A forest stretches right next to the capital of Riana.

The monsters and beasts that appear are no different from other regions in the country, but what sets this place apart is that it is a magic domain.

Each creature is stronger than usual, and even adventurers who have gained experience elsewhere cannot afford to be careless here.

“It’s hot…”

Even though I can’t let my guard down, it’s still hot.

Although it’s already autumn, the forest is uncomfortably muggy.

The sunlight is somewhat blocked by the trees, so it’s not too bad, but when wearing a thick jacket for hunting, I start sweating.

Especially now, since I’m floating in the air, with no breeze to cool me down.

Though I’m on the job, honestly, I just want to go back quickly.

“Oh, we defeated them.”

Looking down, I see the trainees have just finished fighting two goblins.

In terms of numbers, we have the advantage with five people, but these goblins are no easy foes. To defeat them without using 【Prayer】 and without injury is quite impressive.

They’re carefully tying the goblins’ legs with ropes, likely to drag them back to the town.

This method wouldn’t work for creatures whose fur or meat is used, but for goblins, it’s fine.

Though our original goal was to collect medicinal herbs, we’ve done some solid combat work as well.

It’s almost time for their official adventurer debut, but they’ve already become quite accustomed to this.

“Captain! We’re done!”

When the task is completed, I hear a shout from below.

I look down, and instead of continuing forward, it seems they’re about to turn back.

Although they’re still trainees, they’ve been active in this forest for nearly two years, so they probably know their limits.

“You’re not my captain!”

Despite it being futile, I shout back at them, then match their speed and begin moving.

◇

The battle we just had took place in a shallow area just a few hundred meters into the forest.

The monsters are weak, and the frequency of their appearances is low, making this a training ground for novice adventurers.

However, I hadn’t realized it since I’ve been slacking off in this guiding role, but until recently, we could have ventured deeper into the forest.

But with the dungeon near Riana about to open and the number of adventurers in the forest increasing rapidly, they decided to pull back, focusing only on the shallow areas for exploration.

Riana’s dungeon requires sacred coins, just like others, but in addition to that, a record of successful quests in the magic domain is also necessary.

Adventurers who’ve been active in this area have no problem with their achievements, but adventurers who’ve come from other places with the goal of dungeons face difficulties.

Apparently, the easy shallow quests don’t count toward their quest records, but for the sake of getting used to the magic domain, these easy hunts have become quite popular, and trainees have started using even shallower areas.

Though it’s supposed to be that local adventurers are prioritized, due to the difference between official adventurers and trainees, they decided at the guild to let the latter have a turn.

Now, adventurers from other regions… are struggling against the magic beasts of this domain.

They’ve come across borders, and while they were likely skilled in their hometowns, they often find themselves challenged by the monsters here. Because of their prior experiences, they tend to use the strength of the monsters they know as a standard, which often leads to some unfortunate incidents.

So…

“Stop!”

“!?”

I hadn’t been giving orders since I’m just the guide, but this time is different.

I tell them to stay put as they brace themselves for whatever comes next, then call out to a nearby rock.

“Are you alive? Are you dead? I’m getting closer!”

There’s no response to my call…

I can tell it’s not a corpse yet, but I wonder if it’s running out of strength?

【Fairy’s Eye】 lets me see a membrane that surrounds the body, which reflects a person’s total physical ability, including stamina. Even when they’re exhausted and slumped, the membrane remains visible, but when someone is close to death, it becomes almost invisible. No signs show up for corpses.

While moving with the trainees, I caught sight of a human who appeared to be on the brink of death.

That’s who I’m calling out to now.

Wounded beasts are dangerous, but wounded humans are just as much a threat.

Even if you approach a near-death person to rescue them, they might mistake you for an enemy and attack you, especially if they’re delirious.

Though the trainees have been taught about such situations, I’m not sure if they can handle it in practice.

As the guide, I can’t afford to put them in danger, and fortunately, I can take one hit if it comes to that.

I’m the right person for this.

So, even though I don’t get an answer, I continue calling out while approaching, getting closer by a few meters…

“…Ugh!?”

A foul smell hits my nose, causing me to instinctively shout and cover my mouth.

This isn’t just blood… and it’s not just one person’s either?

I could only see one person, but… does this mean…?

“I’m coming closer now. Please don’t attack me!”

I continue calling out, slightly strengthening 【Wind Garb】, and move closer.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera ・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Garb】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・13 cards

Seriana ・【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・8 cards