Gong was a very likable young man—energetic and considerate, especially for someone who'd just reached adulthood. Looking at the detailed list that even included origins and maps, I felt incredibly motivated. I almost charged out of the city right then, Debate Club in hand.
"Little Gong said we could contact him regularly! He'll help filter high-reward commissions for us—how nice."
［Commission locations recorded］
"Mhm."
I created a save point inside the city.
Right after saving, a child in a purple kimono and geta clattered past, brushing against my clothes.
Me: ...
"That kid's brushing technique is suspicious."
I immediately checked my belongings and found the loose Mora I'd tucked in my sleeve was gone. It wasn't much, but it was definitely missing.
［Lost: 15 Mora］
"So even here there are child pickpockets? A bit surprising." I memorized the kid's purple cloud-patterned kimono and the clattering blue-strapped geta. "If he's an Inazuman kid, maybe he knows Arataki Itto and his gang."
［Cannot confirm—though if you keep talking to me, passersby will think you're strange］
People nearby were glancing at me curiously.
I shut my mouth.
Other systems allow mental communication. Why is mine so outdated?
Reload save—
I grabbed the kid as he passed, hoisting him up by the scruff of his neck.
His hair was short and messy. The kid yelped in surprise, limbs flailing, before his eyes met mine.
"Hey, you little brat," I said. "Hand over what you took."
After a moment of shock, the kid actually swung a fist at my face. Startled, I dodged backward just in time to hear fabric tear—the little brat had pulled out a small knife and silently sliced through the collar I was holding.
His technique was so smooth it was hard to believe he wasn't a seasoned thief.
Holding the scrap of fabric, I listened to the clatter of his geta fading into the distance, then decided to stash the cloth in my inventory.
The commotion had drawn attention.
"—That child is from the Tamura family," a woman holding a child spoke up.
"I think his name is Tamura Kaito. His father was killed by ronin while serving as a soldier. His mother took up with another man at home—" The woman patted the child in her arms while making a disdainful face. "Who knows how that woman raised her child? She never did any work, and then she just disappeared. Now the kid runs around causing trouble every day."
"That boy's always stealing or snatching food. Sadly, he's slippery as an eel," added another man.
"Does anyone know where to find him?" I asked.
The woman paused. "If you're looking for him, he's probably around Yashiori Island. Lately, he might be following that big red oni around and causing trouble."
Mention of the oni made the woman's face twist with disgust, any pity for the child vanishing.
My guess was probably right.
No matter how hard Arataki Itto tried in the game to improve people's perception of oni, it was a drop in the bucket. Many still despised the tall, horned beings.
Some of this sentiment likely stemmed from the legendary oni woman Chiyo, who had her arm severed by the Raiden Shogun. Her fearsome power was probably seared into public memory.
I thought for a moment, then pulled 100 Mora from my inventory and pressed it into the woman's hand. "Thank you for telling me this. I appreciate it."
The woman waved it off but accepted the coins. "Oh, it's no trouble! But a young lady like you alone seems like an easy target. That brat loves stealing from solo travelers. Be more careful in the future!"
I nodded.
Finding the kid could wait. If it was just 15 Mora, it wasn't a big deal. Right now, I had a 500,000 Mora project in my hands. Better to focus on completing the commission first.
Thinking this, I left the city.
Soon, light, rapid pattering footsteps followed behind me.
"Not again, another thief?"
［It's a dog］
Something tugged at my pants leg.
I turned around. It really was a large black dog, its tail curled upward. It quickly sniffed at the hem of my clothes, seemed to catch a particular scent, bared its teeth briefly, then started wagging its tail vigorously, making a whistling sound like a boiling kettle—
"Are you hungry?"
I took a chicken leg I'd just bought from my inventory and offered it.
The dog gulped it down in one bite, its shiny golden eyes still fixed on me. Puzzled, I found a Violetgrass and offered it.
The dog took a bite, spat it out, and continued staring.
Clearly not a Violetgrass fan.
I crouched and patted its head. "What do you want? I don't have any other food."
It shook its head, circled me once, nudged my right hand, sniffed my sleeves and hem, then sat in front of me, raising its front paws—clearly trained.
