Chapter 45 - Beg and Beg Again (3)

A day and a half passed while I enjoyed my freedom alone. The ship to be used for the Sea Dragon hunt had arrived.

It supposedly had defensive mechanisms, artillery mechanisms, and a whole lot of other stuff...

At that point, I figured that this time around, the melee DPS really needed to sit out. I had anticipated it since hearing the plan, but seeing the cramped deck made it even more certain.

A typical raid takes place in a spacious area, dodging AoE attacks while hitting the boss, but this ship wasn't nearly big enough for that.

Even if we tried, considering my track record in the game, it felt like I'd just end up smashing the mast or the outer plating. Or the hull would get split in half by the Sea Dragon's tail swipe.

Neither outcome was acceptable. We couldn't risk sinking the ship just so the melee DPS could find a window to deal damage.

But that wasn't the real problem.

"Let alone a captain, finding even a single sailor is like plucking a star from the sky..."

Whether we lured it to the coast or fought a war of attrition at sea, we first had to enter the Dragon's Cry Gate to do anything... but we couldn't find anyone willing to take us into the Dragon's Cry Gate.

"It's that hard to find a single person in this massive city?"

"When someone finally agrees, they lack the skills, and anyone who has the skills refuses even if you offer them a fortune, so what can we do? It's driving me fucking crazy too."

Even DeB, who had sought the Information Guild's help, had completely thrown his hands up in defeat. This was a really big problem. It could mean there was absolutely no one in this city willing to join us.

"Why is that?"

"The vast majority are asking how we can possibly take on a Sea Dragon. Even when we tell them the sea is being ruined, they don't seem to feel it's real since nothing has crashed down on them right this second."

Ironically, the only reason the unskilled ones agreed was exactly because they lacked skill. Since they weren't skilled, they couldn't make money, so they volunteered just to make a living, Sea Dragon or not.

However, we didn't need people like that. What we needed was a first-rate captain.

"I'm looking into it a bit more and still trying to persuade people, but either way, finding someone in the next few days is a bust. Just so you know."

"No, you've worked hard. What can we do when the situation is like this? It's not like the ideal candidate will just drop from the sky. Still, please keep trying a bit longer."

"Yeeeah..."

At that point, I started wondering if that Windhand guy or whatever wasn't going to show up. Was he not on the list?

"Windhand."

"Huh?"

"Didn't you say out of your own mouth that he was famous?"

I ended up talking a bit too long, probably because I had left those video messages yesterday and today. I frowned, worrying that even my tone might have softened.

"... Considering his alias, he's actually a pretty viable option. If he's considered a descendant of Soldini, his sailing skills are definitely in the top handful."

"However, he operates a privateer ship..."

"Right."

"Then he's a criminal! Even if they're implicitly recognized as privateers, under the law, they are undeniable criminals."

The Inquisitor shouted as if it were pure nonsense. By now, I actually would have been disappointed if he hadn't spoken up.

"I do not care."

But when have I ever cared about a criminal record? I personally don't believe the ends justify the means, but that's just my own thought. The concept itself stops at nothing to get results.

Not that my real self was entirely against this choice either. Given our position, we could always make a plea deal. If we couldn't solve this, this entire region would be wiped out anyway.

If he was a massive scumbag, couldn't we just show some flexibility by making him do this and then tossing him straight into prison?

Usually, characters slated to be helpers don't go to that extreme anyway. After all, why would the game want to ruin the player's mood?

"B-But..."

The Inquisitor broke down again, while the Archmage and DeB both looked quite intrigued.

"It might be a better move than I thought. Since he's a privateer, it means we can negotiate with him somehow. But... hmm, have you heard anything about his infamy?"

"Being a privateer, he has the basic infamy that comes with it. But I don't think I've heard anything about him being particularly vicious. On the contrary, I've heard opinions that if you're going to get robbed, you're better off getting robbed by Windhand..."

"What, there's actually an opinion like that?"

"It's basically a case of the lesser of two evils instead of the absolute worst. Rather than suffering at the hands of a privateer who takes both your wealth and your life, Windhand is better because he only takes your wealth and guarantees humane treatment."

He was undeniably a criminal for taking goods, but it was better than him being the absolute worst. As long as there was a baseline of decency, it would be easy to strike a deal, and it would be much easier to accept mentally.

"Then it sounds like an option well worth trying."

"Even you, Sir Archmage!"

"Is this not an urgent situation? I'm not telling you to forgive him; I'm saying we must consider the potential casualties of this event first. If we don't resolve the Sea Dragon, tens of thousands of people will die."

"T-That..."

"Then should I look for a way to contact him too?"

