Chapter 10

In this world, there are numerous “frontier cities.”

From the “Holy Realm” at the center of the world, humanity has established several outposts in a ring, expanding outward. They clear out monsters and develop the land. Once the area around an outpost is relatively peaceful, they establish new outposts further out, repeat the process, and continue to expand.

“So, the outermost of these outposts are called ‘frontier cities.’ They are a group of cities that encircle humanity’s domain. The goal is to halt the advance of monsters and reclaim territory.”

And that concludes the lecture. Did you get that, little chick?

“Peep peep peep peep?”

“What did you say?”

…Well, you probably didn’t understand. But that’s fine. I’m just killing time while waiting for someone.

“Sigh, the ‘Shining Stars of the Era’ are late.”

They’re an adventurer party scheduled to arrive in this city today.

Here in the ‘Frontier City Tristein,’ the economy is booming. Many people are moving here from other towns.

So I took on a job to guide newcomers around the nearby hunting grounds… but…

“They’re not here yet. I’ve been waiting in the adventurer’s guild for almost two hours now…”

“Peep…”

Even the little chick seems bored and sleepy. Maybe I should use my skill <<Dormant Sleep>> and take a nap standing up.

“Did something happen?”

Just as I was thinking that, my fellow adventurer Lua entered the building, looking annoyed.

“Hey, what’s up, Lua? You seem upset.”

“Oh, Jade. Listen to this.”

Lua, who’s a good three heads shorter than me, scratched his blond hair and started talking.

“So, I was looking for a new masturbatory tool…”

“Zzz, zzz.”

“Don’t fall asleep!”

He woke me up with a weak punch. Sorry, but that topic is just too silly.

“So, what’s the deal, Masturbation Alien?”

“What’s with that nickname? Anyway, while I was browsing the stalls, I saw this adventurer party that looked like they just arrived in town. Three young people, probably in their teens, who seemed to be looking for the guild.”

“Really?”

A young adventurer party of three, huh? That’s quite the coincidence. The ‘Shining Stars of the Era’ I’m waiting for are supposed to be the same.

“And you know how nice I am? Unlike you, who only looks gentle but is actually quite sadistic.”

“Who are you calling sadistic?”

“You, Jade.”

I’ll kill you.

“Eek! That glare! See, that’s what I’m talking about! I win this argument!”

So annoying…

“Anyway, unlike you, I’m an angel, right? Remember how I dressed up and served drinks to Shirokusa, who turned thirty without a girlfriend?”

“Don’t ever do that again.”

You don’t know because you passed out drunk immediately, but Shirokusa’s brain broke after that. If I hadn’t taken him home, who knows what would’ve happened.

“But Shirokusa doesn’t matter right now. So, the kind Lua talked to those adventurers. ‘What’s up, boys? Wanna tell your big bro Lua?'”

And then those bastards laughed at me, shaking his little fist. What happened next?

“They laughed and said, ‘Hah, is the kid saying something? Hey, little boy, don’t mock your elders! Are you some weakling pretending to be an adventurer?’ They mocked me!”

“I see…”

Well, that’s to be expected…

Adventurers are generally hot-headed and rough. Plus, Lua looks like he’s in his early teens, so he often gets underestimated and picked on by outsiders.

“So what did you do?”

“Beat them up, obviously. Don’t underestimate ‘Lua the Striking Mage,’ a top-tier second-class adventurer.”

Lua summoned his magic book from thin air and made sound effects while punching, causing loud, non-lethal explosions in the air.

This man is an expert in <<Enhance Spell>>, a rare type of magic skill.

“You’re weak without magic. So, the adventurers fell for your appearance and thin arms.”

“Yeah. I gave those newcomers a lesson! Don’t mess with a ten-year veteran!”

“Well, that’s unfortunate for them.”

I won’t blame him. Conflicts among adventurers are usually settled with fists.

I won’t impose the pacifism of my previous life here.

“Ah, venting made me feel better. Thanks, buddy.”

“No problem.”

“So, what were you doing in the guild? Jerking off?”

No, idiot.

“I was just waiting for someone. An adventurer party called the ‘Shining Stars of the Era’ for a hunting ground tour.”

At that moment, Mystica, a guild staff member, approached me with a monotonous voice.

“Jade, there’s an urgent message regarding the ‘Shining Stars of the Era’ you’re waiting for.”

Hmm? What about them?

“It seems they got into a fight on their way here.”

“Eh?”

“All three were sent to the clinic.”

“……”

I silently looked at my friend. Lua quickly averted his eyes. Hey, look over here.

“So, the request?”

“It’s canceled, of course. Thank you for your time.”

“Seriously…!”

In the end, my two hours of waiting were wasted.

I should have taken a nap, damn it!

Characters introduced:

Me: A guy embarrassed by his real name, waiting for a client.

Chick: Always called Chick, feeling sleepy.

Lua: My friend, embarrassed by his real name, actually quite strong. Beat up some newcomers.

‘Shining Stars of the Era’: Got beaten up.

Mystica: A doll-like, efficient receptionist, extremely popular.

Bonus:

Shirokusa: Our 30-year-old friend. Turned thirty as a virgin, and that night broke his brain and fetishes.