The magic detection spell used to search for Nana after leaving the mansion was actually used to search for magical creatures instead of humans.
Since magical creatures of the same type have the same magic signature, once you find one, it’s easy to locate the next one. It’s very convenient.
That was Nox’s explanation, but Jenny burst into laughter when she heard it.
“That spell was proposed by a student at the magic school, but it was rejected as ‘useless unless you get close enough to see it with your own eyes’, a forgotten spell. Who would have thought we would find a use for it now,” Jenny said.
“So, why did you teach it to me?”
“Isn’t it better to know that it exists but not be able to use it, than not know it at all and lose sight of your own capability?” Jenny replied.
Nox remembered all of this while using the inactive spell to become a machine that exterminated only the specified creatures.
After running through the fields for about two hours and sweating, he returned to the central headquarters in the capital.
The counter to report creature hunts was not at the main reception counter but at the back of the building.
Since you had to present the creature material to be turned into clothing or weapons, it resembled an empty lot. Although the number of counters was small and not as crowded as the front, during the day when it was known that there were few employees due to breaks, robust adventurers with cuts and bruises on their faces and bodies came in and out.
Amidst all this, Nox, a slim and small young man, who arrived empty-handed, stood out more than usual.
“I came to report on this.”
Nox placed the application form and adventurer’s license on the counter.
“Thank you. Please demonstrate the parts you can…”
Before the counter woman could finish speaking, he stacked the magical creature corpses in the square, twisting the woman’s face.
“…Only the parts are needed…”
To demonstrate compliance with the request, it is necessary to bring parts of the creatures, like horns, legs, ears, as proof of defeating them.
“Isn’t this safer?”
This rule was created because most adventurers didn’t have magical storage bags, or if they did, they had limited space and couldn’t bring the creatures back. In other words, if they can be brought back, it’s better to bring the whole body back instead of having to cut the parts one by one. Although it increased the confirmation and disposal work for the association.
“Do you really bring them back whole…? And all in one go.”
Unexpectedly, a burly man with thick leather gloves was examining the stacked creature corpses.
“Who are you?”
“Glow. An employee of this place.”
The counter woman intentionally interrupted by mentioning “boss”, and the head of the central headquarters of the Adventurers Association of Saint Akol, Glow, briefly introduced himself.
“Oh… an important person?”
Although Nox couldn’t tell if he was the most important person, he nodded realizing he was someone of a certain rank. Anyone would do as long as they could confirm it.
“I believe there are about thirty.”
“It hasn’t been more than two hours since you accepted the request. It’s surprising that you were able to hunt so many. Was there a group of them?”
“It might be.”
Nox vaguely nodded as it seemed too complicated to explain that he had been running using the inactive magic detection spell while also using physical enhancement magic for which he had no ability.
“When I received the report from the Galaxia branch, I thought Dolk may have been hypnotized, but now, the story of exterminating a large number of Dot Spiders with a tornado doesn’t seem like a lie.”
“I’m glad you believe me. Please expedite the reward process.”
Is Nana still sleeping?
Nox thought about buying some delicious sweets on his way back, something unrelated to the request.
“Sure, no problem! But, aren’t you disappointed to receive such insignificant requests like the ones ‘Stoneless’ accepts?”
‘Stoneless’ is a derogatory term used to refer to the most basic adventurers who do not take risks, do not travel, and simply do trivial jobs to survive day by day.
“Not really. I only came to renew because I have other things to do at the moment.”
“…Don’t you know the benefit of having stones?”
Nox tilted his head.
“For each stone, the renewal deadline extends by three months; with four or more, it extends by a year. Were you not informed about this?”
“No… I didn’t know.”
Having a stone was considered a significant achievement in the first place, as it demonstrated active and efficient performance.
However, even the most motivated adventurers could sometimes be hindered by injuries, illnesses, or other circumstances for a month. If their previous achievements were wiped out due to unavoidable forces, they might be forced to retire. It was a measure to retain promising talents.
“Well, it’s rare for someone to have four or more…”
Even the assigned employee himself might not know about the benefit.
“So, does that mean I don’t have to do anything for about two years? What great news.”
With that in mind, satisfied with the possibility of having a couple of worry-free years, Nox turned to pick up his adventurer’s license and head towards Saurotso at a faster pace.
“Wait! I regret telling you that!”
“I won’t accept complicated requests. I told you I have other things to do.”
As if anticipating that the Galaxia branch would follow the same pattern, Nox was proactive. Then, Glow said:
“It’s because of a girl, isn’t it? There’s information that Astra, who has been traveling solo all this time, now has an inexperienced travel companion.”
Glow smiled maliciously.
“And what if that’s true…?”
Without hesitation, Nox gave a clear deadly glare to Glow, warning him that if he tried to hold Nana hostage or put her in danger, he would kill him on the spot.
“Alright, understood. I have no intention of confronting ‘Stoneless’. I will make sure to stop any rumors that could be used against you. Continue your journey in peace.”
Glow hastily raised both hands in surrender.
“As compensation, if you don’t mind doing it about once a month, I would prefer you to accept slightly more substantial requests.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, trust me.”
After nodding firmly, the hostility in Nox disappeared as he watched Glow.
As he watched Glow walk away without looking back, Glow took off his leather gloves and, with an unusually sweaty palm, wiped his thighs, and then peeked behind the counter to see the receptionist lying down foaming at the mouth.
