I woke up before the sun rose.
It seed soone in the room had opened the window, letting a cool breeze and the sounds of the city flow into the dormitory.
Already, half of the people had woken up and disappeared with their belongings.
Stretching as I got up, I looked out towards the main street from the window.
rchants and adventurers were heading east.
I couldn’t see Raymond’s caravan, but I knew the highway had been restored.
They might have already left or will depart today at the latest.
Brent had arranged an old, two-story wooden inn for us.
Even a dormitory was a blessing, and though it’s unfair to compare, the food was much better than Nudlok’s.
I finished dressing and headed to the dining hall, where breakfast was imdiately served.
Eating among adventurers and rchants, I pondered my return journey.
We prioritized speed on the way here for quick restoration.
I had permission to use the Terper’s Bag freely, but it only contained a few Nudorok and Gousas cows.
Today marked the fifth day since leaving Seren.
I had told Dana it would take seven to ten days, so there was no rush.
I’ll hunt monsters and take my ti on the way back.
After leisurely finishing breakfast and returning to the room, everyone had already left.
Using [Presence Detection] to scout the surroundings, I took a leather pouch from the Terper’s Bag.
It contained a large amount of jewelry, all of them magic tools for debuffs.
A long ti ago, Rackendale told that debuff magic tools could be used in mock battles.
Indeed, using only debuff magic tools drastically lowered combat ability.
When I actually fought Ted, I struggled surprisingly hard.
But it was questionable if it benefited their training.
If it’s a fair fight, there’s Jemma, Nails, and Elliot; I can always hold back.
Wearing the gloves, my entire body felt sluggish.
These leather gloves were magic tools for [Agility Debuff].
Since I’m also wearing rings and bracelets with the sa effect, all are activated, reducing my ability to a dium-level magic tool.
The bindings were just leather straps, allowing for switching to other debuffs.
Of course, I had prepared several gloves.
Even if they aren’t suitable for Ted’s training, they’ll be useful for mine.
My current agility, even with adjustnts, is 14.
In terms of numbers, it’s like an average scout.
Since I can’t rely on speed, I must manage with technique.
Though the increase in experience is unclear, weapon handling will surely improve, and if necessary, I can remove the gloves to return to normal.
Checking my body’s condition, I threw my belongings into the Terper’s Bag and checked out of the inn.
Perhaps due to the restored highway, everyone’s expressions seed brighter, and the street vendors were more lively.
Although I only needed to head back, I had ti to spare, so I decided to take a look around.
Seeing boar skewers being sold, I ate one while browsing the stalls.
Unfortunately, nothing particularly caught my eye.
Not wanting to leave empty-handed, I browsed for cheap jewelry and bought a few pieces.
After a quick look around, I decided to visit the Adventurers’ Guild.
I left quickly yesterday and rarely looked at the notice board even in Reedvault.
I knew mostly about Selene.
As I headed there, I heard countless shouts hitting my ears.
Another fight?
Annoyed, I moved my gaze to see the East Gate closing beyond the crowd.
Then, like a ripple, I heard the word ‘Soprick’.
A squirrel monster had appeared.
It was said to be unusually loyal to its companions, possibly agitated by the crowd.
If it were near the village, it would be disastrous.
I pushed through the crowd until I reached a distance where I could overlook the East Gate.
The guards were moving hurriedly but not in a battle stance.
The monster’s appearance wasn’t near the village.
rchants and adventurers, frustrated by the sudden stop, were gathering.
Learning about the Soprick, several turned back with tired faces.
While watching this, a shadow passed by my feet.
Startled, I looked down to see a child of about four or five holding a dagger.
The child slipped through the crowd, heading towards the gate.
Passing through the shouting guards, he was about to exit through the side gate when he was caught.
One of the guards noticed and picked him up, causing the child to struggle and moan.
Recognizing the guard, I approached them.
“What is that monster?”
“Aren’t you the one from yesterday—”
It was Brent’s subordinate, Slippery.
The subordinate frowned at my question and looked down at the child.
“This boy is Brent-san’s son.”
“So, Brent is outside?”
“Yes. He went out with so n. The returning ones ntioned encountering the Soprick.”
The child struggled in the subordinate’s arms, trying to escape.
He must have wanted to help his father in danger.
It wasn’t even reckless. It was akin to jumping into a dragon’s mouth.
Although it should have been left to the rescue team, it seed impossible.
Shouts and orders were flying around, but there was no sign of a gathering.
They hadn’t secured the antidote potion.
Blaming them would be harsh.
Healing potions are prioritized. Poison encounters in daily life are rare, so the circulation is limited.
With the highway previously cut off, the stock in shops must be empty due to adventurers and rchants buying them up.
The child, half-crying, was still struggling.
Watching him, I called out.
“Do you want your father to co back?”
Suddenly stopping, the child nodded.
“Then leave it to . I’ll bring him back.”
The subordinate reacted to my words, widening his eyes while holding the child.
“What are you saying? Even you can’t pass!”
“I’ll force my way through if necessary. Find an alchemist or adventurer who can use detox magic. Also, get Alchemy Solution and Kungus Grass. If needed, I’ll mix it myself.”
“Can you mix the antidote!? Then stay and—”
“Mix for the entire rescue team? There’s no way I can make it in ti.”
Laughing, the subordinate fell silent.
I had a few antidote potions on hand, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Offering them would be pointless.
Storing my scimitar and gloves, I took out the Horned Rhinoceros Sword from the Terper’s Bag.
The opponent was a small, poisonous monster in a group.
Only the Horned Rhinoceros Sword could handle it.
The subordinate watched silently as I prepared, then asked, unable to contain himself.
“Can you really save them?”
“I don’t know. But [Earth Wall] isn’t the only interdiate magic I can use.”
That convinced him.
“Understood, please save Brent-san—everyone! They should be ahead on the highway!”
The subordinate hurriedly ran to the side gate, leaving the child behind.
Watching him go, I looked down to see the child gazing up at with pleading eyes.
“I promise. I’ll make sure you et your father.”
Relieved, the child suddenly sobbed, tears streaming down.
As the side gate opened, I felt nurous eyes on my back as I passed through.
I will bring them back.
Even if— they are dead.
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