Shirou: "What is this place? A plain?"
*When I awoke, a vast green plain stretched out before me as far as the eye could see. White clouds drifted slowly across the blue sky, and in the distance, I could see clusters of buildings that looked like a small town. A pleasant breeze blew, and the scent of another world tickled my nose.*
Suddenly, information floods into my mind.
Transfer complete. You have acquired the transfer bonus skill [Appraisal Lv.1].
*I can hear human voices in the distance. I can see a man who looks like a merchant walking towards me from the direction of the town.*
Merchant: "Oh, there's someone here? A traveler? That outfit...it's unfamiliar clothing. Are you perhaps lost?"
The merchant, pulling his cart, looked at Shirou with a worried expression.
```
Status display
- Name: Shirou Nishiki
- Level: 1
- HP: 100/100
- MP: 50/50
- Skill: Appraisal Lv1
- Money: 0
- Equipment: None
- Item: None
```
Shirou: "That's about right..."
Merchant: "Oh, that sounds terrible. It's dangerous to be around here alone, as there are monsters like goblins. I'm on my way back to that town, the adventurer's city of Astera. Would you like a ride to town?"
The merchant smiled kindly and pointed to the back of his cart. The cart was loaded with various goods, but there seemed to be enough space for one person to sit.
*The town is about a half-day's walk from here.*
Shirou: "Really?! That's a big help."
Merchant: "Hey, don't be shy. We help each other out when we're in trouble. Come on, get in!"
The merchant grinned and helped me climb onto the cart. Sitting down, I found it a little hard, but the shaking wasn't as bad as I'd expected.
Merchant: "Alright, let's go! Hold on tight!"
*When the merchant pulls the reins, the horses pulling the cart slowly begin to walk. Rattle and clatter, the cart starts moving towards the town.*
Merchant: "My name is Vargas. I'm a traveling merchant. And you?"
*The merchant, who introduced himself as Vargas, spoke to me in a friendly manner while facing forward.*
Merchant: "That outfit is really unusual. Where are you from? I've traveled to many countries, but I've never seen fabric like that before."
*Bargas seems very interested in the modern clothes Shirou is wearing.*
Shirou: "I'm Shirou. I'm from the east. Is that so unusual?"
Vargas: "The East, huh... It seems different from the Eastern countries I know. Oh, it's quite unusual! The smooth fabric and the way the clothes are made are things I've never seen around here. It looks even better than the silk worn by nobles."
*Vargas nodded repeatedly in admiration. The cart slowly made its way along the plains road. Occasionally, small animals crossed the path, but there was no sign of any monsters.*
Vargas: "So you came from the east? Is this your first time in Astera? It's a great city. It's lively with people of all different races. It's the perfect place to become an adventurer. Are you aspiring to be an adventurer, Shirou?"
*Vargas asks Shirou to find out his purpose. According to him, Astera is thriving as a base for adventurers.*
Suddenly, Shirou notices a strangely shaped medicinal herb growing by the roadside. He unconsciously tries using his [Appraisal] ability.
Appraisal results]
- Name: Healing Grass
- Effect: Has a healing effect on wounds. Eating it as is will slightly restore HP. It can be used as an ingredient in potions.
Rarity: Common
```
*The feeling of information flowing directly into my mind. I realized this was the power of [appraisal].*
Shirou: "I grew up in the countryside... so I'm not very familiar with common sense... I'd like to try being an adventurer!"
Vargas: "Oh really! An adventurer! That's great! It's good to have a dream! Astera has an Adventurer's Guild, so anyone can become an adventurer by registering there. Well, at first you'll probably start with easy requests like exterminating goblins, but if you hone your skills, you might even become a hero who can slay dragons!"
*Vargas speaks with such excitement, as if it were his own story. His eyes sparkle, and it's clear he has a strong yearning for adventurers.*
Vargas: "When you get to town, the first thing you should do is go to the guild. It's right outside the central square, so you won't get lost. There's a fee of 10 copper coins to register, but I'll pay that much for you. It's fate, after all!"
*I expressed my gratitude for the kind offer. As we talked, rocking back and forth in the cart, the city gradually came into view. Surrounded by high walls, many buildings were crammed together. Lively voices and sounds drifted on the wind to where we were.*
*Upon arriving at the city gate, the cart was stopped by guards clad in sturdy armor.*
Guard: "Stop! Show me your identification!"
