Chapter 6: Adventurer

"To find a treasure chest this quickly... Mars, try appraising the chest. It might be a trap."

Prompted by Zeke, I tried appraising it.

【Name】 Treasure Chest
【Special】 -
【Rarity】 3
【Details】 Spawn rate and contents depend on 【Luck】.

Probably not a trap... There was nothing listed under Special.

I told Zeke it probably wasn't a trap and that since I had high 【Luck】, I might get a better result if I opened it.

While being cautious, I opened the chest with excitement and found a bracelet embedded with a red magic stone.

I immediately appraised the bracelet.

【Name】 Bracelet of Fire
【Special】 Magic +4
【Rarity】 C
【Details】 A bracelet harboring Fire Magic. Slight UP to Fire Magic power.

I conveyed the effect, and it was decided that Ike would equip it. When we slipped the Bracelet of Fire onto Ike's arm, thinking it would be too loose, it resized to fit perfectly.

"Thanks, Mars. Now I can burn monster corpses efficiently."

With our spoils in hand, we immediately exited the Dungeon and hurried back.

There were absolutely no goblins on the way back.

Arriving in Almeria before evening, we went straight to the guild to report.

This time, Ike and I went in too.

It was my first time inside the guild, but there were only three adventurers and a few people who looked like staff members.

It was cleaner than I expected, with quest requests, swords, and shields decorating the walls.

The three adventurers looked at us, so I appraised them too.

First, the man with a spear by his side.

【Name】 Randaryl
【Title】 -
【Rank】 Human - Commoner
【State】 Good
【Age】 27
【Level】 20
【HP】 102/102
【MP】 5/5
【Strength】 32
【Agility】 25
【Magic】 1
【Dexterity】 10
【Endurance】 30
【Luck】 1
【Special Ability】 Spearmanship E (Lv 5/11)
【Equipment】 Iron Spear
【Equipment】 Iron Armor

I heard from Zeke later that this man named Randaryl was a struggler who had finally been promoted to D-rank adventurer. Maybe that was why hardship was etched onto his face.

Next, I appraised the woman wearing a witch hat.

【Name】 Harmasa
【Title】 -
【Rank】 Human - Commoner
【State】 Good
【Age】 22
【Level】 15
【HP】 80/80
【MP】 85/85
【Strength】 13
【Agility】 18
【Magic】 35
【Dexterity】 32
【Endurance】 14
【Luck】 1
【Special Ability】 Dagger Arts G (Lv 1/5)
【Special Ability】 Wind Magic E (Lv 3/11)
【Equipment】 Sapling Staff
【Equipment】 Copper Dagger

The woman named Harmasa was also a D-rank adventurer. My stats were higher than hers, so maybe I had D-rank level strength.

Finally, I appraised the man standing with an axe in one hand.

【Name】 Prostov
【Title】 -
【Rank】 Human - Commoner
【State】 Good
【Age】 20
【Level】 18
【HP】 108/108
【MP】 5/5
【Strength】 20
【Agility】 18
【Magic】 1
【Dexterity】 14
【Endurance】 30
【Luck】 1
【Special Ability】 Axe Arts F (Lv 3/8)
【Equipment】 Iron Axe
【Equipment】 Copper Armor

Prostov was an E-rank adventurer who mainly served as a tank.

Looking at them, I realized everyone's Luck was 1.

I had vaguely noticed this not just with these three, but since I appraised the townspeople... but everyone in the Bryant family had 10 or more.

Asking Zeke about Luck, which only I could see, would be pointless, so I asked about other doubts.

"Hey, Dad? How are adventurers classified?"

"You can become an E-rank adventurer once you graduate from Paper rank. Well, if you don't cause problems, you can become one at fifteen. You can get promoted to D-rank when your total stats exceed 100, and C-rank around 200. To become a C-rank adventurer, you also need the Guild Master's approval. Mages are valuable, so promotion measures are taken even if their stats don't quite reach the mark. I'm one of those cases. But this varies by country and region. You get an Appraiser to write down your stats and show it to the guild for promotion, but there are some idiots who bribe Appraisers for the sake of their pride to get promoted to D-rank. Don't become adults like that, okay?"

""Yes.""

We replied in unison, and Zeke walked up to the receptionist.

"Lucia. I have a report for the Guild Master. Also, there are magic stones in the carriage, so please buy them."

The young woman in her mid-teens called Lucia sent another female staff member at the reception to the carriage, and she guided us to a separate room.

The Guild Master's room was on the second floor.

"Right this way. Are the children joining you today?"

When Lucia asked, Zeke nodded.

