NOVEL NEXT Chapter 26 - Episode 26: The Hero Seeks Companions
Episode 26: The Hero Seeks Companions
~~Zaus’ Perspective~~
The hero has finally entered the Demon Duke’s territory.
The opponent fought was Goblin Taro.
“Hmm… That hero wasn’t strong at all. I almost finished it off, but it escaped with Pegasus Wings.”
“Well, that’s unlikely. Probably, the actual difference in strength showed.”
“We lower-level monsters like us can’t see the opponent’s stats like Zaus-sama can.”
Goblin Taro evolved from the lowest-level goblin species. Although its level is 340, it seems it can’t see the opponent’s stats. In other words, the hero’s level is likely lower.
It would be better if we knew more about the hero’s true situation, but Stasa, our spy, quit her job due to poor health, so we can’t know the hero’s true intentions.
We have to make assumptions based on Goblin Taro’s first battle.
“The hero is extremely weak. There’s no need for Zaus-sama to step in.”
“No, we should be extra cautious. Everyone, fight without letting your guard down.”
If they return to the capital once, they’ll probably come back after recovering.
At that time, we’ll settle things once and for all.
In a normal scenario, they would be scouting for a second companion.
Demon Duke Zaus would lose to a hero party composed of three.
The first companion is childhood friend Mishiri. The second companion is a beautiful merchant.
We’ll stop the hero’s advance with all our might.
Because the hero has the protagonist’s plot armor.
We won’t hold back. We won’t underestimate them.
We’ll be cautious, like testing the waters…
☆
~~View from Hero Cea’s Perspective~~
Goblins are strong…
Or rather, if a goblin is at that level, there’s a possibility that other monsters are strong too.
What should I do?
My level is 82. I’m only 17 levels away from 99.
If I max out my level, I might be able to beat that goblin.
And, using bare hands might not be a good idea after all.
I need a powerful weapon.
But…
“I-I don’t have any money…”
I bought the “risque vestments,” so I have zero money. If I sell it, I’ll probably get 500 cozons, but there’s no sword that I can buy with this much money.
The affordable weapons are sold out at the weapon shop.
The dragon sand iron sword and the magic steel sword have been bought up by weapons merchant Chin.
“Darn it!”
The sword that’s more expensive than the magic steel sword would be the demon slaying sword, but that costs 5800 cozons. I have no way of getting that much money…
“Ugh… I’m so broke.”
“Why not hire a merchant then?”
“A merchant?”
I imagine an old man with a turban.
Ah, I don’t have the energy to hire such a smelly old man.
“The innkeeper told me that some amazing merchants have come to this town. It seems many merchants from the Merchant Guild have entered Mekonderla.”
“Geez…”
“Among them, there are merchants with combat abilities who can earn money.”
Good grief.
“I don’t have the spare capacity to recruit a merchant for my hero party.”
“But, with money saved up, you can buy powerful weapons. And since we used Pegasus Wings, we need to buy them again. In any case, money is necessary for the hero party.”
“Ugh… But, you know, I don’t have the luxury. I can’t even afford to pay the salary for a new member.”
“Why not sell the “risque vestments” then?”
“C-C-Can I even do that?!”
T-This sexy equipment is a reward for defeating Demon Duke Zaus.
I’ll make you wear this sexy outfit, my pure one. Hehehe.
“A-Anyway, I can’t afford to increase the number of companions. My party doesn’t have the resources.”
“That’s… unfortunate. I heard there are cute girls among the merchants, so I wanted to be friends.”
“Let’s go!”
“Huh?”
“We’re recruiting a merchant.”
“……Right now?”
“Yeah, let’s hurry!”
“But, isn’t it a bit too much? You might be feeling tired after being defeated by goblins.”
“Don’t say such carefree things! You’re a fool, so just follow my lead!”
“……Okay. Then, I’ll trust Cea.”
“Yeah! Trust the smart me!”
Hehehe.
A beautiful female merchant is the best, right quaaaack!
We headed to the Merchant Guild.
The first floor of the large building was a tavern where you could freely converse.
Everyone was recruiting and negotiating there.