Vargas: "Hey hey, thanks for your hard work as always. I'm Vargas, a traveling merchant. This is my travel companion, Shirou."
*When Vargas presented his identification card with a practiced air, the guard exchanged glances with another guard. The other guard stared intently at Shirou, his face showing suspicion.*
Guard: "Doesn't this guy have any identification? I don't recognize him..."
Shirou: "I'm from the countryside... and I don't have any identification..."
*When I answered hesitantly, the guard frowned and reached for the shaft of his spear. The air became tense.*
Guard: "You can't enter the city without identification. It's the rule. There are a lot of suspicious characters around these days, so please be understanding."
The guards were unyielding. Vargas hastily stepped in.
Vargas: "Come on, don't say that. He's really just naive, he's not a bad guy. I guarantee it! Come on, guard."
*Vargas takes several copper coins from his pocket and tries to gently place them in the guard's hand. The guard hesitates for a moment, then glances around before quickly taking them.*
Guard: "...If you have Mr. Vargas's guarantee, this time will be an exception. But don't cause any trouble in town. Don't expect a next time. Also, as soon as you arrive, go to the Adventurer's Guild and get a guild card to use as identification. Got it?"
The guard curtly said and made way. Burgus winked at Shirou with a relieved expression.
Vargas: "Well, that's how the world is. With enough money, you can solve most problems. Come on, Shirou! Welcome to the adventurer city of Astera!"
The cart slowly passed through the gate and entered the town. Inside the gate was even more vibrant than it had appeared from the outside. People of various races came and went, the lively voices of the stall vendors, the sounds of blacksmiths hammering iron, the cheerful music spilling from the taverns—all of these things blended together, making the whole town feel as if it were alive.
*After walking along the cobblestone path for a while, a particularly large building comes into view. That appears to be the central square.*
Shirou: "Thank you, I'll work to pay you back."
Vargas: "Hahaha, don't worry about it! I told you earlier, we help each other out when we're in trouble. More importantly, if you become a fine adventurer and one day become my bodyguard, that would be more than enough!"
He laughed heartily and parked the cart in the corner of the square.
The square was packed with people. Warriors in sturdy armor, lightly armored elven archers, short dwarves, beastmen with cat-like ears and tails—it was a scene straight out of a fantasy world. Overwhelmed, I looked around curiously.
Vargas: "So, isn't it amazing? This is the heart of Astera, the central plaza. Now then... I have to deliver the goods to the guild. Shirou, what about you? Shall we go to the Adventurers' Guild like we said?"
*Vargas asks as he unloads the cargo from the truck bed.*
Vargas: "The guild is straight down that road, it's the biggest building, so you should be able to find it easily. I'll give you 10 copper coins for the registration fee, in addition to what I gave the guard earlier."
*Saying this, Vargas pressed ten heavy copper coins into Shirou's hand.*
*Vargas's kindness in doing so much for a complete stranger like me warmed my heart.*
Shirou: "I'm off to the guild!"
Vargas: "Alright, go for it! Good luck, rookie adventurer!"
*Burgess patted Shirou hard on the back and saw him off with a smile. Shirou thanked him again and, as Burgess had instructed, walked straight down the road out of the square.*
As I walked through the bustling city, feeling its hustle and bustle, a particularly large and sturdy-looking wooden building caught my eye. A large sign hung in front of the building, reading "Adventurer's Guild Astera Branch." This seemed to be my destination.
*With a heavy creak, the door opened, revealing a tavern-like counter, a bulletin board covered with papers displaying requests, and numerous adventurers. A chaotic space unfolded before me: burly warriors clinking drinks, a figure in a mage-like robe reading a book with a serious expression, and a group of beastmen chatting happily.*
*Thinking hesitantly, I approached the counter, where a cheerful-looking beast-woman with cat ears and a tail greeted me with a smile.*
Receptionist: "Hello! Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild! Are you here to accept a quest, or would you like to register as a new member?"
*She has a name tag on her chest that reads "Receptionist: Minya." Her friendly smile is striking.*
Shirou: "Please register."
Minya: "Yes, you'd like to register as a new user! Understood! Please fill in the required information on this form. Your name, place of origin, and any weapons or magic you are good at, if any. If you don't have any, you can leave it blank."
