Chapter 32: Downtown

"Hu. That was a good meal."

I rubbed my stomach as I went down the mountain, feeling very full. The manticore was massive, and this time I didn't eat all of it. I had kept several portions of the manticore in my magical pouch, as evidence that I had slain it. Other than that, I had tried to eat as much of the manticore as possible, but being bigger than the anaconda, I finally found a meal that was impossible for me to finish.

Fortunately, I didn't have to finish the manticore to gain its ability. Just a few bites and a swallow netted me Adaptive Mutation. Like the other special abilities, I bet Adaptive Mutation would be a little too low level for me to actually make full use of it at the moment, but in the future I could see it combining with my Regeneration to turn me into a true monster.

I don't exactly want to lose my humanity, though…

As uncomfortable as I felt when thinking about the monstrous possibilities regarding Adaptive Mutation and Regeneration, I had to admit that I was no longer human. At least not in the biological sense, anyway.

Thinking about that, I recognized that it was useless to think about preserving my humanity. The moment I fed on the necromancer, I had discarded my humanity long ago. To pretend that I could somehow preserve some semblance of humanity would be deluding myself. I should focus on gaining as many special abilities to give me an advantage over the heroes.

Taking a deep breath, I summoned Matsukaze and rode him back to town. On the way back, I conjured up my status screen to confirm that I had indeed plundered the special ability from the deceased manticore.

Name: Tanaka Tomoyuki

Species: Undead

Job/Rank: Gravekeeper/Lich Lord

Title: Hero Slayer

Special Abilities: Adamantium Will, Regeneration, Devour, Lord of Darkness, Absolute Appraisal, Summon, Sword Saint, Adaptive Mutation

Eight special abilities so far. Was there a limit to the number of special abilities I could possess? I remembered that Takeda Junpei had a limit of ten. If I was under the same sort of restrictions, then I only had two slots left.

What will I get rid of if I do have restrictions?

All eight of my current special abilities were indispensable. Probably the one that didn't fit me the most was Sword Saint, but without that special ability, I wouldn't have defeated the manticore. Honestly, I didn't mind getting rid of Adaptive Mutation because of my anxieties over losing my humanity, but from a practical point of view I had already lost my humanity and it was one of the abilities I should definitely keep alongside Regeneration.

"Ugh…"

Well, I would worry about it when I reached that point. For now, I still had two slots left. And I didn't know if I had a limit for sure.

It took me less than an hour to ride back to Millennial Town. By the time I reached back, it was evening. The sun was slowly setting and the townsfolks had safely locked themselves indoor. I couldn't help but chuckle at as I rode across the empty streets, now cast in shadows. Pulling the manticore's stinger out of my pouch, I raised it high into the air as I slowly nudged Matsukaze forward across the street.

"I've killed the manticore!" I yelled.

There was no reply. Someone creaked a window open end peeked outside, only to gasp when he saw the manticore's stinger, but he disappeared back into his room, blubbering something to his wife, who also fell back in shock from the sight.

The couple was so stunned that they fell into silence.

They weren't the only ones. A few windows were slowly and quietly opened here and there as the residents cautiously peered outside, only to crash back in silence and disbelief. I slowly rode through the town before getting to the inn. Shaking my head, bemused at the townsfolks' response, I got off Matsukaze and dismissed him.

"Sorry for being late."

I walked right into the inn, only for the innkeeper to drop the cup he was polishing. It hit the table and thankfully didn't crack, but the innkeeper wasn't paying any attention to his wares. Instead, his jaw dropped open when he saw me.

"You're…alive."

"Yeah. And you guys don't have to worry about the manticore ever again."

I held up the stinger, and the innkeeper fell back, fumbling as he crashed into a chair. Pulling himself upright and sitting down because his knees were shaking too violently to keep him upright, he stared at the manticore's stinger in my hand in disbelief.

"H…how…?"

"With great difficulty."

"No…but even then, how did you defeat a manticore by yourself? Without a party? Going into the mountains and fighting it solo? That's not possible. Even the heroes would have to fight such a monster in a party!"

"I'm not a hero," I replied, tensing at the word. How dare he group me together with those foul former classmates of mine? I wanted nothing to do with them, not a single association. They were my targets for revenge, nothing more.

The innkeeper must have detected the undercurrent in my voice, for he quickly shook his head and hands in a placating manner.

"I mean no offense, of course."

"Sure. Anyway, with my task done, you shouldn't have to worry about the manticore again. If another one – or even other monsters – shows up, please send another request to the mercenary guild. I'll come exterminate it again."

"Y…yes!"

