of hassles.
Anyway, the carriage rolled out.
Still daytime, but after burning stamina, I was beat.
Winia, who'd been side-eyeing me, soon nodded off. Chain Lightning was mana-heavy, apparently—drains you hard when it spikes.
I was wiped too, so I leaned on Claudy's shoulder and dozed off—
"—We there already?"
I woke to darkness around us.
Yup. Made it to the city, but gates were shut. The driver prodded us to disembark. I shook off the grogginess, stretched, and hopped down.
"Slept like a log, huh?"
"Your shoulder was too comfy."
I yawned. Looking around, late adventurers and merchant wagons dotted the area, all prepping fires for the night. Some pitched small tents, others crawled into sleeping bags.
Typical night scene outside the walls.
Delays happen, so folks camp and enter at dawn. Group fires deter monsters, and crowds keep crime low.
Our turn to settle in.
"...Darkie. Grab some wood."
Winia sparked a tiny flame at her staff tip. She'd handle the fire; I gathered stones, wood, and kindling for a bonfire.
Once lit, we roasted the traded rations—salty village-style meat on sticks. It warmed us up and filled the belly.
And so we spent the night fireside before the walls.
Dawn broke, and guards swung the gates open.
A long line formed from the crowd. We rubbed our eyes and shuffled in. Despite sleeping tons, I felt wrecked. Sleep quality matters most.
Straight to the guild for our first D-rank quest reward, deducted travel costs, split three ways. I'd handle Lina's pay myself—big bro duty.
"Hey, Linie. Here's your coin."
"Ah...!"
I tossed her 5 coppers; she caught them happily and bowed in thanks. Just fair pay, but in this world, plenty of scum skip even that.
"Thanks, bro!"
"Now scram."
I waved her off. Sack bigger than her slung over her shoulder, she vanished into the streets... Survive strong out there, kid.
"Hey, Winia. Seeing her reminds me of something."
"What?"
That sight jogged a memory.
"Few years back, you, me, and that Lena chick worked together. When I was F-rank. Goblin extermination quest or whatever. You two stiffed me on my cut and bolted."
First time meeting Winia in Krasheim. Agreed on 5 coppers, handed me 1 like a joke. Left me starving, sleeping rough.
Still wakes me screaming sometimes.
One of my oldest traumas.
I could forgive Winia, but Lena? Never.
Swore I'd gut her if paths crossed. Big world, though—fat chance. Just waiting for opportunity.
"...You still remember that? Then you remember darkie showing up with some shitty sword after? And us running?"
"Clear as yesterday. And that wasn't running—it was a tactical retreat. Anyway, brings it up now, got nothing to say?"
I shrugged; she glared.
"What to say? Apologize to darkie?"
"Nah, not exactly. Lina just triggered the memory. Names sound alike too. Both shitty people. Basically the same."
Winia? Water under the bridge.
Old grudge faded after we hooked up. All that negativity shifted to Lena. Time to ask where that bitch is holed up.
"...Sorry."
"Huh?"
"Sorry, darkie. Happy now?"
"Uh? Yeah..."
Just prodding, but she apologized straight up.
Threw me off.
She stepped closer.
"That all it takes?"
"Plenty."
"...I see."
Winia spun away.
"Heading out. See ya, darkie."
"Y-yeah."
"Staying at that place you told me about last time."
And off she went.
"...If you change your mind, come find me. I'll be waiting."
"..."
No reply to her loaded words. I glanced at Claudy, feeling weirded out. She watched with a playful smile.
"Darkie?"
She sidled up, calling me that—nearly jumped.
"Quit it!"
"Hehe, why? Just for that mage girl?"
"Shut up!"
She soothed my snap by wrapping around my waist, matching my stride.
"Hmm... Personally, I'd say follow her. Think that'd piss you off?"
"Damn right. Looks like our Claudy's in for some scolding today."
She smirked seductively at that, nibbling my ear.
"Ooh, scary. How exactly?"
Hah, cheeky.
"With Professor Seolun's compass, obviously."
"Wha—!"
I sucked in a breath and belted a fierce ballad about heading to the Upper East Side or Chelsea. As always, it ended with the Bronx.
Claudi lunged to cover my mouth in horror, but when I sing, I compromise with no one—a true singer-songwriter. My voice echoed down the street.
Her face drained pale instantly.
I gripped her waist tight as she tried to pull away, refusing to let go.
She was my most precious audience, after all.