第二十一話 レイドの告知
翌日、ギルド長ハレインの告知通り、冒険者ギルドの掲示板に
大規模依頼
だろ? 一流冒険者でも道中で死にかねないぞ......」
「以前〈嘆きの墓所〉で
他の冒険者達は、この募集に不安げな様子であった。
「推奨レベル80......とんでもないですね。もしもこれで〈嘆きの墓所〉のスカルロードみたいに〈夢の主〉が存在進化なんてしたら、レベル100近くになるんですよね?」
ルーチェが不安げに俺へと尋ねる。
俺は欠伸を押し殺しつつ、眠い目を擦った。
「エルマさん? あのぅ......」
「ああ、すまない。昨日、あまり寝ていなくてな」
昨日、ハレインより譲ってもらった冒険者の資料を徹夜で読み込んでいたのだ。
スキル構成次第で他者の目を欺いてアリバイを偽証できそうな人間もいたのだが、如何せんざっくりした情報しかないもので、妄想レベルの考えでしかない。
調査報告書だって、各冒険者の細かい動きと時間が詳細に記されているわけではない。
おまけにこの世界ではスキル構成が最適解に沿っていない人間が圧倒的に多すぎるため、その辺りの予想も立て辛い。
可能性を追っていけばキリがなかった。
今更再調査を実施してもらっても、この世界では他人のスキル構成は基本的に秘匿情報であるし、当日の細かい情報なんてもはや誰も覚えていないだろう。
参考にはなったが、ここから何か意義のある仮説が導けたかというと微妙なところである。
寝ずに考えていたため、どうにも頭が回らない。
「......だ、大丈夫ですかぁ?」
「そんなことより......毎度のことながら、悪いな、ルーチェ。また巻き込んでしまって」
「ふふん、巻き込んだ......なんて、言わないでくださいよぅ! アタシだって冒険者になった以上、国や街を守ることに貢献したいって思ってるんですから! それにアタシ達、死地を何度も共にした仲間じゃないですか」
ルーチェは勝ち気にそう言って、手のひらに拳を打った。
昨日、ルーチェと話し合い、正式に
「フン、キサマらも参加するのか。忠告しといてやるよ。ちょいとばかり成果を上げて図に乗っているようだが、今回のレイドは本当に危険だぜ、重騎士エルマ」
甲高い、高圧的な声が聞こえてくる。
声の方を向いたが、誰の姿もなかった。
「おかしい......声はすれど、姿は見えない......」
俺は目を擦りながら、周囲を見回した。
「エルマさん、下、下!」
ルーチェに言われてやや目線を落とし、ようやく紫の長髪を後ろで束ねた三白眼の少女......魔剣士ヒルデの姿が視認できた。
苛立ったように片瞼を痙攣させている。
「ああ、ヒルデか」
「毎度毎度......このオレ様を馬鹿にしてるだろ、キサマら。いいか、エルマ。オレ様は、決闘の恨みは忘れてねぇからな。この依頼はB級冒険者にとっても命懸けになる。小銭稼ぎたい程度の動機なら降りるこった。キサマには雪辱を果たすって決めてんだ。参加するなら、つまらねぇところで命を落とさないよう、気を張ってることだ」
ヒルデが俺に指を突きつけてそう言った。
「言葉遣いは悪いですけど、ヒルデさんなりにアタシ達を気遣ってくれてるみたいですね」
ルーチェが苦笑しながら、俺へと言った。
「チッ、キサマから五千万ゴルド取り返しそびれたら、オレ様が損するからそれまでくたばるなってだけの話だ」
「ふぁあ......」
「......おいキサマ、今、欠伸しやがったな?」
またヒルデの瞼がピクピクと震えた。
「ご、ごめんなさい、ヒルデさん! あの、エルマさん、昨日は徹夜だったみたいで......! アハハハ......」
ルーチェが笑って誤魔化した。
「エ、エルマさん、一応謝ってあげましょう。身を案じてくれてたことは、間違いないみたいですし」
「......悪かった。返す気はないが、正直あの決闘はちょっと大人げなかったなと思っている」