*Minya smiled and took out a piece of parchment, a quill pen, and an inkwell from under the counter.*
*He took it and picked up the pen. In the name field he wrote "Shirou Nishiki," and after a moment of hesitation, in the place of origin field he wrote "Eastern Village." He didn't have any particular favorite weapons or magic, so he left that blank.*
*After I finished filling out the form and handed it to Minya, she checked the contents and nodded with satisfaction.*
Minya: "Yes, thank you. So it's Shirou. Now, please place your hand over this crystal. This will measure Shirou's stats and create a guild card for him."
*Saying this, Minya placed a smooth, purple crystal, about the size of a human head, on the counter. The crystal emitted a faint light. When I gently held my hand over it as instructed, the crystal shone brightly for a moment, and a flash of light streaked across another small metal plate in Minya's hand.*
Minya: "Okay, that's it! This is Shirou's guild card. Please don't lose it. You'll start at rank F, but you can rank up by completing requests and accumulating contribution points, so do your best!"
*Minya handed me the newly made metal card. It had my name, rank, and a brief status engraved on it.*
---
[Guild Card]
- Name: Shirou Nishiki
- Rank: F
- Occupation: -
- Affiliation: -
---
Minya: "Oh, and we'll also be charging you 10 copper coins as a registration fee. Also, skills that are hidden by appraisal won't be displayed on your guild card, so if you have any skills you want to hide, please manage them yourself."
Shirou: "Okay, are there any quests involving gathering medicinal herbs?"
*When I handed her the 10 copper coins, Minya counted them out quickly and accepted them.*
Minya: "Yes, thank you! So it's a quest to gather medicinal herbs. It's the perfect quest for an F-rank adventurer. There's a quest to gather 10 'healing herbs' in the forest near town. The reward is 5 copper coins. What do you say?"
*Minya peeled one of the request forms posted on the bulletin board and showed it to Shirou on the counter.*
---
[Request Form]
- Request Rank: F
- Request details: Collect 10 "Healing Grass" in the forest near Astera.
- Reward: 5 copper coins
- Client: Adventurer's Guild
- Note: Weak monsters such as goblins and slimes may appear in the forest. Please be careful.
---
Minya: "Healing herbs are used as an ingredient in potions, so there's always a demand for them. I think it would be perfect for your first request. The forest is just outside the guild, right by the east gate."
*To repay the debt of gratitude I owe Vargas for helping me, I first need to earn some money. This job might be perfect for me, given my appraisal abilities.*
Shirou: "Would you still buy this even if I brought a larger quantity?"
Minya: "Yes, of course! The guild always buys healing herbs. Any more than the 10 you're requested to collect will be bought back for 3 iron coins each. The more you collect, the more income it will add to Shirou's earnings, so please do your best!"
*Minya replies with a smile. The more we harvest, the greater the profit. This is motivating.*
Shirou: "Understood. Then I accept the request."
Minya: "Yes, I understand! Please take this request form with you. Once you've completed it, please bring it to this counter along with the healing herbs you've collected. Take care, and have a good day!"
Minya handed me the request form with a smile and sent me off cheerfully.*
*Having left the guild, I immediately headed towards the east gate. Showing my guild card to the gatekeeper, I was let through without any trouble this time. Outside the gate, a peaceful forest stretched out. The sound of birds chirping created a calm atmosphere.*
*Entering the forest and walking a short distance, I immediately spotted a medicinal herb with a familiar shape. Without even needing to examine it, I knew it was a healing herb.*
*I made full use of my appraisal skill. Appraisal could be applied not only to items and monsters, but also to sensing the presence of others in the surroundings. By sensing faint flows of magic and anticipating the presence of monsters, I skillfully avoided combat.*
Shirou: "Appraisal"
*A map-like image appeared in my mind, with red dots indicating the monsters' locations and green dots showing areas where healing herbs grew. Relying on this information, I chose only the safest routes and proceeded deeper into the forest.*
Thanks to this, he discovered healing herbs one after another without encountering a single monster like goblins or slimes. He was meticulous in selecting and collecting only high-quality herbs through appraisal. He carefully pulled them out, making sure not to damage the roots, and in no time his cloth bag was heavy.
*A few hours later, when I emerged from the forest, the cloth bag was bulging. It must have contained well over 100 sprigs of healing herb.*
*I returned to the guild in high spirits and headed straight for the counter where Minya was.*
Shirou: "Request completed. Here's the healing herb."
