30-Episode 30: Black Fox and a Man's Game

For some reason, the fact that Kaiserhawk was among the demons we wanted to purchase caused an uproar in the guild.

''Oh, hey, seriously, that's Kaiserhawk?

Yeah, that's definitely the Kaiserhawk that recently settled in the wilderness. I'm not sure if Roddy and his friends were the only ones who could defeat it...

Hmm?　I didn't really do much of anything.

The reason why Roddy-san said he was going to defeat Kaiserhawk is not because this guy is a particularly strong demon, he was just trying to defeat it to protect the people of the royal capital.

It was Roddy who spoke up.

'What?'

'We were going to take this guy down, but I didn't think he'd beat us to it.

Uh, I don't suppose you've had your kill snatched?

Could it be that Roddy and the others were after receiving a request to take out Kaiserhawk?

Well, I've done a bad job of it.

No, don't worry about it. It's just that we didn't move fast enough.

Thank goodness they didn't think they'd raided their prey.

'Haha, I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

After saying that, Roddy-san flips his cloak and leaves as if nothing happened.

''........''

Hmm?

I suddenly felt eyes on me, so I turned around, and Roddy's fellow women crossed the street beside me.

''........''

I don't know what it is, my gaze isn't moving, but I feel like I'm being watched.

It is a stinging gaze.

I feel like I've often felt this kind of gaze in my previous life and past lives.

'Lex-san, the receptionist is calling you.

And as I was thinking about this, Liliella called me over.

'Ah, yes. What is it?

'I'm buying a Kaiserhawk, do you want to make a normal guild purchase?　Or would you like to sell them at auction?

Auctions?

Huh?　Another auction?

''Kaiserhawk is an S-ranked demon,'' he said, ''and this Kaiserhawk doesn't have any wounds from blades or attack magic. And this Kaiserhawk doesn't have any wounds from blades or attack magic. The feathers are a little sticky, but with a little care, they can be cleaned up.

Huh.

I don't know how in the world it was hunted, but this Kaiserhawk has remained in very clean condition. This one could be stuffed and displayed by the nobility in addition to selling it as material.

Wow, who would want a stuffed demon?

''That's why the guild recommends that you sell them in an auction.

But then there's the whole Ancient Plant thing.

When will I get the money if I put it up for auction?

'Yes, the next auction is in two weeks, and then we'll deposit the money.

I look at Lilliera.

'Isn't it good?　You originally came to King's Landing because of that, and it's just that you have more items to display, right?

Well, that's certainly true.

In any case, you decided to work in the royal capital until the Ancient Plant's auction was over.

''Okay, then let me sell them at the auction.

Yes, sir.

You're not going to be able to do that.

....

After returning to the inn, we have finished our meals and are now returning to our rented room.

Since the inn is one of the best in the country, the furnishings in the room are first-class.

However, this is just the case in this country.

As expected, it is not as good as those in other countries.

It's a good thing that the lodgings over there are of the highest quality.

So what is it that you are angry about?

My lovely companions have been in a bad mood since a while ago.

Specifically, though, since we came out of the Adventurer's Guild.

''Because even though Roddy-san came to this country for you, his prey was intercepted.

The swordsman Marcha said in a sultry tone.

He's a great swordsman, but his personality is childish, due to the fact that he's been brought up to be indifferent to everything else.

It's cute, though.

'Yes!　We've come to show everyone the power of Master Lodi, and yet this makes Master Lodi look like a clown!

It's the monk Armo who comes up with some pretty harsh things to say.

This guy grew up dreaming of serving heroes, literally a woman with a tendency to dream, but she's trained to serve heroes, and her skills are real.

'Curse?'

The last person who muttered something tumultuous was the Wizard's Chain.

He's an elite wizard from the Academy of Magic, an eccentric wizard who came into my party because he wanted to use the magic he learned in a real battle.

However, he prefers to study spellcasting to magic, and I later found out that his real reason for joining my party is because he wants to be able to use dangerous spells freely without being blamed by anyone.

To be honest, these guys are all crooked, but even they have one thing in common: they all love me.

It's that they love me with all their hearts.

That's why they were envious of that boy who interfered with my success.

You can't be so angry. It's just that there was someone in this country with power comparable to mine.

There's no one stronger than Mr. Roddy!

There's no one more powerful than Master Roddy!

