Sousetsuka

551 Safe Conclusion

The swords fetched as much as the predicted amount. 50 silver coins for 50 swords.

"None of 'em is chipped, all in good conditions too. We're gonna dump 'em straight to weapon stores. Heck, they're gonna sold out in no time I'm sure. These swords are so free of damage. Was an easy appraisal there."

He handed me a piece of note while saying that.

"Bring that to the receptionist who brought you here and you'll get yer' money. Ya know. When are you coming back? I always welcome those who bring good stuff here. Do come again. I'd be glad to personally appraise for ya."

And thus I left the room with the exact opposite reaction he had when I first entered.
The guide spoke to me right as I closed the door. His presence was nearly indistinguishable from air inside during the appraisal process.

"That was awesome... I never seen anything like that... I'm trembling all over! Seriously. May I call you captain from now on?"

"No."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
I immediately denied him as he spoke with a conviction unmistakable from a joke.

Eh~, I left the frowning guide, went downstairs and got back to the previous receptionist.

"Thank you for your patience. How shall we transfer the money to you?"

What does she mean by how? Aren't they gonna pay me in cash?

"As this transaction deals with a relatively huge amount of coins, we offer options to you. You may choose cash or a transfer to a different 'limit' on your limitless card. Of course, we also offer a split form of payment if you wish to do so."

So like as an example, I can have one gold coin and ten silver coins as cash while putting the rest into another limit in my black card.
The fact that you can add more into a limitless card sounds odd but I guess that's why it's in another 'limit'.
Making another card is only gonna complicate things. While getting paid cash is a lot of coins. If a single card can solve everything, then I might as well.

"Put everything in this."

I handed over the black card to the receptionist. I don't really need cash on me right now.
I've still got a lot from Sir Lolengus from the matter with griffon.

"Yes, then if I may. Please wait a moment."

The receptionist put the card into the card reading machine, whipped out a keyboard-like object and start typing on it.

(What what? What is that? What in the world is that? Which world I am right now?)

Fantasy, this is a world of fantasy. Yet an object that almost made me go, 'Wait what? Am I back in my old world?', came into my sight.
It's almost like I'm watching an office lady from my world.
I know that this world is undergoing a 'Reformation' by its god, but this is just too much.
But even this technology must have been made possible with magic, so I'm convincing myself that this is fantasy still. I mean magic tools exist. That thing must be one too.

"All done. Here is your card. That concludes this transaction. Thank you very much for using our service. We always await your next patronage."

She bowed once before I turned around and left the building behind me.

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Next Chapter

Magic Beast War - West Side

This chapter starts from Aina-san's POV

"Stay away from that big guy! Aim for the smaller fry instead and keep yourself safe!"

"A-Aina-san...! Can, we really defeat that thing...!?"

"The capital is done for if we don't! Moaning won't get anything done!"


Olivie-chan is about to burst into tears. It should be me crying!
Unlike you girls, there's no second chance if we die, you know? But there's no way I can run away in this situation, I have to do it!

What even is that? It's humanoid shaped, heading this way from behind the enemy line, crushing everything in its path underfoot, be it allies or enemies.
I think it's supposed to be an evolution of an ogre type magic beast but its height easily exceeds 30 meters. It's much smaller than Archmage-sama's summoned beast but something that huge is still gonna be a menace.
Its HP probably reaches five digits or almost there. I mean it's not even budging from all my attacks. What do we do here.

That magic beast wasn't here at first. It was likely summoned or something along that line.
Or maybe Forbidden Magic? The hell they're churning out here!


"Don't linger around its legs, you're asking for a swift death! Keep up with ranged attacks, push it by number!"

"B-but doing that while keeping the smaller beasts at bay is asking for the impossible! They'll breach through our defense line if we let up even for a bit!"


What did I tell you about not attacking the big guy!
Your Farslash and magic won't do a thing to it!

...But then, what should we do.
It blocked all the attacks I shot at its face, meanwhile hitting its body does zilch.
I believe it must be around upper Level 80s. I haven't had much experience fighting something that humongous.

I need a strike that can decisively kill it.
My trump card can probably deal considerable damage, but it takes several minutes to charge up, it's simply not practical.
It'll be bad if flying beasts manage to get in the capital while I'm charging up. Honestly we're deadlocked here.

Dammit, I don't have enough options.
Kajikawa-kun could probably kill the thing in one hit, but their side seems to be extra precarious, I shouldn't expect help.
What do I do, how do I defeat that thing...!?


Eh


『Bubyaaaaaa!!』

"Uwaaaaaaaaaa!?"


