Chapter 21

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Translator: MadScientist

Chapter: 21

Chapter Title: Devil's Mark (1)

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The first thing to do after an adventure ends is to ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠settle accounts.

"Here are the materials!"

We grunted as we piled up everything we'd gathered from the dungeon onto the table.

People in this damn world really think Ratkin sensibilities are lacking. The desks and everything else are way too tall.

The street shopkeeper examined what we'd handed ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠over, fiddled with his abacus with a clack-clack, and slid some silver coins across the counter.

"Mana stone fragments and ores—nice condition. All together, that's 13 silver coins."

"Sweet!"

We snatched up the coins and headed straight to our next stop. There was cargo to unload in the blacksmith district, where acrid smoke and heat billowed out.

We huffed and puffed as we dumped the goblins' swords onto the workbench.

And one massive two-handed sword that had lost its owner.

"Ho ho, used by monsters, eh? These are just scrap metal, though..."

The blacksmith wiped sweat from his brow with an oil-stained rag and inspected the hefty greatsword.

"The blade's a bit chipped. Tsk tsk... Well, aside from that, it's in good shape, so including all that scrap, I'll give you 17 silver coins."

"Thank you!"

The deal wrapped up neatly.

Only after pocketing the silver coins the blacksmith tossed our way did we finish cashing everything in.

The last step was the final tally.

We returned to Mani's cramped workshop and carefully poured the contents of our pouches into a pile.

Clink-clink!

Shiny silver coins spilled out, and we counted them one by one in disbelief.

"Whoa!"

Sena and Mani couldn't close their mouths.

"13 coins from the shop, 17 from the smithy... total of 30 silver coins!"

Of course, after splitting evenly three ways and subtracting gear repair fees, arrow costs, overdue inn bills, and food expenses, there wouldn't be much left in hand.

But the amount wasn't the point.

Silver coins! Silver coins!

Compared to the days of rolling around sewers with our Iron-rank badges, overjoyed or devastated by a few coppers—this was a massive leap forward.

A huge profit we couldn't have dreamed of just days ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠ago!

"Three gold coins... We might save up faster than I thought?"

I muttered in an excited voice, counting the gleaming silvers on my fingers.

Three gold coins covered the bare minimum: ship fare, stagecoach, train tickets, and tight lodging and meals in between.

At this rate, scraping together travel funds to leave Oakwood for the Pantheon Temple wouldn't take long.

For now, though—time to enjoy today.

Time to eat all the things we'd been craving.

"Let's go! Fried chicken!"

"Yay!"

"Two whole chickens here! And three cold beers!"

The moment the two golden-brown roasted chickens hit the table, the savory oil scent filled the air. We each grabbed a drumstick without a second thought.

"Cheers!"

Clang!

The cheerful clash of tin mugs. Cold beer washed down our throats, rinsing away fatigue. Then the crispy, salty skin and tender meat filled our mouths.

The hardships and toil of our Iron-rank days melted away in an instant with that flavor!

"Ugh... I'm gonna burst..."

"Me too!"

Sena, mid-bite, patted her belly and flopped backward. Mani tapped out next.

A big human adventurer might call this an appetizer. But we're small, so even our stomachs seem tiny. Two chickens split three ways, and we're stuffed in no time.

"Oh!"

We didn't forget to tear off some meat and a drumstick to save.

"This is for Lady Rodentia!"

"Of course!"

As devotees, we had to offer tribute first. That's the duty of an apostle.

With bellies full, it was time to tend to our bodies.

"Wanna go get cleaned up?"

At my suggestion, Mani patted her stomach and gave me a half-lidded stare.

"The well?... Ugh... Too lazy. The well water's cold..."

"Nah! We've got money now! Let's hit the bathhouse!"

Sena's ears perked straight up at "bathhouse."

"Oakwood has a bathhouse?"

"It does! We just didn't know. About 30 coppers."

That's like five loaves of bread at 6-7 coppers each. A smidge cheaper than the cheapest inn stay.

"Then let's go!"

A short while later, we soaked in hot water.

"Ooooh... melting away."

Steam rose gently in the public bathhouse. I rested my chin on the tub's edge and sprawled out.

The warm water soothed my knotted muscles and fatigue. My ash-gray fur darkened and settled in the water; my long tail swished lazily beneath the surface.

"Reti! The soap here makes tons of bubbles!"

"For real."

Beside me, Sena goofed around, piling bubbles into horns atop her head. Her white hair, soaked, made her look extra fluffy and soft today.

Across from us, Mani sat with a towel on her head.