There's no one stronger than Roddy!

Haha, he says cute things.

"Not necessarily. The world is a big place. Yes, it just so happens that there are other S-ranked people in this country besides me.

S-ranked?　That girl?

For all intents and purposes, he was a kid!

I don't believe it.

Huh, you're still inexperienced when it comes to judging opponents by their appearance.

But in fact, I have defeated an S-ranked demon, Kaiser Hawk. I'm not sure what kind of method they used, but there's no doubt about their ability.

''Yes, that's well........''

I have to admit.

Ggghhhhh...

Interesting, isn't it, having the same S-rank in one country?

Yes, it's not every day that S-ranked adventurers click together in the same place.

After all, S-ranked adventurers are even more curious than A-ranked adventurers.

If A-rank is the top of ordinary people, then S-rank is the top of those with talent.

There is no way that there is anyone with a straightforward character there.

No one can understand what they are thinking and doing.

Because they are all such freaks, even the guild members couldn't figure out where the other S-ranks were.

''Yeah, I'm looking forward to tomorrow.''

Master Roddy?

I'm surprised to see a guy in here who I could really fight.

Mr. Roddy, are you sure you want to fight?

Yeah, I want to f*ck her. Seriously.

But we can't have two adventurers fighting each other for no reason.

I know that. But there's more to fighting than just crossing swords.

Yes, we're adventurers.

Then fight with adventure.

✦Yes, we're adventurers.

It's so crowded this morning.

The next day, we came to the Adventurer's Guild, and we came to the request board, and we were frustrated by the surprisingly large crowd.

The next day, we came to the request board, but there was a surprisingly large crowd. It's a good idea to wait until people come off.

I'm sure you're right.

Kyuun.

Lilliera is right.

I'm going to be exhausted before I get a request like this.

''Haha, there's plenty of room.

And then someone spoke to us.

Are you........Roddy-san?

To our surprise, it was an S-ranked adventurer, Roddy-san, who spoke to us.

"You guys are here to receive a request too, right?

Yeah, yeah.

Why is S-ranked Roddy talking to me like that?

But as far as I'm concerned, you're not getting any good deals.

Ha-ha, maybe.

Maybe Roddy's right, they'll take the dullest requests, I don't know.

Well, how about this one?

Saying that, Roddy-san took out a request to kill a demon.

''What's this?''

It's an order to take out a bunch of A-list demons that have been spotted around King's Landing.

What was written there was a request to defeat a demon called Shadow Fox.

'As I recall, it was a demon that became stronger as it aged, right?

The Shadow Fox is said to be a long-lived demon, a demon that is said to be stronger the older it is due to its slow peak growth.

It's a matter that the guild was considering whether to change the request from A rank to S rank. Originally it was a request that we were supposed to take, but we thought you could do it because you were able to defeat Kaiserhawk.

As he says this, Roddy grins at me.

'How's that?　Let's see who can take down the bigger guy by taking out this guy, shall we?

Competition?

Yes. Winner gets the prize.

Well, I'm not so sure about that.

In general, it's no match for me and S-ranked Roddy-san.

What should I do.........

"Hey, do I only get a reward?

What?

As I was troubled, Liliella joined the conversation from beside me.

"What do you mean by that, young lady?

I mean, it's not too cheap to offer you a fight and only give the winner a reward.

Wait, the person you're dealing with is an S-ranked adventurer, Liliera-san.

That's pretty rude.

"You, Master Roddy, are being rude to your partner.

Yes, how dare you talk to Mr. Roddy!

And you think you're going to win?

See, now Mr. Roddy's friends are going nuts.

They said, "You're the one who made me try to win. That's why we should have the advantage of being the ones to beat them.

But Liliera-san doesn't step back.

She has great courage against an S-ranked party.

You have a good point. Then I'll bet this one.

With that, Roddy took out a knife from his pocket.

It's a magic item and is known as a 'tinder knife'. I'm sure you'll find that you'll be able to find the right one for you. It's a useful item that can be used in place of a torch in a cave, and it's a useful item that doesn't let wizards waste their magic power. Of course, it can also be used as a weapon. How about this?

Yeah, that's good enough for a bet. I'll take that bet.

Wait, Liliera-san, did you do that?

When I was about to complain to Liliera-san for accepting the match without permission, Liliera-san hugged my shoulder and whispered in my ear.