The giant moved at super high speed, leaving afterimages behind as it went from the back of the swarm straight to the frontline.
Everything in its path got splatted up, regardless of sides.


A-are you freaking kidding meeeee!!
How can something that massive use Ground Shrink! 'Course that's gonna leave a ghastly trail of blood and flesh!

Ah damn, several people fell victim to that!? At dozens or so died...
More magic beasts died in term of pure number, but ratio-wise, our side suffered more.
So many death just from it moving. Forget the capital, other cities would be destroyed too if we don't do something about this thing.


"H, hiie...!"

"H-how are we supposed to fight this monster! We're gonna die helplessly!"

"O-ow...! S-someone, save me...!"

"R-run! It's impossible!"


O-oh crap, our side's morale sharply fell.
Understandable after that showing. But then, what's gonna happen to the capital's people, the king...!


『Garuvaaaaaaaa!!』


The giant used Ground Shrink again to charge at the capital's rampart wall.
N, no, I have no means to stop it! What should I do, what can I do!


『...Garugyababe!?』


...Huh what? It tumbled over?



"Hero-chan! Good enough!?"

"Well done! Die youuuuuu!"


I heard two familiar voices.

One is my little sister, Ivuran-chan.
She must've asked Earth Spirits to dig a hole and Light Spirit to create an illusion of even ground.
It must have taken a lot out of Ivran-chan and the spirits to dig a hole big enough to drop that giant.


Then Neora-kun stood above the giant with Sky Step and shot down massive fire ball.
It's a flaming boulder, like a meteorite. Eh, he could use that kinda magic!?


『Gyaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!』

"Dieeeeeeee!! Go to heeeeeeeeeeell!!"


He kept dropping meteorites one after another, burning down the giant.
I-It's like I'm watching Archmage-sama's advanced magic in action. Just when did he learn that anyway.


『V, vu, vuvuvuvaaaaaa!!』

"Ugeeeeaaaaaa!!?"


The giant grabbed Neora-kun with its one intact arm.
Neora-kun spat out blood and groaned in pain as his bones and insides got crushed.
I-I know he'll get revived, but eating so much damage like that...!


The giant threw Neora-kun inside the mouth on its half-burned enraged face.
Y-you did great, Neora-kun. With how beaten up the giant is, we should manage now...!


"...Your dessert. Have it, with, me...!"


Neora-kun raised his middle finger just before the giant closed its mouth to chew him, and then.


『Bagu!! ...Ka...!?』



A flash of light and a booming sound ran through the entire head of the giant from the neck above.


....


