Chapter 9: The Legendary Trio of Adventurers

"Thank you for your hard work," I said as I raised my glass late at night, celebrating our successful conquest of a B-rank dungeon with my teammates.

It was my first time clearing such a high-ranked dungeon, and surprisingly, everything went smoothly. My associate, Sarah, who had introduced me to the team, seemed quite proud of himself. "Rowan, now you're stronger than me, right?"

"When I got ambushed earlier, I felt dizzy, but you defended so well," I replied.

"Well, I happened to be nearby," I added with a smile.

I wasn't much of a drinker, but the taste of alcohol after such a long time was sweet, even sweeter than the fact that I survived the dungeon. I felt relieved that I wouldn't have to worry about living expenses for a while. As we continued drinking, the hunters became more candid.

"You've become even stronger and more precise despite losing one eye,"

"Team Leader!"

"It's okay. It's quite unusual," I chimed in.

Losing one's eyesight typically weakens abilities, but in my case, it seemed to have the opposite effect. Perhaps my otherworldy experiences played a role in this unexpected improvement.

On the other hand, dealing with Atoka, the outer god I defeated before, was no simple matter. The Atoka I vanquished was merely a clone conjured by his summoners, and it had limited impact on his true form. Nevertheless, it was not a futile effort.

"Lord Rowan! There won't be many left capable of summoning Atoka now."

"Why is that?"

"Once news of your decisive victory spreads, Atoka's already limited popularity among foreign hunters will completely vanish," remarked one of my teammates.

The price of summoning a powerful outer god often involved the summoner's death, and such matters were not taken lightly. But to summon Atoka, who didn't contribute much and was eventually defeated, raised concerns.

Atoka wasn't particularly renowned among foreign hunters, and without the support of summoners, his prospects in their world seemed dim.

"It's surprising how a low-ranked outer god, and not even his true form, caused such a commotion."

With my significant advantages, I quickly gained considerable fame, further aided by my appearance, which closely resembled the locals.

Lost in thought, I observed my slightly tipsy teammates, who were now showcasing their equipment one by one as the drinking session drew to a close.

"How about this gun? I waited over a year in the artisan workshop to finally obtain it. Although I didn't get a chance to use it this time..."

"Does that gun work on monsters?"

"If it's made from monster materials, it surely does. They named it Shadow Strike."

"I wish they wouldn't name weapons..."

"What's wrong with naming weapons?"

I remained silent as I pondered what name to give my Black Dragon Dagger. The following day after the drinking session, I checked my bank account and left home earlier.

Today's destination was none other than the gold shop. My goal was a 10g gold bar.

"They even sell 10g bars these days. It's surprising how this small thing costs almost a million won."

The 10g gold bar I encountered in person was about the size of a thumb's width. It felt like a souvenir item easily sold, so the owner of the gold shop handed it over without a word.

"Please be careful."

It was a significant expense, but there was no choice when it came to summoning outer gods; it required a considerable amount of resources.

After returning home, I equipped myself with the necessary gear and called for Hervan.

"Herban, I need to see you for a second," he said.

[Please wait just a little longer! I'll summon it right away,]

Herban's quick-wittedness was truly impressive.

Herban and his followers formed a large circle and began to dance, welcoming the foreign hunter.

"Lord Rowan, thank you for coming again!"

"Take this." I placed the 10g gold bar on the ground, and Herban's followers gasped in awe, their excitement evident as they started jumping around. The glimmer of gold held a captivating power that seemed to steal people's hearts.

"Is this... Is this actual gold?"

"Why would you give us such a generous gift?"

"Those who follow me will be rewarded," he explained.

Herban might have been running low on funds since he frequently summoned me. The young man shed tears and bowed deeply. For him, the 10g gold bar was a significant sum, but for the followers, it was unimaginable how much it meant.

"I will remain loyal forever!"

"By the way, there's something I'd like to discuss."

"Please, tell me anything!"

"I wonder if it's possible to make me smaller when summoning me."

"Um... Yes? That... is certainly possible. In fact, it's quite easy!"

Perfect. Although being summoned in a smaller and weaker form might diminish my grandeur, quietly exploring this world would be more advantageous.

"Also, I want to learn your language."

"Can I really bestow such an honor upon you?"

"You are my most faithful follower, and I trust you with this task."

If he could manipulate outer god with lip service, the reverse should also be possible. After all, it wasn't that difficult to say a few flattering words.

Herban and his followers bowed again and praised me, "Then let's begin right away!"

"Yes. Please use the most commonly spoken language here."

"Leave it to us!"

Knowing the language of this world would make my activities as a foreign hunter much easier. Though I wasn't particularly confident in my linguistic abilities, I had a certain belief in myself.

As expected, he was able to grasp the basic vocabulary quite easily. Thanks to the connection formed through Herban sharing his blood, the knowledge and power of his follower slowly flowed into him.

"That's amazing! You're learning the language so easily..."

"No need to be overly surprised."

"I apologize."

As I immersed myself in the process, three members of the local tribe appeared in the forest. Despite the fortified defenses where Herban and his followers were staying, the three newcomers displayed extraordinary abilities. They were larger than the others and covered in various scars. Without hesitation, they effortlessly leaped over the defensive barriers.

