Kobold Extermination Squad (1)
Kobold Extermination Squad (1)
My face remained flushed red to the tips of my ears, refusing to return to its normal state.
To have such an explosive climax in front of him...
Tir would undoubtedly remember this embarrassing display for years to come.
"S-so, Nunim. Have you heard the news by any chance?"
Fortunately, Tir knew how to be considerate toward a woman he'd shared intimacy with.
He was clearly changing the subject to break this awkward atmosphere.
"...What news?"
I took the bait without hesitation, lowering the hands that had been covering my face.
Peeking out with just my eyes, I watched as Tir continued his explanation.
"The city is assembling a subjugation force. They've already sent official notices to the guilds, I hear."
"Subjugation force?"
This wasn't ordinary business.
Had some high-level monster appeared nearby?
Whatever it was, this would be a windfall for mercenaries.
With the city footing the bill, it promised substantial earnings.
"Yes. From what I've heard, they'll mainly be targeting kobolds."
Kobolds - bipedal canine monsters.
Only slightly more dangerous than goblins.
Hardly worthy opponents to warrant assembling an entire subjugation force.
"They need a subjugation force just for kobolds? There must be more to it."
"Perhaps they plan to wipe out several colonies? That would require significant manpower."
That explanation made sense.
While individually weak, kobolds in numbers could be threatening.
The city likely wanted to gather enough forces to ensure complete eradication.
"Will you be applying, Nunim?"
"If I can."
A golden opportunity to accumulate Pain points.
Even if participation proved difficult, I'd gladly accept reduced pay.
Such events didn't come along often.
"Give the guild clerks a heads-up tomorrow. While Wood and Bronze Badges will face fierce competition, they won't turn away a Silver-ranked Mercenary like you."
"I hope you're right. Thanks for telling me."
As our conversation ended, Tir hastily gathered his clothes to dress.
Time to send him off now.
We'd already spent far too long together.
Donning my negligee, I offered him some sincere advice.
"Tir. There's nothing wrong with enjoying yourself occasionally. But don't get too caught up in these pleasures."
A mercenary's life could end at any moment.
That's why most spent their earnings as fast as they came.
Tir was still young and promising - I didn't want him becoming like them.
It might be meddlesome, but I felt compelled to say this much.
"Don't worry, Nunim. My silver coins are reserved for you alone."
Was he declaring himself my regular?
His response made my concern seem unnecessary.
Still, it left me in a rather good mood.
Time spent with him was enjoyable for me too.
I resolved to squeeze him even harder next visit.
His purse would struggle with such extravagant fees, so we might as well make each session count.
Stepping outside to cool my head after seeing Tir off, I spotted Anethsa leaning against the hallway railing.
She greeted me with a knowing smile.
"That man earlier... is he Rene's lover?"
So this was her angle.
While I liked Tir, romantic affection was far from my mind.
I firmly dismissed her insinuating question.
"No. Just a colleague I know. We got caught up discussing work."
"Hmm, is that so? Sounded rather loud for just talking."
Had she heard my moans from the hallway?
I hadn't been able to suppress my climax either.
Embarrassed, I averted my gaze.
"If Rene's colleague, then another mercenary? Ugh, I'm such a scaredy-cat - my legs shake just seeing stray dogs. I envy brave people like you."
Noticing my discomfort, Anethsa smoothly changed topics.
Such tact explained her popularity with clients.
"You hunted a Dire Wolf last time, right? That's wolf-like? A really scary monster?"
"Yes. Wolves bigger than most bears. They'd gulp down someone Anethsa's size in one bite. Or maybe crunch you up bones and all."
Anethsa's face instantly paled - whether truly frightened or not.
Any more graphic descriptions might actually make her cry.
"S-so you killed something like that? I'll be good from now on..."
"I'll be good too."
I gently stroked her glossy hair.
Rather than resisting, Anethsa hugged my arm and snuggled close.
She reminded me of a cute little pink rabbit.
"Hunted anything else besides wolves?"
"Just goblins and bandits mostly."
Sticking near the city left my experience limited.
With only a month's experience, I'd had few opportunities to face various monsters.
"...Bandits and robbers scare me most."
"Because they're human?"
"Yeah. With beasts or monsters, you just die. But if bandits catch you..."
The worst possible experience for a woman.
Like what I'd suffered from goblins.
Perhaps even worse.
Human malice could be more vicious than any monster's nature.
"Ugh... You'd never lose to bandits, right Rene? Please say you wouldn't. Just imagining it is terrifying."
"Don't worry. I'd never fall to such small fry."
I'd already killed six just today.
As long as I stayed alert, I could handle over ten without issue.
Wild men hiding in forests and mountains were naturally incompetent.
Anyone truly Silver-ranked or stronger would live respectably - why endure the dangerous wilds otherwise?
My chances of losing to bandits were practically zero.
The gap between us was that vast.
What she feared would absolutely never happen. Absolutely.
My confident demeanor finally eased Anethsa's worries.
After more small talk and a few more clients, the day ended.
The next morning at dawn's first light...
I stepped out fully armed.
Daygan greeted me warmly upon arriving at the mercenary guild.
"Ah, it's you. Perfect timing - I've news to share."
"About the Kobold Subjugation Force?"
Daygan raised an eyebrow, surprised I already knew.
Tir had apparently shared quite privileged information.
"Correct. Well-informed as always. Then I'll be brief - will you join?"
"Gladly."
I accepted without hesitation.
Minor details like duration or pay mattered little.