He really went above and beyond... I reflexively saluted as I muttered that.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

~~~~~~~~Dessert-ified Hero's POV~~~~~~~~~



"O, oeeeeee...!"


Throwing up was the first thing I did at the Revival Altar.
You can never get used to getting eaten alive no matter how many times.
The sensation of your bones and flesh breaking down while listening to unpleasant crunching sound from all over your body. It's easily rated R-18G.

But man, I had no idea you could transfer and exchange items between Item Screens.
I was given a lot of stuff before I receded from the east side's battlefield. All those high powered stuff is exactly the thing we needed to compensate for our lack of firepower.
Just where did he get those meteor and landmine-like objects from anyway.

<<And now rumor about Neora-san defeating a giant should spread. Doing something so reckless despite your cute face, I guess you're still a man. No, a tomgirl?>>

No please, spare me from any more absurd rumor. Heck, who you callin' a tomgirl!
...Mind if I take a short break? The death this time was mentally draining. Urp, I'm gonna throw up again.

<<Oh that's fine. There's only going to be more victims while Neora-san is resting. Like, several die with each passing minute.>>

Dangitall!! Okay okay, I'll get right back to it, happy?!

<<Fufufu. The way you look as you put other's lives above yours is very heroic.>>

Well thanks. Forget about that, let's get to the next battlefield with Fast Travel.

<<Ah, right right. You got the Title [Brave Preemptive Stopper of Final Catastrophe] from defeating that giant. All conditions have been met now, you can undergo Job Change if you go to the Ruins of Trials.>>

Oh, for realsies.
I'm gonna go do a Job Change after this fight...

<<That death flag sounds more like a gag with how cheap dying comes to you...>>

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

550 How Much are the Appraised Prices?

I was contemplating what to do with the name entry on the appraisal form.

(I mean the card is under Merchant's Association head name. Should I write his name then? But what if they found out I'm not him. Won't they suspect me of fraud?)

Whatever goes, I wrote down Bonuts' name.

"Alright you're done huh? Lemme. Hm? Well whatever. Next up is the leather right? Show it to me."

Seemingly thanks to the meat exceeding his expectations, the appraiser now looked real eager to get his hands on the leather.
I tried my best to ignore that while taking the leather out of my item bag piece by piece.

"O, ooooo, oooooh! Well I'll be, it's my defeat. These are amazing! And none of them so much as... scratched!? I've never seen anything more exquisite! Oooh! The hands! The hands are firmly attached! Eight of them! This is unprecedented! Not to mention the beautiful shape of this flesh! There's zero sign of damage too! Nice! Real nice! Hooooo!"

When did this become a competition anyway. The appraiser admitted defeat on his own.
He acts so excited as he keeps carefully looking over each leather pieces again and again. He looks like a little kid in a candy store.
What the heck is this? Feels like I've only been meeting weird people lately.

"The lacks of head begs a question, but everything else is a perfectly fine piece of leather. Simply incredible. They must have got their heads blown in one hit. How'd you do that? Traps? Or do you got a special hunting trick?"

There's no way I can say, 'I popped them off with my bare hand'.
It's the truth but I also know damn well nobody is going to believe it.
I have no choice but be evasive.

"It's a secret. I can't tell you."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(More like you won't believe me anyway!)

"My bad. Couldn't help asking cuz this stuff is way too good to be true. Never mind. Sorry."

The appraiser is acting wholly unlike the impression he gave off initially.
He must be someone that pays respect only to those he has recognized. Only a very few get this special treatment.
He must have deemed me worthy from the stuff I brought.
Not from the amount of money he'll get but from how much fun he gets from appraising them.
He's probably the type that gets cozy fast with people that can entertain him.

"Wait a bit, I'm gonna name the prices. But before that, I have to cut off these hands and appraise them separately."

The appraiser grabbed a knife hanging on his waist and started working on detaching the hands.
He must be a veteran. It really took him no time at all.
Once he was done he swiftly appraised the hands and priced them accordingly.
Not a moment later, he handed me a form with the written prices.

"...Uwah, what the heck... Hands are worth one gold coin each? All of them is worth eight gold coins... And the leather is 15 gold coins a piece? Four of them is 60... Really?"

I don't know the market price. I've got no clue if this is right. I can only sigh instead.
Bear paws are a delicacy so maybe this price is right. Its, scarcity?, must have contributed to its high price.
The appraiser was watching me all the while.

"Don't ya know this leather's value? Haa... Listen here. Tan this stuff and you'll get yourself some of the best or the next best protector around. Get it? This stuff is so tough an average soldier won't cut through it. Yet it's hugely lighter than metal armor. And you've got one clean strip here. Craftsmen are gonna compete to get their hands on these. Head, chest, arms, waist, both legs and miscellaneous. A piece this big is enough to make a full body protector. Course it's gonna be better than some random iron armor."

I can see that, a piece that big is enough for sure.
And considering it's supposed to be high tier, it should turn pretty pricey post processing. And there's four of them here.
At the end of the day, I don't really care about how much it goes. This extra income was only incidental from saving some people.
I wrote Bonuts's name again on the form and gave it back.

"Ou! Today's a good day. Got to appraise some nice stuff after so long. I feel dang good."

The three young men from earlier were back in the room before I realized and carted away the leather.

"Well then, I'll work on the swords now. I'm sure they already told you 'bout the price and process, so I'm gonna spare you. First, line them up here. One by one, you hear me."

Thus it's time to appraise the swords at last.

Previous Chapter

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Black Hatching

This chapter starts from Goddess of Victory, I mean the hero's POV.

<<Alrighty, raise your hand now~.>>

<<Uh, why?>>

<<You just gotta. Do it now~.>>

<<Kay, kay.>>


Kajikawa-san kept making me do some baffling actions.
Every time I did, something incredible happened and a lot of magic beasts got blown away.
...Why am I even here?


<<Yay, now hands down.>>


After following his instruction, giant flaming balls rained down from above.
Meteor? Is this Meteor? You can even use this move, Kajikawa-san?

<<No, apparently he simply let out a mixture of lava and rocks from Item Screen, dropping them off the sky. A tactic only usable to those who can fly, like him.>>

How'd he even store those things in Item Screen...? His actions are always so puzzling.


"M-meteorites fell from the sky!? Hero-sama can even cast such a spell!"

"Only around a thousand magic beasts are left, down from so many...! What tremendous strength!"

"That Soarer guy's been doing great killing one beast after another from the sky too. He's an excellent support to Hero-sama."

"...Why am I even here?"


That's my line. Can I go home now?
This person kept making all those flashy moves look like they're my doing.
...Well, I get that he doesn't want to stand out but all he does is drawing all the attentions to me.

<<What's so bad about that. Neora-kun's stock keeps rising just by standing around.>>

I'm not happy piggybacking on someone's feats like this.
All these people are gonna be disappointed once they find out about my actual capability. How much of a monster will they think of me.

<<...You'll be about as strong once you've Job Changed and get more party members though~.>>

Eh, what did you say?


<<Neora-kun, think it's time to fight normally. I'm just about out of tricks now.>>

<<Ah, I gotcha... Oh man, there's still quite a lot of magic beasts left but it feels so few compared to earlier.>>

<<I mean that number was abnormal. Sure leveled up a lot thanks to 'em.>>

<<Uwaah, you went up to Lv65! Heck, aren't your Attributes rising way too much? They're reaching 2150s...>>

<<Yup. Apparently they're increased by my Level numbers. I was barely a match to goblins up to around Lv10 initially...>>


How does that even work...
Dunno if he's a mutant or bugged, he's just weird. I'll say it over and over again, he's weird. Strange. Abnormal.


<<...Aren't you thinking something real rude right now?>>

<<It's just you.>>


Now that there's not many of these beasts left, things should be manageable.
Though uh, going up against a thousand beasts is quite an ordeal still.
But this is nothing compared to fighting those two instructors. Come at me!


...Huh?

What, the hell is that...!?

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

