84 - return from the sand and hidden intentions

"Oh, you're home. How was it?　First time in the wilderness."

Yeah, we had a pretty good view.

I know, I know. That road has a good view, doesn't it?

Thor and his friends returned to the coach stop and were greeted by Garudo's question, who was sitting on a chair in an empty barrel.

He took one look at Thor and the others, who were covered in sand, and continued his story, stroking his brown beard-covered cheeks.　

"But it was hard work, wasn't it? But it was hard work... messy sand and wind, and a nasty killer on top of it all.

"You mean rock lizards?　It's true that the feeling of lurking in the shadows and attacking is similar."

"That's the worst thing a shieldman can say. You have to be on your toes 24/7. I don't think I'd go if they asked me to."

"That's the way it is. I'm tired of it. There are so many of them.

The experienced person who had gone before stared at Thor earnestly and suddenly started to reveal the truth in a hushed voice.

"Actually, it's usually the well-heeled ones who choose the middle. They can cross the river of blood in no time.

"Is that so?"

And then the sand and the lizards get you and you have to turn around and go back. You're lucky you made it back in one piece.

Apparently, that was the intention behind the inclusion of the dead-end route in the guide.

It is as if a newcomer who has risen to the top of his game has chosen the shortest route to the east, and has learned his lesson.

I see. It was a good experience.

"Ha ha, don't stink. The fact that you're back in three days proves that you're a good judge of character, Thor. You'll be more popular than those who spend four whole days there."

Despite the words of the experienced guide, the other people at the table did not seem to agree.

They seemed to have lost all interest in Thor and his friends, who were playing with pieces on the board.　

Thor, who did not seem to be bothered by the reaction of the outsiders at all, smiled faintly and said something in reply.

"So you were right to choose the middle path first. That helps.

"What do you mean?"

"No, it's just as you said. If you're talking about the hardest part, it means that the rest of the road is much looser."

The people sitting on the empty barrels made a small rustle as he spoke with no hint of bravado.

When the newly ranked adventurers who had chosen the eastern route for the first time came back, it was commonplace for them to get into their carriages without saying a word, all with exhausted faces.

Garudo lifts one eyebrow in surprise, but nods his head in understanding.

"I see what you mean. You are indeed a strong man of twenty-five years of service. Is your resilience as strong as ever? I, a shieldman, should learn a little from you.

"Well, I've learned my lesson from that sand, and next time I'll be a little better prepared for the challenge."

Thor said it so easily that Garudo rolled his eyes and started to laugh out loud.

After a short laugh, he asked as if he had just remembered.

"By the way, how was your tour with Saralisa?

"She's a very thoughtful girl and has helped me in many ways. I'd like to ask you to do it again.

"He's got a good heart, but he's not very friendly. I'm glad you liked it. Please let the Adventurers' Bureau know that when you report to them. If you get a bad reputation, they'll revoke your guide's license."

"Okay. I'm just wondering, what's going on over there?　It was acting a little strange."

"I guess they were mostly on their guard, since the place is prone to death and injury."

"...... didn't sound like that."

They look at each other for a moment, and then Garudo exhales with a look of relief on his face.

"Your eyes are deceiving. Cerce is missing, just down the road. That's why he's still looking. He wants to know if there's anything left."

"I see. That's a stupid question. I'm sorry.

Don't worry about it. It's my fault for not telling you.

After saying this, the middle-aged shieldman cast his eyes into the wilderness for a moment.

Thor, too, silently turned his head back to where he had just returned.

A whirlwind gently whips up the sand as it runs across the empty wasteland.

The men watch the scene with nothing but the sad sound of the wind, without saying a word.

After seeing Thor and the others off to the city in their carriages, Garudo approached his own carriage and knocked on the door.

After a short wait, he hears the lock open and quickly enters.

Sitting on the seat was his sister-in-law, Saralisa, who had just finished getting dressed.

Garudo, sitting on the other side, sighs and speaks to her.　

"Another disappointment. Thanks for your efforts.

"No, ......."

"I thought they might be the ones, but if they're coming back in three days, they're probably stuck on Oamaru-iwa."

"No. ......"

"Mostly intact, he probably didn't put up much of a fight. For someone who heard that they got here in two months, it's a bit of a letdown.

"No. ......"

Garudo asked Saralisa, who for some reason was denying everything, with a questioning look on her face.

What's wrong?　Thor seemed to sense that you were acting weird, too."

"There was too much. ......"

"Did that bastard do something to you?

No, it's nothing. As for the itinerary, I was able to get there before Oomaru-iwa. ......"

"Don't tell me you made it to the big long rock?　With that party?"

No, sir. It's just beyond that point.

"........................No way?"

"Yes, to the blue crown grass colony."

At his reply, Garudo involuntarily stands up and smashes his head against the ceiling of the carriage, making a dent in the corner.

He does not seem to notice the pain, probably due to his excitement, and mutters a few words.

"First time or ......!　What a bunch of people they got here."

Yes, that kid is crazy. And the other two ....... And why doesn't the water run down? I use it and use it and use it. ......

Perhaps because she saw something too far out of the ordinary, the Soukei woman hugged her shoulders and shrugged.

Garudo was convinced that there was no lie in her appearance, but he suddenly voiced a question that had been bothering him.

"I see. ....... But aren't you back home early for that?　If you could afford it, you could stick around for another day or so."

"Is that why those people pulled up ......?"

After a pause, Saralisa answers emphatically.

"He said he couldn't hold any more rock lizard skins.

This time, Garudo was absolutely mortified by the answer.

The number of rock lizards Thor and his team killed during their search this time was one hundred and twenty-one.

They brought back thirty-four skins and eighteen blue crown grasses.

Each lizard costs two large copper coins to kill, so the team earns 24 silver coins and two large copper coins.

The skill points earned were six hundred and sixty-five each.

Ulil was involved in only half of the fights, so he earned 1,525 skill points.