The Strongest Species
In this world, there are monsters that are deeply feared.
If I were to compare them in terms of M*nster H*nter, it'd be something like an Evil Joe — those kinds of monstrous creatures. Just their existence alone is threatening and harmful. Such creatures indeed inhabit this world.
Take for example the Harvest Mantis, which previously killed two members of 『Sword of the Harverst』.
It lives in the forested area on the border of the Halperia Kingdom and the Holy Kingdom of Sangreal, a bug-like monster that rules the land, unable to fly.
When I heard that 『Sword of the Harverst』 somehow managed to defeat this, it was truly astonishing. I heard that party even displayed the scythe of the Harvest Mantis as a trophy in the lobby of their clan house, a major achievement.
In fact, how many years has it been since there was a case of defeating such a monster with a sword? It might go back ten years or so. It's a victory of that caliber, and the enemy is just that formidable.
The orthodox method would be to use weapons like a morning star, capable of breaking the hardened shells of the Harvest Mantis. It probably isn't unrelated to the unique weapons' development in Sangreal.
Another creature along the border is the Asteroid Fortress, dwelling in the plains of Lake Lumkel. It has an incredibly sci-fi name, but it's a massive starfish monster.
On its thick, gigantic body ride the aquatic demons known as Mermen, launching assaults from the lakeshore onto the land, essentially turning into an outpost for underwater creatures. Tentacles proliferate densely under its body, undulating as it moves forward. Meanwhile, the mermen on top launch attacks with spears and magic. Despite being physically smaller than humans, their coordination is impressive.
What's most troublesome is the water magic wielded by the Asteroid Fortress. This creature manifests its own magic within its body, inflating itself to form a literal gigantic 『fortress』.
The mermen, attacking from atop the rapidly grown fort, become an even bigger nuisance. The Asteroid Fortress itself also uses water magic for long-range attacks, making it a seemingly impossible game.
However, its weakness is slashing attacks—deep cuts from weapons like longswords or halberds that Halperia specializes in. That's the shortest route to conquer the Asteroid Fortress's bloated body.
It's said that these creatures are numerous at the bottom of the lake, making eradication impossible.
Even in nearby areas, such monsters exist in this world. In farther places, there are creatures like dragons and giant golems. But I wouldn't actually leave the Regor branch to hunt them. Encounters would only happen with numerous expeditions.
Still, terrifying enemies are close at hand.
When it comes to the most terrifying entity nearby in Regor, everyone would unanimously point to one race.
That is, the nobility.
「This is the Regor Branch of the guild, is it not?」
A woman entered the guild.
It was around the time when the cold intensified, and the number of guild members going out for work decreased.
This time of year, there's no shortage of unfortunate country folk driven out of their homes just before winter hibernation, but even for that, the woman here was well-dressed. No, she was too well-dressed.
Long black hair, sleek and wet-looking, blue eyes, armor so polished that even if it had a scratch, it would be hard to tell, and a long sword that exuded high quality, unlikely to be found even as a sale item at a blacksmith's.
「My name is... Bridget. I am a swordsman who stopped by while traveling. Is this where I can register as a guild member? I would like to register.」
Absolutely a noble. Thank you very much.
「Um... Bridget, right? ... Do you have a surname?」
「Commoners do not possess surnames. That's common knowledge.」
「... Okay, so Bridget it is then... Is swordsman your specialty?」
「Indeed. Though I cannot disclose my school of style.」
「School of, oh, yes.」
While watching Mylene-san, who unusually let signs of agitation slip through her voice, I stood up from my seat. On the table was a game of Reversi. Across from me, Raina sat, shooting a sidelong glance my way.
「Shall we move the table over?」
「... Well, I guess that's fine. But no pausing.」
Raina and I were spending this leisurely time at the guild tavern. We had whimsically started playing Reversi, and to my surprise—or rather, unexpectedly—Raina was incredibly strong at it, to the point that my spirits were about to break.
It's strange. Isn't Reversi a game where if you take the corners, you win?
「... Mongrel, you stepped away quite obviously. Who is that lady?」
「Ah... She's a noble, without a doubt.」
I replied in a low voice.