''Take it. You're a target of attention because of the Kaiserhawk incident yesterday. It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good look at it.

Well, when you put it that way, I guess...

So, win or lose, you'll have to fight them head on once. Then they'll be happy with the results.

Did Liliera-san think that much and take the win?

''So there's some significance in having the betting prizes topped up?

....

Huh?　I shut up.

It's a game. If you give him what he wants, he'll sucker-punch you.　We need to come on strong, too.

I see, Lilliera-san provoked Roddy-san by thinking that far.

It's just another way of being an adventurer, isn't it?

'Oh?　A contest between Roddy and Kaiserhawk, a newbie?

A battle of S-ranked warriors, this is one I won't miss!

I noticed that there was a crowd of people around me, and it seemed like everyone knew we were going to play.

Okay, then, let's start the game!　It's due this evening!　If we can't defeat them by then, we lose!

Okay, okay!

Phew, I can't wait to see what big guns you can take down!

But I'll do my best!

You're not going to be able to do that.

We left King's Landing and came to the forest where the Shadow Fox had been seen.

Well, what do we do now?

So you had no plan?

Rieliela, it's a no-brainer.

Because he wants you.

It was Miss Liliella who took the fall.

As I said before, if you let a move like that go unchecked, the rest will stick around. We have to hit him with a smashing blow as soon as possible to make him understand.

...Have you ever been like that before?

Squeak!

And as I was chatting with Liliella, Fluffy ran out into the forest.

'Ah, Mohumofu!

I look and see a demon figure at the entrance of the forest.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something to eat.

You can't blame them. I'm going to take care of that boy, Lex-san, so you're going to have to work hard on the shadow fox.

Liliella said, and she followed the mofo into the forest.

'It can't be helped, shall I move too?'

You're not going to be able to do that.

Well, I guess it's time for the Shadow Fox to come out.

I use my exploration magic to detect the presence of a demon in the forest.

This is a small thing, and this is a small thing.........

I've sensed a monster that is moving in the forest, a monster that is moving in a peculiar way, and I'm heading in a straight line towards the point.

And then I found it in the darkest part of the forest.

I have found it!

It wasn't dark, it was a furry fox, dark as darkness.

It was a fox that was nearly three meters in size.

''That's ... too big. Let's stop it.

The Shadow Fox I found was bigger than I expected, so I decided to change my target and look for the Shadow Fox in a different location.

I wonder if there are any smaller Shadow Foxes out there.

We ran through the forest and encountered several shadow foxes, but they were all big and didn't do well.

It's about to get dark. We've got to find them soon.

And just as I was getting impatient as time was getting close, a new Shadow Fox's presence was caught in the detection magic.

''How about this time!''

I hurriedly headed to my destination and found a very small Shadow Fox there.

''I've found it!　This one's hot!

The Shadow Fox notices my approaching figure and takes up a defensive stance.

"Quowon!

With a roar, Shadow Fox comes charging towards me with tremendous force.

In an instant, Shadow Fox, who had closed the distance between us, jumped in with his fangs bared.

Its aim is our throat.

''What!''

Knowing what the other side was aiming for, I avoided the Shadow Fox's attack and slammed my mutant sword into it.

There's no need to worry about the state of my prey in this game.

Shadow Fox tries to twist his body to evade my attack, but his own speed is a disaster and he ends up crashing into my sword himself.

And after we crossed, there was the figure of Shadow Fox, sliced horizontally and cut in half.

''Alright, let's hurry up and meet up with Liliella and the others and get back to the royal capital!

You're not going to be able to do that.

You're too late.

When I returned to the Adventurer's Guild in King's Landing, Roddy-san and the others had already returned.

''Sorry, I'm late,''

You made it in time. It's all right. Now, why don't we go out and show each other what we've got!

Yes!

I take my hunted Shadow Fox out of my magic bag and place it on the appraisal table.

'What?'　Is that what you got?

When Roddy-san saw the Shadow Fox I defeated, he looked like he'd been shrugged off.

With that, Roddy-san placed a shadow fox on the floor, which was indeed nearly four meters in size.

''Oh!　That's what I'm talking about, man!　What a giant!

'Ah, that's Roddy the Cyclone!

That bowling was on the wrong side of the table.

I knew it was a coincidence that you defeated Kaiserhawk?