~~~~~~~~~~Abnormally weird guy's POV~~~~~~~~~~



『Hi!? Hibyaaaaaaa!!』

『Gabobugabobubu...!!』


A vortex of black shadowy tentacles started coiling on and swallowing the remaining magic beasts all of a sudden.
There's a person in the core of those tentacles.

No wait, that's a demon!
It must the demon that perpetrated this attack on the capital.
It's looking real mad at having its effort wasted. Serves you right.


"How dare you, get in the way...! Unforgivable...! Unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivableeeee!!"


The tentacled demon shouting like it had gone insane.
The tentacles twirled around the demon asl well and gradually melted it down.


"Gyaaaaaaa!! Guuuu...!! T, this, pain, is nothiiing...!! Kill!! I'll kill all of you traaaaaash!!"


It keeps glaring hard at me despite suffering from having its body melting. Scary.
...Menu-san, what's it doing?

<<Forbidden Magic [Melt Fusion], a Spell that produces a powerful magic beast by absorbing the lives of its user as well as nearby magic beasts. This spell will fail or produce a weak beast if it does not absorb a certain number of magic beats. On the other hand, absorbing too many beasts may risk the casting to misfire altogether.>>

So like, 'I'mma sacrifice all the magic beasts here and my life to summon a real toughie!' huh?

<<...That perception is mostly apt. In this particular case, the success rate is extremely high due to the ideal amount of magic beasts present near the user. The produced magic beast is estimated to be above Rank S.>>

For real. Any way to stop it from activating?

<<There is no stopping the activation once it has been cast.>>

You mean we can only shut up and watch huh. Dammit.
Are other sides gonna be okay?

<<...Other battlefields are seeing similar magic beasts being born.>>

That's bad.
We gotta head there asap.


...!


The vortex of black tentacles gradually shrunk yet its density condensed rapidly.
It eventually formed into a black humanoid shape and then a single magic beast cracked open its black husk like it was hatching.


"...W, what?"


The surviving demon that had half of its body melted gasped in shock.

Small stature, green skin. Thin limbs.

It's, a goblin.


It looks exactly like your average ordinary goblin outwardly.


『...Gii.』

"It, cannot be... How could taking in so many magic beasts result in a mere goblin...!?"


"T-that's a weak looking beast after all that flashy showing."

"I'll take this one over going up against that swarm of beasts, hahaha."


The soldiers jeered at the goblin.
Thinking they could easily take on such a small fry.


No.

No, no.


That thing is absolutely not a mere goblin...!!


"All hands, run inside the gate!!"

"E, eh...!?"

"Hurry up! That thing is a monster wearing a goblin skin!"


Hero-kun and I shouted at the soldiers virtually at the same time.


『Giru...!』

"!"


The goblin ran up toward Hero-kun. It's moving as fast as a supercar racing in F1.
Fast...! How is it so fast just from running normally without Quick Step or Ground Shrink!


"Neora-kun!!"

"Uoooo!!?"