*When the cloth bag was placed with a thud on the counter, a large amount of healing herbs spilled out. Seeing this, Minya's eyes widened in surprise.*
Minya: "Eh... what!? Th-this many!? Shirou, did you perhaps collect all of them yourself!? And they're all in such good condition... You're incredibly efficient for a newcomer...!"
*Minya looked surprised and examined each healing herb one by one.*
Shirou: "I was lucky enough to find a place where they grow in clusters."
(It's too much trouble to explain, let's just leave it at that.)
Minya: "A cluster of them... and to think that such a large quantity was found undamaged... We were really lucky! It's amazing!"
*Minya seemed genuinely impressed. She showed no sign of doubting what was being said. She immediately took out her abacus and began calculating at an incredible speed.*
Minya: "Okay, first of all, the reward for completing the request is 5 copper coins. And as for the excess... wow, there are 152 in total! Each one is worth 3 iron coins, so the buyback price for the excess is... 456 iron coins! If we exchange that for copper coins, we'll get 45 copper coins and 6 iron coins."
*Mii excitedly announced the results.*
Minya: "So, the total payment will be 50 copper coins and 6 iron coins! Shirou, you've made a fortune on your very first job! Congratulations!"
*Saying this, Minya placed a heavy leather pouch on the counter. It contained 50 copper coins and 6 iron coins. For Shirou, this was the first large sum of money he had earned on his own in this world.*
*At the same time, an announcement echoed in my head.*
"Condition met. Skill [Appraisal Lv1] has evolved to [Appraisal Lv2]."
You have earned the title of [Appraiser] by appraising many items.
```
Status display
- Name: Shirou Nishiki
- Level: 1
- HP: 100/100
- MP: 50/50
- Skill: Appraisal Lv2
- Title: Appraiser (hidden)
- Money held: 50 copper coins, 6 iron coins
- Equipment: None
- Item: None
```
Shirou: "Do you have any recommended inns?"
Minya: "An inn, you say! In that case, I recommend 'The Weathercock Inn,' which is right next to the guild. The guild frequents it, so lots of adventurers stay there, and the owners are a nice couple. The food is also said to be delicious."
*Minya teaches with a smile.*
Minya: "The price is one copper coin per night for the cheapest room without meals, or two copper coins with breakfast and dinner included. With your current earnings, Shirou, you can easily afford to stay even with meals included. What would you like to do?"
Two copper coins. That's a bargain considering it includes a meal. I want to secure a place to sleep for tonight.*
Shirou: "Okay, then I'll go to that 'Weathercock Inn.' With meals included."
Minya: "Yes, I think that's a good idea! It's in the building right next to the guild, just to the right. There's a sign, so you should be able to find it easily."
*After thanking Minya and leaving the guild, I saw a three-story building right next door with a wooden sign that read "Weathercock Inn." Lively voices and the delicious aroma of food wafted from inside.*
*Upon opening the door and stepping inside, I found the first floor to be a dining area where many adventurers were eating and drinking. A plump proprietress emerged from behind the counter and greeted me with a friendly smile.*
Landlady: "Oh, welcome! I haven't seen you before, are you a new adventurer? Are you staying the night?"
Shirou: "Yes. I'd like it for the 7th."
Landlady: "Okay! The 7th then! We have several rooms, and the prices are different."
*The proprietress began her explanation, counting on her fingers.*
Landlady: "The cheapest option is a shared room in a large hall. One bed and no meals for one night is one copper coin. With breakfast and dinner included it's two copper coins. You'll be sharing with all sorts of people, so it might be good for exchanging information, but you won't have much privacy."
Landlady: "Next, we have a private room for one person. This one is a little more spacious and has a lock, so it's safer. It's 5 copper coins for one night without meals, and 6 copper coins with meals. If you want to spend your time in peace and quiet, I recommend this one."
Landlady: "Finally, we have a private room with a bath where you can enjoy a little luxury. We use heated well water, but it still feels great to be able to wash away the sweat. This one comes with meals and costs one silver coin per night. So, which room would you like?"
*I picture the 50 copper coins in my pocket. Even if I stay in a private room for 7 nights, that's only 42 copper coins. I still have plenty left. Sharing a room and interacting with other adventurers is tempting, but I also strongly want to slowly get used to life in this world first.*
Shirou: "I'd like a single room, please."
"76... 42..."
