Chapter 6 The Instructor, at Work

The Instructor, at Work

The mission Old Man Mostur asked me to do is one that the veterans were away and couldn’t do.

By the way, did I mention that Old Man is a member of the Adventurers’ Guild?

I don’t know exactly what his position is, but he seems to have subordinates, so he could be pretty high up.

And the content of the request was [that they wanted someone to check out the mountain near the village because something seemed off].

Simply put, that’s the request.

It sounds ordinary when put into words, but this kind of request is quite problematic as a mission.

The words [If you find that the cause is a monster, either defeat it or drive it away]. Contain unspoken intentions, and there are a few other problematic points as well.

First of all, the time limit is vague, which is dangerous.

Also, since the specific problem isn’t known, it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause.

Also, with this type of task, reporting “I didn’t find anything” often leads to “Then we won’t pay you!”

I understand their feelings, but they should pay for the service; even if nothing is found, there are still expenses involved.

If you talk too much about money, people might question your character, but that’s the worst situation for an adventurer to be in.

Money can’t buy character, but without money, you can’t maintain your character.

Since we don’t know the threat, we can’t set the difficulty properly, so the reward will be modest.

Well, the village on the outskirts doesn’t have much money, so they’re probably doing it on purpose.

I’m also from the outskirts, so I can understand their feelings…

If the guild doesn’t think the reward and difficulty are right, they can ask for extra money later, but it’s usually a pittance.

Well, at least they pay.

I’ve been betrayed a few times.

Perish, you cheaters!

Why would I wish for their destruction when I was trying to save them?

Oops, my past grievances just slipped out.

Such requests often lead to major incidents, so the guild has no choice but to accept them, even if they’re somewhat half-hearted.

I’ve seen a few cases where the “It’ll be fine” attitude ended up causing major problems for the country.

In other words, it’s a shitty request that the guild can’t refuse, but it’s not profitable at all.

Yes, I’m the adventurer who (half annoyed) accepted this kind of pathetic request.

This is a mission that should be done by a group, but Old Man Mostur urged me to do it by saying, “You can do it, right? Probably!” so I decided to do it.

I wish he’d be a little more considerate…

This is a rather difficult first request.

It’s a request from my benefactor, and as someone who knows the hardships of life in the outskirts, I had my reasons and finally accepted it.

I left the village dreaming of social advancement, but it’s also true that I wanted to help others.

I rested for a few days, prepared myself, and arrived at the requested village, but as a foreigner, I was openly greeted with suspicion.

Just because my hair color is a little different, I’m watched from a distance.

Even the children were hidden.

Am I a kidnapper or something?

I’m the adventurer you summoned, you know.

They even refused me food and lodging.

Maybe it would be better if they just perished? I wondered.

I had anticipated the possibility of not being offered food, so I had prepared plenty in my space expansion bag.

This country tends to be a bit exclusive towards foreigners…

Not that I’m happy that my prediction came true.

I somehow managed to get permission to pitch a tent outside the village, prepared a simple campsite, and set up a barely visible tripwire trap before taking a nap.

If I sleep here at night, I don’t know what will happen to me.

Night fell.

It’s like shooting fish in a barrel.

Young people from the village formed a group and tried to steal my luggage, so I beat them up and threw them out of the village.

I’m sure there will be an uproar tomorrow, and I’ll be accused and lynched…

I’m done with this village.

My village was bad too, but not this bad!

I had lost most of my motivation, but since it was a request from my benefactor, I decided to go into the mountains the next morning when the sun came up.

First, I’ll see if there really is an anomaly.

There’s also the possibility that they’re trying to lure adventurers and steal their luggage…

I brought my bow as my main weapon, as I plan to do some hunting while I am here.

It’s handy to be able to use different things in situations like this.

First, I’ll look around, and if I don’t find anything, I’ll leave immediately.

I don’t need any money; I can’t stay in this village! I’ll go back on my own!

I’m going home!

With such enthusiasm, I entered…

It’s definitely strange.

Too quiet.

Besides, there are no signs of life.

I see, in this situation, it wouldn’t be strange to request help.

This village is trash.

Perish!

There are no insects to be seen, and even the trees seem to be holding their breath.

…Could it be that something really terrible is happening?

None of the phenomena I have read about in books apply here.

Is it a harbinger of some kind of natural disaster?

A phenomenon that causes nearby creatures to disappear?

I’ve heard of small animals running away as a sign of an earthquake, but this is….

No, could it be… life absorption, energy drain…?

Could this be… no way!

No way, no way! No way! No way!

The birth of a Demon Lord?

The moment I reached this possibility, a chill ran down my spine.

If this is true, I can’t let it go.

I need all the information I can get.

Even if I’m angry with the villagers, I must issue an evacuation order if a Demon Lord is indeed born. No matter how angry I am!

They might not believe me even if I report it, but that’s okay because I’ve done my duty.

I’m considering whether or not to let them die, but I don’t actively want them to die.

Using the [Stealth] skill I imitated, I explored even more cautiously and stumbled upon a small clearing near the mountaintop.

This was probably a clearing used by the hunters from this village; I could see a ramshackle hut in one corner.

In the middle of the clearing was a shadowy figure.

In the mountain where there is absolutely no living creature.

The moment I saw it, every hair on my body stood on end.

That’s….

Buzz… Buzz…. Buzz….

The space was filled with a disturbing buzzing sound.

Is the space creaking under a massive amount of magical power?

Ah, right now, right now! That thing is trying to become a Demon Lord!

If that thing completes its transformation into a Demon Lord, the damage it could cause is unimaginable.

To avoid casualties, it should be defeated when it is newly born and at its weakest.

But originally, a Demon Lord is something that should be fought with a coordinated strategy, with the cooperation of several parties.

If we don’t send out scouts to find out their strength and confirm what will be effective and what they will do before we fight, we will suffer unnecessary losses.

Underestimating them will lead to unexpected injuries. No matter how weak a Demon Lord may seem, they are beings who bear the title of Lord.

It’s a great achievement that requires sacrificing everything, including money, time, and even life.

That’s why the fame gained from defeating it is so significant.

Even if I run away now and report it to the Adventurers’ Guild, they probably won’t blame me.

In fact, I’m sure I’ll be praised for bringing back such good information.

But… but! If I defeat the Demon Lord!

I could obtain a hero skill that is normally unattainable!

I might be able to get the strength I desire!

Even though it has just been born, challenging a Demon Lord alone is tantamount to s🬀🬀cide.

Normally, I wouldn’t even consider such a decision; I’m sure I would scoff at it.

I had given up on the idea that it was impossible for someone like me to defeat a Demon Lord alone.

But now! A chance is right in front of me!

I was removed from the Demon Lord subjugation mission and ran away sulking, but to think that I would be blessed with this opportunity!

Sieg defeated the Iron Rat Demon Lord Tesso and obtained the [Demon Lord Slayer] skill.

To be honest, that Demon Lord battle was an accident, and he was lucky.

I was there, too.

It was Sieg who delivered the finishing blow.

That’s why.

I felt cheated.

I was jealous.

I want it.

I want it, I want it, I want it!!!

Even if I have to risk my life!

Even my beloved disciple whom I’ve raised! The place I struggled to create! My precious lover!

All I have left is my life!

Even if I die in failure!

I will!

Laugh!

I can die!

With trembling arms, I drew the bow on my back and took aim.

I’ll put everything into this one shot.

Skill [Copy] overload!

Imitation! Hero Skill [Demon Lord Slayer!]