Hero-kun reflexively used Ground Shrink to get away.
Can't believe he managed to dodge that. Must be the result of Alma parents' spartan training regime.


『Gi!!』

"Eh, wha!?"


The goblin went after him using Ground Shrink.
Way fast!? What the heck is that, it's almost twice as fast as Hero's Ground Shrink.


『Gyaaaa!!』

"Uwaap!?"


He immediately raised a shield and blocked the goblin's fist but that one attack broke his shield into pieces.
...The way it swung its fist was super rough compared to Oni-sensei. Raw strength-wise, they're on par though.
Is it attacking bare handed without Kempo Skill? Let's have a Status Check.



Magic Beast: ★ Mimic Goblin

Lv90

State: Normal

【Attributes】

ＨＰ：５１２４/５１２４
ＭＰ：１９７８/１９７８
ＳＰ：１１２１/１１４０

ＳＴＲ：３１４０
ＡＴＫ：３１４０
ＤＥＦ：３０００
ＡＧＩ：２７１５
ＩＮＴ：２４７９
ＤＥＸ：２７８５
ＰＥＲ：１４９４
ＲＥＳ：１５０３
ＬＵＫ：４１２

【Skills】
Magic Beast Lv10

【Master Skills】
Goblin Bone Gear

【Unique Skill】
Skill Copy
(Ultimate Martial Arts Lv4 - Shield Arts Lv9)


<<Master Skill [Goblin Bone Gear], a Skill that transforms user's bones into a variety of gear such as weapons and protectors.>>

<<Unique Skill [Skill Copy] an ability that allows its user to learn and use any Skill they have seen once. There is no limit to the copy-able Skills. However, the copied Skills will be erased in one hour and only Magic Beast Skills can be copied.>>


Oh crap, it's the worst possible match up to Hero-kun.
That thing's only gonna copy every Skill he uses in their fight.
Not to mention those sky high Attributes. It's only gonna get stronger if we don't swap places right away.


"Kaji... Soarer-san! You've seen its Stats right!? Swap with me!"

"Ou, on it!"


Hero-kun must have arrived at the same conclusion.
If the goblin is a natural enemy of Hero-kun and his multitudes of Skills. Then me and my lack of any Skills is its natural enemy.
The copied Ultimate Martial Arts might be a trouble somewhat but I should manage at its current state.


<<Warning: This individual has reached Lv 10 of Magic Beast Skill. As such it can deploy the Ability [True Beast Release] that doubles its Attributes.>>


So like 'True Demon Release', the magic beast version.
A battle between this thing and Oni-sensei would be quite something. Won't let that happen tho'.


Just as it was about to charge at Hero-kun again, I flew at full speed to grab and throw it as far away as possible.


『Giiii!?』


It was only confused for a moment before immediately changing its target and rushed at me.
It's moving far sharper than previously, likely due to Ultimate Martial Arts it copied.
But its punches are still as poor as ever.
The way it's swinging around its fists solely relying on brute force, almost like watching a mirror me... I kinda sympathize somewhat.

Previous Chapter

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549 Neatly Stripped

There's a man inside the room. It's quite a spacious room with a big table in the center, the man is leaning against the wall on the other side of the door, glaring at me.

"You, Bearud mats eh? Hmph! I won't... get my hopes up. Tch, anybody's can appraise swords, they sent me here cause Bearud mats don't turn up often, but what do we have here, it's just a brat. Dunno how he got his hands on them, but it's gonna be a total waste of my time if the leather's in a bad shape. Those higher ups told me to go here, but can you really amuse me?"

The thought of saying no thank you and leaving crossed my mind due to the man's high and mighty attitude but I swallowed my pride because looking for another place is a pain.

"Take out the meat first. On that table. Get to it. Dunno how long you've been keeping 'em. I'm gonna appraise them before they spoil. It's common sense to prioritize raw ingredient. Get to it already."

I took the meat out of my magic bag and lined it up on the table, as told.

"Oho, that bag's the highest grade huh, then it should have the best time slower... Oy, how much you gonna take out? Oy, are you an idiot? Oy, hold it, don't take out so much! You shoulda told me you got a lot!"

He got mad at me. I've only taken half too.

"Give me some time... It's still fresh? And the state is excellent too. There's no unnecessary wound... But how? It should have been damaged along with the entrails. I see, you must have gotten lucky and killed it with a vital shot. Fumu, this stuff is gonna fetch a good price. Alright, I got it. Is this all? I'm gonna put the price and finish the transaction..."

I fetched the remaining half of the meat while he was speaking.