*As he began counting the copper coins while doing mental arithmetic, the landlady's eyes widened in admiration.*
Landlady: "Oh, you're quick at calculations! That's impressive. So, I've indeed received 42 copper coins!"
The proprietress, with practiced ease, accepted the copper coin and retrieved an old key from the back of the counter.
Landlady: "Your room is at the end of the hallway on the second floor, room 205. This is the key. Breakfast is signaled by one bell ring, and dinner by two bell rings. Come down to the dining room on the first floor before then. The evening bell will ring soon, so you'd better come as soon as you put your luggage down. I'll have a delicious stew waiting for you!"
The landlady handed me the key. I thanked her, accepted the key, and headed up the creaky stairs to the second floor.
*Opening the door to Room 205, I found myself in a simple yet clean room. A bed, a small desk, and a single chair. The hustle and bustle of the city could be heard faintly from the window. This was the first space I'd ever had all to myself since arriving in this other world.*
*Since I didn't have much luggage, I quickly left the room and returned to the dining room on the first floor. Just then, the town bell rang twice. Taking that as a signal, adventurers began to take their seats one after another.*
*As soon as I sat down at an empty table, the proprietress brought me a steaming hot stew and freshly baked bread.*
Landlady: "Here you go! Here's our special wild boar stew. Eat as much as you like!"
A mouthwatering aroma rose from the stew placed before me. It was the perfect treat for a body that had been walking around all day and gathering medicinal herbs. I took a spoonful and brought it to my mouth, and the rich flavor of the slowly cooked meat and the sweetness of the vegetables filled my mouth.
Beastman warrior: "Hey, bro. I haven't seen you around. Newbie? You've got a good appetite!"
Shirou: "Um, oh, yes, I just registered today."
Beastman Warrior: "I see! Well, that means welcome to Astera! I'm Garou. As you can see, I'm a wolf beastman warrior. My rank is C. Nice to meet you!"
The beastman, who introduced himself as Garou, laughed heartily as he bit into a chunk of meat. Next to him stood a small, pointed-eared elf woman who sighed with a weary expression.
Elf woman: "Hey Garou, don't raise your voice while we're eating. It's impolite. ...I'm sorry, new guy. He's always like this. I'm Lisha. As you can see, I'm an elf. I'm a sorceress."
*The elf, who introduced herself as Lisha, spoke in a quiet voice, in stark contrast to Garou. She had refined features, but exuded a cold, unapproachable aura.*
Garou: "Heh, don't be so uptight, Lisha. This is a welcome party for new recruits, right? Hey, Shirou, what have you been up to today? Have you already completed a request?"
*Garou asks with great interest. His sharp golden eyes stare intently. Perhaps he is trying to gauge how skilled they are.*
Shirou: "Let's gather medicinal herbs."
*As I tore off a piece of bread and dipped it in the stew, Garou looked a little disappointed and said, "Oh, I see."*
Garou: "Gathering medicinal herbs, huh? Well, that's how it starts out. It's a mundane but steady and good job. Though it's not really my style!"
*Garou said this and gulped down the remaining ale in his mug. Meanwhile, Lisha seemed to be slightly interested in what he was saying.*
Lisha: "Gathering medicinal herbs... so you went into the forest, right? Did you encounter any monsters? There are supposed to be a lot of goblins in the forests around here."
*Lisha quietly scoops up soup with her spoon, her gaze searching. Perhaps she sees through her, realizing she's not just a beginner.*
Garou: "Oh yeah, that's right! Didn't you see a goblin or two? You don't seem to have any weapons, so how did you chase them away?"
*Garou agreed with Lisha's words, looking at her with a puzzled expression. Indeed, she was unarmed and didn't look like she could fight. He needed to choose his words carefully to explain how he had avoided combat using his appraisal skill.*
Shirou: "I didn't see them?"
He said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world, as if it were nothing. He wiped up every last drop of stew with his bread and popped it into his mouth. His utterly dignified demeanor made Garou and Lisha exchange glances for a moment.
Garou: "...You didn't meet any? Not even once? Well, you're incredibly lucky, man! Normally, you'd bump into a goblin around every corner in that forest."
*Garou crossed his arms and growled. It seemed to be a situation beyond his comprehension.*
Lisha: "Luck... Well, I don't think that explains it. Are you perhaps good at stealth operations? Or do you have some kind of special skill for sensing presences?"
