Seeker 171

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Chapter 171. Ogre Subjugation

The seven members of the Black Wolf Knight Order, Eslyn-san and her attendant, and the three of us—a total of fourteen people—left the northwestern gate of Luxberry and began to advance along the highway. On this highway,  a mutated species of ogre had appeared on the route to the next town. 

Mutated monster species are like regular monsters, rarely straying far from their territory. 

Therefore, the likelihood of them reappearing in this area was high. 

If we were lucky, we would encounter them today. 

If not, the Black Wolf Knight Order would continue their vigilance for several more days, and we would not be able to accomplish our special mission.

In that case, we planned to ignore the mission and proceed to the next town. 

While 10,000 experience points were valuable, they weren't worth spending several days on, and it also depended on Eslyn-san's schedule.

We set out in the morning, traveling through the forested highway bathed in the gentle sunlight of a beautiful day, for about 2 hours. 

There, our group encountered the first group of monsters. Five Ogres. 

All of them were of the regular type. 

This was the 2nd time we had encountered ogres in this world. 

They had towering figures with bodies of muscular, reddish-bronze flesh, about fifty percent taller than a human. 

They looked imposing, but they weren't particularly formidable opponents for us. 

However, two ogres emerged from the forest's depths on the right, and three from the left, surrounding us.

"Suddenly encountering mutated species, huh? But there are oddly many of them." 

Vice Captain muttered. 

They, too, seemed composed even when encountering ogres. 

It appeared that this area was known for ogres appearing in groups. However, we would encounter only two to four at once, so having 5 appeared was irregular.

Anyway, I said to the Vice Captain.

"So, is it first come, first served for the prey?"

"Heh, you're quite straightforward, young one. Sure thing. As long as you don't interfere, the magic stones belong to the one who defeats Ogre. You guys better not underestimate us!"

"""""Oh!"""""

With the Vice Captain's signal, Black Wolf Knight Order's members began to move individually, three or five at a time. 

They didn't seem completely disorganized; it looked like they could coordinate with each members while understanding how each person would act.

By the way, the Captain—a girl in armored attire on horseback—didn't seem to be part of this coordination circle. 

She had drawn her sword in response to Othe ogres' appearance but seemed unsure how to deal with Ogres approaching from both sides.

This Black Wolf Knight Order was indeed a case where the Vice Captain was the real leader, not the Captain.

Regardless, we couldn't afford to lose.

"Kazane-san, Yuzuki, let's take out Ogres one by one with single-target attacks. Be careful not to interfere with Black Wolf Knight Order's movements."

"Haha, you're saying quite complicated things, Daichi-kun."

"But I got it."

Although we had said "first come, first served", it was evident that interfering with the strong-willed Black Wolf Knight Order would lead to trouble. 

However, we also had the strength to adapt to the situation.

Therefore, while supporting Black Wolf Knight Order's movements to make it easier for them, we engaged in battle. 

In the process, we successfully defeated 2 Ogres. 

With my [Three Strikes] and Yuzuki's Fenrir Bow, we could take these opponents in one move, so achieving this level of success in battle was effortless.

On the other hand, Black Wolf Knight Order's members had collectively defeated 3 Ogres. 

Considering the numerical advantage, I think they could demonstrate their abilities reasonably well.

And sneakily, we accomplished one more mission.

───────────────────────

Mission Completed: Defeat 3 Ogres!

All party members receive 5,000 experience points!

New Mission: Defeat 1 Hill Giant (Reward: 10,000 experience points)!

New Mission: Defeat 1 Fire Giant (Reward: 40,000 experience points)!

New Mission: Defeat 1 Frost Giant (Reward: 50,000 experience points)!

Kazeonin leveled up to 35!

Current Experience Points:

Musou Daichi... 25,364/26,756 (Next Level: 13,999)

Kodachi Kazane... 26,905/30,370 (Next Level: 34,651)

Yuzuki Hotaru... 27,661/30,370 (Next Level: 27,146)

───────────────────────

Since we previously defeated one ogre, we have now achieved the goal of defeating 3 Ogres. 

After the battle ended, while we were collecting magic stones, the Vice Captain came to us. 

I wondered what was going on. And thinking maybe we had made a mistake.

The Vice Captain stood beside me and casually put his arm around my shoulder.

"Hahaha, you guys are something else! I thought you were just a bunch of arrogant youngsters, but you turned out to be quite skilled. Adventurers with your level of ability are welcome here."

"Uh, thanks."

"You guys, you not only helped us by making the battle easier but also collected your achievements, right? It's not something just anyone could do. I admit it. You two are undoubtedly skilled veteran adventurers. I thought you were just a couple of flashy guys with two good-looking women, but you can't judge a book by its cover!"

"Yes, thank you very much."

It seemed like they had acknowledged our abilities. 

Black Wolf Knight Order's members gathered around Kazane-san and Yuzuki, praising their fighting prowess.

Alright, things should be easier from now on. 

If we got underestimated, we would have to be extra cautious about not getting in their way when coordinating. 

By the way, Black Wolf Knight Order's members had ample abilities. 

Their individual skills were on par with the warriors of the Dwarf village and the skilled warriors of the Elf village. 

Furthermore, as a whole, Knight Order had a good balance of roles, including front-line fighters, ranged attackers, magical firepower, and healers. 

With 6 members, they should be able to handle formidable opponents.

Now, the problem was only one person.

That person—the girl in armored attire—was currently receiving a scolding from Black Wolf Knight Order members.

"Hey, miss, I've told you not to wander around during battle. You're just getting in the way."

"Sorry, but if I continue like this, I'll always be inexperienced..."

"That's fine! I've been saying that. Understand, miss?"

"..."

The girl on horseback looked downcast, tears in her eyes.

Seeing this, Kazane-san and Yuzuki approached me and whispered.

"I feel a bit sorry for her. Is there anything we can do to help?"

"Being left out by your comrades is tough. If it was senpai who was a loner at work. I can relate."

"I wasn't exactly a loner, but yeah. And can't you stop dissing me at every opportunity, kouhai?"

"Uh, yeah. This is just me teasing senpai. Right, Gry-chan?"

"Kupi, kupi!"

My kouhai was making bully-like remarks as if teasing me. 

The mini-griffin perched on my shoulder chirped in agreement. 

Ugh, I thought you were on my side at least.

By the way, I hadn't used this griffin in battle so far. Black Wolf Knight Order's members seemed to think it was just a pet.

Anyway...

"Yuzuki, one day I'll make you say 'gyafun,' so remember that."

"W-what? Are you going to train me together with Gry-chan? Ahh, Gry-chan, we're in the same pet category!"

"Daichi-kun, you're really a sadist, huh? Trying to make Hotaru-chan understand by training her like a pet."

"Uh, can you please stop spreading baseless accusations?"

Black Wolf Knight Order's members were now eavesdropping.

It seemed like my image in this world was gradually getting twisted.