"...How much you got on you anyway? ...Four Bearud worth? Oy, none of this meat is damaged? How'd you get it so cleanly cut? ...And so much too... Oy! Hold it right there."

Looks like he's bringing in more people to help. He peeked out the door and started shouting.

"Someone, come here! Gimme a hand! Oy, you, get three, four people here! Also three cold storage! The big ones!"

After some sounds of hurried footsteps outside, three young men around my age came in the room.

"Ou, split this into different parts. You know where to bring 'em right? Go there and tell the manager to bring carts here. Mention my name. You get it?"

This appraiser is apparently a bigshot. What with how readily the people here responded to his calls.
They quickly got the job done. After which the appraiser named the price.

"Write your name here if you agree with the price. That was some real nice appraisal you got me. I went ahead and gave you an extra."

'120 gold coins' is written there.

(Oooh? Ah, but considering the price of an adult cattle in my past life, I guess this price is right? This number feels unreal.)

A single Bearud makes for a huge amount of meat due to their size. Considering I brought four, this price should be correct? I guess.
I asked something that piqued my curiosity.

"Err, how much is it with entrails?"

Many parts of cow entrails can be eaten. Hence, I'm thinking the same logic may apply here.
But since processing the entrails by myself with no water nearby was impossible, I had discarded them all. That would have been a waste if they were worth something.

"Hm? What is this, don't you know that stuff? That and coming here to sell this meat, you're a strange one. Ah, entrails was it? Bearud's entrails aren't edible. Their stomach's way too hard for teeth to chew through. Many famous chiefs tried all kinds of cooking methods to no avail. The intestines are too pungent, ain't no way to make it work. Liver, pancreas and kidney are too toxic for human consumption for some reason. Their meat is a special case, known for their fine oil and flavor. It's a high class ingredient. If we're talkin' bout Bearud mats, it gotta be the meat and leather. Oh yeah, their palms are famous as a delicacy. Steamed, they go real nice with booze. That stuff just melts your tongue... Whoa almost forgot, it's still work hour."

The man was in a good mood as he gave the explanation. Where'd that foul mood in the beginning go.

"I accept this price for the meat. Thank you. As for the palms. They're still attached to the leather, so you will price them accordingly too right?"

Bear palms were also a delicacy in my old world hence I kept them intact along with the leather.

"...Are you serious!? Who in the hell are you? Wait no, I took an oath as an appraiser, no probing. Sorry, forget what I said. Interrogating our customers ain't included in our job desc. Nah, our job is to determine the items brought before us."

Thus began the leather appraisal.

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Battle Progress on Each Sides

This chapter starts from Radiasta's POV.

I see it.


『Gyaaaa!!』


Too slow.


『Kigya!?』

"Hmph!"

『Gah...!!?』

I can tell where they're coming from and what kind of feints they're making.
These beasts will funnily stab themselves if I simply leave my dagger in their paths.

...I've only been trained for half a month yet the results are already crystal clear.
Mere Level 20-30 magic beasts are like flies to be swatted compared to those instructors.
I couldn't tell during the training sessions since I only ever fought opponents more powerful than me but I'm definitely getting stronger...!


"...Gotta remember to thank instructors."

"Tell me 'bout it. We couldn't have gotten this strong this quick if we were left to our own devices... I do think maybe they should take it easier on us."

"Can't recall how many times we almost kicked the bucket after all. Frankly, I feel like they'd kill me way before any magic beast would..."


Baredo, Rasfi and me are so calm you wouldn't think we're currently in the heat of combat against an entire army of magic beasts.
I was freaking out inwardly at first, but once the fight actually started, it was anticlimatic.
Were Werewolves always this weak? We got so much stronger that thought even crossed my mind.
Whoa there, can't get careless and slip up now. Gotta pull myself together!


...Speaking of which, what do I do with all these hella suspicious gear I got from Kajikawa-san.
I know he gave me those and all but the manuals have so many warnings telling their users not to use them carelessly...
There's even a passage about user's arm flying off if they're not careful... Let's do my utmost to avoid using them.


"O-oh crap! A huge magic beast is charging this way!"

"Get away, kill it with ranged attacks! You'd get trampled down up close!"

『Pauwooooooooo!!!』


U, uo!? An elephant-shaped magic beast is coming this way!
Not good, my short daggers are a bad match against something that big. Thing is about seven meter tall.
That swiftness with that size. I think it should be around Lv50-60? It's clearly higher leveled than other magic beasts here.
Aiming for the vital with Extended Mana Blade is a tall order too. But focusing Farslash on it will open a chance for other magic beasts to advance.