“Oh, are you looking for companions? You have the mark of a hero on the back of your right hand.”
A giant over two meters tall joins our conversation.
He has muscles like a warrior.
“In that case, I, Oidon, will volunteer.”
He wipes his sweat while smiling.
N-No, no way.
“Sorry, but that’s rejected.”
“Huh? Why? He seems strong, doesn’t he? He seems to be able to use a large axe.”
Good grief.
I whisper to her.
“You know, if we add a big guy like that to our team, the food expenses will skyrocket.”
“Then, I guess it’s nice not to have food expenses.”
And then, the one they brought was an old man, all stooped over.
“I’ve been a merchant for 70 years.”
“Rejected.”
Certainly, it seems like he won’t cost us any food expenses.
But can we really have an enjoyable adventure with such an old geezer as a companion?
And then, the third person to appear was a 17-year-old girl.
She had tan skin and silver hair.
She wore large glasses, making her quite distinctive.
Notably, attached to her slender body were two large bosoms that bounced with each step.
“I’m Namba Akindora. Despite appearances, I’m a merchant.”
Her way of speaking was also unique.
But, it’s all good!
Her smile is incredibly cute!
And above all, those breasts bouncing around!
Irresistible!
I want her to wear the risque vestments!!
“I choose you!”
“Ah… Are you recruiting?”
“Sorry, but I can’t. I have an exclusive contract with my company.”
“Why is that?”
“Well, there’s an exceptional weapons merchant in the area. I’ve teamed up with them to do business.”
A weapons merchant?
“Oh… You don’t know? The merchant’s name is Chin Pin-in.”
Chin!
“He’s a very influential merchant. He always prioritizes our profits and has a good reputation around here. I’ve come to really like him.”
“But, but, he’s a scumbag with no morals!”
“Is that so? I’ve never heard such talk in the merchant circles.”
“He’s monopolizing weapons!”
“Hahaha. Well, that’s just business. If the weapon shop owner allows it, there’s nothing we can do but comply.”
Damn it!!
“Now, now, don’t get so angry. What kind of weapon do you want?”
“A sword. Dragon sand iron or magic steel.”
“Oh! If that’s the case, I’ve received a steep discount from Chin-san. Would you like me to sell it to you?”
“What!?”
Is this thanks to my injury?
This is lucky.
“How much for the dragon sand iron sword!?”
“Chin-san is a kind person. He’ll sell it to you at a discount.”
“And how much is that!?”
“Well… Let’s see. Because you scouted me, I see it as fate. Let’s make it a bargain price!”
“Oh! That’s appreciated! So, how much will you sell it for!?”
It was 360 cozons for a sword in Rontomelda.
If it’s cheaper, that’s the best.
“It’s 3000 cozons.”
“What the hell! That’s not cheap at all!”
“My normal price is 3600 cozons! I’m selling it 600 cheaper! Can you find such a fair price anywhere else!”
“Damn it! In Rontomelda, it was 360 cozons!”
“Well, it depends on the stock situation. Prices skyrocket for popular items in short supply. Plus, transportation costs, you know, crossing borders increases the price even more.”
“B-But even so, ten times the price is extortion!”
“I bought it for 2000 cozons! The golden rule of business is to sell weapons at twice the purchase price. So, normally it would be sold for 4000 cozons. Can’t you see how reasonable this price is?!”
“Grrr…”
Damn it!!
“Well then, how about a magic steel sword? I’ll sell it to you at an even lower price.”
Even if you say lower price…
If dragon sand iron is like this, it’s hard to imagine.
The magic steel sword was 1000 cozons in Rontomelda.
I didn’t intend to ask, but this girl named Namba announced the price with a smile.
“Ta-daa! It’s a bloodletting special, 30,000 cozons!”
Damn it!!
There’s no way I can recruit more companions.
Should I give up on the merchant and move on to the next action?
“What!? Going to the Demon Duke’s territory? Without weapons or companions!?”
“I won’t fight. Just observe from a distance. I’m just too curious. I want to scout it out.”
I want to confirm the goblin’s stats.
I wonder what level it is?