"Please do. I will spread the word among the people here as well."

"Hah, I don't know if it'll work."

DeB muttered weakly about how we were supposed to find someone across the sea. But judging by the twitching corners of his mouth, it didn't look like he genuinely thought it was impossible.

DING-A-LING.

Right on cue, the door to the guild hall opened. Thanks to that, the conversation, which had already been winding down, was completely cut off.

"Yes, this is the Gruh Telz branch of the Adventurer's Guild."

"Hey there. We're looking for someone."

"Is it a quest?"

It was a good time to take a drink, but since I wasn't thirsty, I just glanced over to check out the people who had walked in.

Showing no interest in my surroundings was part of the concept, but I couldn't help what entered my vision when I was merely looking forward.

What I ended up seeing were two people with their robes pulled down low. They were roughly around 170 centimeters tall and looked fairly well-built.

Beneath their hoods, two dangling ornaments hung all the way down to their necklines, swinging back and forth.

"Not exactly a quest. We just wanted to ask if there's someone like this among the adventurers."

"It seems you are looking to hire a specific individual."

"Assuming the person I'm looking for is an adventurer."

"Please describe their appearance."

Not only their appearance, but their conversation somehow reached my ears too. The problem was that the guild hall was quiet, likely because it was evening.

Even though it was connected to the tavern, we were the only ones in the hall.

"First off, um. He carries a massive sword on his back, and... I think he wore an eyepatch."

But for some reason, what they were saying caught my attention.

"He might be wearing black clothes... Oh, right. And the defining feature was that his hair was two different colors on the left and right! Do you know him by any chance?"

'No matter how you look at it, that's me.'

"... Like that gentleman over there?"

"Huh? Where... Oh, yeah! Exactly like that guy... right over..."

I looked at the person mentioning me despite their highly suspicious attire, and they happened to look right at me as well.

The voice that had slowed down towards the end finally cut off completely, before suddenly raising its volume.

"Found him!"

'What the.'

"Demon Knight, do you know them?"

"There sure are a lot of people in this city who know you, Sir Knight?"

"Were you active around here in the past?"

My party members all chimed in with their own comments, but I genuinely had no idea. Honestly, even if it were someone I knew, it'd be hard to recognize them with their robes pulled over their heads like that.

"Shut up."

I suppressed the trio's chatter with a single phrase and met the gaze of the person approaching me. The mouth visible beneath the hood was forming a wide grin.

"Wow, I didn't expect to find you right away."

"Who are you."

I equipped my consistently rude demeanor while trying to gauge the stranger's identity.

Honestly, not a single person came to mind. There were very few people I had interacted with enough to vividly remember, and none of them had a voice like that. Anyone else hadn't been worth keeping in my memory.

"Someone who wants to hire you for a quest?"

Trying to sound refreshing with such a gruff voice didn't give off that vibe at all, but I set that aside for now.

"Not interested."

We didn't even know when we'd be off to hunt the dragon, so what was the point of a quest?

If it were a short-term mission, maybe, but I wasn't the type to explain my complicated circumstances and list out acceptable conditions. So, simply rejecting it was the only option.

"Don't be like that. Just hear me out, at least."

"Piss off."

At my stubborn attitude, the robed person who had stepped forward scratched the back of their head. The person standing behind them seemed to lose their temper and stepped forward, but the person in front quickly blocked them, making it a moot point.

It was a wise and much-appreciated choice. Since my concept wasn't the type to avoid a fight that came my way.

'I don't want to fight civilians.'

"Then I'll just be on my way..."

"Please. People's lives are on the line."

DeB, who had been trying to read the room and slip away, froze at those next words.

People's lives. I had no choice but to narrow my eyes at this. Depending on whose lives were on the line, I might not be able to just brush past it, even for the sake of the concept.

"A whole lot of them, too."

And the fact that there were 'a whole lot' of them made things even more complicated. My brow furrowed, and the Inquisitor made a face like a puppy desperate to poop.

"Just hear them out, at least."

So when the Archmage scratched the itch for me, I was finally able to give an affirmative answer.

"I will only listen."

"Great, great. But since this is a bit of a secret matter, I'd like to change locations... It's too open here."

The client muttered as much and temporarily left, saying they would go rent a reception room provided by the guild. *Tap, tap. * DeB, who had been drumming his fingers on the table, opened his mouth.

"Those guys, they're probably from the Yabad Region. The long dangling earrings, braided hair, and brown skin are common in that area."

'... Just who is this guy, and why does he know so much? Are all Thieves like this?'