『Puuuaaaaaaaaa!!』

"Uwaaaaaaaa!!"

"S-someone! Stop that giaaaant!!"

"That thing alone is going to cause unprecedented damage left unchecked! Call in reinforcement!"

"You fool, every side has their hands full defending their post! We gotta kill that thing ourselves!"

"Baredo! We'll stop it with a barrage of Farslash!"

"Darn it, it's way too huge!"


The elephant's rampage blew away around ten soldiers.
I can't leave it be. But killing that huge thing quickly with our power alone is...


....


I got no choice. I mean this thing is supposedly a ranged weapon, and the user, me, should be safe.


I fetched the 'Shurikens' Kajikawa-san gave me from my Item Bag.
I hit the button in the center of the shurikens hard to release their safety.

I threw three of them toward the elephant's forehead.


『Pauaaaoooo?』


T-that thing's a tough one...! The shurikens hit the mark but only one barely managed to pierce through its skin.
It's not even bleeding. It's got too thick a skin!
Hold up, is that it!? Wait, no, the manual said three seconds after it pierced its target--



BOOOOOOM!! An unbelievably loud explosion echoed.
A shockwave far beyond anything produced by average Offensive Magic swept through the battlefield.
Those shurikens are apparently magic tools that overload the magic stone inside once they received an impact from hitting their target.


"W-what was that...?"

"Look at that giant's head, it's gone...!!"

"I-I saw it. That green haired lad threw something that blew up...!"

"That was awesome sonny! But don'tcha threw those things willy nilly ya hear me. Ain't nobody wanna get dragged in that explosion."

"O, ou, will do..."


The elephant's whole head is completely gone without a trace.
S-such tremendous firepower! What the heck did you casually hand me, Kajikawa-san...!


"What did you threw?"

"...Dangerous objects an acquaintance gave. I wish I didn't have to use them but the situation called."

"Mind introducing me to that acquaintance of yours? Can't lie. I'm intrigued with weapons that got that much firepower."

"Drop it, Rasfi."


Rasfi looked really interested as she pressed me, while Baredo tried to stop her with a twitching face.
...I can't tell her I got an even more dangerous object on me.



~~~~~~~~Aizawa-kun's POV~~~~~~~~~


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


"Hyahhaaaa! It's slaughter time!"

"Come at me, I'mma massacre y'aaaall!!"

"...These soldiers sure got attitudes."

"And backbones. Hell lot better than my country's blockheads, that's for sure."

『H-higyaaaaaa!!?』

"Hihiyahahaha! How do you like that you damned beasts!"

"The hell ya think yer' doin' to our sanctuary ya bastards! We ain't lettin' ya take a single step in the capitaaal!"

"...They're so noisy."

"Well, it does work to intimidate those beasts, look at the positive."


Ganan smiled wryly while gazing at the soldiers raging through the swarm of magic beasts.
Their speech and behavior are the very picture of thugs but their skill ain't half bad.
Those old military bones at Firie Kingdom only ever fussed over dumb crap like orderly lines and stuff, ain't nothing about furthering strength. These guys are much better.


"Y'all, watch it! We got some big shots here and there!"

"Whaat!? Wheeere! I'mma beat the crap outta 'em!"

"Oy, found me a big one! It's miiine!"　


They don't falter against strong looking beasts, heck they're going at it even harder.
I admit you guys got some guts but those things are way outtra yer' league.
No, are they standing strong despite knowing the gulf in strength? ...Can't call them reckless then.


『Girigiriguru... Gigya!!』


A goblin magic beast shot out lightning from its wand.
A Goblin Shaman huh. That's a real rare one.


"Men, hold onto yer' pants! We got a magic-shooting beast among 'em!"

"Don't block, dodge! Shields do jack on lightning dangit!"

"Get the hell away, black haired brat!"


Oh shut up. Focus on defending yourself over other.
Offensive Magic don't work on me... Unless it's that instructor's.

The spell dispersed before it hit me.
Master Skill 'Magi Banishment' can easily nullify that level of magic.


『Gigya!?』

"Go to hell!"


I cut off flinching Goblin Shaman's neck.
There's more of 'em. Gotta exterminate them before they become trouble.
I'll do just fine, but all these muscles for brains won't leave unscathed.

Looking back, don't think I ever worked together with other folk like this before.
I don't give a hoot about other people, but can't have that luxury in this situation.
...Can't believe I'm fighting while worrying about others. Had no idea I was this cooperative.


"Uruaaaaaa!!!"

"Uoooooo!!? O-oy, Neechan, quit swinging that huge axe around when ya got allies nearby! Ya gonna hit one of us!!"

"Get back if you don't wanna!!"


...I'm confident I can read the room better than that barbarian at least.
That Hyula, she's really gonna kill some of them one of these days, ain't she?



