v-rustl

#1010 Silver Wolf Course

Added 2024-08-15 21:16:54 +0000 UTC

I’m Silver Wolf, the top S-rank adventurer... I mean, the Guild Master.

I really need to break this habit of introducing myself like that.

I was looking forward to a rare day off to spend some quality time with my wife, but...

Instead, I got roped into one of Golden Bat’s schemes, which is why I’m spending my day off climbing a mountain I had no desire to see.

I didn’t want to be far from my pregnant wife, but here we are...!

But honestly, if Golden Bat goes off the rails, I’m the only one who can safely put a stop to it.

Other S-rank adventurers like Kato keep saying weird things like, “I can’t fill in for Ik*riya Chosuke’s position.”

As for Pink Tonton, she said, “If you don’t mind broken spines, I can stop them without hesitation.” Yeah, not gonna trust that one either.

As for the two newbies, let’s not even go there.

So, it’s down to me, the number one adventurer in our guild, to handle this...

It really shows our lack of capable members.

We’ll deal with recruiting and training later.

For now, let’s focus on this mountain climb.

Golden Bat threw a tantrum like a spoiled kid until we gave in and supported this event.

He picked Mt. Ta-Kao as the location, which turned out to be a pretty good choice.

It’s a two-star mountain dungeon, small and with a low altitude. It doesn’t take much time or effort to reach the top and return, making it a perfect recommendation for novice adventurers.

With its easy navigation, you’d think it deserves fewer stars, but the view from the top is stunning, which bumps it up to two stars.

It’s a beautiful sightseeing spot.

There’s a fairly large town nearby, making it easily accessible, too.

“But hey, even if it’s low-star by human standards, a dungeon’s still a dungeon, right? Aren’t there monsters? Isn’t it dangerous for non-fighters to climb?”

That was Lady Veil.

She’s the dragon who serves Lord Saint and decided to join us today, along with Lord Saint himself.

Earlier, Lady Veil was even kind enough to carry climbers partway up in dragon form.

Now, she’s walking up the path hand in hand with one of Lord Saint’s kids.

And...she’s got a point, though.

“Of course, Mt. Ta-Kao has monsters. They’re not very powerful, but regular citizens encountering them would be in serious danger.”

“Yeah, no kidding, that’s dangerous.”

It’s as Lady Veil says.

That’s why the Adventurer’s Guild anticipated this risk and took action beforehand.

“We sent adventurers in the day before for a massive monster hunt.”

Monsters spawn from accumulated mana, so they appear at a certain pace.

If we hunt them all down quickly, we can create a monster-free window for a while.

“Whoa. Easier said than done; pulling that off must’ve been tough. Even if it’s a small dungeon, clearing it completely is a big task, right?”

You got it.

Eighty adventurers, ranging from D to B rank, were involved.

The guild covered all the costs.

Normally, this wouldn’t happen, but when Golden Bat wants something, it gets done.

Even today, we’ve got some active adventurers mixed in with the participants for security, just in case.

That’s another guild-requested mission.

“You’re always working hard, huh? You guys deserve some serious thanks.”

Lady’s Veil words warm my heart.

It’s rare for anyone to recognize my efforts...!

For a dragon, who usually wouldn’t think twice about humans, to show such understanding and kindness, I’m genuinely touched.

This might be the first time I’ve had a real conversation with a supernatural being, and it’s making me emotional...!

“Master has always felt sorry for all your hard work. So today, the magnificent Grinzel Dragon, Veil, is here to help you! Just for today, you’re free from all troubles!”

Ohh! It’s so reassuring to hear that from a dragon!

Even though Golden Bat has split off with Lord Saint, it looks like I can truly relax today, doesn’t it?!

To think I get to experience a day like this...

This must be some kind of reward for all the hard work I’ve put in...

“All right, we’re almost at the rest spot! Now, let me treat you to something special!!”

With that, Lady Veil pulls out what looks like a small shed from...somewhere.

...

Wait a minute, a shed?

That doesn’t make sense.

Since when could you just pull out a shed?

Even if it’s small, a house is meant to hold people. How do you store something like that?

But Lady Veil really did pull a shed out of thin air.

“This isn’t just a shed, it’s a food stall!” declares Lady Veil.

A food stall? What?

“All the cooking tools and equipment you need are right here in this stall! Isn’t it amazing? I’ve got this custom-made by Master, so I can make ramen anytime, anywhere! I keep it in my dragon space and can pull it out whenever I want!!!”

Ramen?!

Is she seriously planning to serve us a meal during our hike?!

“Of course, meals are the perfect break-time combo!!! Wait, and behold! I shall prepare my special gonkotsu ramen for you all!!”

Please hold on a second!

Isn’t ramen a heavy meal that fills you up?!

You’re going to feed us that in the middle of a hike?!

Hiking is pretty strenuous, and if we eat until we’re stuffed, we’ll get side stitches!!!

Stop it! Just stick to light hydration!

“The ramen is ready, and I won’t allow any leftovers!”

Whoa, that was fast!

Quick cooking, perfect for adventurers!

But that’s not the point!

Right! I should ask Lord Saint’s kid for help!

Lady Veil dotes on Lord Saint’s child and listens to him most of the time!

Please, help us, Lord Saint’s kid!!!

“Extwa veggies, extwa garlic, light on the oil, with chocowate sauce and whipped cweam.”

What are you talking about?!

Are you casting a spell!?!

No...wait, the one who usually stops disasters is the older brother!

The younger brother just goes with the flow and makes things worse!!!

In the meantime, the ramen gets distributed to the hikers.

“Sluuuurp…this is delicious…!”

“Wow, the Adventurer’s Guild is so generous to serve us a meal during our hike…!”

Most of the people on my route are elderly folks who joined for some light exercise!

And these elderly folks are eating Lady Veil’s ramen?!

“Uwooooaaahhhh!!! Doryaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!”

“What’s going on?! I feel energy surging through my entire body after finishing this rameeeeeeeeeeen!!!”

Just as I feared!

Lady Veil’s ramen is mixed with dragon essence, giving anyone who eats it boundless energy!

I’ve heard this from Lord Saint!!!

“When you’re done eating, return the chopsticks and bowls. Don’t litter the mountain! I’ve set up a place for the leftover soup, so don’t dump it anywhere!”

And Lady Veil is surprisingly strict about mountain etiquette!

But right now, can someone please explain what’s going on?!

At least tell us what to expect next!

“Thanks to the gonkotsu ramen, you should have plenty of energy to reach the top without getting tired. A full belly and boosted energy – talk about killing two birds with one stone!!!”

Is that what this is about?!

I left Golden Bat with Lord Saint, hoping for a peaceful day, but…!

Lady Veil is a troublemaker, too!

But I guess that’s just how dragons are!

***

“So…we’re almost at the summit now.”

The hikers, energized by the gonkotsu ramen, are climbing at a speed that rivals soldiers on a march.

We’re really close to the top now.

“But what’s this? The closer we get to the summit, the more I sense something strange...” ominously says Lady Veil.

Oh no, please don’t!

I really don’t want any more surprises today!

“This faint presence… Only I could sense it, but it’s definitely a dragon. Is there a dragon guardian living on this mountain?”