Vol 1: The Monster of the Mountains
Hina's transformation was more focused on her mana growth. I eventually learned that despite her small figure, she was actually an eighteen year old adult dark elf. I know this. I really do. But she was the cutest adult that I've ever laid eyes on!
It's hard for me, who learned that I like cute things, to keep a straight face when Til and Hina are around. Hina came into the cabin with plants wrapping around her arms, I could tell she just finished her training with Bright.
"Look, Sir Bright taught me how to use nature magic!" She bragged her nose pointed in the air.
Let's forget about age here. She acts like a kid which makes her even cuter with that small size! I have this bad habit to pat her head just because the height difference makes me forget.
"You're a fast learner. If you keep it up, you may even be able to tame monsters." I said patting her head. I lost against my reason.
Hina beamed proudly before bounding off.
After passing my test, I was given a sixth ranked monster core as a reward. As a Kijin with low mana capacity, this core alone will help take care of that weakness. With my affinity in dark magic, I need all the mana I can get.
[Artemis Kingdom]
"A troll attacked the village but when the knights arrived at the scene, the troll was dead? What about the humans?" Prince Judus Artemis felt frustrated from all the constant monster attacks that have been going on lately.
"According to the reports of the knights, there were no survivors. They assume it was the troll that caused such a large scale disaster." Sir Roman, Head Butler at Artemis Castle, says.
"That's bullshit and you know it!" Prince Judus stood in anger.
He would have believed this was the case if that troll had lived. But for the troll and the humans to have died there was another variable that was missed. This must be the cause of the monster on Mount Irda!
"It's about time that we get involved. We need to go to the top of Mount Irda." Prince Judus says clenching his fingers tightly together.
"Are you sure that's such a great idea, Prince? We have no clue what kind of monster lives in those mountains. If anything we could be in over our heads." Sir Roman points out.
"I don't care. We must eradicate the cause before it becomes more serious." Prince Judus spoke stubbornly.
"Gather all the soldiers together, We'll head out at dawn. Also find me some adventurers." Prince Judus ordered.
"Yes, Prince." Sir Roman says with a bow before leaving Prince Judus to his thoughts.
From where he was sitting he could look out his window and see the mountains. He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination but recently there has been a glowing light on top of that mountain.
"Monster of the Mountains. I'll be sure to take your head myself." He mutters.
[Perphius City, Adventurer Guild]
"Have you heard? Prince Judus is looking for some adventurers." Some one says.
One can see a group of adventurers sitting at a nearby table. These adventurers were made up of four adventurers. They carried high quality gear on their persons. Nearby, other adventures sat talking about the recent subjugation request.
"They say there was a series of monster attacks to a few of the villages here in Artemis Kingdom. Isn't that crazy?" Another adventurer says.
"You hear that, Leader? Sounds like a request from the Prince." a girl, nicknamed Chipper, amongst the four adventurers says.
These four are not that well-known and have low ranking levels amongst the other adventures in this adventure guild.
"Should we have a look, Leader?" A guy, known as Dax, in the group asked.
Leader Gran Flois, of the Bear Claw Adventurers, sat with his arms crossed.
"Dax, go take a look." Gran orders.
"Sure thing, Leader." Dax says standing to walk over to the quest board.
"Will we really accept a request from that Prince?" Gate, another guy apart of their four man guild, asked.
"What other choice do we have? We are low on money." Chipper says with a sigh afterwards.
After a minute goes by, Dax returns with a distressed expression.
"Yo, what's that look for?" Gate asked.
Dax returns to his seat, "it's a high-ranking quest, but it's offering 400 gold coins and 100 silvers for whoever accepts the mission." He says.
"High-ranking, like how high?" Chipper asked.
"SS Rank subjugation." He answered.
It was silent amongst them.
"That's pretty damned high. Who on Earth would choose a request that crazy high? There aren't any adventurers here in Perphius with a level higher than 30!" Gate explodes.
Through all this their leader hadn't said a word. He looked as though he was in thought. And they were right, while his expression showed to be calm and collected. On the inside he was freaking out. In actual fact the guild's leader was a coward and always made his team do all the work.
They never knew this and followed him blindly, they never felt like the reason their team was so bad was because their leader was a terrible strategist and afraid of danger. He does have one redeeming feature about him, though and that was his knowledge in equipment. He knew the best equipment out there and has an eye for detail and if it's worth selling or of use to them.
It's because of high-quality equipment, that this small group still lived.
"Leader, what do you think?" Chipper asked.
All three looked in his direction, though he hadn't been paying attention.
Leader's thoughts: Shit, what do I do? I don't want to go on such a dangerous quest!
But, they're relying on my answer. I have no other choice....damn I'm sure I'll regret it for sure.
"I say we accept the quest. After all, we definitely need the money." He points out.
Leader's thoughts: Shit! Shit! Shit!
I must be crazy! I just want to run away!
His expression is still calm and collected on the outside.
"I agree! The Leader always thinks for the guild!" Dax says with a grin.
Leader's thoughts: I wonder if I can take it back?
No, it's not good to show my true thoughts in all this.
That night they accepted the quest and a few other adventurers as well. Meanwhile, our Main Characters are unaware of the situation going on in the Kingdom.