"And... considering the salt stains on their boots, the stiff fabric of their pants, and the smell of alcohol clinging to their bodies, I suspect they're sailors. And seeing as one of them reeks heavily of blood, they're probably not ordinary sailors, either."

'Is he just a descendant of Sherlock Holmes?'

"That's about the gist of the information I've gathered so far. You still don't have a clue, Sir Knight?"

Even after he laid it out like that, nothing else came to mind. Forget about sailors from Yabad, I hadn't even known the region existed until recently.

"Perhaps they just heard of your reputation and sought you out."

'So it's that, after all... But if the client sought me out in person, it's probably not a normal incident. And what they said earlier bothers me a bit too.'

"Well, we might as well ask them about Windhand while we're at it. Windhand operates in those waters, so they'd probably know more than the people here."

Since I had already decided to hear them out anyway, I slowly walked over to the pair who had secured a reception room and were calling us over.

"Um, asking just in case, but are these three your party members as well?"

"It is temporary, but we are traveling together."

The Archmage beat me to the punch before I could say anything. She likely took care of it herself because things would get complicated if I denied we were a party. I preferred it this way anyway.

"Do not worry about our discretion."

"... Hmm. Alright. I guess we'll have to trust you. Not like we have a choice."

The client's companion urgently grabbed their arm as if trying to stop them upon hearing the decision, but the client was firm. The door to the reception room closed.

"Good. Then shall we begin our talk?"

The client, sitting on the opposite side, shifted the atmosphere with a light tone and immediately took off their robe.

At that, the long, pointed ears unique to the Slender race, a faded bandana, and the ornaments trailing down from it were revealed. They only wore a single coat over their upper body, leaving their chest and stomach completely exposed.

"Ugh, I thought I was gonna die from the stuffiness."

"...! Cap, tain!"

"... Wait, that person is..."

"It's fine, it's fine. Trust is the lifeblood in these matters."

Behind me, DeB gaped silently as the client giggled and appeased their companion. The next thing the client did was flash a wide grin and confidently point a thumb at themselves while looking at me.

"I'm Suria of Zakrati. People usually call me Windhand. Pleased to meetcha, alright?"

'...' Scuse me?'

"For your information, I'm not here as the captain of a privateer ship; I came under the orders of the Lord of Zakrati. So don't even think about reporting me. The only reason I'm keeping a low profile is because of certain circumstances, but I do carry a temporary indulgence. I can show it to you if you want."

'Wait, the actual Windhand?'

"Your business."

Honestly, I wanted to widen my eyes and ask if they were actually for real... but my concept wasn't the kind of person to get flustered over something like that.

I forcefully composed my feelings and feigned a cold tone. I simply ignored the sound of DeB desperately covering the Inquisitor's mouth from behind.

"You're believing me just like that?"

"If it is a lie, I can simply cut off your head. Do I have any reason to wonder further than that?"

"Spicy, very spicy. I like it. A swordsman's ambition should be at least that much. Then, Mr. Spicy Adventurer, could I hear your name as well?"

"If you called me here just to fraternize, I will take my leave."

"So impatient! Got it, I got it."

Was it because my attitude was practically blowing away any existing affinity points? The Archmage, who had definitely been just as flustered as me, suddenly snapped back to her senses and began desperately poking me in the back.

GRIND.

But there was no way my concept would tolerate being given hints like this...

"...?"

Resting my hand on the hilt of my sword, I shot a chilling glare over my shoulder.

"Do you want to die?"

The Mage was wise. Her hand was quickly withdrawn.

"So, down to business, then?"

Windhand cautiously introduced the topic while reading the room.

"Do you happen to know the situation in Zakrati?"

"I do not."

"Then I'll have to start from the beginning."

Windhand twirled their drop earring with a finger and calmly formulated their next sentence.

"Zakrati is currently in the middle of a civil war. Actually, it's a rather old one."

They said this while bringing up an incident and a name I had heard before.

"It's a battle that's been ongoing ever since Piuon, the brother of the former lord Bipurit, rebelled against Bipurit's excessive actions and finally wrested the castle away from him."

It was the story DeB had told us during the pirate hunt.

"We call it a civil war, but really, it's more like a massive headache caused by pirates. The ousted Bipurit blatantly started acts of piracy, and every castle has declared him a public enemy."

"The point."

"Bipurit's forces have become too ferocious lately. They didn't just occupy a city; they've advanced right up to the gates of our Zakrati Castle."

'Now I've got a rough idea. The ousted tyrant gathered his forces and returned, and they came here to find military power to fight back. And they pinpointed me as one of those assets.'

"We've reached out to other cities, but their situations aren't any better. Everyone's too busy protecting their own castles and sea routes, making it painfully hard to get help."