The adventurers cheered when they saw the Shadow Fox that Roddy-san defeated.

But, umm........it's big, but that thing.......

''To be honest, I was expecting to have a little more fun with it.

Mr. Roddy looks at me like he's saying, "Oh dear.

'It can't be helped. You're dealing with Mr. Roddy.

Yes, that's the lesson you'll learn, and you will learn to keep your mouth shut.

Huh?　I don't remember ever having a smart mouth.

I mean, I'm in the process of losing, right?

Yeah, it's not right to challenge Roddy.

Uh... what does that mean?

So this game is mine...

Wait a minute.

Just as Roddy was about to announce the winner, someone appeared from the back of the guild and waited for him.

''Who the hell are you...?

When Roddy saw the figure of the person who appeared from the back of the guild, he froze in surprise.

It's a white old man with pure white hair that emerged from the back of the guild.

But you can sense an unusual presence in his body.

The guild chief?　I'm going to be able to see it.

The receptionist who was appraising the game that we defeated said he was surprised to see the old man.

Guild leader!

Oh, I'm the head of this guild, Urs.

The unexpected appearance of the guild leader caused an uproar within the guild.

''Why did you stop the guild leader?''

Roddy questioned the head of the guild who was waiting for the game.　

'That's what I'm talking about,' he said. This game is about who can beat the big boys, right?　If that's the case, then it's a funny thing to decide on size.

What do you mean?

It's a big game. The bigger the better.

The adventurers around me are confused as to what this is all about.

'Looks like you young guys don't know anything about it.

Don't know what?

Roddy questioned the guild leader wistfully.

The Shadow Fox, you know, the bigger it is, the stronger it is.

What?

Look, the Shadow Fox grows as it grows. All right, maybe three meters.

'Then this one that Mr. Roddy hunted is four meters long, so it's not a big enough fish!

'I don't want to hear it,' said Roddy's fellow woman in protest.

'Shut up and listen. Look, the Shadow Fox grows as it grows. But you see, at some point, the Shadow Fox gets smaller.

Smaller!

Yes, and the Shadow Fox, which is getting smaller, is much stronger than the Shadow Fox when it's growing bigger and stronger. And it's ferocious.

Smaller is more powerful!

Really?

That's unbelievable.

Everyone who listened to the guild leader nodded their heads in disbelief.

"Hmm, looks like you can't trust my words.

And then the guild leader looks at me.

"Hey, Bowles. Why did you fight the Shadow Fox?　There were plenty of Shadow Foxes bigger than that, weren't there?

'Yeah, yeah. There were plenty of Shadow Foxes that were just big. But this time it was a big one, so I was looking for this Shadow Fox.

You what?　Did you hunt this thing on purpose?

Mr. Roddy looks at me in disbelief.

"Hey, Bozo, tell them. Why did you choose this guy? You know why everyone else knows to shut up and admit it, don't you?

Oh, that's a relief.

I was so freaked out by everyone's praise of Roddy's shadow fox that I thought the value of the shadow fox had changed without my knowledge, but judging from the guild leader's statement, it's not true.

But then, why didn't everyone notice the value of the Shadow Fox here?

'The guild leader is right, there's a reason I chose this Shadow Fox. It's this one!

And I took out something from the Shadow Fox that had been cut in half.

''Is that........a magic stone?

Yes, Roddy-san was right, what I took out was Shadow Fox's core stone, or demon stone.

'Yes, the Shadow Fox is an A-ranked demon, so there's a good chance it has a magic stone. And when it becomes a smaller Shadow Fox, its magic stone becomes larger.

The smaller one has more magic stones?

The shadow fox is a monster that grows in strength and size as it gets smaller. It's a good thing that the people who hunt for the fur of the large shadow fox these days don't know what they're doing.

Oh, I see. They only hunted young shadow foxes for their pelts, so there were no old shadow foxes with large nucleus stones.

''You should take that one apart too. Even if there are any magic stones, they're probably smaller than this one's.

Yes!

After being told by the guild leader, the demolitionist who was standing by hurriedly began to dismantle Roddy-san's Shadow Fox in a hurry.

''There it is, a magic stone!

Then everyone looks at the nuclear stone that the demolitionist took out.

''Small........''

As someone mentioned, the nucleus stone that came out of Roddy-san's Shadow Fox was less than half the size of my Shadow Fox's nucleus stone.