The innkeeper was so overwhelmed that he was trembling in disbelief. He shook his head to clear his mind of any doubt and continued staring at the stinger until I stuck it into my pouch. Even though the stinger was so massive that it was as tall as me, it could somehow fit into the magical pouch that was twice the size of my hand.

Apparently there was spatial magic in the pouch that allowed me to stuff objects bigger than its exterior into it. There was almost no limit to storage space. It functioned as some sort of inventory in a game. Given the blue status screens, special abilities and guild, I wasn't surprised that this world operated similarly to a game.

"I'll need to return to the city and hand this over," I grumbled. I didn't like the idea of having the stinger in my pouch. Despite the lack of spatial restrictions, I would much rather not have such a dangerous thing lying around my possessions. I didn't want to sting myself while looking for an item or weapon.

It was where I stored Minamoto Kureha's broken sword, by the way.

"Mr. Customer?"

The innkeeper was staring at me, at a loss. I smiled and gestured upstairs.

"Sorry, just tired after a hard battle. My room is still open, right?"

"Ah, yes! Please help yourself! And don't worry about the fee. Tonight's on the house." The innkeeper blubbered, almost in tears. "I can't thank you enough for helping us! For saving us from the manticore! Thank you!"

"Uh, no problem. Don't worry about it."

I was too tired to argue, so I decided to push the issue of paying for my room the next day. There was no way I could accept charity like this. After all, I was already going to receive the reward from the guild when I return to the city.

That was enough. I didn't want to rob a living from an innkeeper who was probably in the red after all those weeks of not getting any business.

"Good night."

Suppressing a yawn, I climbed the stairs and headed for my room.

*

The next morning, I was surprised to see a crowd of townsfolk gathering outside the inn. I had barely gotten up when I heard the commotion, and I glanced out of the window, only to see a large number clustering at the entrance of the inn and chattering excitedly. Apparently the innkeeper didn't let them in or they didn't want to enter.

What's going on? I wondered as I scratched my head. Some sort of event?

Well, it wasn't my business. Washing up, I changed out of my casual clothes and back into my uniform and Redwood jacket. Come to think of it, the manticore wouldn't have been able to hurt me because of the layers of protection that my Redwood jacket offered. With this, I could consider getting rid of both Regeneration and Adaptive Mutation because those two skills would hardly come into play anyway.

Nah, I'll hold onto them.

Those were powerful life-saving abilities, and I would be a fool to get rid of them just because I had an impenetrable armament that rendered me immune to attacks. I couldn't put all my eggs in one basket. There would be times when I didn't have my Redwood jacket on, or if there existed enemies with attacks powerful enough to break through Redwood Robe's defense. Suzuki Shirou's God-Slaying Spear was one example.

The commotion continued outside, much to my annoyance. Taking a deep breath, I packed up and got ready to leave. Fortunately, packing was as easy as throwing everything into my magical pouch, but I had to be careful not to accidentally sting myself.

My Redwood Robe will protect me from that, though…

I had no idea how the defensive enchantments on my Redwood Robe worked, but they had never failed to defend me from anything they deemed harmful. Even those that I didn't even conceive as dangerous.

I descended the stairs, only to see that the innkeeper was waiting on the first story. The tables were empty, a stark contrast to the bustling crowd outside the building. He caught sight of me and bowed fervently.

"Sir mercenary! Good morning! Would you like breakfast?"

"Nah, I'm fine. I'm not hungry."

Having eaten so much manticore meat yesterday, I was still feeling stuffed. I couldn't possibly eat another bite.

"Speaking of which, I'll need to pay you for the room yesterday."

"No, don't worry about it."

"I insist. I don't want to get into trouble with the guild or they'll accuse me of taking advantage of you."

"You're not taking advantage of me at all!" the innkeeper protested, but I shook my head and placed a couple of silver coins firmly on the table.

"That's not how the guild will see it. Anyway, thank you." I smiled. "As I said last night, if any monster plagues your town again, feel free to contact the guild."

I opened the door, only to stumble instinctively when a rush of bodies poured in. Not to visit the inn, but to surround me.

"He's here!"

"The mercenary is here!"

"Awesome job!"

"Thank you! Thank you so much!"

"I can't express my gratitude enough!"

I was stunned when I found myself swamped by grateful townsfolk, weeping or cheering as they surrounded me. The men patted me on the back and shoulders while the women sobbed and sniffled in joy.

"…eh? What?"

I could only stare at them dumbly, not comprehending what was going on. It took a while, but I managed to piece together the details.

