Gratitude

The job is currently underway. I have Eden with me. A couple of renosters have attacked a farm. I am on my way there. The map the receptionist handed me shows that it's located north of the city.

So I have to go through the north gate. I am walking there. But I think flying would be better.

"Eden, should we keep walking or just fly to the location?"

"We should at least walk to the location. Then we can teleport back to the guild." (Eden)

So she wants to observe the surrounding area. I think it's a good idea. After showing the guards the royal seal, they let me pass through. This time, no weird stares.

We keep at it at a leisurely pace. Because the farm is just outside of the city. It's supposed to be a vegetable farm.

I did face a renoster before. And I think they are herbivores. Maybe that's why they attacked the farm.

The area is well maintained. The road is wide. Trees are pruned so no overgrown branches. There are even light posts on each side. It's a cobblestone road.

Maybe the academy city takes trades seriously. Because even the capital didn't have roads like this.

The roads inside the capital are fine but go outside and it's a dirt road. Nobody takes care of it. Why is it that the capital is bordering another nation? That totally makes zero sense.

"Eden, why is it that the capital of this kingdom is at the border?"

I ask Eden. She has been reading books related to magic and history and stuff. I think she knows the answer.

"The Kingdom of Themis, this kingdom, is not a very old kingdom. It was founded only two centuries ago. Compared to the neighboring countries, this country is akin to a child.

Upon creation, the capital of the kingdom was this city, Galdur. However, 50 years ago, the capital was suddenly shifted to the current location. The then king said that it's for the war." (Eden)

So this kingdom isn't that old and the previous king was crazy enough to set up his capital right next to enemy territory.

"Isn't that a foolish idea? The demons could have easily taken over the capital and the kingdom."

"They started summoning people from other worlds and made them fight in their stead. That's how they were able to survive." (Eden)

Jupiter is seriously rotten to his very core. We talk some more about this topic. It seems that the current academy building is the previous castle. So they remodeled the royal castle into a school.

The information is appreciated. And we have reached the destination.

"This is it, isn't it?"

"It seems to be a farm. The barn over there looks pretty tattered. The fence is broken at places. The field is a mess." (Eden)

"This must be it. Then, why not we look for the people who commissioned this job?"

I send out mana to search for presences. I can feel a couple of monsters. But where are the humans? Ah..found them.

"Hold onto me."

Eden holds my hand and I teleport to their location. It seems to be a cabin. I can see the tattered barn from here so this isn't too far from there.

It's a log cabin. There are a few spots on the walls. Maybe they tried to break this cabin as well.

"Maybe we should knock." (Eden)

I knock on the door. But there's no answer. I knock again.

"Who's there?"

A hoarse and loud voice answered. It sounded old. Soon, someone opened the door.

An old man. The middle of his head is visible and his remaining hair has turned white. His skin isn't so wrinkly. His body seems young compared to his face. I guess he is still active despite his age.

"What do you want?"

He seems to be in a bad mood. Well, if your field is destroyed and your house is being attacked by animals, anyone would be in a bad mood.

"Did you commission this?"

I show him the flier. He didn't bend over to see. He just made a face that said, 'Another one.'

It feels like I am not the first to attempt this job.

"I did request it. But so far, 4 have failed. It's been more than 2 weeks since those god forsaken monsters have taken over our land."

"I see. Then I will be right back."

I take Eden and go to the monsters. It felt like he had something to say but he didn't say it.

The monsters are currently inside of the barn. I stand at the entrance with Eden.

"What do you think, Eden?"

"The monsters are becoming more active. They are oddly powerful as well. Is it a normal mutation or something is contributing to this?" (Eden)

"That can wait. Look, they noticed us."

The renosters have noticed our presence. Two are standing before us. I can see one small one as well.

So they were looking for a place where they could give birth to their child.

"Should I kill them?"

"I am opposed to killing them. But it has to be done." (Eden)

"Then, a gentle death it is."

As the harbinger of death, I can bring death upon any living being.

"You did nothing wrong. But sometimes, life isn't fair. May you rest in peace."

I say my final words to them. Using <Spirit > I take out their life force. It's a translucent ball like object. I have three of them. Even the new life which was recently born has been reaped.

Death was never fair. I have to get used to this.

I store their bodies in my singularity and their life force disappeared soon after. Where did it go?

"Then I will fix this place as a freebie."

I use <Spirit > to return this place to its original state. I made the soil young again as well. It will be easier to grow crops.

I put a few wards to ward off the monsters from entering this area.

"Papa, you are a bit too enthusiastic." (Eden)

"They are my first customers since coming here. I want them to have a good experience."

After inspection, I go to the log cabin and knock again.

He opened the door and started saying.

"I knew that you would fail too. I mean, you don't look like an adventurer. And you even bring children with you on such a dangerous job. Take your job seriously kid. If you keep acting like this, you could die."

"Thanks for the pep talk. By the way, I restored everything to its original state. Confirm everything. I will consider this job done. I hope you have a good day."

He looks at me like I made a good joke. But when he looks past me, his jaw almost dropped. He was opening and closing his jaw like a broken door.

I was about to leave when he stopped me.

"Young man, what is your name?"

"I am Clive Belmont, S rank adventurer. And this here is my daughter, Eden Belmont."

Eden gave a polite bow.

"I see. Thank you."

He is in a better mood. I can see the tension leave his body. He is grateful to me for my service. I guess this is a first for me. No one has ever shown gratitude towards me. I have to say, not a bad feeling.

"Then a good day to you."

Saying that, we turn on our heels. For a first job this wasn't too bad. Now, I should report to guild.