*Lisha's questions became sharper and more incisive. Her blue eyes pierced me intently, as if trying to see through my innermost thoughts. What was supposed to be a simple conversation about gathering medicinal herbs had unexpectedly turned into an interrogation.*
Shirou: "Even if you had one, you wouldn't normally say so, right?"
*As if it were nothing, yet clearly, Lisha widened her eyes slightly, and then a smile softened. It wasn't a cold smile, but rather a smile that seemed to say she was amused or impressed.*
Lisha: "...Yes, you're right. I asked a rude question. I apologize."
She backed down easily and quietly returned to her meal. However, her eyes seemed to have become even more intrigued.
Garou: "Hahaha! Of course! You're not going to reveal your hand, are you? I like that, man! That's what an adventurer should be like!"
*Garou laughs heartily and slaps his back hard. His small body almost falls forward.*
Garou: "That's right, Shirou! You haven't formed a party yet, have you? If you're free, would you like to join us on a request tomorrow? We just got a request to exterminate goblins. With your 'good luck,' we might be able to find the goblin nest easily!"
*Garou, with a mischievous grin, invited me to join his party. An invitation from a C-rank adventurer. For an adventurer who had just become an F-rank, it was an exceptional offer.*
Lisha: "Hey, Garou. What are you suddenly talking about? Consider his circumstances. Besides, he might not have any combat experience."
*Lisha scolds Garou with a look of exasperation, but doesn't seem very interested in stopping him. Perhaps she, too, wants to gauge his strength.*
*Their gazes pierce me. Will I accept their offer, or refuse? My next step could drastically alter the course of my future adventures.*
Shirou: "I plan to start by using only medicinal herbs, so I'll have to decline."
*When I flatly refused, Garou looked surprised for a moment, but then he grinned, showing his teeth.*
Garou: "I see! So you're a pragmatic type! That's fine too! I'm not forcing you, but if you change your mind, just let me know anytime! We're usually at this inn!"
Garou showed no sign of being bothered and once again heartily bit into the meat. His straightforward personality is endearing.
Lisha: "...I think that's a wise decision. Those who don't know their own limits and take on reckless challenges die sooner. You seem promising."
*Lisha said this quietly, then, having finished her meal, she rose from her seat. She gave Garou a slight glance, then went up the stairs alone and returned to her room.*
Garou: "Oh, Lisha's leaving already? Well, that's just how she is, don't worry about it. I guess I should call it a night too. See you later, Shirou! See you tomorrow!"
*Garou returned his finished dishes to the counter, waved to Shirou, and went back to his room.*
*The stormy duo left, and a gentle hustle and bustle returned to the dining hall. Shirou finished the rest of his meal, said goodbye to the landlady, and returned to his room.*
*As I lay down in bed, the fatigue of the day washed over me. I arrived in another world, was helped by a merchant, registered with a guild, completed my first quest, and secured lodging. It had been a whirlwind day.*
*As Shirou lay in bed, he was replaying in his mind the events that had just taken place in the dining hall. Garou, Lisha, and the other adventurers around them. He realized that he had been unconsciously appraising them all. With each person he appraised, information flowed into his mind. It was as if it were accumulating like experience points.*
*Suddenly, that announcement echoed in my mind again.*
"Condition met. Skill [Appraisal Lv2] has evolved to [Appraisal Lv3]."
[Upon evolving to Appraisal Level 3, a simplified status of the target will be displayed.]
Shirou: (So, by continuing to use appraisal on people, my level will increase...)
*As an experiment, try focusing your attention on the guest in the next room, who is presumably on the other side of the wall.*
Shirou: (Appraisal)
Then, information far more detailed than before began to flow into my mind.*
---
[Appraisal results]
- Name: Brook
- Race: Human
- Level: 8
- Occupation: Swordsman
- Rank: F
- HP: 180/180
- MP: 30/30
- Skills: Swordsmanship Lv2, Body Enhancement Lv1
- Status: Sleeping
---
Shirou: (Wow... Not only can I see their names, but I can also see their levels and skills...)
I can't hide my excitement at the unexpected growth of my appraisal skill. With this power, I can grasp the opponent's strength beforehand, avoid danger, and gain an advantage. I can use it not only to avoid combat, but also to determine who might become an ally and who might become an enemy.