「オレ様の方が歳上だ! 知ってるんだぞ、キサマら十五、十六だろ! オレ様は十七だ十七!」
ふと、ヒルデが背負っている鎌に目が付いた。
賭けに負けて愛剣を失ったヒルデは代用品の〈黒鋼の鎌〉を装備していたのだが、また別の鎌へと変わっている。
「あれ、ヒルデ、その鎌......」
......その鎌は、俺達が〈幻獣の塔〉で乱獲した、グリムリーパーのドロップアイテムである〈魂狩りの大鎌〉であった。
店で捌いて回っていたため、値段が相場より少し落ちていたのかもしれない。
「エルマさん、エルマさん......」
「......似合ってるぞ」
「なんだ、キサマ。気色の悪い。オレ様には鎌装備がお似合いだってか? フン」
危ない、『安かったのか?』と聞くところだった。
これ以上神経を逆撫でしたら、またこの場で決闘騒ぎになりかねない。
寝不足のせいか、今日は隙が大きくなってしまっているように思う。
俺は自分を起こそうと、頬を軽く叩いた。
「気に入ってはいるがな。鎌も慣れれば、案外悪くない。この武器は付与効果も強力だ」
絶対安かったからだと思うのだが、俺は口を挟まないことにした。
本人が納得しているのならば野暮なことを言うべきではない。
「参加するのか......は、むしろ俺が聞きたいんだがな。一対一に特化した魔剣士は、〈夢の穴〉探索には燃費が悪い。
「ひ、人手不足が予想されてるんだから、B級冒険者で〈黒き炎刃〉の弟子であるオレ様が参加しないわけにはいかないだろう! このレベルの〈夢の穴〉でも、雑魚くらいMPを使わずに狩れる。オレ様を舐めてくれるなよ」
......意外とB級冒険者としての使命感はあるんだよな。
カロスも言っていたが、この世界は一部の上級冒険者達がどうにか魔物災害を喰い止めて存続させているのが現状である。
師匠であるカロスがそう意気込んでいるため、弟子であるヒルデも多少感化されているのかもしれない。
......もっとも、その結果が焦って鍛冶屋への恫喝では笑えないが。
「まぁ、A級冒険者のカロスとまた組むんだろうし、チームのレベルで押し切れるか......。カロスは感知スキルの〈第六感〉も持っているから、キツいと思えば厄介な敵との戦いは避けるだろうし」
〈夢の穴〉攻略では感知系統のスキルの有無の存在は大きい。
ただ、感知系統のスキルを取れるスキルツリーは基本的に攻撃性能に難があるため、考えなしに組み込むと火力不足や器用貧乏、補佐役寄りのスキル構成になってしまいがちで難しいのだ。
「フン、別に師匠に頼り切るつもりはないがな。......あん? キサマ、師匠のスキルを知ってたのか?」
俺は口許を手で押さえた。
調査報告書で各冒険者のスキル構成の仮説を立てていたのだが、当日の行動から考えて、カロスは何かしらの感知スキルを持っていると考えた方が筋が通っていたのだ。
持久力に難のある魔剣士であるから、ソロ活動が主な時点で回復スキルか感知スキルを持っているのはわかっていたが。
「あまり行儀のいいことじゃなかったな、いや、悪い」
境界が難しいところではあるが、あまり人のスキル構成を踏み込んで探るのはマナー違反に近い。
ケルトも口にしていたように、よほど親しい仲でなければトラブルの許だからだ。
「はぁ......まぁ、触れ回ってはくれるなよ。しかし、スキル構成の逆算って、なんでそんなことできるんだキサマ......。この世界に、どれだけのスキルツリーとスキルがあることか。前々から思っていたが、本当に得体の知れない奴だ」
〈マジックワールド〉であれば、上位プレイヤーならばだいたいできたことである。
クラスがわかった時点で、せいぜいスキルツリーの構成は三、四パターンに絞られる。
そこから更に、プレイスタイルや装備や動き方がわかればどんどん明け透けになっていく。