Two petite Ratkin and one dwarf girl could claim an entire wooden tub.

"Reti! Want me to wash your hair? I made awesome bubbles."

"Sure, hit me."

Sena's hands immediately went to work behind my ears.

Small, soft fingers stimulated the fold of my round ear. They brushed and tickled my ear canal.

"Ow! Gentle!"

"Eek! Sorry!"

Her nail had accidentally jabbed inside my ear.

Suddenly annoyed, my eyes fell on the long, soft tail protruding right in front of me. Sena's.

I yanked it.

"Eeeeek! Squeak!"

Sena shot straight up like she'd been struck by lightning. Ratkin through and through—she squeaked too.

"Puhaha!"

"Hey! Reti! No fair!"

"Ah, sorry. Sorry."

Sena pouted.

She pondered deeply for a moment, then suddenly dove underwater.

I knew exactly what she was up to.

I quickly pulled my tail in.

"Huh, where'd it go... It was here?"

"Whatcha looking for?"

"!"

Then I splashed water with my tail.

Splash!

"Eek! You scared me!"

"Haha!"

Sena falls for it every time.

***

Anyway, we indulged in some long-overdue luxury.

Stepping out of the bathhouse, we were wrapped in the fresh scent of soap. This must be what civilization feels like.

"Ugh... Let's crash... So sleepy..."

Back at the inn, after evening prayers, we hit the hay.

"Lord, enjoy..."

Stuffed and sprawled out, the next morning's sunlight greeted us.

"Already lunchtime..."

A good, deep rest had our stamina fully recharged in a flash.

After some lounging, we headed out as Bronze-ranks to pick up an official quest.

"This one. No fighting. Pays pretty well!"

The quest Sena pointed to looked easier than expected. I picked it without hesitation.

"No fighting! Super easy. Let's do it!"

Of course, I had to revise my "super easy" assessment.

"More cargo than I thought? What was easy about this..."

"Oops."

Mani stuck out her tongue after picking up the load at the guild warehouse.

Before us: five wooden crates and three water barrels.

Way too much for backpacks.

"Let's borrow one of these."

We rented a rickety cart from nearby.

"Forward march!"

And off we went, cart in tow, toward the Ancient Camouflage Dungeon.

"Heave-ho! Push!"

"Yo... heave! Yo... heave!"

Moving through ruins with a cart wasn't simple.

Uphill, Sena and Mani pulled ahead while I pushed from behind.

The path was paved decently, so progress wasn't bad—but monsters were the issue!

Goblin packs popping out here and there got chased off with the Rapid Bowgun.

"Kieek!"

Thwack-thwack!

Barrage of arrows sent the goblins fleeing in panic.

Thanks to the Horned Rats, maybe—we dodged anything too tough and kept moving steadily.

"Reti! There! The forward base! Looks just like our grown-up miners' outpost."

Mani pointed ahead with her hammer. A makeshift camp ringed a half-tilted stone building. Plenty of adventurers milling about.

"Ah, supplies. Good work."

We got the receipt stamped and pocketed our fat reward.

Mission complete. Just head back now.

"Feels like a waste to leave empty-handed, right?"

Mani fiddled with her hammer. I felt the same. Might as well scavenge valuables on the way out with the empty cart.

"Ratlings, squeak-squeak, scout!"

I summoned Horned Rats to probe around.

We pushed the cart higher, rummaging through ancient ruin debris for anything profitable.

"Huh? Haven't seen this path before?"

Before we knew it, scavenging frenzy had taken us deep into unmapped territory.

Scarce lightstones left the corridor dim. The humid air carried a faint, fishy tang.

"Head back? Sketchy here."

We're smart apostles. No need to get greedy in a place like this.

Then—a sudden shout.

Rodentia yelled urgently ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠from inside her Hamster Wheel.

"Demonic energy?"

At the same time, a ratling up front squeaked in terror and hid behind my leg.

The spot it pointed to: a secret alcove behind a crumbled wall.

We held our breath and peered inside. A cleared-out space, like someone had deliberately made it.

We gasped.

"L-Look at that!"

A faint magic circle drawn in bloodstains on the floor. Around it, goblin corpses hacked to pieces.

And in the center—one planted flag.

"That flag..."

Same emblem as the one from the sewers.

If that was a rough sketch, this was a clear, vivid design.

On the flag's yellowish cloth: a twisted spiral.

"It's that again."

Sena grimaced.

I recalled the guild incident. The guildmaster had hushed us about it and given a small favor.

"Like last time, maybe they'll reward us if we bring it in?"

