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Chapter 267 part 1

The tavern-eatery fell silent upon the arrival of the new guests through the door, but it quickly regained its buzz. Speculation about the young boy accompanied by Dreissen and discussions about the findings brought back by the Dragonians began to emerge here and there.

Anyone who stays in Inraen for three days can first understand that the area, even just within the vicinity, is far better suited to making large sums of money compared to being an average adventurer or mercenary outside the tower, even if it is limited to the area around Inraen.

Among the methods for earning substantial wealth, the most exceptional fortunes were amassed through excavating religious relics found within the tower and acquiring artifacts from divine realms and other worlds crafted from unknown technology and materials.

Due to their scarcity, obtaining them is exceedingly challenging. Yet, Dreissen and his team managed this feat remarkably well, establishing a track record that garnered them substantial rewards from the Barony of Berne.

Owing to the unique environment of the Caravis Tower, there was a distinct currency cast by the Dragon Succubus in Inraen, which was employed alongside the currency used in the Arkrest Kingdom.

Rewards through commissions from the Barony of Berne used that currency of the Arkrest Kingdom, but when it came to the involvement of explorers, most rewards from the Dragon Succubus’s requests were in the form of their unique currency, known as 「Drass」

Dreissen, Jirgu, and the others turned their gaze away from the crowded tavern, filled with glances drawn towards them, and instead directed their steps toward the counter to exchange the magical mud extracted from the Keevlins and the rocks that made up the bodies of the Keevlins for money.

Dreissen and the others should have been feeling intimidated, let alone Jirguur, who was still a rookie both as a warrior and as an explorer. However, he was surrounded by super-powerful individuals, and he was so enraptured by Lilieltiel that he was unaware of the pressure that came with the gazes of those around him.

He was saved from a near-death experience by Dreissen and his friends, and it appears he’s been graced with an uncanny stroke of luck.

They stepped into the branch side, which was not separated from the bar. Dreissen’s group and Jirgu momentarily split up and headed for the reception desk, where a number of beautiful Dragon Succubus were managing.

On this occasion, Jirgu ventured into the depths of Hegna Hell cave, not with a specific request in mind but intended to exchange materials from demons for money He offered a bag filled with mud to the Dragon Succubus stationed at the reception desk.

When he was saved by Dreissen and his friends, they offered him mud and materials from the Keevlins they had dealt with right then, but Jirgu politely declined out of his modest sense of pride. He only offered materials from the Keevlins he had defeated.

Covered in mud and riddled with wounds, having just shown a rather pitiable side, Jirgu visibly shook in the face of overwhelming power and uttered his refusal. Dreissen seemed slightly pleased, something only this boy remained unaware of.

「I’m sorry, Yor-El, could you help me convert these? They’re materials from two Keevlins」

What Jirgu placed on the reception desk was a metal plate, the Seeker Plate, proving his status as an explorer, and a brown leather pouch with swirling black patterns.

That pouch was a magical tool provided by the Inraen branch and administrative headquarters for the collection and transportation of materials. It significantly reduced the apparent storage size and weight of contained items, a greatly appreciated asset for explorers.

For top-notch wizards and alchemists, crafting the same item is possible, and renowned adventurers or mercenaries can purchase magical tools with similar effects. However, for the country folk or novice explorers who came dreaming of the Caravis Tower, it’s an item beyond their reach.

The Dragon Succubus in charge of Jirgu’s selected counter was draped in modestly exposed attire, emitting an unmistakable sensuality. Her uniform barely revealed any flesh, yet her presence exuded an aura as rich as her visible charm. Her hair, a faint gold reminiscent of spring sunshine, paired with subtly downturned eyes, conveyed a serene impression complemented by jade-colored pupils.

Even among the human-friendly Dragon Succubus, her popularity stands out among the explorers, especially newcomers who have no experience as adventurers or mercenaries, because she has a particularly serene vibe.

「Thank you, I have received them. Mud, bones, and outer shells of the Keevlins…Unfortunately, seems like it’s a bit short for two creatures. Here’s your reward this time: 18,000 Drass.」

Yor-El inserted the Seeker Plate into the box-shaped item at hand, operated the button fixed into the box’s front, and then returned the seeker plate to Jirgu.

In addition to functioning as an identification card with the owner’s name, face, and rank as an explorer, the Seeker Plate also functions as a wallet.

