22 - the settlement of a hunt, the second

"Hmm, you're sleeping well."

On Thor's back in line at the appraisal counter was the image of a peacefully sleeping Moo.

Sola, standing next to him, pokes him lightly on the cheek and talks to him lovingly.

Thor, who had been so excited by Thor's strength to knock down goblins without a care in the world, suddenly stopped working and curled up like a magic stone that had run out of magic stone.

It seems that a day-long walk through the forest was physically demanding for a child.

Of course, it is possible to return to the state where his physical strength is restored by using .

However, that would mean that the body that has been given such a hard load would lose the opportunity to grow.

Therefore, Thor did not dare to use on them for the purpose of restoring their magical power and physical strength.

"You worked so hard today, didn't you? You did your best, Moo-chan.

The voice was one of sympathy, but there seemed to be just a little bit of seniority mixed in.

Sora had contributed a lot during the battle with the goblins, but the effect of the had backfired and he felt frustrated that Mu didn't understand him at all.

One more thing.　

Actually, Moo had more time to spare in terms of their magical power.

In the case of Sora, if he used without much time, he would lose half of his magic power around the third time, or it would show on his face.

However, Moo, on the other hand, used and five times alternately, and he did not seem to be affected at all.

Since the amount of magic power consumed by each technique is different, it is not easy to compare the overall amount of magic power, but if we consider the ratio, there was a clear difference.

The difference in the amount of magic power is not only due to their physical constitution, but also to how much they have used magic techniques.

A magic technique that targets oneself, such as , can be used at any time and in any situation.

Therefore, it is easy to repeat and is a good way to train your magical power.

Although the difference from , which can only be used when attacked by a monster, was unavoidable, it was a bit of a shock to Sola that a child half her age was able to make such a difference.

Normally, she would not pay any attention to the differences between herself and others, but the fact that she did not share her senses with Moo had a lasting effect on her.

She said, "Hey, do you want me to hold her?　You must be tired, too, Thor."

As if to show that he was fine, he puffed out his reasonably ample chest.

However, even though she grew up in the countryside, it had only been six days since she had become an adventurer.

Reaching out his hand, Thor carefully brushed away the girl's sweat-stained bangs.

"Yes, you're right. I'm still fine, but if you get tired, I'll ask you to help me. I'm really glad you're here ......."

There is nothing wrong with being anxious to be recognized.

When Thor was young, he too had tried to be a part of a fixed party.

Although it turned out to be impossible, it was a good opportunity for him to get to know himself better.

You often cannot realize what is possible and what is not until you try.

Even if you make a wrong turn and it becomes dangerous, it is only a matter of adults (Thor) putting their bodies on the line.

"Yes, you can trust me with anything. ......Thank you, Thor."

Saying this, Sola put her hands on her elbows and laid her head on Thor's shoulder.

Leaning his weight on her, he exhaled slowly.

"Oh, by the way, I have a favor to ask you."

"What, what, what?

"Didn't the cats go to your bed last night?"

"Yes, they were both here. It's a little hot in here, isn't it?

"Hmm, I see. Well, that's okay. I don't know, how about we trade these cats for him today?"

Thor lifts a small child on his back, and Sola gives a thoughtful look at his suggestion.

Then, she suddenly gave a small shake of her head from side to side.

"Well, those cats followed Moo-chan to Thor's room at first. But in the middle of the night, they were scratching at the door of my room. ....... Yeah, I don't know, but I think that's what happened."

Thor was speechless at the shocking revelation.

"Oh, then, how about letting Moo and the cats sleep in my room?　And then I'll be in Thor's room--"

"No thanks. I have a hard time sleeping in a small bed."

"Oh, you're full of shit. You used to sleep anywhere.

The girl rubs her head in imitation of Moe.

Thor did not reply, but scratched under his chin to cover it up.

The adventurers in the background, who had just been treated to a spectacle that could only be a couple with a child, clenched their fists tightly.

"Next, please. Hello, Mr. Toll, Ms. Sora, hello.

"Hello, Enna."

Sola cheerfully greeted the receptionist, who had become a familiar face by now, and took out the results of today's battle.

After glancing at the child on Thor's back, Enna gets down to business.

"Well, three forest slimes, two horned moles, and nine bottles of mucus. And ...... fifty-three ...... goblins?"

"Heh heh, I did my best."

It is not a number that can be justified by effort.

Of course, it would not be surprising if the party was of a certain caliber.

However, a middle-aged man who had been a low-level adventurer for many years and a newcomer who had just started his career as an adventurer.

And it is certainly not a score that can be beaten by a nine-year-old child.

Enna finishes her calculations, feeling dizzy and resigned to the fact that her common sense is completely out of place.

"I will buy fifty-three animals and forty magic stones. Please accept them.

"Wow, a silver coin, Thor!"

And, Mr. Toll, may I have a word?

Grudgingly remembering her boss's order, Enna places her crystal ball on the counter.

Knowing this was coming, Thor, without asking any questions, lifted Mu's still-asleep arm to touch the soul-measuring device.

Unlike the simpler version of the adventurer's card, the soul finder can detect the accumulation of even a small amount of skill points.

The receptionist confirmed that Moe's water bottle was full.

This proves that she did not have the child obtain an adventurer's card in exchange for a pass through the outer gate.

At the same time, she also revealed a frightening fact.

A nine-year-old child with only was taking part in a melee battle with a monster.

However, when I checked earlier, there was not a single scratch on Moe's face.

Aware that her surprise was turning into awe, the experienced receptionist managed to squeeze out a few words.

"Thank you very much for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you again.

"Yes, see you soon."

Sora, who happily replied, and Thor, who nodded silently with a sleeping Moo on his back.

After the three of them left, Enna exhaled deeply and shook her head.

From what we can see, Thor and the others' achievements are not compatible with the skills they possess.

It is possible that they are using some innovative application or combination of skills, but Enna felt that it is not such a small measure of ingenuity.

Something more fundamental, something closer to the power of the gods.

Thinking about this, Enna remembered her true purpose.

Any further inquiry or speculation would be beyond the scope of the receptionist's duties.

The receptionist, having put Thor and the others out of her mind, looks up and smiles at them.

"Okay, next person please."

As she greeted the guests as usual, Enna was reminded of another concern.

It was true that there had not been many goblin-hunting parties recently.

Even if we take that into account, more than fifty goblins in one day is a bit too many.

The skilled receptionist ran a pen in the corner of her notebook to report this matter as soon as possible.

The income for the day was one silver coin, one half-silver coin, and thirty-seven copper coins.

And meat for two horned moles. One for the cats.

I also left five magic stones and ten bunches of bitter grass.

There were no expenses.

The rent for Mu's sandals is free, since I six pieces of leather armor.

I am told that I can pay for a cape made of river horsehide and shorts made of molehide, which I am making, when I can.

When we returned home, the smell of food woke Moo up and he started to make a fuss, making for a lively dinner.

Sora, exhausted, finishes his meal and soon falls asleep.　

Moo, who had slept well on the way home, began to fall asleep as soon as we pushed him into bed.

Thor quietly slips out of the room, leaving the sleeping child behind.