Chapter 397
Chapter 397
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 397
Chapter Title: Harpy Lady
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Three days later, I visited the Magic Tower again with Winia.
"Appraisal value is 30 silver."
"Holy shit."
The news hit me right as we reached the second floor, ripping my heart out mercilessly.
30 silver.
The appraisal fee had been 15 silver, and the meteorite's value was another 30 silver.
"Well, yeah, makes sense. It was so small after all... right, Blacky?"
Sure, we'd made a 15-silver profit, but thinking about that matching appraisal fee made me want to cry. Of course, it was only natural.
The meteorite had been tiny.
Its absolute size was so small there was nothing to be done. It was barely the size of my pinky finger. If anything, I should be grateful it fetched 30 silver at that size.
"Excluding a trace amount of adamantium, it's made entirely of ordinary iron. The Magic Tower is willing to buy it for 30 silver. Would you like to sell?"
"A trace amount of adamantium?"
Adamantium?
I knew the name, but not the details.
"It's a rare metal commonly found in meteorites."
When I asked for more info, the appraiser started explaining.
"It's incredibly hard to process because it rarely breaks, but that same durability makes it perfect for top-grade weapons and precise components in magical artifacts."
In other words, it was a powerhouse metal that ordinary folks could only dream of.
If someone made a weapon out of this murder metal, regular iron ones would shatter like a school window.
Its insane durability must've let it punch through the atmosphere and hit the ground. Anyway, our meteorite apparently contained a trace amount of adamantium.
The really lucky bastards probably scored huge chunks of adamantium meteorites. Thinking that far made my stomach ache like hell, so I stopped.
Fuck.
You assholes.
"It's an extremely expensive rare metal, but unfortunately, the content is minimal. Do you wish to sell?"
"Damn it."
Too bad, but it wasn't anything we could use anyway.
Who the hell would I stick this pinky-nail speck of adamantium on?
A trace from a pinky-sized rock? It'd be less than half a fingernail fragment. Useless to keep or make anything with.
"Yeah, sell it."
"Understood."
Winia handled the deal while I sulked. Paperwork started flying—certificates and all that admin crap.
A short wait later, a staffer showed up with a money pouch.
It held 30 silver.
That wrapped up our meteorite-hunting trip earnings. In just under three weeks, after expenses, we'd netted about 75 silver total. Split three ways, that was a bit over 1 silver per person per day.
Didn't seem like a ton at first, but considering most of the time was travel, it was decent.
"C'mon, Blacky, let's go."
Winia took the meteorite analysis sheet, checked it over, folded it neatly, tucked it between her breasts, and grabbed my hand.
"Yeah..."
"Why the hell do you look like someone killed your dog? Is 15 silver pocket change?"
"Nah, it's the appraisal fee that hurts. Shit costs a fortune. I'm barely holding back from screaming right now."
Tech was king, whether on Earth or this world. Swordplay for killing was a dime a dozen like roadside rocks, but mages? Straight-up elite specialists.
"Mages are premium talent. And using the Tower's gear? They deserve that fee. Right?"
"I'm a warrior; wouldn't know."
"Only idiots become warriors."
"True that, fuck."
"But you're stronger than me even without my Strength Magic, right? And better with a sword."
"Yeah... thanks for the compliment."
Even with her Strength Magic, my raw power seemed higher now. But overpowering Winia? What for?
Not like there was anything fun to... wait, yeah there was.
Good call becoming a warrior.
"Why not become an appraiser yourself?"
"That shit sounds suffocating as hell; no way."
"Free spirit, as always."
Truth was, Winia took on adventurer gigs like this to hone her skills.
Nothing beat combat's snap judgments and the experience pile-up for mage mastery.
Ambitious mages did this kind of work a lot, apparently.
She'd been adventuring since my early isekai days—when I was a total fuckup loser—and now she was a damn strong mage.
Busting monsters and bandits with spells daily? No wonder her skills skyrocketed. Girl had grit.
"Originally planned to grind skills, age gracefully, live easy. But nah, got caught by you, Blacky. You'll make sure I live easy later, right?"
I didn't catch her; she caught me.
"Yeah, yeah. Stick with me."
"Heh heh. Okay, I will. You've been so reliable lately."
On the way back, Winia rented a few spellbooks from the Tower. Planning some personal training downtime.
I'd train or pick up side gigs too.
No point lounging forever. Maximize time—that's the macho way.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A few days passed.