Simply having a legitimate way to earn Pain points was enough.
"Straightforward as ever. Not sure how much you know, but here are the key details."
I listened carefully to his briefing.
The departure date, expected duration, destination, objectives, payment, and other notices.
One point struck me as odd.
"Announcing a departure in two days seems rushed, no?"
The mission would last over ten days.
Was gathering personnel this late acceptable?
"Ah, the council was divided until making a last-minute decision. The main forces are already secured though - no concerns about the subjugation itself."
"I see."
'Main forces' likely meant at least Silver-ranked.
That explained the rushed arrangements.
With a few Aura users present, filling the rest with Wood or Bronze Badges would suffice.
"I'll add your name to the roster. Good luck today as well."
"You too, Daygan."
After exchanging pleasantries, I left the guild.
Departing in two days made for a tight schedule.
Preparing thoroughly was essential for a ten-day subjugation.
Heading to the market district, I mentally listed necessities.
First priority - a backpack for supplies.
Spare clothes, blankets, and emergency rations too.
Extra daggers might prove useful as well.
By the time I'd gathered everything, evening had fallen.
Too late for mercenary work now.
Reluctantly, I returned to Grace of the Rose.
"Madam. I need to speak with you."
I informed her about joining the subjugation force.
Feeling slightly guilty about the extended absence.
"Go with my blessing. Just don't get hurt."
Contrary to my worries, Madam readily approved my leave.
Her final warning delivered, she suddenly drew close.
Expecting a hug, I was startled when her lips met my cheek instead.
The soft, plush sensation made me tense up.
"For good luck. You must return safely!"
"I-I will."
My face burned as I stammered my reply.
I still wasn't accustomed to Madam's bold affection.
Calming my racing heart, I concluded our talk.
Next was Anethsa.
Her response to my news was immediate concern.
"S-subjugation force? Rene! You must come back alive!"
"Survival is a given. No need for such worry, Anethsa."
Despite the grand name, we'd just be hunting kobolds.
Injuries might occur, but deaths were unlikely.
"But they say death is a mercenary's constant companion. I'll pray for your safety. You should visit the temple for blessings too!"
"Hmm, maybe."
"You must!"
I silently nodded at Anethsa's puffed-cheek insistence.
While appreciating the sentiment, this world's gods and I didn't get along.
Not when I enjoyed demons' favor instead.
I'd rather pray to the Lust Demon King Lilith or that unnamed pain demon than any god.
With Anethsa too, our conversation ended.
The next day arrived with nothing left to prepare.
After completing a few simple delivery requests, I returned to town.
No combat meant no Pain points earned today.
No matter - the upcoming kobold hunt would more than compensate.
Another day passed, until finally - the decisive morning arrived.
I reached the assembly point early.
Counting the gathering members, there were easily over thirty.
My first large-scale mission left me feeling oddly exhilarated.
Always working alone made group affiliation feel strange.
"Ah, Nunim! Knew you'd join."
"Tir."
Fortunately, Tir was here.
Our relationship went beyond mere acquaintanceship.
Having fought together before, pairing up for this subjugation seemed ideal.
"Tir. Are you with anyone?"
"Huh? No. Know a few people here, but no fixed group."
"Then stick with me?"
I trusted him at my back.
Battlefields bred unexpected situations.
A reliable partner mattered more than pure skill.
"I'd be honored, Nunim."
"Good. Let's work well together, Tir."
Our alliance formed just as departure signals sounded.
Tir loaded his enormous backpack onto a transport cart.
At least 2-3 times larger than mine.
"Are you the baggage handler?"
"Haha, hardly. All for personal use."
"What could possibly require so much?"
The contrast with my modest pack was stark.
He might as well have moved house. Even traveling merchants didn't carry that much.
"Just camping essentials mostly. And it's not actually that much - the tent components make it look bulkier."
"...Tent?"
A foreboding feeling made me double-check.
He'd brought his own tent?
"We'll be camping over ten days."
"Isn't that equipment provided by the force?"
"Huh? No. Everyone brings their own."
"......"
I was speechless.
My solitary habits had finally backfired.
This common knowledge was so basic Daygan hadn't thought to mention it.
"Wait, don't tell me you didn't bring any?"
"I have a blanket."
My robe and blanket would suffice.
Though looking pitiful sleeping rough while others had tents...
What could I do? My ignorance of mercenary self-sufficiency rules was to blame.
"What about snake repellent herbs?"
"...That's necessary?"
"Yes. Practically essential. Monster habitats tend to have many venomous snakes."
Dying from a snakebite while defenseless in sleep.
What an utterly pathetic end that would be.
Tir's words made me realize I'd come woefully underprepared.
"You at least brought mosquito repellent? Monster-region mosquitoes often carry plagues—"
Tir stopped mid-sentence.
Having noticed my increasingly gloomy expression.
"Uh, um..."
He awkwardly scratched his cheek.
Not some rookie Wood Badge but a Silver-ranked mercenary who'd taken down a Dire Wolf.
That I'd come this unprepared must have surprised him too.
"Sigh..."
I exhaled deeply.
I'd thought myself thoroughly prepared, never realizing how dangerous unassisted camping was in this world.
My past self imagining I could just sleep wrapped in a blanket against a tree now seemed embarrassingly naive.
The subjugation force had long since left the city.
No major villages lay along our route either.
Only one solution remained.
Tir stood beside me, blinking innocently.
Gently tugging his sleeve, I shyly whispered:
"...Tir. Should we... share your tent?"