Chapter 143.1
“A carriage caught in an accident? Can’t say I’ve seen any . You?” [Man]
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“I haven’t seen anything either . ” [Woman]
“Figures . Sorry to take up your time . ” [Ryouma]
“Right . Why not ride with us? It’s not long until the town and it’s almost dark . ” [Woman]
“Thank you very much . But I want to keep searching as I make my way to town . Thank you for your cooperation . ” [Ryouma]
“I see… Good luck on your job then . ” [Woman]
“Be careful on the road!” [Man]
“You too!” [Ryouma]
I watched as the old couple’s carriage drove away .
“…Fuu . ” [Ryouma]
I’ve already made my way through most of the road from Gimuru to the inn town . The rimel birds are doing their best too, but there’s a lot of things blocking their line of sight, so we still haven’t found any clues .
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This mountain is about 1,000 meters above ground level . So, there’s no need to worry for altitude sickness . It’s an easy road to cross . But if you veer off the path, you’ll immediately find yourself covered in the shadows of the countless trees, leaves, and branches… But there’s a convenient road here, so people probably rarely venture into the forest… if ever .
Did I overlook something? Or maybe it’s still up ahead?
Maybe he left the highway?
If so, then he would have gone either left or right, but which one?
“If only I had a clue of some sort…” [Ryouma]
If I could just narrow down the scope of search a little, I could mobilize all of my slimes . Mobility might become a problem, but with over 6,000 slimes, it should be possible to cover every nook and cranny . That is the power provided not by human-wave tactics but by slime-wave tactics . In any case, I need a clue .
I never stopped walking around the highway as I became thoughtful, making sure to keep an eye out for the areas between the trees that have become even harder to see .
Eventually, I arrived at the inn town . There was a simple wall made out of wood around the town . They probably made these by harvesting the nearby woods and driving them into the ground .
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“Hey, you! …Are you a traveler? Suspicious . What are you doing at a time like this?” [Guard]
Is he suspecting me?
Right before I reached the entrance of the town, the man watching the gate called out to me with a grim expression .
“I’m an adventurer from Gimuru . I received a job to search for a missing person . Here’s my guild card and the job request . Please examine it . ” [Paena]
“…Right . There’s no doubt about it . ” [Guard]
I slowly approached the guard and presented my proof of identity and papers . When I did, the man’s expression loosened .
“Sorry for being so suspicious . You may pass . ” [Guard]
“Thank you . By the way, have there been reports of missing people appearing here lately? Or have you gotten word of any sightings of a broken carriage?” [Ryouma]
“Haven’t heard anything in particular . In fact, I’m honestly a bit doubtful of that job you took . ” [Guard]
“I see…” [Ryouma]”
“Are you planning on spending the night at the town inn?” [Guard]
“That’s the plan . ” [Ryouma]
I still have energy to spare and I specialize in moving in the night, but searching is more difficult in the night than in the day . If I work in the night, my efficiency will plummet . Besides, the terrain changes with the area . I can search the Forest of Gana the whole day without problem, but I’m not used to this mountain .
The rimel birds are with me, so I don’t think we’ll have a case of the rescuer needing rescue, but given the risk, it’s not a very good idea to search during the night without any clues . So I’m thinking of looking for clues in town tonight instead .
“A good decision, if I say so myself . Although there are good roads here, if you veer off the path, the slope can get pretty steep . ” [Guard]
“I see… Any recommendations where I could stay for a good night?” [Ryouma]
“Walk straight through the main street and you’ll find a sign board that reads ‘Terecy Restaurant’ . The inn facing that restaurant has a reputation for offering clean rooms at a decent price . ” [Guard]
“Thank you very much . ” [Ryouma]
I sent the rimel birds back to the dimension home and immediately headed for the inn I was recommended .
…I guess it should have been obvious, but this inn town is smaller than Gimuru . Still, because of the lighting from the wooden inns and restaurants along the main street, it’s actually quite lively .
…Oh, this must the place . That was pretty close .
“Good evening . The person keeping watch recommended this place . Do you have any rooms free?” [Ryouma]
“We do . 50 suits if you’ll only be spending the night . If you want some food to go with it, 70 suits . ” [Receptionist]
“I’ll take the option with food please . ” [Ryouma]
“Happy to have your business!” [Receptionist]
After paying up, he gave me a wooden tag he took out of her pocket .
“Give this to the restaurant facing our inn when it’s time to eat . ” [Receptionist]
So, a meal ticket, huh .
“I can eat if I hand this over?” [Ryouma]
“The menu is bread and soup . Salad is also recommended . Any dish other than those and you’ll have to pay a different fee . ” [Receptionist]
After the receptionist gave me a brief explanation, I went to my room .