I jerked off so much during the break I lost count.
At this rate, it'd drain my vital essence dry and kill me, so I hit the Swordsman Guild for some training. Ended up getting milked again anyway.
Without work, I was just a walking dick named Kim Katt. My body's lube never dried up. Makes no sense.
So, time to hit the Adventurer's Guild.
Summer was in full swing, jungle encroaching everywhere, making the Isvant area thicker than ever. Meteorite fallout had monsters stirring too, so adventurers had plenty to do.
"Recruiting for troll subjugation! 3 coppers per head bounty!"
"Killer hornets are back... Small swarm now, perfect time to wipe 'em. You in?"
"Anyone for raiding a kobold den?"
Place was buzzing.
Folks hollering for party members left and right. Some were chugging booze since morning—yep, Kobson.
"Yo, still alive?"
"Barbarian Zeke? Been a while."
"Yeah. How'd meteor hunting go?"
"Heh heh, wanna know?"
This guy went hunting too. That smug grin and morning drinking? He must've scored big.
"You bastard, did you find one?"
"Nah, struck out. Nearly died instead. Bandits and territory punks everywhere. Partied up and ran our asses off daily."
"Heh heh, crazy fuck. Lived though."
"Kek, survived the jungle; punks ain't shit."
We plunked down for drinks. Turns out Kobson had plans tomorrow—gremlins mass-breeding near some village.
"Gremlins are pushovers."
"Yup. Good thing monsters are booming... Damn, meteor trip was a loss. No break anytime soon."
"Cut back on booze and gambling, get more rest."
"That's my rest, idiot."
"Lunatic."
Sucks, wanted to team up after ages, but timing sucked.
Hauled his red-faced ass back to his inn. Classic adventurer bullshit.
Time to snag a job solo.
Winia was deep in magic training, Cloudy wanted more rest. So, party-hunting for me.
"D-rank Katt?"
"Yes."
Showed my plate at the counter; guy rummaged papers.
"One sec... Yeah, D-rank quest here. Some D-ranks took it yesterday, looking for one more."
"What's the quest?"
"Giant wolf pack hit the outskirts of Bauer Village. Subjugate before they raid. Hunters say about fifteen strong. Reward: 14 silver total."
Giant wolves.
Beast monsters. Not exactly Earth wolves, but similar vibe. Aggressive as hell, but one-on-one, even E-ranks could take 'em—high risk of fatal though.
Combat-wise, seasoned E-rank level. I'd smashed a pair once with five of us ganging up.
Pack made it D-rank.
Asked for details.
"Fifteen per village hunters. 14 silver payout. Party's D-ranks: Palchion, Jenis, Anna. Need one more D-rank."
"Hm, alright?"
15 wolves, 14 silver.
Four-man party: 3 silver 50 coppers each, plus wolf pelts for extra profit.
Don't know 'em, but D-ranks were guild-vetted reliable pros. No worries.
E-ranks were bottom-feeders; D+ were solid guild regulars—hardworking, skilled.
"I'll take it. When?"
"Before dawn tomorrow, find Palchion here."
"Your name?"
I signed and bounced.
First unknown party since D-rank promo. Back in the day, it was always randos—shitshows galore. Not this time. D-rank guarantee.
Back at the inn.
"Katt? Early bird."
"Just grabbed a job."
Cloudy was up. Winia at the table, staff beside her, nose in a spellbook.
"What kind?"
"D-rank. Giant wolves near a village. Heading out tomorrow."
"Hee hee, go get 'em, Katt. You're so diligent."
"Tomorrow, and you're already...?"
Cloudy arms out for hugs. Stripped and embraced her. "Nngh... Katt..." Kiss demanded, kiss given.
Winia closed her book.
"Ah, damn. Kinda worried. Can Blacky handle solo? Why so anxious?"
"Psh, just puppy wolves."
"You got lost in the jungle last time."
"Special case. Won't happen. Chill."
Straight-up freak accident. This? Routine.
"Wasn't so reliable then."
"You're in my sight now."
"Trust my combat chops."
"Yeah, okay."
Nothing to prep.
Rest today, work tomorrow. Wolves down, pelts and fangs: easy 5 silver.
"Katt, rest up then? C'mere."
Cloudy grinned seductive, lifted the blanket invitingly.
"Mama? Lemme rest?"
"Yup. Come on."
Total lie, obviously.