もっともこの世界では皆が強くなるための最適解を歩んでいるわけではないためパターン数が膨大に増えて、スキル構成を推測する難度は大幅に跳ね上がっているが。
「や、やっぱりエルマさん、まだ例の件で頭がいっぱいなんですね......。お疲れ様でした。ア、アタシ、役に立たないかもしれませんけど、まだやることがあるなら例の調査の方もお手伝いしますから......!」
ふと、俺達へと近づいてくる足音があった。
銀の長髪の美丈夫、A級冒険者〈黒き炎刃〉ことカロスであった。
カロスは俺達の前で歩を止める。
「危険なレイドだから強制はできないけれど、君達にも期待しているよ、エルマ、ルーチェ。前も言ったけれど、あまり戦力に余裕がなくてね。前レイドの〈
「ヒルデさんの師匠のカロスさん......」
「それにいつも言っているが、本当に私は師匠になったつもりはないのだが......」
「し、師匠!? そんな......」
「先人が新人を導くのは当然のことだよ。それに私は、君対してそこまで何かをしてあげられたつもりもない。君がここまで来られたのは、君の才覚と努力の賜物だ。それでも私に恩義を感じているというのであれば、それは私に返すよりも困っている新米冒険者達に返してあげて欲しい」
カロスは苦笑いしながらそう話した。
「し、師匠......!」
ヒルデが感嘆の声を上げる。
......ヒルデはあまり人を指導するのは向いていないような気もするのだが、余計な口を挟むのは止めておこう。
「今回のレイドも、カロスがギルドに提案したのか?」
「ギルド、というよりハウルロッド侯爵家にね。提案というよりは、今回は助言を求められただけだよ。......ただ、あちらは少しばかりきな臭いことになっているようだけれど」
「きな臭い......?」
「思いの外、ハウルロッド侯爵家の本家と、ギルドを任せられている分家の仲が良くないようだ。跡継ぎ争いのこともある。君は当事者だから言うまでもないだろうが、暗殺未遂もあったようだしね」
カロスが声量を落としてそう口にした。
ハウルロッド侯爵家と接触しているカロスは、〈幻獣の塔〉での一件を既に知っているようだった。
「あ、暗殺未遂......? 師匠、それって......!」
カロスは口に人差し指を当て、彼女に注意を促した。
「危険なレイドになるのは間違いない。ただ、貴族や国が敵だったとしても、私は退くつもりはないがね。元々、頻発する魔物災害の正体を追ってラコリナまで流れ着いた。ようやく、その尻尾が掴めそうなんだ」
カロスが目を細めて、口許を引き締めた。
「さすが師匠! 師匠が行くなら、オレも勿論行くぜ! 他の腑抜け冒険者共とは違うからな!」
ヒルデがぐっと握り拳を作る。
「......君には少し、荷が重いと思うんだけどね。魔剣士は元々〈夢の穴〉探索には不向きだから......」
「師匠!?」
ヒルデがショックを受けたように仰け反る。
「それからその大鎌だけど......」
「ああ、新調したんだ! 〈魂狩りの大鎌〉......コイツなら推奨レベル80の〈夢の穴〉だろうが怖くねぇ!」
「......前回と違って、今回のレイドは本当に余裕がないんだ。鎌装備だと魔剣士のスキルも一部使えなくなる。さすがに今回は手頃な剣を貸してあげるから、その〈魂狩りの大鎌〉は店に返してきなさい」
カロスは憐れむようにヒルデの肩に手を置き、彼女へとそう諭した。
ヒルデは未練がましく〈魂狩りの大鎌〉へと目を向けていたが、やがて観念するように肩を落とした。
Volume 3 - Ch 21
Just as Guild Master Hallein said, a recruitment notice was posted the next day for the Raid Quest on the Guild's notice board.