"Yeah. I want them to sit in this time. Is that a problem?"

"No, I think it's fine. Both of them have a demeanor beyond their age."

""Thank you very much.""

When Ike and I bowed, Lucia smiled brightly at us. Then she knocked on the door.

"Master Zeke says he has a report for the Master."

"Let him in."

A gruff voice came from inside the room, so I, Ike, and Zeke entered. Lucia herself didn't seem to be entering.

"Oh, good work, Zeke. So, who are those kids?"

"Yes. These are my sons, Ike and Mars. Ike, Mars, introduce yourselves."

"It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Ike Bryant. I am seven years old."

"It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Mars Bryant. I am four years old."

I copied Ike's flawless greeting.

"Ooh. How polite. I'm the Guild Master here, Ralph Sargent. Ralph is fine. Nice to meet you. Hey Zeke, how did you raise them to be like this? They're more polite than the adventurers around here."

"Actually, I've never taught them etiquette or how to speak. Putting that aside, regarding the nominated quest: the abandoned village at the foot of the mine was occupied by goblins. I believe we defeated four hundred of them. The problem starts here, but one of the houses in the abandoned village had become a Dungeon. It's likely a Dungeon integrated with the mine. We confirmed Hobgoblins and Goblin Mages within the Dungeon. A Goblin King is likely in the deep layers, and Dungeon saturation has probably begun. If we don't crush it before it turns into a Stampede, we'll be in serious trouble."

"What!? A Dungeon...? It's fortunate we've only confirmed goblins so far. But a Goblin King is troublesome. I'll consult Count Carmel about this. Having two Dungeons in the territory is bad in various ways."

Ralph continued, grimacing.

"So, what's with the kids? Surely they didn't come for a field trip?"

"No. I want you to register these children as adventurers as a special exception. They accompanied me on this investigation, and without them, I couldn't have investigated this far."

"Are you sane? They're only seven and four, right? Even if it's your request, Zeke, that's impossible."

"Could you at least appraise them? If you see their practical skills after that, I think you'll understand just how much of a combat asset they are."

"That much? Hmm... Well, if you say so, Zeke, I'll give it a try. Lucia! You're outside, right? Come in!"

At his command, the door opened, and Lucia entered.

"You caught me. I just need to appraise them, right?"

I see, this person has the Appraisal skill.

I tried appraising Lucia.

【Name】 Lucia Sargent
【Title】 -
【Rank】 Human - Commoner
【State】 Good
【Age】 16
【Level】 1
【HP】 25/25
【MP】 5/5
【Strength】 6
【Agility】 6
【Magic】 1
【Dexterity】 11
【Endurance】 5
【Luck】 1
【Special Ability】 Appraisal (Lv MAX)

Sargent... is she Ralph's daughter?

So there really is an Appraisal skill.

I decided to appraise Ralph too while I was at it.

【Name】 Ralph Sargent
【Title】 -
【Rank】 Human - Commoner
【State】 Good
【Age】 40
【Level】 32
【HP】 160/160
【MP】 5/5
【Strength】 54
【Agility】 61
【Magic】 1
【Dexterity】 34
【Endurance】 50
【Luck】 1
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship C (Lv 9/15)
【Equipment】 Silver Sword

A hardcore attacker. Pretty strong.

Age-wise, they definitely looked like father and daughter.

While I was thinking about their relationship, Lucia appraised Ike.

Then, her face rapidly cramped up.

"Eh? Eh? Wai-? Eeeeeehhhhhhh!!!"

Seeing her state, Ralph asked with his eyes what was going on.

"I-Impossible. Swordsmanship, Spearmanship, and Fire Magic..."

Lucia was muttering to herself.

"Wait... You kids can use both swords and magic?"

Not knowing how much to answer, I looked at Zeke.

Zeke answered for Ike and me.

"Ike can use the Fire Magic 《Fire》, and Mars can use the Wind Magic 《Wind》 and 《Wind Cutter》. Ike is also equipped with a Bracelet of Fire, so I believe his attack power is quite high."

He didn't mention the Holy Magic, after all. Lucia was so surprised by Ike's stats that she seemed to have forgotten to appraise me.

"S-Seriously...? That's beyond just being a genius. It would certainly be a waste not to use this much ability... A-Alright. I'll approve Ike and Mars's adventurer registration. However, there is a condition. Show me a little magic. I'm not doubting you, but I want to confirm."

To meet Ralph's request, we opened the room's window. Ike fired a 《Fire》 into the sky, and I cast 《Wind》 to accelerate it. The 《Fire》 Ike released swelled significantly, accelerated further, and disappeared into the sky.

