Chapter 161

Correction Request
"I don't like troublesome things. Besides, I hate the Fifth Prince and don't want to get involved with him."

I can't handle that pervert. There's something off about his eyes. They're not as beautiful as Mr. Coote's. They're murkier than my brother's when he's at his worst. Well, lately, my brother has been a bit off too.

"Besides, we're B-rank. Normally, such cases would be assigned to someone of equal or higher rank, right?"

Sensing my reluctance, Alicia backed me up with a perfectly logical excuse.

Typically, the cleansing or correction of adventurers is entrusted to those of equal or higher rank. Rank is an indicator of ability. A-rank adventurers are highly skilled individuals with considerable combat experience. On the other hand, B-rank adventurers are competent enough to handle hunting and gathering but are only considered fully independent professionals. Asking me to take this on is unreasonable.

"That's true… if you were an ordinary B-rank.

However, given your actual abilities, it shouldn’t be a problem. The number of monsters you bring in rivals that of large clans. If you can hunt that many, you're clearly strong enough, aren’t you?"

A clan is, well… basically a collection of parties.

"……"

"I won’t force you. However, you’re the only one who can put a stop to their arrogance."

"What about the other A-rank or S-rank adventurers?"

There should be plenty of adventurers besides me. But the response I got was grim.

"Many were injured and forced to retire after the last Stampede, so there are no S-rank adventurers left in this country. On top of that, a lot of them leave for Arland whenever they get the chance. This country doesn’t have many adventurers to begin with."

"……"

Oh. Sorry about that. It seems skilled adventurers often move to Arland, where they can earn better pay. Makes sense. The monsters in this country are weak, and even goblins in Arland carry magic stones that fetch a decent price. There's no reason to stay in Ostland.

Alicia also had an "Ah, I see" look on her face. Arland treats adventurers well as long as they follow proper etiquette. They have generous policies because handling Stampedes with just the military would be too difficult.

But the damage here seems worse than I expected.

Since my resurrection magic causes disasters, I can't use it freely. That means I need to start making elixirs. Eibon’s grimoire contains information about resurrection potions, but those are tricky to use, and some of the required ingredients are extinct. I’ll need to research alternative materials. Not that resurrection potions are something I can sell openly—they’ll have to be made in secret.

And I felt a pang of guilt. Maybe if I had realized this sooner, I could have saved more people. But I won’t dwell on it. There are things I can do and things I can't. Resurrection magic leaves me unable to sleep for days, and if I fail, I could die in the process.

I got a severe scolding for that before. One misstep, and I’d self-destruct. I can’t use it recklessly anymore.

"You should be able to teach them a lesson. At least, that's my judgment.

Rest assured, the reward is generous. His Majesty even provided compensation for the trouble. He also said you wouldn’t be charged if you happened to kill a few of them."

That’s definitely because they messed with me, right? I can easily picture the king holding his head in frustration.

Still, I doubt he expected the request to ultimately land on me.

But he must be seriously pissed off. Granting permission to kill them is a rare exception. The government hates setting precedents, and they rarely make special exceptions… Though, given how many special cases I’ve been involved in, I can’t really say anything.

"Hey, don’t mess around. If you're going to make a kid handle this, we'll take care of them ourselves. We’re sick of their crap."

The adventurers drinking in the tavern suddenly erupted with murderous intent.

"You lot aren't strong enough."

"Screw that! You can’t just dump this on a kid! And what do those girls have to do with this? This is our problem. Do you really think those scumbags will just accept being corrected? There are 150 of them!"

Too many! My fighting style involves a lot of secrecy. I can’t use my Golem Legion, I can’t let Mr. Coote go all out, and I have to limit my own magic. If I'm not careful, my identity might get exposed.

"That’s a small number. The kingdom’s security forces should be able to handle that easily."

Alicia murmured just loud enough for me to hear.

True, Arland’s security forces would have no trouble arresting them. They take pride in maintaining order and wouldn’t hold back.

But this is Ostland. One of the weakest countries on the continent. Their security forces are likely on the same level.

What should I do? They’re not the type to submit quietly.

But the Guildmaster’s reward is tempting. I started planning a few strategies.

I’ve already encountered some of them before, so I have a rough idea of their strength. According to what I’ve heard, they have a leader among them. His power is below that of an Arland knight. The rest are a mix of D to B ranks, with most likely around D-rank. They’re not opponents I’d lose to.

"Do you think we’ll lose?"

I asked Alicia for her opinion. With her greater combat experience, she might notice dangers I’ve overlooked.

"They’re just a bunch of nobodies."

Her conclusion: no threat.

"This could be a good experience, right?"

"It will be useful for gaining experience in fighting humans… but don’t engage in close combat. Even though you wouldn’t lose, you’ll get injured."

"What?!"

The surrounding adventurers were shocked.

Sure, I wouldn’t lose in close combat either. I’d just self-destruct and take them all down with me, using my own defense and healing magic to ensure I survive. But my family hates that tactic since it’s dangerous.

I could also use Gladius to make them fight each other, but it rejects anyone I don’t approve of, so it would just cause unnecessary casualties.

Alright, I’ll go with a standard golem assault. It’s fine if people find out I’m a golem user.

The guild officially announced that the "Tin Fang" was to undergo correction. This was a forced request—if they ran, their guild cards would be revoked.

The guild’s surroundings erupted with cheers. Apparently, they were widely despised.

The panicked Fifth Prince stormed into the guild to complain, but I teleported away before he could spot me. I really don’t want to deal with him.

Since the Adventurer’s Guild isn’t affiliated with any nation, the prince’s complaints were ignored. In fact, by royal decree, he was placed under house arrest. Rumors spread that he might soon be stripped of his royal status.

"They’re all grouped up."

Three days later, outside the capital, 150 adventurers had gathered in a field.

"Tin Fang," the largest clan in Ostland.

Only 150 members? That’s tiny! Arland has a gentleman’s alliance with an unconfirmed number of members.

"We are the B-rank party Woof-Meow Club. And I am Hollow, the president. Prepare to be disciplined."

Not the leader. The president. One day, I’ll establish a continent-wide pet lovers' association.

The "Tin Fang" members burst into laughter at my introduction.

"You're just a noble brat clinging to stronger adventurers, right? You think you can take us on?"

Parasitism—when a weak noble-born adventurer surrounds themselves with stronger allies. That’s probably how they see me: weak, with Alicia and Helios carrying the party.

If a correction or purge is overturned, the guild can’t do anything. It’s a gamble.

That’s why the guild usually purges troublemakers with overwhelming force. Even if the guild does nothing, the kingdom might send troops to arrest them, and if they resist, the guild will blacklist them from accepting jobs. Most of the time, they just grovel.

They must think the Fifth Prince’s influence will save them.

"Weak dogs bark the loudest. Learn some dignity from my wolf."

"I am…"

Mr. Coote, disguised as a wolf, straightened his posture, exuding regal dignity.

Hah! Jealous, aren’t you? This magnificent fur belongs to me!

But the response I got was…

"Hah! A mere wolf talking about dignity? That pathetic thing and the beastkin behind you are just animals!"

… What did you just say?

What do you think about this chapter?