「A noble...」
「Sometimes, there are those who descend into the wild to rise through their skills alone—a bunch with some screw loose.」
「Why bother joining the guild... Hey, could you please not flip that over, senpai?」
「Oh, sorry. ... Both the equipment and the demeanor aren't that of a commoner. Such people are truly troublesome, so better steer clear.」
「Wouldn't it be beneficial to form connections with a noble, though?」
「If it's another noble or a merchant, maybe. For a commoner, it's best to avoid the hassle.」
Coming at this time of year implies they're probably bored with the winter social scene and have nothing else to do in life. Or perhaps they're extremely confident in their skills... Well, they undoubtedly are. They wouldn't have come alone otherwise.
Seeing no guards, either they're extraordinarily skilled, or they've shaken off any entourage that looks like guards... In this case, my guess is both.
Even the patrons in the tavern, probably sensing that Bridget's someone significant, didn't approach her or try to make any witty comment. There are usually those who would angrily shout if someone came in from outside, letting a cold draft in during this season, yet no one here said a word, making it evident she was genuinely considered trouble.
「I wish to accept a subjugation mission.」
No, you fool. There's no subjugation mission at this time of year. You should have come a month ago.
Can't she see us? We're clearly just lounging around. This is what it's like approaching winter.
「I am sorry. Currently, there are no urgent subjugation missions...」
「Hmm, none you say? Though it is good... Surely goblins have not become extinct?」
「... There might be goblins holed up deep within the Baroa Forest, but locating them would be difficult and not worth the effort. We have no compensation available either.」
「Mm-hm.」
She seemed quite fixated on a subjugation mission. Yet Bridget didn't even inquire about other types of missions, merely appearing vexed and contemplative without any further questions.
... Considering she's at the Iron Rank, starting with groundwork-type tasks first would make sense. But I doubt she came here to do that.
「... I see. Then there's no choice. For now, today, I shall simply complete my registration. I shall visit again another day.」
「Y-yes. Please come again...」
... And with that, Bridget, the self-proclaimed commoner swordsman on a journey, left the guild.
As the sound of the door closing echoed, deep sighs of relief were heard from various spots within the guild.
Even Mylene-san looked exhausted; it must have been quite draining.
「Wow, that was something, Mylene-san.」
「... It's work, after all.」
All she can do is smile wryly. I get that feeling.
「There have been a lot of them lately, the ones coming for fun, like this.」
「They came even when we were drinking here three days ago, didn't they?」
「Going too far with play...」
When discussing this type of topic, they never outright use the word "noble" openly.
If overheard, it could turn into a significant issue. While a severe punishment might not realistically occur, with a particularly ill-natured noble listening, things could get complicated. It's a case where silence is golden.
「The air felt different, didn't it?」
「Yeah. Just by their presence, you can't carelessly speak. From their perspective, showing their badge of honor at the last moment would be fulfilling, but for us, who could have it pulled out, it's nothing but a threat.」
「Badge of honor? ... Hey, could you please stop flipping those over again, Mongrel-senpai?」
「Oh, sorry.」
「You're doing it on purpose, aren't you? Either way, can't you just admit defeat already?」
「Shall we stop playing this game?」
「... After boasting that there's a surefire strategy... I wonder what that was all about...」
I honestly thought I could win.
But I didn't expect someone who grew up with Reversi since childhood to be this strong. Furthermore, the idea that capturing corners leads to victory turned out to be a complete illusion. I was the one making rookie moves, it seems.
「Ah, well. Raina, maybe because of Artemis's... Sheena and Nastasha being around, you might not instinctively feel it, but be careful of those who are from the capital or nobles. You never know what they may do on a whim.」
If that woman drew her sword and declared, "You Sangreal scum," upon seeing me, I'd be at a loss.
Lacking any backing, we could easily fall apart over minor accusations from a noble.
「Nobles really are frightening, huh.」
「As long as you maintain that fear, you should be fine. Don't forget it.」
「Understood. Oh, I won, so please treat me.」
「Damn, you remembered.」