NOVEL NEXT Episode 2: Rampart
Episode 2: Rampart
“This is it, please.”
“Oh, Mine-san. There’s a request I’d like you to take.”
“…? But I’m still at E-rank, you know?”
When I tried to accept a request at the guild, I was approached like that at the reception. However, designated requests are only available for C-rank and above. It’s impossible for me, an E-rank who has only gone up one rank since registering, to receive something like that. That’s what I thought, but…
“The client’s request specifically calls for someone skilled in earth attribute magic, so it’s not a designated request. However, considering the nature of the request, there’s no doubt that Mine-san is the most suitable. Of course, it’s not mandatory, but the guild would like you to take it.”
“…What’s the request about?”
“It’s for repairing and reinforcing the rampart near the forest area. Since it’s quite lengthy, the duration is estimated to be three weeks, including travel time. Three days for travel, two weeks for on-site work. The client will provide a carriage for transportation.”
“…Isn’t repairing ramparts the job of the lord’s army?”
“Originally, it was supposed to be done by the lord’s army’s magic users, but it seems they needed additional manpower, so the request came to the Adventurer’s Guild.”
“…I see. And the client is?”
“It’s the lord, I believe. Although in reality, it will probably be handled by the knights dispatched to the site.”
“Understood. I’ll take it.”
Well, the person himself wouldn’t come, of course. But there might be a chance to gather information related to Gargaine. And the reward seems quite good too.
“Wow, as amazing as ever.”
In the northern part of the Obraine territory, there are ramparts prepared to prevent monsters from coming out of the forest area. However, it’s not like a large number of monsters will suddenly pour out of the forest, so it’s relatively simple. Still, it was probably quite a task to construct them to cover such a vast forest area, requiring a considerable amount of time, money, and effort. Thanks to them, a state of high alert can be quickly established in case of any abnormalities. It’s completely different from the situation with monsters in the forest behind some marquis’ mansion.
“Actually, things were quite hectic back then.”
It’s been about half a year since then. There was a time when something, while knocking down trees at high speed, approached from deep within the forest. The sentry soldiers who noticed it activated emergency magical devices, and the surrounding troops gathered. A state of high alert was set up. However, that something disappeared suddenly a few hundred meters from the forest entrance.
Later, an investigation team consisting of high-ranking adventurers and elite knights was organized, but all they found were traces of destruction straight from the depths of the forest, and the entity responsible for it was never found.
“Well, it was me, though.”
At that time, my only thought was to get here as fast as possible. I didn’t know how far the forest extended. So, when I used [Magic Detection] and found out where the forest ended, I tried to switch to walking, but soldiers were gathering. And they kept coming one after another. I managed to get through by digging a tunnel, but I was really scared back then.
Moreover, when I heard that they even organized an investigation team, I felt genuinely sorry. If I ever get the chance, I want to apologize. But I hope there won’t be such an opportunity. I mean, I don’t want to get scolded.
“Are you from the guild?”
“Yes, this is the request form.”
“Alright, I’ll guide you to the captain’s location. Please follow me.”
“Yes.”
As I got off the carriage in front of the military base, I was approached by a sentry. Showing the request letter, I was escorted to a large tent in the center of the base.
“Captain, the adventurer who accepted the request have arrived.”
“Let him in.”
“Excuse me.”
Inside the tent were two men in their mid-thirties. One was a big man with red hair. The other was a refined-looking man with blue hair. He must be a knight with his neat appearance. Although he looked slender, his magical movements were smooth. This person seems quite strong.
“You’re the adventurer who accepted the request, right? …Your name was Mine, if I remember correctly?”
“…You know?”
“I’ve seen you repairing the outer wall of the city several times. I’m in charge here, my name is Douglas. And this is Sir Wayne Fenfield. He’ll be supervising the work.”
“I’m Wayne Fenfield. I’ll be counting on you from today.”
“Nice to meet you.”
In this request, I would inspect and repair various parts of the defensive wall while reinforcing it. I wouldn’t be doing the entire wall that stretches far, but it’s still scheduled to take two weeks. I’ll be provided with meals and sleeping quarters by the military, which is helpful. Though the preserved food isn’t particularly tasty. It’s better than the food from some marquis’ house though.
“Oh, that’s impressive.”
“Thank you.”
I continued my work while receiving praise from Sir Fenfield. …Is this person going to stick around the whole time? This request is just mundane work of repairing sections of the defensive wall where magic has weakened or it’s become fragile. It probably won’t be interesting to watch, right?
“So, Mine, they say you’re E-rank, is that true?”
“…Yes.”
“It’s hard to believe that someone who can use magic like you is E-rank.”
“Ah, because I can’t hunt monsters.”
“You can’t hunt monsters? Does that mean you’re not good at offensive magic?”
“No, it’s because… it’s gross.”
“Ah… I remember when I hunted monsters for the first time, it was tough. That was, if I recall…”
This person is quite talkative and it’s helpful that he brings up various topics. Repairing the wall is simple work, so it’s easy to get bored. He also chats with the soldiers from the garrison and seems quite well-liked.
“By the way, can you increase the strength of the wall?”
“I can, but…”
“But?”
“If I do the entire defensive wall…”
“Hahaha, indeed, it’s not realistic.”
“Yes.”
Doing all of this would take years, after all. It’s not impossible, but I don’t want to do it. It would be mentally exhausting. Both Mine and I want to live happily.
“Thanks to you, the work has progressed quite smoothly. Thank you.”
“No, it’s quite something. I finished much earlier than planned.”
“No, thank you.”
The work was completed in just ten days, earlier than scheduled, so now it’s time to bid farewell to Sir Fenfield and Captain Douglas. It seems Sir Fenfield was also acting as my escort and supervisor, as he came almost every day to chat, and I reported to the captain daily, so it’s a bit sad to leave.
“By the way, Mine, have you thought about that matter?”
“Hm? What matter?”
“I’ve been inviting Mine to join the army.”
“Oh… that would be helpful for us.”
“Right? So, what do you think?”
“It’s a grateful offer, but…”
“Hmm, still not interested?”
“I’m sorry.”
Sir Fenfield had invited me to join the army several times during breaks in the work. In fact, that was apparently part of the request. While I’m happy to be appreciated, I don’t want to be unable to move quickly in case of emergency. You never know when Gargaine might pop up.
“I understand. But if you ever change your mind, feel free to come by, alright?”
“Yeah, you’ll be welcomed.”
“Thank you. Well then, goodbye.”
I bid farewell to the two of them and head back. Both of them and the soldiers from the garrison were nice people, so it was a pleasant week. But staring at walls all day was tough.
“When I get back, I’ll take it easy.”
Thanks to this request, my purse is considerably heavier now. So, let’s relax for a while.