*I'm once again struck by the incredible power of my own skills. How should I use this power? I quietly close my eyes and begin to formulate my plans. First, perhaps the top priority is to further develop this appraisal skill. And to do that, I'll need to appraise more and stronger objects.*
```
Status display
- Name: Shirou Nishiki
- Level: 1
- HP: 100/100
- MP: 50/50
- Skill: Appraisal Lv3
- Title: Appraiser (hidden)
- Money held: 8 copper coins, 6 iron coins
- Equipment: None
- Item: None
```
---
*The next morning, after finishing breakfast, I headed straight to the Adventurer's Guild. Just like yesterday, I made my way through the bustling guild and called out to Minya, who was standing at the counter.*
Shirou: "I'd like to request another quest today to gather medicinal herbs."
*Minya noticed the voice and quickly looked up, smiling.*
Minya: "Oh, Shirou! Good morning! Yesterday was amazing! Are you gathering medicinal herbs again today?"
She reached for the same request form as yesterday, but suddenly stopped, as if remembering something.
Minya: "...That's right, Shirou. If you don't mind, how about a slightly different request today? It's still a gathering-type request, but there's one that's a bit more rewarding."
*Minya winked mischievously and placed another request form on the counter.*
---
[Request Form]
- Request Rank: F
- Request details: Collect 5 "Moonlight Moss" in the cave west of Astera.
- Reward: 1 silver coin
- Client: Alchemist Zoltan
- Note: The cave is dark and visibility is poor. Large bats and slimes inhabit the area. A torch or other light source is essential.
---
Minya: "Moonlight moss is a special type of moss that glows faintly in the dark, and it's used as an ingredient in magic potions. It can only be found in the western cave, so it's a bit dangerous, but the reward is significantly better than the healing herb which is worth 5 copper coins. One silver coin is worth 10 copper coins! Judging from how well you handled it yesterday, I think you can handle this request too, Shirou."
*The reward is double that of the healing herb request. However, the notes section clearly states that monsters will appear. There's no guarantee that I can avoid them with my appraisal skill. This request was different from yesterday's, and it carried a clear risk.*
Shirou: "No, I'll just stick to gathering ordinary medicinal herbs."
*When Shirou immediately refused, Minya looked a little surprised, but quickly returned to her usual smile.*
Minya: "Oh, really? Of course, safety comes first! Understood! So, is it alright to request the same healing herb as yesterday?"
*She put away the Moonlight Moss request form with a slightly disappointed look and handed me a Healing Grass request form instead.*
Minya: "The reward is the same as yesterday, 5 copper coins. If you collect a lot, I'll buy any excess at the same rate, so do your best!"
Shirou: "Yes, thank you."
*Upon receiving the request, I headed towards the east gate, just as I had done yesterday. Carefully and safely. That was my current strategy.*
*Upon entering the forest, I immediately activated my appraisal skill. My appraisal level had improved since yesterday, yielding a wider range of more detailed information.*
Shirou: "Appraisal"
*In my mind, the green dots of healing herbs and the red dots of monsters are clearly displayed on the map. Not only that, but by focusing my attention on the red dots, I could even see their simplified status.*
---
[Appraisal results]
- Name: Goblin
- Level: 3
- Status: Wandering around
---
---
[Appraisal results]
- Name: Slime
- Level: 1
- Status: In camouflage
---
Shirou: (With this arrangement, there's almost no chance of us running into each other...)
*Even more efficiently than yesterday, I navigated the clusters of healing herbs while avoiding monsters. Selecting only the high-quality herbs and harvesting them efficiently had become second nature to me.*
*A few hours later, when I returned to the guild carrying the cloth bag bulging just like the day before, Minya greeted me with a look of exasperation, but also a hint of happiness.*
Minya: "Shirou, this is practically a daily routine now...! That's amazing! Okay, that's 165 for today. 5 copper coins for completing the request, plus 48 copper coins and 5 iron coins for the excess purchase. That's a total of 53 copper coins and 5 iron coins!"
*Shirou earned more than he did yesterday and nodded with satisfaction.*
"Condition met. Skill [Appraisal Lv3] has evolved to [Appraisal Lv4]."
Shirou: "(Okay... this is good.)"
```
Status display
- Name: Shirou Nishiki
- Level: 1
- HP: 100/100
- MP: 50/50
- Skill: Appraisal Lv4
- Title: Appraiser (hidden)
- Money held: 61 copper coins, 1 iron coin
- Equipment: None
- Item: None
```