"... I had heard that pirates were running rampant on the southern coast, but is it truly to that extent?"

"Yeah. Enough that we had to come inland because there was nowhere else left to ask for help."

After saying that much, Windhand looked straight at me. Their black irises clearly reflected my image.

"I saw you fight. You had the combat prowess of an entire army. I'll pay whatever you want, so won't you lend us your strength?"

'What should I say? Their situation is certainly urgent, but we have an incident on our hands that could wipe out this entire region, so it was a truly tricky spot to be in.'

"... More importantly, I have a question. If that's what you need, wouldn't it be more appropriate to seek help from the lord?"

"Who doesn't know that? It's just... the Yabad Region has made enemies out of a lot of port cities because of the privateers. Not that I'm one to talk."

It really wasn't something Windhand had any right to say. They were a privateer captain, after all.

"Instead of expecting them to help, it's faster to just hire adventurers. They'll move if you pay them."

"Can you turn the tide of the war with just adventurers?"

"I have a plan of my own. Plus, I intend to find and recruit more skilled individuals besides you."

Right after, they tacked on a condition starting with 'However'.

"The reason I sought you out first is simply because we can't take too many people with us. Our ship isn't that big."

If headcount was limited, prioritizing quality made perfect sense.

'As for why they pinpointed me specifically... I guess I looked that strong to them. Though I'm really curious what they saw to reach that conclusion.'

"So, what do you say? Changed your mind?"

The problem was our current situation. The Sea Dragon was far more urgent for us. And to deal with the Sea Dragon, we needed a highly skilled captain.

Until this matter was resolved, it would be difficult for me to head anywhere else.

"The Dragon's Cry Gate, do you know of it?"

'Then what's there to do? Find a negotiation strategy, obviously. It wasn't like my concept was so brain-dead that I couldn't even compromise.'

"The Dragon's Cry Gate? Of course I know it, why?"

"Can you pass through it?"

"Hmm. That's a bit of an out-of-the-blue question... but to answer straight away, probably. I haven't exactly tried it myself, but I'm confident."

"Then let us do this. Pay me an advance first. Then I will accept your quest."

"Huh? An advance? That's a bit... wait, you take goods too, right? How much do you need?"

"I do not need wealth."

"Then what?"

"Your sailing skills."

"...?"

'Ah, of course, just because I wasn't brain-dead didn't mean I was kind.'

"Guide me to the Dragon's Cry Gate."

Windhand's expression turned bizarre.

"... I'm a bit taken aback. Why there?"

"I must hunt the Sea Dragon."

"... What?"

Right behind them was a face that completely doubted its own ears.

"Wait? What? A Sea Dragon?"

"Do you lack the ability to comprehend words?"

"No, seriously? Why??"

'Honestly, I think that's the reaction of a sane person, but I diligently filled my eyes with irritation. Windhand started stuttering, at a loss for words.'

"Ahem. I will explain the details."

"Oh my god. You're so serious you're actually going to explain it? Why are you hunting a Sea Dragon?!"

"Because it has become corrupted."

"... What?"

From here on out, it was the Archmage's turn. Catching the opening I provided perfectly, the Mage rapidly and articulately laid out our entire current situation.

It was inevitable that Windhand and their companion would let their jaws drop at this crash course.

"No, no, what in the world."

'Right. It'd be baffling to come seeking a solution for a civil war only to find out there's a much bigger ticking time bomb waiting here. That's just how life works.'

"... Alright, I understand your circumstances. And that you guys aren't in a position to move easily."

Fortunately, Windhand was quick on the uptake.

"I'm withdrawing this quest."

And their ability to cut their losses was just as quick.

"I came to get people to save my castle, not to gamble with my life."

"Wait, please reconsider. This is not just one city's problem. If things go awry, the entire Western Sea might be ruined."

"I'm fully aware of that. But the Western Sea isn't facing destruction this very second, is it? Unlike Zakrati! Right now, Zakrati is hanging by a thread."

"Did he not say he would accept the quest? You only need to let us pass through the Dragon's Cry Gate."

At the Archmage's earnest plea, Windhand let out a sharp burst of laughter. Even without words, the sentiment of 'stop spewing nonsense' came across loud and clear.

"I only need to let you pass through the Dragon's Cry Gate? How shameless! Unless you folks have the ability to walk on water, it's obvious I'll have to steer the ship the whole time you're hunting the Sea Dragon!"

They fired off their next sentences without giving the Archmage even a moment to interject.

"My life isn't just mine alone. As long as Zakrati placed their trust in me and sent me here, I cannot die in vain."

It was a crystal-clear rejection. Though the Archmage wasn't about to back down so easily.

