Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
After parting ways with Gadvar's group, I continued receiving explanations from Iserina at the guild.
“You’ve become an adventurer somewhat haphazardly, but the trust built by Mr. Gadvar and me through this process now serves as a testament of your reliability, even outside of dealing with adventurers. It might prove useful if you ever want to pursue a more stable career.”
She mentioned that this kind of trust information was recorded on the tag I received.
While it was a convenient system, it felt distant from my life as a former bandit.
Perhaps this world is filled with useful things that bandits like me never even considered.
“Thank you, Iserina.”
“No, it’s me who should be thanking you.”
Expressing and receiving gratitude—this concept was foreign to the average bandit.
It felt good, though.
Now that I’d officially become an adventurer, I was ready to earn my keep.
However, my last attempt ended in failure during my first job.
This time, I’d need to think carefully and fight strategically.
Moreover, I wanted to avoid putting anyone else in harm’s way.
If sacrifices had to be made, I preferred it to be me.
It seemed wiser to request solo assignments where I could manage on my own.
The first job for Vilgram, known as Vi, as an adventurer was...
“Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?”
Iserina asked with concern.
The job I had chosen was a “Highway Patrol” mission.
The request detailed the following:
“Incidents of merchants being targeted along the highway have occurred. As caravans are not being attacked, it’s believed that the perpetrator is acting alone or is part of a small group. Gather information on these culprits.
Addendum: If you engage in combat and successfully eliminate them, additional compensation will be provided.”
“If I defeat them, I just need to bring back proof, right?” I confirmed.
“It’s not a matter of ‘if.’ You’re still a beginner, so don’t push yourself.”
I recalled from my time as a bandit that adventurers would collect proof from defeated bandits—usually ears, fingers, or similar items.
These were later authenticated using either magic analysis or formal petitions to ensure they were related to the request.
“Please, don’t do anything reckless.”
Hearing her worry, I reluctantly nodded.
I knew I was weak, a self-proclaimed nobody who had “died a million times” figuratively, learning lessons the hard way.
“You could at least rest for a night before heading out.”
Iserina suggested, noting how I seemed to disregard the idea of taking a break.
In truth, I had entirely forgotten the concept of rest.
Wearing my identification tag and the medal signifying my rank as an adventurer as a necklace, I also secured the chakram I received from Nichirin at my waist.
My equipment was modest, with no means to upgrade it.
“Vi!”
It was Feli, rushing toward me.
“Oh, thank goodness. Iserina said I might still catch you if I hurried.”
“What’s the matter?”
“I wanted to give you this.”
She said, handing me a pouch designed to be worn at the waist.
“It has one each of healing, stamina, and antidote potions. I hope you won’t need them, but it’s always better to be prepared, right?”
Adventurers swore by preparation, whereas bandits had a different mindset: “Preparation is pointless—we’re going to die anyway.”
“Thank you, but...”
“You’re about to say it’s too much, aren’t you?”
She interrupted, choosing her words carefully before continuing.
“Iserina is important to us, and we wanted to express our gratitude for what you’ve done to help her. It’s a selfish reason, so please just accept it without overthinking.”
“Well... alright. Thank you.”
I said, though her gaze suggested a deeper concern.
To others, I probably seemed like someone who might easily throw his life away.
That impression wasn’t entirely wrong—I’d done so countless times before, far beyond mere words could describe.
As I set out, I heard Feli call after me, “Take care!”
Ah... I don’t want to die.
It’s rare for me to feel so strongly about holding onto my life.
I should heed Iserina’s advice—she’s right.
Along the way, I noticed new signs pointing toward Luluciette, the name of the city where Iserina and the others resided.
Decades ago, this place had a different name.
During the period of fragmented warring states known as the Succession Wars, rulers and city names often changed.
At one point, the massive Karzahari Kingdom had nearly unified the region.
However, the young king’s death marked its end.
The duke who was meant to succeed him was killed by marquises, who were then killed by numerous counts, leading to chaos.
This era of count-led conflicts devastated the population, halving it compared to the kingdom’s golden age.
The turmoil led to a surge in banditry and adventurers alike.
Eventually, major cities fell under the control of powerful counts whose families lent their names to these cities.
Thus, Luluciette is now ruled by the Luluciette family.
The count’s title was a strategic choice, as higher ranks like duke or marquis often became assassination targets during the wars.
The remaining leaders learned to prioritize survival over prestige.
Although the Succession Wars never had a formal conclusion, they subsided as major cities established stable leadership.
However, law and order were never fully restored.
Bandits emerged as the largest and most stable force in this fragmented world.
And now, right in front of me, I saw a group of bandits—the so-called most sought-after “career” in this world—awaiting my arrival.
What do you think about this chapter?