Apparently, after my ride through the streets last night, the townsfolk realized that there were no longer any howls or sounds from the manticore. One man even risked stepping out of his horse and running around to stare at the mountains, but…nothing happened.

The manticore was gone. The dangerous threat that plagued Millennial Town for weeks had finally been eliminated, and it was safe to walk the streets at night again.

"I can't believe it! When I heard you were going to face the manticore alone, I thought you were crazy, and that you'll get yourself killed!"

"Yeah, I thought you were an insane kid spouting nonsense!"

"Hah! I never doubted him for one second!"

"Shut up, you liar. You were predicting that he will get killed by the manticore in one second!"

"We heard it too!"

"…ugh."

I scratched my head in embarrassment and smiled awkwardly as I tried to face the crowd.

"Uh, well, I'm glad you guys are all right. The manticore's gone now, so you should be safe. But if another monster shows up, feel free to contact the guild again. I'll definitely come and help you if I'm available."

"Thank you!"

"We definitely will!"

The townsfolks tried to clasp my hands, but I tried to politely get past them without offending anyone.

"Well, I'm in a hurry. The next town awaits me, so…I hope you understand."

"Sure!"

"We'll see you again, kid!"

"Thanks again!"

The townsfolks cheered and waved as I hastily made my exit. Reaching the edge of Millennial Town, I summoned Matsukaze and rode the hell out of there.

As much as I felt flattered and delighted to be on the receiving end and praise, I didn't like being the center of attention. After all, I was more the shy type, and I couldn't deal well with crowds. Still, I couldn't help but feel pleased at having helped people in need.

The ride back to the capital took almost the whole day. By the time I reached the city, it was almost nightfall. The sun was dipping just beneath the horizon and the skies had turned a dark yellow. I noted that there was still quite some bustling activity in the city, but after showing the city guards my guild ID, I was allowed back into Havia City.

I rode Matsukaze back in the direction of the guild house before disembarking and dismissing him. Dusting myself after the long ride, I pushed the door open.

As usual, the mercenaries were all drinking and cheering – at least the older men who were in their thirties or above. The youngsters such as Alan were nowhere to be seen, probably because they had some place to be.

Ugh, don't remind me.

I shrank back when I remembered hearing how Alan was having sex with Alicia and Sophia in the girl's room. I didn't want to imagine what Alan was doing with those two girls now, or what the other youngsters were doing.

Yeah, I'm a virgin, and the number of years I don't have a girlfriend equals the number of years I'm alive. Okay? Now shut it.

Shaking my head, I proceeded to the counter where Hughes was seated. The bald, dark-skinned guild receptionist was chugging down a mug of mead or something, and he slammed it down when he saw me, his face a little red.

"Oh, Tanaka. You're back already. Did you really go and tackle the manticore on your own?"

"Yeah."

I handed him my guild ID before producing the manticore's stinger, claws and even the gigantic head, dumping it on the ground.

"Holy Emperor…!"

Hughes sobered up and jumped in fright when he saw me dropping the contents of my magical pouch on the table. It wasn't just him. Behind me, chairs clattered as the drinking mercenaries (and those who were playing cards) jumped to their feet.

"What the hell?!"

"Is that a manticore?!"

"I've never see a manticore's head or stinger that big?!"

"No wonder I don't see the rest of his party. Did they all get slaughtered?"

"Holy Evelyn!"

Several of them began approaching to study the manticore, their eyes wide in disbelief.

"Hey, hey! Get back!" Hughes waved them back, but they refused to listen. The middle-aged mercenaries gathered around me, swallowing skeptically.

"Did you really kill the manticore, kid?"

"Yes, he did. And he did it all by himself, so don't go pissing him off and get back! All of you!"

Hughes had quite the reputation, so even if the older mercenaries didn't quite believe his words, they listened to him and stepped back.

"Now, where were we? Ah, right. Confirming the evidence." Hughes sighed and swiped my ID card in the counter. "Evelyn, goddess of Man…that's twenty-five gold for killing such a monstrous manticore. Courtesy of Millennial Town. It says here they want to send you their regards and gratitude for defeating such a monster."

"I already received it before I left their town," I muttered as I remembered the excited crowd who were waiting outside the inn.

"Yeah, I don't blame them. No mercenary has taken the quest for weeks now. It's not hard to imagine that they were being driven to the brink of despair." With that statement, Hughes casted a glare at the middle-aged mercenaries, who shrank away shamefully.

"The town was too far away."

"Didn't you see the size of that thing? There's no way we could have defeated it."

"Don't be unreasonable."

Hughes snorted as he listened to their excuses and shook his head. Dropping his voice to a whisper, he muttered to himself.