By the time Luce and I got there, a sizable crowd had already gathered in front of it.
"A Monster Pool at a place like that? Even first rate adventurers could die on the way there...."
"There was a Monster Pool at the Graveyard of Sorrows just recently, right? What the hell is going on with La Colina....."
The other adventurers seemed to be quite anxious about this recruitment notice.
"Recommended Level: 80.....that's sure is something. If the Dream Lord of that place would Evolve like the Skull Lord did at the Graveyard of Sorrows, then it might even reach around Level 100, right?"
Luce asked me, looking uneasy at the prospect.
Trying to stifle a yawn, I rubbed my sleepy eyes.
"Elma-san? Helloo...."
"Ah, sorry. I didn't get much sleep last night."
I spent the night reading through the documents about the adventurers I got from Hallein yesterday.
There was someone that could've perhaps created an alibi for themselves, depending on their exact Skill composition, but with the lack of reliable information it's nothing but a vague supposition.
It's not like the investigation reports contain the exact details of what the adventurers did and when.
In addition to that, in this world the overwhelming majority of people do not follow the most optimal build for their Class, so I can't make assumptions based on that either.
I had no hope of being able to follow up on every possibility.
Even if I try to get them to reinvestigate things at this point, Skill compositions are considered private information and I don't think they would remember the minute details I would be looking for anyway.
Although the information I got from all that was good to know, if someone asks if I have a workable theory as a result, then I would have to say not really.
I kept racking my brain about it instead of sleeping, so my brain was kind of sluggish right now.
".....a-are you alright?"
"Putting that aside.....sorry once again, Luce. I seem to have got you caught up in things again."
"Huhun, 'got you caught up in things'.....please don't say that, Elma-san! As an adventurer I consider protecting the country and the city my duty! Also, we are comrades who have survived a number of deadly situations together already, are we not?"
Luce said in a determined tone, hitting her palm with a fist.
I had talked it over yesterday with Luce and ended up formally deciding that we would participate in the Raid Quest into the Sunken Utopia where a Monster Pool had occurred.
"Hmpf, so you two are taking part as well. I will give you a warning. It seems you think quite highly of yourself after some minor exploits, but this Raid will be truly dangerous, Heavy Knight Elma."
A high-pitched and high-handed voice could be heard.
I turned towards the source of the voice, but no one was there.
"That's strange.....I heard a voice, but I can't see anyone...."
Rubbing my eyes I looked around.
"Elma-san, down, down!"
After lowering my gaze according to Luce's instructions, I could finally see a young girl with sanpaku eyes and long purple hair tied in the back.....namely the Magic Swordsman, Hilde.
One of her eyelids was twitching from apparent irritation.
"Ah, it's Hilde."
"Every. Single. Time......You are making fun of me, right? You bastards. Listen here, Elma. I did not forget my grudge about our duel. Even B rank adventurers will be risking their lives on this quest. If your only motivation is to make some money, then better step back from this right now. I decided that I will regain my honor some day with a return match. If you really want to participate, then keep your guard up so that you don't lose your life in an insignificant place like that."
Hilde said with a finger pointing at me.
"Although the way she speaks sounds very antagonistic, she seems to be telling us to be careful in her own way."
Luce said to me while chuckling.
"Tsk, I'm only telling you that because you haven't given back that 50 million gold just yet, so if you were to die then it would be a big loss for me."
"yaaawn....."
".....hey, you bastard. Did you just really yawn?"
Hilde's eyelid started twitching again.
"I-I'm sorry, Hilde-san! Uhm, Elma-san has apparently worked through the night without sleeping, so.....! Ahahah...."
Luce tried to laugh the whole thing away.
"E-Elma-san, please just apologize. She really did seem to be worried about us."
"....sorry about that. I have no intention of giving back the money, but I think I might've been a bit too childish with that duel."
"I'm older than you! I know that you two are fifteen or forteen at best! I'm seventeen, seventeen!"
