132 - - the circumstances of the matter

As to why Thor is accompanying an A-ranked party on a search for a ruined neighborhood, the story goes back about two days.

"So what are you going to do?"

A choy shop that serves drinks with stewed food.

At the counter, Thor was surrounded by a group of men.

The old man to his right, who is sipping a small amount of old sake while squeezing his white beard, is Dadan, the director of the Adventurers' Bureau.

To his left sits Stratchia, a handsome adventurer, coolly chewing an armored boar sinew on a spit.

And from his seat at the far end of the room, Sacco, the deputy director, asks in a stern voice, "What is it that you want to do with the boar?

Normally, today was supposed to be a men-only drinking party to console Thor and the others for their success in recovering the central route in the wilderness of the broken winds.

Naturally, Garud was also invited to the party, but he did not attend because he said he was going out for dinner with his family.

What awaited Thor, who attended the party in a casual manner, was the sudden news that the rock fortress of the beast demons had been found.

The rocky fortress where the orcs roam is a dungeon that arises with the passage of time, and is said to have a cycle of three to six months.

Those who have found it are given a plate of black steel, and the C-ranked party that serves as a guide is given priority to challenge the fort.

And it is said that several experienced C-ranked parties take turns to conquer the dungeon, and that it takes about one or two months to finish defeating the lord of the fortress.

In other words, the next chance to discover the dungeon would be four months at the earliest, and eight months at the longest, or twice as long.

This meant that Thor's declaration that he would reach the rank of "A" in six months was no longer possible.

"What should I do?"

Thor answered in a tone as if he were talking about something else.

It is a shameful behavior for an adult not to be able to keep what he once said.

But Thor was not so young that he would immediately back down just because he was ashamed.

He had lived his life in shame many times before.

He did not have the grace to simply hang his head because he could not keep his promise.

"Hmm, that's true. ......"

At Thor's brusque reply, Sacco deliberately glared at him and pretended to be deep in thought.

The fact that the outbreak had alerted them to the danger and that they had been the only two people to fight off the hobgoblins' invasion.

At the bloody river, he stopped a corrupt official from committing an outrage, and this time, he even managed to defeat a giant of storm sand, which had been a concern in the wilderness of the winds of destruction.

Considering these achievements, we can only say that he is unbelievably capable.

If we continue on our present course, there is a good chance that we will be able to break through the blockage in the swamp beyond the fortress.

However, if we take harsh measures here, we may end up with a situation in which the best talents will be sent away to other border towns.

In this area, however, it seems that the chains that have been hidden are doing a good job as a weight.

Incompetent people think about how to eliminate superior people.

However, a competent person tries to think about how to use them for his own benefit.

In this respect, Sacco had already lost the desire to make any unnecessary moves at this point.

However, he has no intention to clearly show this recognition.

Besides, a time of weakness is a good time to teach them about power relations.

"I'm not saying that you should disband ...... right now, but you have to show us what you have achieved. Well, the bottom line is--"

Is that what you want, Thor?

"Sir, I'll do the talking now, if you'll just shut up for a minute."

Sacco glares at the bald-headed old man who suddenly interrupts him.

However, this does not seem to work at all with the already tipsy Dadan.

"No, I won't shut up! My little apprentice is about to go astray. Will you keep your mouth shut?

Please refrain from interrupting. Do you hear me?

"Listen, Thor. What a man says once, he must not be wrong!

"No, it's the same for women, mister. Yes, it's cooked just fine.

The owner of the choy shop, who had interrupted him as if to mix things up, places a plate of meatballs in front of Dadan with a thump.

"Whenever they open their mouths, all they do is lie. Oh, this one looks delicious.

"That's not nice if your wife hears you say that."

"It's all right, that's what charm is for. But not men. When your mouth curves, your spine curves too!

With a frown on his face, the old man took a breath and gulped down his cup.

He then continued to speak to his disciple, who remained silent.

And don't say such pathetic words as, "What shall I do? A man is only allowed to say what he has decided to do.

"No, I heard what you said from the side, but there's nothing we can do about it, is there?"

There are still three months left. It's too early to give up.

After making sure that everyone's attention is fully focused, Dadaan slowly opens his mouth.

"......How about a special promotion assignment, Thor?"

"What is it?　That."

"It's a system whereby you are granted a special promotion in exchange for solving troublesome cases. It's a way to get the best people to the front lines as quickly as possible.

"Well, thank you for explaining. And find him something suitable. You know, it's important for a superior to be flexible like this.

Dadaan closed one eye mischievously, to which Sukkot replied with a look of bitterness.

It seemed that the old man, pretending to be drunk, had successfully stolen the show.

While the deputy director pondered with a sullen look on his face and the director chewing on a meat dumpling in a good mood, the man who had been silently gnawing on the meat suddenly spoke up.

"Would you mind if I handle this?"

Well, what do you have in mind?

Recently, the northern lands have begun to rumble again. I think it's time to drive a deeper wedge.

"Bossalia. A little out of your depth, aren't you?

The former border town to the north, which was destroyed by the outbreak, was supposed to have undergone a large-scale defeat about three months ago.

To Thor's questioning, Straccia explains in a straightforward manner.

It is true that we have inflicted a serious blow to one of the masters who lurks in the depths of his land. However, it is also true that we could not complete the end.

"So you're saying you failed to conquer it completely."

In large dungeons, there may be multiple labyrinth masters guarding the middle level of the dungeon, which is connected to the maze.

It seems that they were defeated, but turned back before reaching the deepest level.

From the ability of Straccia and the others, who are recognized as A-ranked, there seems to be no doubt that the labyrinth is a very difficult place.

Thor, scratching his chin, pondered for a while, but he did not have many options to begin with.

He nods strongly and then states his conditions.

I understand. I don't want my spine to be bent, so I'll accept the assignment. But can you give me some time?"

"Hmm. Say it."

"It might be tough for us to take on this challenge alone. How about we take a look around first?

"Oh, then how about accompanying me on the inspection the day after tomorrow?"

At the deputy director's suggestion, the pretty boy shakes his head happily and flutters his red hair.

"Welcome to my elite unit, Thor. A hearty welcome. Well, just as well. I'll let you join us for a bit.

After emptying his cup of spirit wine in one gulp, Straccia began to order in rapid succession.

"Master, what are those meatballs?

This is rock lizard meat, so it's full of flavor.

Then, about 30 of them. And round potatoes and the same number of onions, please.

"Hey, thank you very much."

Beside Thor, who looks aghast at the excessive number of orders, Straccia stands up without a sound.

He takes the large package offered to him and says in a nonchalant manner.

What are you doing? Come on, let's go."

Apparently, the conversation will continue a little longer.