Chapter 8: The Headmost Exploration Ends
TL: Pinky
EN Editor: Anirhapsodist
After observing the changes on the red health bar, I examined the logs recorded during the previous battle. “Aid Recovery 1” had proven itself invaluable for a novice seeker’s skills.
In a span of 30 seconds, the section chief’s health was gradually restored and the activation of “Aid Recovery 1” demonstrated its immediate effect.
◆ Activity Log ◆
『Arihito』activates『Aid Recovery 1』→『Kyouka』health restored
(At last, I was able to verify it with this.)
The section chief’s health bar that decreased for about 70% recovered above 50% in one go. Her breathing had normalized from being winded. Her arm swelled a lot too, but it’s now in better shape - leaving just a small bruise.
Assuming a Level 1 seeker got 10 health points, 5 health points recovery in just 30 seconds would be more than just convenient. If the Redface’s single attack back then had a base damage of 10 points or greater, it would have been futile. Lucky for us, the demon’s attacks dealt lesser than anticipated.
At that moment, the section chief is in a stupor. The intense pain ought to have been traumatic. Her health got restored but … maybe this is the skill’s limit. Could there be another skill meant to treat status ailments?
While she rests, I took the opportunity to grab the Redface’s corpse then jammed it into the leather bag. This fluff covered, red haired rodent still looked atrocious even after its defeat. Bulkier than a usual watadama, the leather bag which was supposed to house up to four regular watadamas, brimmed to an instant.
“Hey… are you alright? Allow me to take you to a healer.” (Rival)
Theresa comes back with Rival. His companions convoyed the section chief via a stretcher. Rival enquires me while en route.
“What happened out there?! Did you come across a group of watadama? (Rival)
“Budwick’s party can fill you in on the details. They used a “Scroll of Return” when the “NAMED” demon attacked them.” (Arihito)
“Damn it… those “NAMED”. They turn quite aggressive once they notice a threat. Encountering them in random inside the labyrinth also doesn’t help. Those guys were aware of them. They probably needed themselves to earn money. You guys are lucky as well. Your party managed to escape. (Rival)
It would be in our best interests to declare we got “Defeated” in our encounter to avoid rumors. We wouldn’t even had a chance to beat that “Redface” if not thanks to my odd job.
(I must report the Redface incident to Luisa and I’ll leave it up to her to come up with an official announcement that it has been subjugated.” Budwick’s party messed up but I’ll keep that to myself for now. I’m in no position to criticize them and besides, I’m not more skillful than any of them.)
The “Rearguard” skill sets got shortcomings too. In times of battle, I’m left to my devices and that leaves me at a very vulnerable position. I need skills than can keep me bonded to my Vanguard and eliminate the possibility of being flanked. Thus, one of my top priorities is to acquire those skills to patch-up glaring deficiencies.
The Beginner’s Labyrinth can be cleared through teamwork - the vanguard fights and the rearguard ensures support. The labyrinth won’t prove to be too difficult provided the enemies won’t deal a damage that exceeds the amount a skill can nullify.
“Support Defense 1” provides a 10 point bonus but soon enough we’ll be encountering stronger demons. At its current state, the skill won’t be of much use against attacks from tougher opponents. I do hope “Support Defense 2” provides a larger buff to counter-balance the damage we’ll receive from stronger monsters.
Finally, just before exiting the labyrinth, we stumbled upon Elicia and Suzuna.
Even though these two were nowhere near us during the encounter with the Redface, our battle scars were a dead giveaway. I’m sure they’ll go curious so unless I want myself caught by the tail, I need to be consistent while being extra careful in what to tell to them.
I guess Elicia’s ties her long golden hair into two pigtails whenever she’s fighting. A twin tail princess knight but now isn’t the best time to be fantasizing.
“What the hell happened…?” (Elicia)
“A “NAMED” appeared. We were put in a difficult situation but we managed to deal with it.” (Arihito)
“… You dealt with it… the red watadama? That thing only spawns like once a month. Even Level 3 parties sometimes get in trouble. It’s just too fast that it’s difficult to handle making it more difficult to escape. Dealt with it how… and in what way…?” (Elicia)
Elicia seems quite familiar with the Redface. She inquired us with genuine curiosity as to how we have miraculously survived. She was quite nosey and it left me with nothing more but an agape expression.
“…I’m sorry. I may not look like it but I’ve been oriented about those things and I’m just thankful I’m still standing here talking to you. What’s more amazing though is I’ve just reincarnated and I was able to escape certain death.” (Arihito)
“No apologies needed. You’re lucky. I need not worry even if the two of you decide to hunt here another time. The red one won’t be spawning anytime soon and that puts everyone at ease.” (Elicia)
Our exchange is a delicate one. We wouldn’t want to scare Suzuna, who is a beginner seeker. Moreover, there is also the possibility of this Redface respawning.
