Tsuyokute New Saga (LN) - Book 4: Chapter 2

Book 4: Chapter 2

After entering the [Flame Dragon of Dawn], the first impression Kyle’s group received was that the inside wasn’t too different from your average bar. Several tables were lined up next to each other, with a middle-aged man looking like the bar owner standing behind the counter, two wall shelves at his back, filled with liquor bottles. However, some things were different from your usual bar.

For example, one wall was filled with white papers, which probably acted as a bulletin board. Some of those were even about helping with moving houses or cleaning the waterways, not exactly something an adventurer would be responsible for. However, the majority was about subjugating monsters or finding something at the nearby ruins. One corner of the counter looked like a reception area, with a female receptionist. This is probably the location where you would bring in requests and earn rewards.

The biggest difference to an average bar however was the clientele. Right now, roughly ten people were present in the bar, but all of them were either equipped with swords, staffs, or other weapons, showing their specialization and skill. That’s what Kyle felt directly on his skin. At the same time, the adventurers present were calmly, but thoroughly, inspecting Kyle’s group. Having heard that Eddos had particularly strong adventurers, which especially gathered in this bar, Kyle was satisfied, to say the least. Kyle moved towards the counter, standing in front of the presumed owner, who had a beard on his face.

“Haven’t seen you here before. For our newcomers, I recommend you…”

“Ah, don’t worry. I didn’t come here to take up a quest, I actually want to give out one.”

Hearing Kyle’s words, the owner showed a dubious gaze. Matter of fact, as this bar was frequented by strong adventurers, the rewards for each quest were thorough. The quests hanging on the wall each sounded like difficult tasks, which acted as proof. Cause and effect, most people putting out quests were nobles or rich people, so it would make sense for the owner to be confused at such a young man like Kyle bringing that up. That being said, it wasn’t rare for adventurers to hire other adventurers, so the owner didn’t question it much.

“If you pay our establishment 10% of the reward for the paperwork, everybody can put in a request after all.” The owner glanced at the adventurers sitting at the table.

Only people accepted by the owner could take up requests. The gaze of the owner pretty much composed the value of the bar. As a result of that, he immediately judged Kyle’s strength and ability to be a cut above the rest.

“So, what’s the quest about?”

“I want to hire adventurers who will move through the forest with us, guiding us to a certain location.”

“…And what would that be?”

“—The [Nest of Dragons].”

The moment Kyle uttered these words, a shock ran through the inside of the bar.

A dragon—not many had seen them with their own eyes, but even a five-year-old child knew about this strongest mythical beast. The [Divine Dragon] acted as the beginning point of their legends, dating back to the days of myth. They were known for their sturdy and powerful body, paired with their conscience and wisdom, they were beings that even surpassed demons. However, their numbers were even fewer than humanfolk, let alone the demons. As a result of that, they never appeared in history, let alone significantly changing it. However, the more time passed, the more their numbers lessened.

Surely, the majority of humanfolk had never even seen a dragon before. However, Eddos had comparatively many witnesses of these dragons, and they are confirmed to be the only place that inhabited dragons. As a result of that, they were called the country of dragons, and the particular location in question was called [Nest of Dragons].

“Our reward will be…100,000 gadol.”

When Kyle named his price, the inside of the bar went noisy once more. That amount would allow an average citizen to live easily. The [Nest of Dragons] was located in the deepest parts of Eddos, equally being the most dangerous place. Even the most skilled adventurers were hesitant to head there, but Kyle’s reward must have sounded tasty nonetheless. The owner was surprised himself, but quickly went back in the groove.

“…What are you planning? Are you aiming to become a [Dragon Slayer]?”

The title [Dragon Slayer] was rather self-explanatory, given to those who had slain a dragon, with only a handful of people having accomplished this.

“I can’t tell you the reason why. That’s why I pushed up the reward. I don’t mind if it’s a one-way trip either.” Kyle added indifferently, putting down the Zaales gold coins in front of the owner.

Seeing that amount, the owner had no reason to decline.

“…What’s your name?” The owner took out the quest papers and asked.

“It’s Kyle. Kyle Lenard.” He spoke with a loud voice so that everybody around him could hear that.

At that moment, all the attention in the room was directed at Kyle’s group. These gazes were filled with clear hostility and displeasure.

“I expected as much, but this isn’t the evaluation I was hoping for.” Despite the way he made it sound, Seran showed a vicious grin.

Lieze and Urza simply showed bitter smiles.

“Well, that’s still within calculations, no?” Shildonia showed a calm expression like she had anticipated this.

Their reaction was born from what Kyle had been doing over the past three months. Simply put, it was charity work. In this day and age, when you didn’t live in an accumulated place like a town, as soon as it came to a rural area, it was pretty much a reign of the strong, no protection from the major forces of the country.

Kyle and his group had been going around those rural areas, taking care of monsters, or subjugating thieves, making a name for himself. Of course, without asking for any money. On the contrary, he even donated money to the poor. All this he did while gathering any possible intel about the Mera cult. At the same time, he hired several minstrels, turning his stories into moving tales, with a 70% truth 30% exaggeration ratio.

With him saving Princess Milena and achieving great results at the festival in the Empire, Kyle’s name had already spread plenty, and he was making fundamental progress on his road as a hero. However, this wasn’t in the best will for many people. Especially the adventurers who were losing jobs because all the monsters had been slain.

It was perfectly reasonable for them to have their work stolen from someone who wasn’t even an adventurer and doing it for free meant that they had more trouble getting proper words for their own jobs. Basically, they had a sentiment of ‘Doing what nobody asked for’. To the adventurers, Kyle was obstructing their business.

“I see…so it’s you.” Having heard Kyle’s name, the owner showed evident displeasure and disgruntlement, as something troublesome happened.

However, he had already accepted the paper fee, and he gave his permission, so denying it now was not an option.

“I’ll stop by again tomorrow.” Kyle faintly lowered his head and walked outside the bar while being showered by the sharp gazes all around.

“Was that the best idea? Don’t think you left that good of an impression.” Right after leaving the bar, Lieze asked Kyle these words.

“Yeah, I’m feeling dubious if anybody would be willing to help us, despite the sum you offered.” Urza showed a complicated expression.

“I don’t mind, actually. Being shown there definitely would make things easier, but with you, Urza, we’ll manage either way, no? A forest is like your backyard, right?” Kyle glanced at Urza, his gaze full of expectation and admiration.

Elves are born as inhabitants of the forest. With a talented spirit user like Urza, who could control spirits to their aid, they wouldn’t get lost in the forest even if they were unsure where to go. Urza at the same time nodded along, but she showed a clear glimmer of uncertainty.

“Well, I guess. Though I have to ask, do you really plan on meeting a dragon?”

“Yeah, just leave that to me. I know the oldest of the dragons, [Dragon King] Zeurus, personally. Well, it’s been at least a thousand and three hundred years since then, he should still be alive…” [Magic King] Shildonia showed a grin.

Indeed, Kyle’s goal—to negotiate with the dragons, and strike a mutual contract.