Not a dumb dog. Probably someone's lost pet.
"Alright, time to go home. I need to get going." I stood and brushed off my clothes. If it had an owner, no matter how petable, it wasn't mine to keep.
"Woof!" It barked loudly as if startled, making me jump.
Seeing I was still leaving, it stood up and followed, making that boiling kettle sound again, rubbing against my calves as it trotted alongside, its wet nose bumping my leg.
Maybe it'll leave after a while.
Thinking this, I picked up my pace, quickly leaving the dog behind, only a few stray dog hairs floating in the wind. I ran along the main road for a bit, but it stubbornly followed.
I chopped down trees with my sword; it watched from the side.
I devoured Violetgrass; it watched while holding a squirrel in its mouth.
I waded across a river; it swam behind me.
I leaped across a cliff; it… whined like a boiling kettle pleading.
By nightfall, I climbed a tree and settled on a thick branch. It rustled around somehow and ended up on a lower branch nearby, watching me, legs trembling.
Since when can dogs climb trees?
"Are you dead set on following me?"
The dog's golden eyes glowed in the dark, its black tail swishing.
I leaned over and pulled it from the branch into my arms. It wasn't a small breed but a larger, fluffier one. Its belly was flat—a female. Aside from some dust on its fur, it was clean, warm, and carried that distinct dog smell.
I held the dog close and leaned against the tree trunk.
"If you move, we're both falling tonight."
Human eyes and dog eyes stared at each other for a long time.
"How about… calling her Kettle?" I suggested to the System. "She sounds like boiling water."
［Tch］
"You just went 'tch,' didn't you?"
［No, you misheard］
"—Then it's settled. Kettle."
［Tch］
Kettle looked at me with doggy eyes, seemingly puzzled by my muttering. I gave her fluffy head a loud kiss. Her tail wagged like a helicopter blade, the curl nearly straightening out.
I love dogs. Their enthusiastic affection is something I can feel deeply. I have a soft spot for anyone who likes me.
After getting my fill of dog cuddles, I looked out at the dark night sky.
Better rest up. More work tomorrow.
——
The tree was being violently shaken, pounding and rattling.
I was jolted awake.
"What's going on?"
［Detected: Treasure Hoarders, 5 individuals］
Kettle's fur bristled in fear, baring her teeth with a low growl. Seeing I was awake, she tried to jump down, but I caught her. If she jumped, she might hurt her legs.
"Hey! There's someone up here!" I yelled. The noise below paused for a moment. My grogginess-induced anger mixed with annoyance at yet another interruption. Holding the dog with one hand, I drew the Debate Club with the other and leaped down—
Anyone who disturbs my sleep deserves to die.
After sending one flying with a swing, I raised my weapon and scanned the area.
A circle of people surrounded me, all around Level 10—mere rookies.
Unlike previous Treasure Hoarders who attacked on sight, these ones seemed to recognize me. The dog under my arm, Kettle, growled and bared her teeth at them.
A few exchanged glances.
The leader, a tall man, pulled down his face covering with a smile. "Oh, our apologies! We didn't know anyone was up there. We meant no offense."
"You're Big Sis Ryuguu, right? Our people offended you before. Please don't hold it against us."
If the rumors Gong mentioned had spread, these guys were well-informed. They really knew who I was. I kept my weapon and dog close, stance unchanged.
"What are you doing here?"
They exchanged another look. "Ah, it's nothing! Just chopping some trees!"
They really hadn't done anything besides shaking the tree. I glanced at the tree behind me—there were faint chop marks. I could only reluctantly believe they were just logging.
"Fine then." I slung the Debate Club over my shoulder and turned to leave. I heard the tall man step closer behind me, as if to do something. I quietly gathered Cryo energy—
"Miya! Duck!!"
Someone shouted. A flash of fire erupted. I immediately lowered my head, catching a glimpse of flames engulfing a spear thrust. A hand in half-finger gloves grabbed my shoulder and pulled me aside.
Blond hair. The warmth of fire.
Ah. I stared at the flames, instinctively putting away my weapon, feeling reassured.
—It was Thoma.