"Kyi-eak!"

"Herban-nim! Adventurers!"

"Adventurers?!"

"They must be targeting Lord Rowan! You fools!"

"My Lord Rowan! Leave them to me!"

Had they come because of the previous summoning incident? Herban stepped forward confidently, extending both arms. In response, a powerful bolt of lightning shot toward the three adventurers. However, they effortlessly evaded Herban's attack, skillfully dispersing in different directions.

As the staff-wielding tribesman restrained Herban, another member of the tribe, armed with a bow, released an arrow at him.

"What are these guys up to?"

In my shrunken state, I could barely react and narrowly avoided getting hit in the eye by the arrow. Fortunately, my psychic power repelled it, causing it to fall to the ground. As I steadied myself, a tribesman wielding a sword shouted enthusiastically and attempted a jumping attack.

"Decisive strike, Deshabot!"

However, his attack proved futile as it bounced away harmlessly. Seizing the opportunity, I exerted my strength and swiftly bound all three of them. The captured men floated helplessly in the air and were brought before me. My triumphant followers laughed and taunted them.

"You fools thought you could challenge Lord Rowan!"

"Hahaha! What a waste of adventurer clothes!"

"My Lord Rowan! We are ready to execute them!"

Although they might have seemed powerful within the tribe, their abilities were no match for a foreign hunter like me. Their faces reflected disbelief as if they never expected to be defeated so easily.

"H-How can you be this strong, Deshabot!"

"As foreign hunter experts, we barely break a sweat against someone like you in a place like this..."

"Foreign hunter?"

It seemed they took pride in facing and defeating some low-level foreigners occasionally.

When I encountered Atoka, it was a painful and challenging experience. But now, facing them didn't even cause a tickle.

I quelled the demands for executions from my enthusiastic followers and, with Herban's translation, interrogated the adventurers.

"Is there a bounty on me?"

"Wise Rowan, these guys probably received an offer from a secret organization."

"Secret organization?"

"They are foolish individuals trying to resist the outer gods. Sometimes they hire such reckless adventurers."

Those tribal folks truly have it tough.

Dealing with these guys here would be very simple, but if they have a separate employer, it won't resolve anything.

Suddenly, a good idea came to my mind, and impulsively, I asked, "Messi? Ronaldo?"

"W-What did you say?"

"Me? Ronaldo?"

"What's gotten into you all of a sudden!"

"It seems like they have to choose one of them."

"It's a question from the foreigner. We need to answer carefully!"

The adventurers, who were whispering among themselves, quickly reached a conclusion. One of them, presumably a mage, shouted, "Messi! You should say it with a more cheerful voice!"

"Oh, really? Quite sharp of you," I remarked.

Luck seems to favor them. I decided to let them go. "Herban, release them."

"L-Lord Rowan! I don't dare to question your will, but why show mercy to these people?"

"These guys must be quite famous adventurers."

"Yes, they dared to challenge foreigners, so there's probably no one around here who doesn't know them. I've heard their names a lot too."

If these guys challenge me and return after being defeated, my name will become even more widely known. It's much better to let them go alive than to kill them. After all, they pose no real threat to me.

"From now on, I shall call you the Legendary Three Adventurers."

"Ugh, don't mock us!"

"My Lord! Please reconsider! These guys are not worthy of your mercy!"

"Herban, I understand your concern, but there's no need to repeat yourself."

However, just letting them go like this doesn't sit right with me.

I slightly pricked my finger and forced the guys to ingest some of my blood.

"Whoa! What are you doing!"

Now that they have received the foreigner's blood, they wouldn't trust the secret organization that opposes the foreigners. "Now, go back, Legendary Three Adventurers. Treasure the lives you barely saved."

"This is driving me crazy..."

"Enough, let's get going!"

The three adventurers disappeared outside of the Medak Forest. Finally realizing my intentions, my followers bowed deeply.

"Oh, praise the wisdom of Rowan!"

"We apologize for daring to question your will."

"Enough of that, Herban. Do you know anything about the Helion Kingdom? It's a small kingdom located in the middle of the desert."

The kingdoms in this world aren't as big as one might think. Some can barely boast a population of over 100,000.

To put it bluntly, they can barely be called self-proclaimed kingdoms. Fortunately, Herban understood immediately.

"Yes, my Lord! Are you referring to the place where you constructed the canal?"

"That's right. How far is it from here?"

"There's quite a distance from here. At least two months by boat..."

"Then how do you know about it?"

"I have acquaintances and subordinates scattered throughout the world."

Herban is indeed competent. I nodded approvingly and made a request. "I want to go back there. Secretly, without the people of Helion knowing."

"I will look into finding a way. It shouldn't be too difficult."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I can ask our summoner friends over there. Please be patient."

"No need to rush. The canal hasn't been completed for that long... Take your time."

With a joyful heart, I decided to wait eagerly. I was curious and anxious about how Helion might have changed.

Author's Note

Hey there, wonderful readers. I'm thrilled to announce that you can now read the next chapters right now on Toodat!

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