''Then this game........''

The adventurers look at the guild leader.

'Yeah, I guess your bowls win.

The adventurers cheered at the declaration of the guild leader.

''Wow!　He beat that Bowls S-ranked guy!

'So it wasn't a coincidence that you defeated Kaiserhawk!

You're awful young!

The adventurers congratulate us with their mouths.

I'm kind of embarrassed.

'I don't agree!'

And then Mr. Roddy's friends shout out.

'Yes!　Master Roddy's fallen prey is bigger than his!　This one must be more evil than the other!

....

Apparently the girls aren't happy with the victory and start protesting to the guild leader.

'I can't believe the smaller one is stronger!　The bigger one weighs more and is more dangerous, isn't it!

'Yes, sir!　The smaller one looks weaker, no matter how you look at it!

Oh, well, this is a problem.

It's actually the little ones who are strong, but they're already dead, so they can't prove their strength.

But Roddy-san stopped them from doing so.

'Will you two stop?'

But Mr. Roddy!

'The guild leader is declaring his victory. It would only be embarrassing to complain about it now.

Oh no, no... hey, chain!　Please say something from you, too!

I can't.

The wizard shook his head.

''Demons with big magic stones are stronger. So the demons over there are stronger.''

Oh, that wizard seems to be defending us.

Maybe because he's a wizard, he has a better understanding of the value of the size of the magic stone than his fellow wizards.

''The chain is right. The facts are not overturned. We've lost.

"Oh no...

Roddy's friends gawked and shrugged their shoulders.

'Good, it seems to be under control for now.

'I'm sorry for all the fuss.

And Mr. Roddy apologizes to us.

''No, no. It's actually small and hard to tell how strong it is, so it can't be helped.'

'I appreciate you saying that. Here, you guys apologize too.

I'm sorry.

I'm ... sorry.

The two of them apologize to me, still looking unconvinced.

And the wizard also bowed to me.

'I apologize. You guys are awesome. I respect people who know things I don't know.

Ha-ha, don't worry about it too much.

Yeah, they don't seem like bad people after all.

I guess Mr. Roddy liked them too much to accept that they lost.

"Take this. Here's a little something for your money.

With that, Roddy-san offered me the magic item that was suggested to me when I was offered a bet.

'Are you sure?'

Yeah, take it. You're the one who won.

Then Roddy puts the knife in my hand.

"I understand. I'll be grateful for your help.

Oh, and one more prize. You'll have to take this Shadow Fox as well. The one who wins the bet promised to keep the reward all to himself.

I'm kind of sorry I keep getting them.

"Oh yeah, I'm going to stay in this country for a while longer.

Is that so?

So if you get another interesting request, fight me again!

Yes?

There aren't many people who can compete with me, let alone beat me to death!　It's been a while since I've had any fun!

'Oh, haha...'

I wonder if I'll be challenged by this person in the future.

Ugh, I might have been spotted by a troublesome person.

''Ssshhh!　Squeak!

And that was when it happened.

The Fluffy Fluffy who was in Liliera's arms suddenly made a strange noise.

''What!　What's wrong?

Everyone stared at Fluffy and wondered what was going on.

Then Fluffmofu's throat swelled up and he spat something out of his mouth.

'Mogup!'

And then something that was spat out with a carangcolon falls to the ground.

''Is this ... a magic stone?''

Yeah, this is indeed a magic stone.

Oh, by the way, just now, this kid killed a small shadow fox in the forest and ate it. That's when you swallowed it.

Liliera explained in a small talkative manner.

'This creature defeated the Shadow Fox?

Roddy-san is lying!　I'm surprised," she says, rolling her eyes.

''I mean, what is that thing?　A dog?

Or is it a cat?　Rabbits?　Really, what is that?

The adventurers seem to be curious about Fluffy in a different way.

It's a good size. Isn't that bigger than the one the S-ranked guy over there had?

The head of the guild looked at the magic stone spat out by Mohammed Mohammed and said.

''Ehhh!''

Indeed, if you look closely, it's not as big as the Shadow Fox magic stone I hunted, but it's bigger than Roddy-san's magic stone.

"Oh, my magic stone is smaller than the prey that this unknown creature killed...?

Squeak!

I don't know why, but it looked to me like Fluffy Mofu was triumphant over Mr. Roddy.