~~~~~~~~~~Aina-san's POV~~~~~~~~~~



"1102, 1103, 1104... Get blown together will you~."


I went for flying beasts and real bad news beasts initially but once I was done with them, I just picked off them randomly.
I unleashed a literal rain of arrows with Skill Ability 'Rain Arrows' made of mana.


『Gigyaaaaa!!』

"Move."

『Gape!?』


I punched a magic beast that slipped through the gap and got near me.
Too slow, way slow. You want to get as fast as Kajikawa-kun before you could dream of reaching me... Actually, please don't. It's scaary.


"A-awesome, that's Egoless Archer-sama for you...!"

"Okay okay, quit admiring me and get to work now. Or what, are you planning to have me take care of this entire herd myself?"

"P-pardon me!"


Other instructors and pupils are doing their best, but they seem to have gotten the cold feet facing off against a swarm this big, they're not using their full power.
Guess it's understandable, they won't get revived like the hero and his party after all. Of course anybody's scared of dying.


<Aina, Ivran said you gotta kill the big thing still in the back first.>

"Oops, guess I missed one. I'm on it."


Elves can speak Spirits even if they don't have Spirit Magic Skill.
Hence the reason why we can easily learn Spirit Magic, something difficult for humans.
Get in a contract -> Sure thing, and there you go. Skill Get.
My talent lies on archery so I ultimately didn't learn it but I can still communicate with them even now.


<Aina, bad news! Some real strong one showed up in the back!>

"I heard you the first time. I've got to focus on eliminating that first right?"

<Yes, but no! A powerful magic beast was just born in the back!>


...Say that again?

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548 Due Process - Verification

"Allow me to check your form... Yes, we shall purchase the items listed here for 50 silver coins. The standard price for a second hand goods is one silver coin. We may have to lower the price if our appraisers find their state less than optimal, would that be acceptable? Of course, we ask you to be present during the appraisal process to avoid unfairness. We shall purchase your items even if they are damaged, so please be rest assured. However, do understand that we may have to lower the price even further as those will be sold to blacksmiths as raw materials."

The receptionist politely explained about the process for sword selling. She sounds accustomed to her role.

"Very well. Eh, the other goods are... Bearud's meat and leather, we will have to appraise the items before we could give you a price. You may approve on the spot if it is to your liking. May I have your ID? Otherwise, we can provide you with a certification to peruse our service for three silver coins as an administrative fee. How would you like it?"

I got taken aback. Apparently I need to present my ID. Does it have to be officially issued by this country? Or perhaps anything will do as long as it's accepted in this world's society? I tried asking.

"Ah, in case you possess at least Third Class Pass, that will work as well. But am I right to presume this is your first time using our service? We have to ask your ID as an additional requirement."

Looks like I've cleared the condition with my 'Second Class' Pass. But what do I do about the other requirement?
I fetched my Black Card and showed it to the receptionist.

"Does this work? I don't mind paying if it doesn't."

But she's not responding. She's staring at the card with her mouth open.

"That's! I've never seen one in person! No no no! Just who are you!? ...Ah, p-please pardon me. Yes, that will do. May I borrow the card in order to verify its authenticity?"

They have a machine to read the card ready. I've seen those machines before whenever I go shopping with this card.
I gave her the okay. She put it in the machine and stared at it.
Pipipi, the machine made a sound and the receptionist froze up after muttering, 'No limit...!?'
She took the card and gave it back to me with trembling hands.

"W-we have confirmed its authenticity, and this is your ticket. Your room will be number 207. An appraiser is waiting inside, please show the items you wish to sell to them."

Looks like the second floor is exclusively for appraising. The first floor is for business only.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"I'm going, guide-san, what about you? Wanna have tea somewhere?"

"Ah, mind if I watch? I'm quite curious. It's Bearud's leather and meat right? I would love to see them at least once in this life, do you mind?"

The receptionist responded.

"Yes, you may bring a companion as long as our honored guest allows. But please refrain from interjecting our dealings and such."

I surveyed the surroundings to look for the stairway.
This building is really big. I can't tell right away.

"Ah, you can find the stairway if you go straight from here. It will be to the right."

The receptionist seemed used to the sight of someone looking around restlessly and gave me the direction.
I got upstairs without a hitch and went straight into a room with a big '207' sign over it.

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