Then, the scythe on Hilde's back caught my eye.
With losing her favorite sword due to our bet, Hilde picked up a Black Steel Scythe after that, but the one she had now was yet another one.
"Huh, Hilde, that scythe is...."
.....that scythe was a Soul Reaper Scythe we got as a drop item from overfarming Grim Reapers in the Phantasmal Beast Tower.
We sold those to a shop, so it might've been sold for a bit less than the Market Value.
"Elma-san, Elma-san....."
".....it fits you."
"What, you bastard. Don't get weird on me. Are you trying to say that a scythe suits me better? Hmpf."
That was close. I was about to ask her if she got it for cheap.
If I keep irritating her any more than this, then she might just challenge me to another duel on the spot.
Probably because of the lack of sleep, but I seem to be quite scatterbrained today.
I slapped my cheeks to try and wake myself up.
"I think it would be good for you though. If you manage to get used to using a scythe, then you might end up better for it in the long run. That weapon's additional effect is pretty powerful as well."
I'm absolutely sure that she bought that because it was cheap, but I decided to not bring that up.
If she's fine with it, then there is no need to uselessly comment on it.
"As for asking if we want to really participate.....hahh, that should be my line instead. Diving into Dungeons with a Class like Magic Swordsman that specializes in one-on-one fighting is less than ideal. If you include the Monster Pool then it should be right out of the question. The Graveyard of Sorrows last time was already a border case, but the Recommended Level for the Dungeon this time is 80."
"T-they expect to be short-handed for this, so there is no way a B rank adventurer and the disciple of the Black Flame Sword like me would not take part! Even in a Dungeon of this level, I can take care of the small fry without using any MP. Don't underestimate me."
.....she unexpectedly has a sense of duty as a B rank adventurer.
As Kalos also said before, the current state of affairs is that this world can only continue to exist because it's protected by a certain subset of high ranking adventurers from various Monster Calamities.
With Kalos as her teacher, she may have been influenced somewhat to share this opinion.
....that being said, that this resulted in her threatening a blacksmith is not a laughing matter.
"Well, if you party up with an A rank adventurer like Kalos, then you should be able to push through on level alone.... Kalos also has the [Sixth Sense] Skill, so you should be able to avoid fighting troublesome enemies with that."
In a Dungeon, it makes a huge difference whether you have a detection type Skill or not.
However, since Skill Trees that offer those detection type Skills often lack in direct firepower, if you pick such Skill without careful thinking, you might turn out lacking in attack power while not getting the benefits of a proper support type build either. Because of that, choosing can be quite a conundrum in those cases.
"Hmpf, I don't plan on relying on my teacher though. .....huh? You know what Skills my teacher has?"
I put a hand over my mouth.
By reading the documents about various adventurers I built up a hypothesis on what Skills each person might have, and based on Kalos's actions the other day it's very likely that he has some kind of detection Skill.
As a mainly solo Magic Swordsman that lacks staying power, it was pretty obvious that he would have some kind of recovery or detection type Skill.
"Ah, sorry, that was quite rude of me."
It's a borderline case, but trying to find out about someone's Skill composition is somewhat against manners.
Since as Celt said, unless you are particularly close to the person, it could easily lead to trouble.
"Hahh.....well, just don't go spreading it around. But, just who the hell are you that you can just calculate someone's Skill composition like that..... There are countless Skill Trees and Skills in this world. I've been thinking about this before, but you really are a weirdly mysterious guy."
In Magic World most high ranking players could do it as well.
As long as the Class is known, the possible builds are narrowed down to only three or four at best.
After taking into consideration their playstyle, equipment, and how they move, the answer becomes relatively straightforward.
Though since people in this world do not always follow the most optimal builds to become the strongest possible, the number of possible builds are greatly increased, significantly increasing the difficulty of correctly guessing the correct one.
"E-Elma-san, you still seem fixated on that matter.... Thank you for working hard on it, but....even though I might not be able to contribute much, I could help with that investigation if you want....!"