「It’s not enough for two creatures…?」

Seeing Jirgu looking visibly downcast, akin to a puppy clearly not taken out for a walk, Yor-El momentarily wore a face as if drooling might spill out, only to swiftly compose herself into an unfeigned expression of sympathy.
For Yor-El, the novice explorers, regardless of their looks, were a visual delight. Yet among them, Jirgu stood out as the absolute favorite.

For Jor-El, she is torn between wanting to witness his growth into a resilient adult and also wanting him to be somewhat unreliable as a child.

「Jirgu, considering your abilities and equipment, defeating two Keevlins is quite an achievement.

Fortunately, it seems that you haven’t lost any of your equipment, so you don’t need to replenish it, do you? Then, it’s best to eat a full meal, clean yourself up, and get a good night’s sleep.

Fatigue tends to linger, so I suggest handling non-combat requests for a couple of days or taking a break.」

「Yes, I didn’t lose any this time either. But really, fighting the Keevlins with just a knife is tough. I know the Keevlins aren’t the only enemies, but it seems a weapon that smashes opponents like a hammer would be more compatible.」

「For now, hunting Keevlins or collecting soil in Hegna Hell is the most efficient job that you can do within your reach. It is natural to feel anxious if you don’t feel like you are making progress, but for now, you should focus on preparing yourself to move forward, right」

「Yes, I get it. And it might be a good idea to avoid solo combat and seek companions who can fight alongside me, right?」

As Jirgu smiled brightly and sweetly, Yor-El vigorously rubbed her thighs out of sight from Jirgu.

Her struggle to confine her entire body’s squirming to just her legs was commendable enough to earn applause from her fellow Dragon Succubus.

「Speaking of companions, Jirgu, where did you happen to meet Dreissen and the others? Was it just a coincidence that you came in together?」

「Well, actually, they lent a hand when I encountered a…small hiccup in Hegna Hell.」

「I kept stressing the need to be careful, and there goes you, making a hiccup! Can you imagine!?」

「Well, you see, um, when I took down the second Keevlins, I didn’t notice a group of them around the corner., I got chased by them, and it got pretty dicey…」

「It’s not just a little hiccup! Honestly! Such luck is rare, you know. Next time, be more cautious. Venturing out requires ample preparation and skill!」

Thankfully, Caravis Tower had a safety device named 「Ariadne」, which can prevent any fatalities among the newcomers. However, there were those who had been transported to the hospital in the administrative headquarters due to near-fatal accidents while navigating the dungeons.

While some were saved from death, the harrowing encounter rendered them incapable of wielding a weapon, and they retired as explorers.

Yor-El deeply wished for Jirgu, whose eyes sparkled with dreams and hope for the future, to not deviate from that path – a sentiment far stronger than Jirgu could ever imagine.

「Understood!」

Just how much of Yor-El’s feelings did Jirgu grasp while responding so energetically…

Yor-El wanted to push the innocent, puppy-like boy down and strip him naked right there, but she knew she couldn’t just run wild while the rest of his colleagues were holding back, so she summoned up all her reasoning power and suppressed her momentary impulses.

Among the Dragon Succubus, Yor-El was believed by explorers to be particularly gentle and safe, but in reality, it was not quite the case. Well, she posed no real danger to their lives, though.

「I wonder if you truly understand already. But your luck is truly something. Dreissen and Hanma are especially caring and anxious, so they’ll surely lend a hand to you in various ways from now on.

Those individuals, well, they’re remarkably skilled and experienced, which sets them apart from the rest of the explorers. They’re not exactly role models, but when it comes to relying on someone in desperate situations, they’re the perfect choice」

「Thanks a lot!!! I’ve also heard they’re competing for the top spot within the tower!」

The truth is that they’re indisputably at the very top. Yor-El muttered behind her smile.
There is hardly a party in the world, let alone inside the Tower, that can match their combat and detection abilities.

「Oh, it looks like they’re calling for you. Did you guys perhaps make plans for a meal later?」

「Yes, because our meeting seemed like fate somehow.」

「I see. They’re more senior as an explorer, so don’t hesitate to rely on them.」

With a nod to Yor-El, Jirgu trotted down towards Dreissen and the others. Watching Jirgu heading away, Yor-El secretly bowed to Dreissen and the others, including Lilyeltiel, without the other explorers noticing.