Side Story - Side Fencer Iv, Part One
──Could you temporarily join our party?
I was unsure whether it was good luck or bad luck when Brave, whom I met again in front of the Mercenary Guild, made such a proposal to me.
They had taken on a long-abandoned request within the guild branch, in other words, a "salted request," and asked my cooperation.
I didn't know Brave's intentions for making such an invitation. The first thing that comes to mind is to strengthen their forces, but when I look at the people standing behind Brave, I can't help but feel doubtful.
A middle-aged mercenary carrying a great sword. I have met him a few times as well.
He is the highest-ranked mercenary, known as the 1st rank, and he is the most powerful among the mercenaries based in the royal capital. His presence alone is more than enough in terms of strength.
The magician is a young woman who serves as a court magician. She is famous among the mercenaries for single-handedly defeating dangerous monsters. The guild considers her to be on par with the top-ranking 2nd rank mercenaries in terms of skill.
The last member is a priest. Although he gives off an impression of being unreliable, being chosen as a companion of the Brave means he must possess the necessary skills.
"...Oh, no. I'm just here to make up the numbers. I was chosen because I'm a decently skilled person who happened to not have an important position."
He looked like someone older who was mourning his fate, even though he doesn't seem much older than me. I don't know what to say to make him feel better, but for now, I just want him to live strongly.
I had some doubts about whether I had the ability to join as a team member, but I accepted the offer from the Brave.
Don't get me wrong, my only lord is Yukina-sama. I have no intention of switching allegiance. If someone were to force me to do so, I would not show any mercy, even if they were a Brave or a member of the royal family of this country. I would even be prepared to sacrifice myself.
However, since I declined to become an official member of the Brave, I felt it would be difficult to refuse something.
And I heard from Yukina-sama himself that Brave and Yukina-sama are from the same hometown. That's why I was hoping to hear some stories about Yukina-sama from Brave's mouth.
So, I agreed to temporarily join the team of Brave, on the condition that they help me with a request I had planned to accept beforehand.
And the next day.
I quickly went on a mission with Brave and the others.
The mission was to defeat a dangerous monster called the Steel Mantis. Monsters are usually named based on their appearance and characteristics, and the Steel Mantis is no exception. It is a type of mantis-shaped monster with a hard steel-like exoskeleton.
Normally, this monster would live in a different habitat, but it seems like it wandered into a corner of a mine near the town.
Luckily, the mine has been abandoned for a long time, and we only found one male Steel Mantis without a mate.
If we had found both male and female monsters, or if there was a lone female, the urgency of the mission would be extremely high. After breeding, the female would lay eggs, and once they hatch, the number of individuals would increase rapidly. They would then start searching for food outside the mine, causing a Monster Rampage or Stampede.
However, as long as there is only one male, there is no need to worry about breeding, and there is not much danger as long as you don't approach the settled area. That's why the request was left unattended.
Originally, it was a request that I took on. The rank recommended for the extermination of the Steel Mantis is from the upper ranks of 3rd rank to the lower ranks of 2nd rank. Comparing the monster's abilities with my own, I judged that I could handle this request alone.
"However, if we attack with multiple people, we can definitely kill it. Thank you for your cooperation."
"No, I also wanted to gain some experience. Besides, I was planning to take on this request even if Mikage-san hadn't taken it."
In response to my gratitude, Brave humbly said. He doesn't have a particularly keen eye for people, but I could understand that Brave was speaking sincerely.
"So, Silver Flash, how much longer until we reach our destination?"
"It's just a little further ahead. Although the monsters that inhabit this area are not particularly formidable, please remain cautious. ...Although I don't think I need to tell you that."
"No, it's not a bad idea to verbally confirm it, even if that's the case. Except for you and me, everyone else in this group is still inexperienced when it comes to mercenary activities."
A tall man carrying a great sword — the top-ranked mercenary, Gabert. He may not have a muscular appearance, but his body, glimpsed between the gaps in his armor, is well-toned and refined. That has been narrowed down to the absolute limit without any waste.
"But seriously, Silver Flash... Is it true that you've finally found a 'man'? It's all everyone talks about in the guild."
Gabert said with a smirk, while still remaining alert to his surroundings.
I gave him a stern look.
"...I don't feel the need to answer you."
"Come on, don't be like that. It's strange for someone like you, who has never shown the slightest interest in romance, to suddenly have a man. It's bound to pique my curiosity."
I respect this man as a mercenary, but I find him difficult to relate to on a personal level. He remains true to his own interests and lacks consideration for others.
"Are you okay, Shion-san?"
"I'm really sorry. It feels like I'm the only one holding everyone back. It's so embarrassing when Mayuri-san is still so energetic."
Mayuri, a young magician girl, approached Shion, a priest, with a worried expression. Shion was already on the brink of exhaustion.
"Please don't push yourself too hard. As a court magician, I have training and practical experience in outdoor activities. But Shion-san, you were originally assigned to indoor duties and didn't have any experience outside."
"Even so, from now on, I'll be in a much more challenging environment, and complaining won't get me anywhere."
Shion was originally just a priest in the Church and was practically a novice in everything except healing magic. Despite that, Shion didn't complain until someone spoke to him and desperately tried to keep up with everyone else's pace. It seems like he takes his work seriously due to his profession.
So, considering that Shion was originally an indoor bishop, he's doing quite well. The Steel Mantis has taken up residence in a corner of the abandoned mine. The path has been neglected for a long time, so it's in a terrible state and the footing is poor. If he can keep up with us despite being out of breath in such conditions, he should be able to accompany us on the journey depending on his future growth.
"Okay, let's have our final meeting here."
Saying that, Brave stops walking. Then, Shion lets out a sigh of relief and sits down on a nearby large rock, taking deep breaths. He was doing his best, but it must have been tough physically after all.
Impressive, I thought to myself. Glancing sideways, Gabert also nodded slightly with his hand on his chin.
Considering Shion's stamina, Brave decided to take a break here. However, the purpose is strictly for the 'meeting'. It's a way for Shion to take a break without feeling pressured. And in reality, the 'meeting' is not going to be a waste.
From anyone's point of view, the Brave is a great guy by all accounts, and has a humble and caring attitude towards those with a lot of experience. He is also quick-witted.
I've only met Brave a few times, and this is the first time we'll be working together. However, even in that short period of time, it became clear that he was very good.
According to Yukina, he was a leader among the youth in his home village and was expected to become a village leader in the future. I agree with this.
However, this is a story about his humanity.
All the monsters we've encountered so far have been 5th rank mercenary level. He can easily deal with something like this.
Therefore, I am interested in how Brave fights against powerful enemies, and how strong the person I once respected is.
Still, that was one of the reasons I accepted Brave's invitation this time.
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