Chapter 57, Enormous Reward
Adventurer Guild, Lorian Branch.
The forest around Lorian was always bustling with adventurers, since magical beasts and demi-humans that brought profit appeared there frequently. However, today, the crowd was twice as large as usual.
Soul Tree.
The young Mage who had subjugated that impossibly massive giant tree together with the blood-stained sword, Leira.
Since Verden mainly operated in Gray, his name had only been slowly spreading among a few nobles and related parties, but on the surface, it would not be wrong to say he was completely unknown.
That was why the impact was even greater.
Not an adventurer, not a mercenary, but an existence no one had ever heard of before, a suddenly emerging new powerhouse.
Jealousy and admiration, curiosity, and even just a story to talk about over drinks.
Adventurers gathered one after another, each with their own reasons, to see the Mage from the rumors. And then, after some time, a man of unfamiliar appearance stepped into the guild.
"Is that the Mage they're talking about...."
Ash-gray hair, blue eyes... certainly not an ordinary appearance.
Some adventurers silently sipped their drinks while observing Verden. Using their own experiences to measure his ability.
"They say he's young. To think he created such a massive firestorm at that age... I just can't believe it."
"Well, it's not impossible. That blood-stained sword is said to be in her twenties too. Not that I've ever seen her face without a mask."
"You can't judge those two on the same scale. The prime of the body comes when you're young, but the prime of a Mage comes much later. Of course, it depends on talent, but magic of that level at his age is clearly beyond standard."
"What if he just looks young? Maybe he's much older, but only his appearance is youthful?"
"How would I know? If you're that curious, why don't you go ask him yourself?"
Dozens of gazes flying from all directions. Murmurs spreading everywhere.
Since his senses were enhanced by the Ring of Rune, it was a little irritating, but Verden ignored it and walked straight ahead. An employee who had been waiting guided Verden to the top floor of the guild, to the Guild Master's office.
He came face to face with a middle-aged man in a navy coat.
"This is our first time meeting in person. It's an honor. I am Feibaltz, Guild Master of the Lorian Adventurer Guild."
"My name is Asher."
"Of course I know, the very one who saved Lorian. Then, let's skip unnecessary talk and move right to the main matter, shall we?"
"Go ahead."
"Good, thank you."
Feibaltz explained the reward that would be given to Verden.
"First of all, the reward for subjugating the Soul Tree. To give you the conclusion first, the total sum amounts to 480 million Elk. The guild assessed the danger level of the Soul Tree, and, through discussion with the city, calculated the expected damage costs. Added to that are extra rewards for rescuing Bardel here, and everything else."
...480 million?
As Verden blinked silently, Feibaltz continued.
"Compared with the records, it seems the Soul Tree you defeated had not yet achieved complete growth. Meaning, its danger level did not reach that of a special specimen. However, the truth is that Lorian nearly faced annihilation, so the city exempted you from taxes, and we even wrung... I mean, secured extra budget from the city to increase the payment."
Here, the warrior Bardel had played his part.
As thanks for saving his life, he persuaded the mayor to cough up the budget. Since Bardel held considerable influence in Lorian, even the mayor could not easily ignore him.
"The amount may be less than you expected, but it was calculated fairly. If you are not satisfied, I can explain the details further."
"No, it's fine."
Verden answered without hesitation.
To be honest, he thought it would be at most around 300 million Elk.
No one could deny that the Soul Tree was a dangerous abnormal species, but the subjugation itself ended smoothly. And now not only was the reward higher, but the taxes were waived as well. There was no reason to be dissatisfied.
"But, you said 'first of all'... does that mean there are other rewards?"
"Yes, indeed. Rather than explain, it would be better to show you."
Feibaltz pulled out a large wooden box from under the desk.
When he released the lock, inside was revealed a green wooden stem.
"Among the remains, only these were intact. From the shattered traces of the core nearby, we assume these were the stems that supported the core. Because of this, it took some time to evaluate the reward."
Was it valuable as a material?
Since it had never been discovered before, an analysis was necessary. The results were quite surprising.
"Its durability is beyond most metals, it has a self-restoration ability, and its receptivity and conductivity are higher than mithril. In short, it is a rare material with considerable potential."
The Soul Tree's stems discovered numbered four in total.
The Adventurer Guild divided them based on contribution to the subjugation. For reference, they consulted Leira, a Platinum Rank adventurer who had fought alongside Verden.
"She said that it was largely thanks to you, Asher, that the subjugation was achieved without major damage. So, the highest contributor—you—will receive two, Leira one, and the guild purchased the last one, part of that profit being added to your reward."
The result: personally, Verden received a total of 570 million Elk, and two Soul Tree stems.
If sold as materials and converted to total value, the worth would reach as much as 1.3 billion Elk. That was how high the material's value was. At such an overwhelming reward beyond his expectations, Verden's eyes gleamed faintly.
"If you are satisfied, then please sign here..."
Scratch.
