Chapter 20
“Hoho, a Mithril-rank Demon Hunter at only 18? That’s amazing, Dilias.”
This pointy-chinned man with blonde bangs is named Phyllis, one of my teammates for this mission.
Right now, he’s walking on my left, his arm draped over my right shoulder.
He should be a friendly person, my intuition tells me.
“No, you flatter me. I’m just a mediocrity. The legendary Sword Saint Reinhardt had Orichalcum-level strength at age 7 and reached Titanium level at 11.”
“Oh my, Dilias, don’t sell yourself short. That’s just a legend. It’s been hundreds of years, and didn’t he perish together with the Demon Lord in the Final Battle? That doesn’t count! Doesn’t count, hah. We only count current Demon Hunters. The average age is over 22. How many people can jump two ranks to Mithril at 18?”
He probably just wants to build a good relationship. I know I’m weak; there are countless people stronger than me. However, entrusting your back to a companion you don’t trust is fatal in battle.
Sword Saint, huh… I also want to become the next Sword Saint. The gap with reality is huge. It’s just a dream.
Chatter chatter… chatter chatter.
So annoying. Is he a chatterbox?
“Haha, Phyllis, stop teasing Dilias. Can’t you see he’s uncomfortable?”
Team leader Dyne patted Phyllis on the back, signaling him to talk less.
“Um, Dilias-kun, the sword on your back looks so old, and the blade is cracked too. Aren’t you going to buy a new one?”
Lina, walking at the very back, spoke up.
To be honest, she gives me the vibe of a big sister at most. Although she is indeed quite pretty, she’s not the type I want to pursue.
“No, this one is enough.”
“Oho, Lina cares about others too? How rare. You haven’t fallen for Dilias, have you? Hehe, after all, Dilias is so handsome, shota-style, fits your taste perfectly, right?”
Phyllis put on an exaggeratedly comical face.
“Guh… You!”
Lina raised her staff inlaid with a ruby, her face under the hood flushed red, aiming at Phyllis.
“Fourth Tier!”
“Ah, don’t! Grandma! I was just saying! Don’t cast fire magic, I don’t want to become a roast chicken!”
“Hey, hey, Miss Lina, we’re still in the city!!”
“Hmph, I’ll spare you this time. You improper guy, talk nonsense again and I’ll kick you!”
Phyllis ran grinning toward the general store next to the city gate.
Feels like we’ve hit it off pretty quickly.
That’s a magic staff, right… I don’t know the quality of the magic crystal on it.
Look, that ruby on top is the medium used to amplify magic. With this kind of item, you can shorten chants. Truly good stuff.
I can only use Third Tier magic. If only I knew the shape of the magic circle, I could use “Magic Entry” to memorize it.
Also, magic capacity is an issue. Since humans’ innate physical constitution cannot unleash such powerful magic, items are needed for amplification. This is common magical knowledge.
Before leaving the city, we bought enough dried meat, as well as medicines like healing potions and antidotes.
Bypassing Colin Village leads to the Misty Forest.
There were quite a few wild monsters on the way, but for us Demon Hunters, it was like slicing melons and chopping vegetables, used to get a feel for combat before the real battle.
As expected of Orichalcum-rank Demon Hunters. Scouting, engaging, fighting, and distributing tasks were done in one go, very seasoned.
Except for Phyllis the chatterbox, giving me a bit of tinnitus.
Not far ahead lies the Misty Forest. At a glance, it’s not a very large forest, just filled with white mist. People with better eyesight can see the shadows of Mandrake flowers in the mist.
Quite a few Demon Hunters were wandering and arguing nearby, but none dared to take a step forward.