Just like Ike and me, Wind Magic and Fire Magic might have very good compatibility.

"I'll make you E-rank adventurers as a special exception. You can dive into Dungeons starting from E-rank. I'll issue adventurer cards, so come pick them up later. Also, I'll give you the reward for this nominated quest. I'll add a little extra. Just, I want you to continue the nominated quest as is. If possible, I want you to continue culling the goblins, and I want information on the Dungeon. It'll be tough and dangerous, but Almeria's current situation is quite bad. Discuss it with Maria and think it over."

After confirming our magic, Ralph bowed his head.

Zeke said, "Understood. We will discuss it as a family," bowed, and left the room.

We brothers followed Zeke, bowed, and exited.

Leaving the Guild Master's room, we stopped by the reception. Zeke exchanged the magic stones for cash and received the reward for the nominated quest.

The amount must have been considerable because Zeke's face was grinning when he saw the reward.

When we finally arrived home, Maria welcomed us holding Lina.

Seeing Maria and Lina's faces must have relieved me because exhaustion hit me all at once. Ike must have felt the same because he looked at my face and laughed for some reason.

Seeing that, I laughed too.

I fell asleep from exhaustion immediately after returning from the Adventurer's Guild.

Though I made sure to use 《Sylphid》 to deplete my MP before sleeping.

And today was a rest day.

Zeke had apparently reported yesterday's events to Maria during the night.

They tried to hold a family meeting, but since I fell asleep, it was postponed to today.

Even though it was a rest day, I was currently having a mock battle with Ike using wooden swords, but I stood absolutely no chance.

Besides, Ike's level had gone up to 10.

Ike really was excellent. Would he be called a Sword Saint one day?

No, his talent for the spear was higher, so Spear Saint...?

"I really can't beat Ike-nii."

"That's not true. If the four-year-old me fought the current Mars, I'd lose without being able to do anything. Mars will become stronger than me eventually. I have to work hard to maintain my dignity as a big brother."

He said stuff like that. No, seriously, what a perfect brother.

After eating lunch, depleting my MP, sleeping, and waking up, Zeke and Maria called me.

We were going to have the family meeting now.

"Now that Mars is awake, let's discuss yesterday's topic."

Zeke, Maria, and Ike were already seated at the table.

I sat down, and the family meeting began.

"First, let's talk about yesterday's reward. This reward was for a quest achieved by the three of us, so we need to split it properly. Though, I don't intend to give such a large sum to you children."

"I got the Bracelet of Fire yesterday, so I don't need a reward. If you insist, please give it to Mars."

Since Ike said that, I voiced my long-standing wish.

"I don't want an item, but I want to learn Earth Magic, so I want Dad to help me."

"Understood. Then Dad will teach you Earth Magic. We should still have the Beginner Earth Magic Grimoire. Seriously, you brothers have no greed. Then, without hesitation, I will take the reward from the guild yesterday. In exchange, I have something to give you."

Saying that, Zeke handed a card to Ike and me.

"This is an E-rank Adventurer Card. It serves as identification, so absolutely do not lose it."

I accepted the adventurer card from Zeke. It seemed to be made of copper.

Incidentally, the material differed by rank.

A was Adamantite.
B was Mythril Silver.
C was Silver.
D was Iron.
E was Copper.
F and G were Paper.

Because F and G rank cards were paper, they were apparently called "Papers."

"Now, about the future. I went to the guild this morning and talked. With the Guild Master and the lord of Almeria, Count Carmel—the three of us. And they asked me this: Would I move near the abandoned village with a few adventurers to manage and govern the Dungeon? Of course, they said the reward would be generous. Count Carmel is heading to the capital tomorrow personally to report on this Dungeon matter. He said he would negotiate for the right to appoint a Baron, and if he gets it, he'll elevate me to the peerage. However, I declined for now, saying I don't have the caliber to govern. But since they said just managing the Dungeon would be fine, I told them to let me consider it and came back. The difference between a Baron and a Baronet is heaven and earth. A Baronetcy is only for one generation, but a Barony has hereditary rights. The Count said he'd provide money for Dungeon management expenses, and we can explore the Dungeon as usual. What do you all think?"

"I think the conditions are very good. Just one thing. It depends on how many people migrate. Honestly, just us wouldn't be able to handle it if something happened."

"I think it's a very good thing too."

Ike seemed to agree. Naturally, I agreed too.

"I think it's good too."

"Understood. First, we need to confirm how many people will migrate and how many capable individuals there are. Also, we're going to kill goblins again starting tomorrow, so brace yourselves. We can rent a carriage for free as long as we have the nominated quest, after all."