"Yeah. Better grab it."

Having something ominous in a hunting ground is bad news. Better to remove it.

"Lord, know what this is?"

I asked Rodentia just in case—and got an instant reply.

Rodentia cried out in a voice mixed with rage and fear.

"Devil?"

First time seeing Rodentia this serious. No idea what Archdevil, but it sounded ominous just hearing it.

Better yank it now.

Mani, who'd been listening quietly, gripped her hammer tight and approached. As she reached for the flag—her eyes widened, and she gasped, stumbling back.

"Ancestors preserve us...!"

"What's wrong, Mani?"

"This... isn't cloth."

Mani's face went pale.

"It's leather. Not beast hide! Ugh, ugh!"

She retreated after speaking. Leather, but not from a beast?

Monster, maybe? Nah, no way...

"What?!"

I hurried to Mani's side and examined the flag.

Unusual leather-like texture.

Up close, faint pores like fine hairs at the edge.

"H-Human skin?!"

My tail stiffened involuntarily.

Knowing what it was made the red spiral pattern look alive, like pulsing veins ready to writhe.

"G-Grab it. Take it to the guild."

I steadied my trembling hands.

"Guildmaster hooked us up last time. This is evidence. Bet they pay for it."

Either way, can't leave this in a dungeon.

We hurriedly yanked the flag and wrapped it tight in cloth. Even touching it creeped me out.

Evidence secured. Just get out now.

"Let's go. Gives me the creeps."

We shoved the one-wheeled cart and hurried back up the passage.

Then—at the bent corner.

"Huh?"

"Hm?"

A white wall blocked our path.

Figures in pristine white uniforms and porcelain masks.

The skeletons from the Glowing Cave last time.

Except now they wielded sharp swords and large shields, not pickaxes.

"Lich Clan?"

My offhand mutter—and someone stepped gracefully from behind the skulls.

"Oh my, little one. Lich Clan?"

Long jet-black hair covering one eye, pallid skin without a blush. Slightly pointed ears peeking out.

The elf necromancer who'd elegantly sipped tea and snatched our Mana Stone Beetle!

The necromancer pouted her red lips and wagged a finger.

"Tsk tsk, no bad slang like that. Makes you look uncouth, dear."

"...What are you doing here?"

We halted. Narrow passage—no way around.

The woman's obsidian eyes slowly scanned us three.

Not wariness or killing intent—some other heat in her gaze.

"Oh?"

She bent at the waist to meet our eyes. Lilac fragrance mixed with a sharp preservative tang wafted over.

"Cuter up close? Small and squishy... so warm-looking!"

Her eyes locked on Sena's tail swishing behind her rear.

Like a kid spotting a cute doll, or a collector eyeing a rare specimen.

"Um, white rat miss? Mind if I touch that tail? Looks so soft~"

As she reached out entranced, Sena freaked and clutched her tail.

"Eek! No! Back off!"

"Aw, pity. It wouldn't wear out."

She smacked her lips, then eyed Mani beside her.

"And this one—fits right in a pocket? All grubby like a doll."

Her eyes sparkled.

"Who're you calling a doll! Move it?!"

Mani brandished her hammer with a bark. The woman retreated with an "I'm innocent" look.

Sheesh. Can't reason with this one.

I sighed and met her eyes squarely.

"You. What's your business? Outta the way. We're busy."

"Busy, huh..."

She glanced at my crossbow and cart, then back to my eyes.

Leaning in closer, till her face nearly touched mine. Bizarre curiosity gleamed in those cold pupils. She licked her red lips and whispered.

"I'm here on very important business, little one."

"Important?"

"Yes. Most important."

The elf's gaze flicked behind me.

Toward the secret space where we'd just pulled the flag. Wonder why.

I tensed, fearing she'd rummage the cloth on the cart.

Luckily, no.

"Sorry for blocking. Go on?"

She gestured, and the skeletons clattered aside, clearing the path.

We slipped through with uneasy vibes.

"...Move!"

Glancing back as we hurried up. The skeletons and Lich Clan woman headed deeper.

Straight to where we'd found the skin flag!

We said nothing till outside the dungeon.

At the entrance, Mani finally exhaled and grumbled.

"What was with her? Eyes all freaky."

"Right? Why grab for tails? Gross!"

Sena shuddered. I glanced back. The dark dungeon mouth gaped.

Why'd she show up there, anyway?

No clue. But right after we found the flag.

Suspicious. Something's up.

"Out first! To the guild!"

We hurried into Oakwood's light.