(So this confirms that “NAMED” demons tend to pursue the first opponent they come in contact with. It’s a relief that the aggressive, red watadama is out for now, but there will always be a time that another “NAMED” demon would appear.)
“Thank you for your concern.” (Arihito)
She’s a quite a leveled adventurer but it doesn’t get to her head. As a novice, I’m humbled.
“Oh, I guess I might have talked too much. Please allow us sometime to accompany your party. My name is Elicia. May I know yours?” (Elicia)
“Arihito. It may be a bit hard to pronounce but please call me Ari-hito. I’m pretty sure you’re Suzuna.” (TL:turns to Suzuna)
“Well, yes. That person who was carried a while ago was also a reincarnator right?” (Suzuna)
“Oh, yes, still in a stupor but she’s okay. She is out of danger.” (Arihito)
“Did you use potions? They’re quite valuable items. Have you got a handful of them?” (Suzuna)
Elicia stares at my face and prepared to ask about the obvious question – my job.
“No way… for such a capable rearguard…” (Elicia)
“Is something the matter? If you have questions, I’ll be glad to answer.” (Arihito)
“It’s nothing… really… If there’s news of a versatile rearguard, it’ll definitely make the headline.” (Elicia)
As I recall, Elicia wanted to party with an excellent rearguard. She might be willing to reorganize her party once I get to explain my job.
I have concerns though. She appears to be a solo seeker but there seemed to be a risk being enlisted as her rearguard. Not knowing that risk makes me uncomfortable. Suzuna is with her and she’s exposed to that unusual hazard. Certain risks can be managed though. It just leaves a bad taste when all I can do is just hope the best.
(In theory, Elicia can be an excellent vanguard but we have to manage her risks.)
I’m gathering opportunities here and I have decided to prioritize the section chief. If I ever get the chance to meet Elicia and Suzuna again, I bet we can chat a little bit more.
“Well then, I’ll be on my way.” (Arihito)
“Ah, I was really glad that I was able to talk with a reincarnator from Japan. Let’s formalize this greeting someday. What do you say? (Suzuna)
“Of course! Let’s have a hearty chat next time!” (Arihito)
(Because we’ve just got reincarnated and still coping in this world.)
Suzuna bows her head repeatedly then proceeded with Elicia. It will be their pilot dive into the labyrinth today and they will have to exit a little later.
I paced toward Theresa who was there waiting. But when I tried to talk to her… I noticed that there was something different about her.
“Theresa?” (Arihito)
“……..” (Theresa)
She didn’t say anything but instead, she affixed her gaze at me. Well, since I’m a bit accustomed to it already, it was not a problem. She just came around my back and accompanied me quietly.
I glanced back and told her. “Erm… I will be using mercenary tickets again tomorrow. Will you come with me?” It took a while for her to respond. Mercenaries might not have the privileges to choose an employer. That’s what I was thinking…
Then she nods over and again. I guess, she’ll join me with my adventure tomorrow.
“Well then, it’s set. I will say my goodbyes to you at the mercenary guild today so promise me to come with me again tomorrow.” (Arihito)
Theresa didn’t answer instead she gave me a wry smile. She then fled and left me to chase after Rival’s group who were exiting the labyrinth.
◆Seeker’s Accomplishment◆
5 points awarded for reaching the “Plains of Dawn” - 1F
10 points awarded for 『Arihito』reaching Level 2
5 points awarded for 『Watadama』 defeated.
200 points awarded for subjugating 『★Redface』
Synergy[1] with『Theresa』 has increased: 50 points awarded
Synergy with『Kyouka』 has increased: 10 points awarded
Seekers Contribution …….. 280 points.
TL NOTES:
信頼度 - is parsed as 信 faith, 頼 - trust and 度 - degree.It is actually translated in the dictionary as dependability; credibility; coefficient of confidence
I have placed a lot of thinking if I should translate it as confidence level, confidence coefficient or reliability and many others which pertain to the same definition. I had a simple chat with my editor and he said it could be ‘rapport’. But hey, if we’re talking about a party, should it be something cooperative but at the same time reliable? Your term should revolve around that.
The actual term I was thinking about was at the tip of my tongue for days and thus I arrived at ‘Synergy’.
For now I shall call it synergy unless proven otherwise. It gives a better meaning of belonging in a group/party and at the same time holding the principle of being reliable.
TL’s Message:
I have two chapters queued to my editor this time so as long as time permits, it should be edited and released. I really would not want to release an english loaded with grammar errors so please bear with us for the meantime.
Thank you for your time reading.
Cheers! World Peace!
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