Back to goblin hunting tomorrow.

If I have time, I want to practice Earth Magic.

The next day, when we left the house as usual, I was taken to a weapon shop.

It was apparently to buy my equipment.

But since I was four, no matter how high my stats were, a sword was too big to carry around.

Just as I was thinking that, it seemed they were going to buy me a dagger.

Zeke told me to look for one I liked myself, so I searched around.

【Name】 Iron Dagger
【Attack】 6
【Rarity】 F
【Details】 -

【Name】 Silver Dagger
【Attack】 12
【Rarity】 D
【Details】 -

First off, I didn't know the market prices, so I didn't know which one to choose.

The dagger said to be the centerpiece of this shop was:

【Name】 Mythril Silver Dagger
【Attack】 20
【Rarity】 C
【Details】 A dagger that easily conducts the wielder's mana.

This certainly felt like a good one. But holding it in my hand, it didn't feel quite right, and it was a little heavy.

Looking around with that thought, I found this in a place like a bargain bin.

【Name】 Wind Dagger (Sylph Dagger)
【Attack】 4
【Special】 Magic +1, Agility +1
【Rarity】 C
【Details】 A special dagger that makes the body lighter when equipped. Enchanting the dagger with Wind Magic slightly increases Attack and Agility.

This was perfect for me. With this treatment, the price might not be too high. Moreover, picking it up, it felt strangely light; with this, even I could swing it easily.

"Dad! I want this one!"

"Shopkeeper, tell me the specs of this."

"Ah, that's junk with 4 attack power. One silver coin is fine. You can use it as a kitchen knife."

"Mars, are you sure this is okay?"

"Yeah!"

And so, I got the Sylph Dagger bought for me.

It was my first piece of equipment, so I'd treasure it.

One month had passed since the discovery of the Dungeon.

The surrounding goblins seemed to have been hunted to extinction, and we often went inside the Goblin Dungeon.

The crisis on the west side of Almeria seemed to have passed.

However, the Dungeon needed continuous monitoring, and as previously mentioned, Zeke was elevated to Baron and appointed to manage the Goblin Dungeon.

Currently, we were in the middle of removing all the buildings in the abandoned village and building new houses.

There were about a hundred immigrants from Almeria. A much larger number than expected.

The Goblin Dungeon was perfect for beginners, seemingly just right for those who had promoted from Paper to E-rank, so there were many novice adventurers. Also, perhaps thinking E-rank adventurers would flow in from places other than Almeria, quite a few merchants migrated as well.

We hunted the surrounding goblins to extinction, but there were plenty inside the Dungeon.

No matter how many we hunted, they didn't seem to decrease, so E-rank adventurers could probably level up nicely here.

Also, the D-rank party "Blue Fang," composed of six D and E-rank adventurers, came with us.

They were all around eighteen years old and were apparently the hopeful rookies of Almeria.

Zeke and Maria had apparently saved them during their Paper days, so they held feelings of yearning along with gratitude.

Their party consisted of:

Leader/Magic Swordsman (Male): Van, Lv 16
Swordsman (Male): Hugh, Lv 15
Spearman (Male): Luster, Lv 15
Scout (Male): Iris, Lv 13
Water Mage (Female): Ann, Lv 14
Fire Mage (Female): Asha, Lv 14

Leader Van had talent for both swordsmanship and magic and was indeed strong.

【Name】 Van Riguls
【Title】 -
【Rank】 Human - Commoner
【State】 Good
【Age】 18
【Level】 16
【HP】 101/101
【MP】 90/90
【Strength】 30
【Agility】 38
【Magic】 28
【Dexterity】 28
【Endurance】 32
【Luck】 1
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship D (Lv 6/13)
【Special Ability】 Water Magic E (Lv 3/11)
【Equipment】 Silver Sword
【Equipment】 Iron Armor

They were actively helping with town building, which seemed to be a huge help to Zeke.

In the morning, the Bryant family entered the Dungeon, and at night, "Blue Fang" entered.

As long as the E-rank adventurers hunted goblins little by little, the threat of the Dungeon was practically nonexistent.

Also, when "Blue Fang" had time, they trained me and Ike in sword, spear, and magic.

We felt like we had gained good big brothers and sisters, which made us very happy.

"Mars, cut that wood into a rectangle. Once you cut it, take it to the foreman, and store the scraps as firewood."

A carpenter called out to me. Yes, I was currently helping with carpentry work.

I volunteered for it. The reason was that apparently, max MP increases until about age ten, but growth slows down after that.