"Yet this kid here made the journey and killed the manticore all by himself."

"It was luck."

"Yeah, you said that for the goblins, and then for the high orc. And now a titanic manticore that most mercenaries wouldn't dare face, even if they were in parties. Just what the hell are you? Oh, and you're now officially chrome rank. I skipped steel rank, because honestly, you're definitely not steel. Actually, you're not even chrome. You're at least bronze or silver. If you pull off another quest like that again, I'll bump you up to bronze."

"Don't worry about it. I don't care about the ranks."

"Oh, you have to." Hughes sighed. "Not just for yourself, but for the guild's reputation too. The more high-ranked mercenaries we have, the more people who will hire us, and the more they're willing to pay for our services."

I said nothing. From what I saw, mercenaries were involved in a lucrative business. I had forty gold right now, which would probably last me for a year or two if I didn't carelessly splash them on living luxuriously.

"On behalf of the guild, a job very well done, Tanaka. You're quite the amazing rookie. I've never heard of a newbie mercenary who's rising the ranks as quickly as you and achieving such insane feats. Quite frankly, you're becoming a legend."

I turned pale when I heard that. I didn't mean to stand out, but it seemed my original plan to keep a low profile had completely fallen apart.

Hughes mistook my complexion for exhaustion, so he placed a hand reassuringly on my shoulder and gestured for me to leave.

"You look really tired. I don't blame you. Must be one hell of a job fighting that manticore, eh? Now go home and rest. You deserve it."

I didn't have a home to go to, to be honest. But I couldn't exactly tell Hughes that, so I nodded and headed toward the Blue Moon Inn. Before I could leave, however, I heard a commotion outside the guild house as a carriage and a platoon of soldiers rushed by.

"Whoa!"

I stepped back to duck out of sight as the carriage practically flew past the street in front of the guild house, followed by yelling soldiers on foot. Hughes chuckled at my reaction.

"Don't worry about that. The Imperial Army's just going a little crazy over the last few days. It's a routine patrol."

"Routine patrol?" I repeated dumbly.

"Ah, yeah. You were out of the city when it happened so you probably didn't know, but about two days ago, one of the heroes went missing. They're running the city ragged and turning it inside out just to find her. Or any clues pertaining to her."

"One of the heroes went missing?"

I swallowed, knowing who Hughes was referring to. Minamoto Kureha. The "hero" I killed while traveling to Millennial Town.

"Yeah." Hughes looked at me strangely. I realized that I had an unnatural expression on, so I forced a puzzled frown.

"Who?"

"Ah, the Sword Saint, I believe. Uh…what was her name…Mimamoto Claire?"

"Minamoto Kureha!" one of the mercenaries shouted from his seat. The ossans had all returned to drinking and playing cards.

"Yeah, that one. Apparently she went to look for her friend and never came back."

Heh. She was never coming back. Her remains were buried somewhere in the middle of nowhere after I had eaten most of her.

But that was something I couldn't tell the mercenaries.

"Thanks to her little stunt, the whole city's in an uproar. They'll probably continue to look for her for the next month or so. But I wouldn't be worried if I were them. I'm sure she's fine. After all, what could possibly kill a hero?"

Oh, you have no idea.

I hid my smile, and was about to leave when Hughes suddenly called out to me.

"Oi, Tanaka. That jacket you're wearing. You mind giving that to me?"

"Huh? Why should I?"

I stared at Hughes suspiciously, but he merely sighed and gestured with his hand impatiently.

"That's a treasure item, isn't it? I need to appraise it. Don't worry, once I'm done appraising it, I'll return it to you through your inventory."

"Why do you need to appraise it?" I demanded, tightly clutching my Redwood jacket. This treasure equipment was one of the reasons why I had survived this long. I wasn't about to hand it over just like that.

"To register it under your name. You know how rare treasure items are? If the nobles find out, they'll confiscate it from you. I'm just going to make sure you're the sole owner of them, so your possessions will be protected and guaranteed by us. Don't worry, it shouldn't take more than a week."

A week? That sounded like forever. I swallowed, but Hughes had been trustworthy so far. Sighing, I reluctantly took the Redwood Robe off and handed it to him.

"Make sure you return it."

"Of course I will. Have I ever let you down before?"

"Plenty of times."

Grinning mischievously, I bade Hughes farewell and left for the Blue Moon Inn. Glancing at the soldiers marching throughout the city even as day turned into night, I realized that it was not a good idea to stick around in the city for a while.

Tomorrow, at first light, I would immediately set off again…and this time, the further and longer the mission, the better.