Suddenly, footsteps approaching us could be heard.
It was a handsome young man with long, silver hair, an A rank adventurer with the title of Black Flame Sword and the name of Kalos.
He stopped in front of us.
"It will be a dangerous Raid Quest, so I can't force you to take part, but I'm really counting on you, Elma, Luce. I've said this before, but we are quite short-handed. There was that Wandering Lord during the last Raid as well, so a lot of adventurers are being cautious."
"Hilde-san's teacher, Kalos-san...."
"And I always say this as well, but I don't remember ever becoming her teacher....."
"T-teacher!? But....."
"People should help out newbies as a matter of course. Also, I don't remember doing anything special for you. It's all thanks to your own hard work and resourcefulness that you've managed to get this far. If you feel indebted to me anyways, then return it by helping out the adventurers who are just starting out and are having a difficult time."
Kalos said with a wry smile on his face.
"T-teacher......!"
Hilde exclaimed in admiration.
.....I don't think Hilde is the mentor type, but I refrained from saying anything unnecessary.
"Kalos, did you suggest this Raid to the Guild as well?"
"To the Guild, or rather the Howlod Family. And rather than suggest, I was asked to give advice on this matter. .....however, I've noticed some suspicious things on their side as well."
"Suspicious....?"
"Despite what you would expect, the relationship between the main Howlod Family and the branch family that's in charge of the Guild is less than cordial. And then there is the succession conflict as well. Since you were there at the time I don't even need to mention the assassination attempt."
Kalos said in a low voice.
Since he was already in touch with the Howlod Family, he was already informed of the incident in the Phantasmal Beast Tower it seems.
"A-Assassination attempt....? Teacher, that's.....!"
Kalos put a finger in front of his lips to urge her to caution.
"Make no mistake, this will be a dangerous Raid. However, even if the enemy proves to be the nobles or the country, I have no intention of getting out of the way. I came to La Colina to find out more about the increase in Monster Calamities. I may finally be able to get a lead this time."
Kalos narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips together.
"As expected of my teacher! If you go, then I will go as well of course! I'm not like some other cowardly adventurers!"
Hilde raised up a clenched fist.
".....I think this might be a bit too much for you though. Magic Swordsmen are ill-suited for Dungeon exploration as you know...."
"Teacher!?"
Hilde was simply shocked and taken aback.
"And there is that scythe as well...."
"Yeah, I got a new one! With this Soul Reaper Scythe I have nothing to fear from a Dungeon even with a Recommended Level of 80!"
".....unlike last time, we have no margin for error in this Raid Quest. There are some Magic Swordsman Skills that you won't be able to use with a scythe either, so I will make an exception and lend a sword to you. Go and return that Soul Reaper Scythe to the shop."
Kalos kept his hand on Hilde's shoulder while he admonished her with a pitying tone.
Hilde kept giving regretful glances at the Soul Reaper Scythe, but she dropped her shoulders and gave in in the end.
The Reincarnated Heavy Knight Who Was Exiled After A Supposed Big Miss Is Unparalleled With His Game Knowledge
大ハズレだと追放された転生重騎士はゲーム知識で無双する
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-reincarnated-heavy-knight-who-was-exiled-after-a-supposed-big-miss-is-unparalleled-with-his-game-knowledge/
Action Adventure Fantasy Romance Shounen
Abandoned Children Adapted to Manga Adventurers Alchemy Arrogant Characters Artifacts Blacksmith Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Determined Protagonist Dungeons Fallen Nobility Fantasy World Game Elements Guilds Hot-blooded Protagonist Level System Love Interest Falls in Love First Lucky Protagonist Male Protagonist Mystery Solving Naive Protagonist Nobles Poor to Rich Previous Life Talent Reincarnated in a Game World Romantic Subplot Skill Books Strategic Battles Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Sword Wielder Underestimated Protagonist Weak to Strong
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8465gx/
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