Verden immediately wrote his name on the paper. Of course, using the alias Asher.
"...Good. Then the confirmation of payment is complete. The money will be deposited into your account within five days at the latest. As for the material, you can take it as it is in this box."
"Thank you."
"The thanks should be mine."
Verden carefully collected the materials.
How should he use this, his head was filled with that thought.
Feibaltz watched that sight intently.
'Equipment made from Mahbat's Leather. It seems he really is active around Gray.'
Otherwise, there was no way he would own such expensive equipment.
Unless he was employed by a noble or a wealthy patron, in the duchy the only places to earn that level of income were the Adventurer Guild or Gray.
'He has no intention of becoming an adventurer now.'
If he had, he would have already been active in the Adventurer Guild long ago.
Well, even if he recruited him, it was not as if he would settle in Lorian and build achievements like Bardel, so there was no need to bring it up.
Feibaltz neatly gave up on recruiting Verden.
"Then, farewell."
***
Having received his reward, Verden had no more reason to remain in Lorian. He had heard that Leira too, once she had received her reward, had already left.
He returned to the inn and laid out the items he possessed.
Breath of Element.
Mana crystal.
Soul Tree stems.
Mandrake extract.
These four were materials unusable on their own.
Here Verden had to think.
Which choice, if made first, would contribute most to his growth from here on. Of course, selling them was not an option.
'Should I change my weapon first.'
An Orb crafted from the Breath of Element and a mana crystal.
He could not be certain, but if it was the Soul Tree stems, they might serve as the framework of a staff capable of withstanding the Orb's power.
Naturally, other ingredients would still be required, but the most important overall outline was already in place.
'The problem is who will craft the staff.'
Through Pale, he could surely obtain information on outstanding magical item artisans.
But with his current wealth, he was far too short to pay for the secondary materials and production costs. Roughly estimating, it would require at least several billions of Elk.
There was a reason the Breath of Element and mana crystal had been stored away in the treasure vault of the magic tower.
'In that case....'
Verden's gaze shifted to the side.
Mandrake extract, the core material for a demon core.
Based on last year's market price, the other required materials amounted to nearly 400 million. A large sum, yet one he could easily afford with his newly acquired reward.
And the difficulty of production, compared to the Orb, was lower.
"Then it's decided."
Instead of stubbornly hoarding money to obtain a powerful weapon, he would strengthen his magical ability further. That was the correct judgment.
'If I keep saving recklessly, I might fail to use it when the time is right.'
As circumstances allowed, he would utilize everything he had.
That was how Verden had grown until now. And it was how he would continue to grow, never stopping.
An endless sky with no limits.
Even now, Verden was taking one step after another upward.
***
Cohen's slums.
Through the dilapidated streets, he arrived at the Pale Arrowhead. Entering inside, the old man reading a newspaper turned his head toward Verden.
But his reaction was different from before.
"Welcome."
The old man, who had always treated him with disdain, now offered a greeting.
His tone, which had been sharp and warning at their first meeting, had also turned polite. Puzzled by this sudden change in attitude, Verden tilted his head slightly and stepped inside.
Descending into the underground, he found the bandaged man waiting.
"Welcome. Asher Sir. I will guide you."
The old man's changed behavior, and the sudden appearance of the bandaged man.
Though Verden had traveled this path many times to receive commissions from Pale, this was the first time, aside from the very first day, that the bandaged man guided him.
'...What is going on?'
He could not know yet.
Sharpening his already heightened senses, Verden followed behind the bandaged man. Yet instead of stopping at the tavern floor, he continued farther, finding another staircase, descending even deeper underground.
"This is different from usual."
"My apologies. It is by Lord Pale's order.... I ask for your under standing."
The bandaged man turned his head, bowing slightly over his shoulder.
Since he was being this deferential, there was no reason to argue. There was not even the faintest hostility in his voice or demeanor.
'Doesn't seem like he intends to start trouble.'
After a moment's thought, Verden silently followed.
Before long, they reached the lowest level underground.
A corridor where magical lighting devices were placed at regular intervals. Paintings and ornaments lined the walls, while the sides were decorated with objects resembling old antiques, arranged in orderly fashion throughout.
'And traps too.'
Not magic circles.
Small gaps cleverly hidden in some walls and along the corridor's edges. Judging by the size, they were designed to fire arrows or small spears.
Outdated traps, yet more than enough to catch the unprepared off guard. Without enhanced senses, even Verden would have found them difficult to detect.
'Though I would have used mana detection beforehand.'
Then, the bandaged man stopped and pointed to the door at the end of the corridor.
"Lord. Pale is waiting inside."
As if his task was done, the bandaged man bowed deeply to Verden and turned back the way they had come.
Verden stood still for a moment, then stepped toward the door. Pulling on the handle, a faint fragrance touched his nose from within.
"I have been waiting for you, Sir Asher."
Pale, the information broker of southern Gray.
Sitting in a luxurious chair, he gave a slight bow to Verden.