How max MP related to carpentry was this: when diving into a Dungeon, you inevitably had to manage your MP and couldn't deplete it fully, but in town, you could do it without worry.

This was just my own assumption based on stories from Mom, Dad, and "Blue Fang," and since I had the Heavenly Gift skill, it might not apply to me.

Unlike others, my MP recovered to full if I slept for three hours.

Also, I had a habit of waking up automatically when my MP was full.

I cut the lumber with 《Air Blade》 and 《Wind Cutter》, and carried heavy things with 《Wind》. For things that needed careful carrying, using 《Sylphid》 boosted my physical ability, so it wasn't a problem to an extent.

Thus, on days I didn't dive into the Dungeon, I was increasing my max MP.

Ike often dove into the Dungeon with Zeke.

Being able to enter the Dungeon right from home was a very good environment.

Maria occasionally dove into the Dungeon too.

Since Lina started eating solid food, she left Lina with "Blue Fang" to dive.

Well, it was about an hour at most.

"Blue Fang" was also actively diving into the Dungeon, so Dungeon saturation wouldn't happen anymore.

A little less than a year passed living like that.

I turned five, and Ike turned eight.

Since I became a noble's son, I consciously tried to make my speech polite. Pride comes before a fall. Here are mine and Ike's stats:

【Name】 Mars Bryant
【Title】 -
【Rank】 Human - Second Son of Bryant Barony
【State】 Good
【Age】 5
【Level】 7 (+1)
【HP】 41/41
【MP】 4522/4523
【Strength】 26 (+6)
【Agility】 29 (+7)
【Magic】 53 (+11)
【Dexterity】 44 (+9)
【Endurance】 25 (+6)
【Luck】 30
【Unique Ability】 Heavenly Gift (Lv MAX)
【Unique Ability】 Heavenly Eye (Lv 5)
【Unique Ability】 Lightning Magic S (Lv 0/20)
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship B (Lv 3/17) (2→3)
【Special Ability】 Fire Magic G (Lv 2/5) (1→2)
【Special Ability】 Water Magic G (Lv 1/5)
【Special Ability】 Earth Magic G (Lv 1/5) (NEW)
【Special Ability】 Wind Magic A (Lv 11/19) (10→11)
【Special Ability】 Holy Magic C (Lv 4/15) (3→4)
【Equipment】 Sylph Dagger

Swordsmanship, Fire Magic, Wind Magic, and Holy Magic levels went up, and I learned Earth Magic. My stats exploded too.

MP was rising quite nicely as well.

Next was Ike.

【Name】 Ike Bryant
【Title】 -
【Rank】 Human - Eldest Son of Bryant Barony
【State】 Good
【Age】 8
【Level】 12 (+3)
【HP】 70/70
【MP】 567/567
【Strength】 42 (+12)
【Agility】 33 (+8)
【Magic】 23 (+7)
【Dexterity】 18 (+4)
【Endurance】 39 (+12)
【Luck】 10
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship C (Lv 4/15) (3→4)
【Special Ability】 Spearmanship B (Lv 4/17) (2→4)
【Special Ability】 Fire Magic C (Lv 4/15) (3→4)
【Equipment】 Iron Spear
【Equipment】 Salamander Sword
【Equipment】 Bracelet of Fire

No, seriously, he's a genius. And he was quite tall for an eight-year-old.

Also, it was surprising that he could fight on par with the people from "Blue Fang" in sword fighting.

Even more surprising was that just when I thought he finally mastered the Salamander Sword, he switched his main weapon to the spear.

Carrying the Salamander Sword on his back, he attacked with the spear.

It was an ordinary spear, but thanks to its long reach, he unilaterally ravaged the goblins without entering their range. I even felt fear watching him.

Zeke and Maria didn't level up no matter how many goblins they killed, and their stats didn't change much from before.

I guess you really don't level up no matter how many weak monsters you defeat if the level difference is too great...

I wasn't the only one imagining Ike surpassing Zeke, currently the strongest in this town, by next year.

Lina's stats hadn't changed at all, but her cuteness had skyrocketed. Seeing her toddle around the house past age two made me want to hug her... or rather, I was hugging her.

After dinner, when everyone was spending time as they pleased, Zeke gathered the family.

"Next week, we'll aim for the depths of the Goblin Dungeon. The reason is to investigate how deep E-rank adventurers are allowed to dive. Also, we don't know how many floors there are, so we'll investigate that too. This time, I'll have Maria come along as well. I've already asked 'Blue Fang' to watch Lina. Ike, Mars, both of you get ready."

""Yes.""

We replied energetically.