"If you agree to help, I will pull strings so that the Magic Tower and the Temple can immediately dispatch aid to Zakrati."

"Look here, who are you to guarantee that? Do you think I don't know how slow those factions are to get off their asses? Or what, you got some big connections?"

"I have no connections, but I do serve as one of the pillars of the Magic Tower as a Great Sage. It is not an empty boast, so please believe me."

Had they not anticipated this? Windhand's expression softened slightly.

"... Alright, I don't know if that's true or false, but let's just say it is for now. However, my stance still hasn't changed. I highly doubt the selfish Magic Tower would help Zakrati without gaining anything in return."

Of course, just because they softened didn't mean they accepted it.

"And the Temple... You guys should know damn well that the Yabad Region hates the Temple, right? You should've just mentioned the Magic Tower. Idiots."

'What kind of talk was this now? I frowned upon hearing that the Yabad Region hated the Temple.'

"..."

Even the Inquisitor had a complicated look on his face when I briefly glanced back at him.

'I thought it was a bit strange that he hadn't opened his mouth at all since DeB silenced him earlier, but perhaps this was the reason why.'

"Whatever. Talking any further is just a waste of time. I'll be going now. There should be plenty of adventurers or mercenaries out there besides you guys."

"... Until this matter is resolved, you will find it difficult to achieve your goals in this city. It is highly likely that anyone with actual skill will be mobilized for the dragon hunt."

"What?"

"The Lord is likely in a similar position. The closest city to the Dragon's Cry Gate is Gruh Telz... and this city will be the first to suffer if this issue is neglected."

"... Are you threatening me right now?"

"Why would I do that? I merely gave you some advice out of hope that you would not waste your time."

'Usually, the world considers that a threat, though...'

I finely chopped up my retorts and swallowed them into my stomach. No matter what anyone said, the Archmage winning was beneficial for me.

"Dammit..."

Windhand chewed their lip with a face that looked like they desperately wanted to slug the Archmage in the jaw.

'For someone representing a whole group, they don't seem to have much talent for managing their facial expressions. Or maybe they're just that anxious.'

"... How about this instead? If you guys help Zakrati first and solve our problem, I'll help you out in return."

In roughly one minute, Windhand presented a counter-proposal.

'They could have chosen the option of heading to a different city, but they seem to want to resolve things right here instead.'

"Then the Western Sea will be further ruined. The problem in Zakrati is not something that can be resolved in a day or two, is it?"

The problem was, as the Archmage pointed out, it wouldn't be resolved quickly. At best, it might be resolved in a few days, but there was also a chance it could become protracted.

And in that time...

["Anyway... if we stay like this, only death awaits us..."]

["But then why couldn't you save my mom?"]

'That small village might not be able to hold out any longer and disappear entirely. Honestly, we've dragged things out long enough as it is.'

"Then what about the dragon? Is a dragon something you can hunt down in a day or two?"

"That is..."

'Then I suppose it's about time I stepped up.'

'The order of operations is the issue here, but they seem positive about the idea of helping each other out in turn.'

'So all I need to do is give them the confidence that pushing their turn back is perfectly fine. If they're worried about the time it'll take, I just have to let them know it won't take long.'

"No, wait, is it even possible to hunt it in the first place? Is killing a dragon even feasible?!"

And for that, I was much more suited than the Archmage. My concept, to be exact.

"What reason is there for it not to be feasible?"

"What?"

"I will ask. How long does it take to reach the Dragon's Cry Gate."

"Hah, I thought I just said it. Unless you help us first, the deal is..."

"I asked how long it takes."

I lowered my voice, placing heavy, deliberate emphasis on each word. Perhaps feeling something from that, Windhand cut off whatever they were about to say and looked straight at me.

"If we depart from here, it wouldn't even take a day."

"Are you certain?"

"How far is the distance? I've memorized the entire Western Sea. I'm certain. It absolutely wouldn't take more than a day. If we're just going there and coming straight back, even half a day would be enough."

"Then, it will take me half a day as well."

"What?"

'This is the most important part.'

I declared it, as if trying to brainwash myself.

"From departing this city, hunting the dragon, and returning back to this city."

The fact that melee DPS wouldn't be able to do anything in this raid environment, the fact that a total party wipe was highly likely because it was a blind run, the fact that a proper dragon-hunting team hadn't even been formed yet. I completely ignored all those petty problems.

"Half a day—no, since it is a round trip, a day will be enough. Assuming the sailing time you declared is not incorrect."

'Because a concept-obsessed player doesn't care about things like that!'

'So I'll leave the aftermath to you, future me!'