A Gatherer's Adventure in Isekai (素材採取家の異世界旅行記)

I, uh... I doubt he suffered.

Where did you find my son?

In the woods near Tormi Village.

That idiot!

He was always so reckless, always causing trouble.

Thank you for coming here to tell us.

Belluria Fend, huh?

He took jobs to pay for his dad's medicine.

Never expected this to happen.

I only intended to deliver Belluria's belongings to his family, but...

Sir, do you have a minute?

I have eight eprara leaves and six pollawent roots,

along with 20 each of lapis and madder mushrooms.

I've never seen such large mushrooms.

Our client speaks highly of you, too.

They'd like to hire you specifically.

I'm honored.

What is it, Arianna-san?

We've actually received all these jobs requesting Takeru-san.

I can't do all of those.

Of course not.

But I can take on a few of them.

Thank you so much!

I'll notify the client.

This is awesome.

It's been half a month since we arrived in Belkaim.

When we first arrived, this bath was...

Clean!

Now I can end my days by relieving my exhaustion with a bath.

Hey, Takeru.

You in here?

You don't often come here at this hour, Clay.

My old scars are acting up.

It'll probably rain soon.

By the way, you can cast healing spells, too?

I heard a rumor that you treated a sick man in the slums.

Oh, I was just copying something I'd seen before.

Is it true that you didn't charge a fee, either?

Yeah.

You're one selfless guy, aren't you?

You could make a killing.

Oh, right.

Will healers who charge a fee resent me?

Huh? Why are you laughing?

Anyway, didn't you receive a notice about raising your rank?

I'm happy with things the way they are.

You really are one selfless guy, aren't you?

You'll draw more attention to yourself acting like that.

There are things I want.

For example, right now I'd like some sharp scissors for gathering materials.

That's not what I mean.

In any case, you should learn more about the world.

Good work again.

Thank you.

I look forward to doing more business with you.

Also, as we've requested numerous times now, would you mind...

Raising my rank?

A high rank isn't out of reach for you.

I'm really not interested in advancing.

If I'm not careful, advancement could mean more trouble.

Doing what I want at a low rank is way better.

I feel bad for the guild, but I want to live in peace.

In peace... in peace...

Bad news! Goblins are attacking!

In peace...

Contact everyone Rank D and higher, and have them gather at the north station.

Bring every available healing magician and doctor.

Muesli, which Rank A adventurers are still in the city?

Brau and Monahan are absent.

There's, uh... Clayston.

The honorable dragon king? Contact him right away.

Yes, master.

I'm only Rank F. That's none of my business.

Hey, you.

You're coming, too.

What?!

The front line is on the southwestern Stavlaw Plains.

The goblins will head straight for Belkaim.

Don't let them cross the bridge spanning the Zalwess River!

Yeah!

Don't look so miserable!

They're so passionate.

They're total jocks.

As the liberal arts type, I can't keep up.

Hey, you're Rank F, right?

Huh? Yes.

Don't get ahead of yourself and end up in our way.

He'll probably be too scared to be useful.

Hey, you came.

You're the gatherer Grit has been gushing about, right?

Yes. My name is Takeru.

That dork has nothing but good things to say about you.

It's unusual for him to praise someone unconditionally like that.

I'm honored.

Interesting. You're the first person who hasn't been intimidated by my presence.

Not bad.

Th-Thanks.

I bet you're way more impressive than you look.

What? This scrawny thing?

Are you serious, boss?

I wish he wouldn't talk me up so much.

I don't want negative attention.

You may be Rank F, but you can protect yourself, right?

I suppose.

Then protect what you want to protect.

Muesli, the rest is up to you.

- Diego and Oraldo, let's go. - Yes, boss!

I can't believe he's sending F Ranks out there.

- Sorry about the guildmaster. - No problem.

But now that we're here, let's take part in the action!

Say what, now?

My name is Muesli.

I can use a bit of healing magic.

Let's be sure to meet the guildmaster's expectations in this battle!

Don't get too excited. It's gonna be dangerous, you know.

Um, do you think you could let go of me?

I'm not scared! Really, I'm not!

I'm definitely not scared!

Yeesh.

I have to calm her down, or she's gonna be trouble.

Listen to me, okay?

I-I'm fine!

You're not fine!

We're in the back where we can't even see the enemy, and you're terrified!

You can use healing magic, right?

Then focus on healing the wounded.

Nobody said you have to fight.

- Besides, it's okay to be scared. - Huh?

Combatants hurt each other on the battlefield.

It's natural to be scared.

R-Really?

You shouldn't be ashamed of feeling that way.

We fight because we're scared.

We fight back because we're afraid.

We just have to do what we can to survive.

You have the power to do that.

You're right.

Okay! I'll do my very best to do what I can!

Clay.

It's natural to be scared on the battlefield, huh?

Laugh if you want.

I know that was out of character.

No, sorry.

I was just thinking that even you speak passionately sometimes.

I just don't want any trouble later.

Is that right? Okay, if you say so.

I thought you'd be on the front line, Clay.

My old scars are hurting today.

My body won't listen to me.

You have deep scars on your back.

Is it because of them?

You don't think they're a badge of shame for a warrior?

Huh?

You think I got them running from an enemy, don't you?