A day had passed since my last session at the Mage's Guild, and for once, I allowed myself a slower morning.
After finishing my routine, I stepped out into the streets of Roste with a clear goal in mind. If I was going to join an investigation tomorrow—and possibly face something far worse after that—then my current equipment simply wouldn't cut it.
"I've been relying too much on skill alone," I muttered under my breath. "That won't be enough if things escalate."
"Acknowledged," Travy responded calmly inside my head. "Improving your equipment will increase your survivability by a significant margin."
"Exactly. Better to be prepared than regret it later."
Before long, I found a blacksmith's shop nestled along a quieter street. The rhythmic clang of metal striking metal echoed faintly from inside, drawing me in.
As I stepped through the door, I was greeted by the sight of a dwarf behind the counter, his thick beard swaying slightly as he polished a blade with practiced precision. His body was compact yet powerful, every movement efficient and deliberate.
"Hm? A new face," he said without looking up. "Take a look around. Pick what you want."
Straightforward. I liked that.
I nodded and began browsing through the equipment laid out around the shop. Swords, armor, shields—some flashy, others simple, but all clearly crafted with care.
After a few minutes, I found something that immediately stood out.
I activated Appraisal.
Steel Shortsword
Active Effect: Strength +10
Passive Effect: Strength +2
Rarity: T[1]
Quality: Very High
Durability: 1,596/1,596
The blade was clean, balanced, and unassuming—exactly what I needed.
Next, I examined a set of leather armor.
Forest Wolf Leather Armor Set
Active Effect: Vitality +15, Agility +4
Passive Effect: Strength +1, Agility +1, Vitality +2
Rarity: T
Quality: Very High
Set Bonus: +10 Agility when fighting wolf-type monsters, +10% experience from wolf-type monsters
Lightweight, flexible, and built for mobility.
"Perfect," I whispered.
Altogether, the price came to five silver coins. Expensive, but survivability wasn't something I could compromise on.
I approached the counter.
"I'd like to buy these."
The dwarf finally looked up, his sharp eyes scanning both me and the equipment I'd chosen.
"Hm. Why those?"
I blinked, slightly caught off guard, but answered honestly.
"I need mobility during combat," I said. "Heavy armor would slow me down. And these… they're high quality without being excessive. They feel practical."
He stared at me for a moment longer before grunting.
"…Four silver."
"…What?" I frowned. "I thought it was fi—"
"Hmph. You passed."
"Passed?"
"A test," he said, crossing his arms. "Most adventurers come in here chasing flashy gear. Shiny nonsense with poor balance. They don't understand the craft. Don't respect it."
His gaze sharpened.
"But you looked for function first. That matters."
I couldn't help but smile slightly.
"I didn't think it was a test."
"It always is," he replied bluntly. "Four silver. Final price."
I didn't argue.
"Thank you."
After paying, I hesitated for a moment, glancing at the armor in my hands.
"There's a changing room over there," he added, noticing my pause.
"Ah. Thanks."
Inside, I quickly changed into the new gear. The moment I tightened the straps, I could tell the difference. It fit perfectly—snug but not restrictive, light yet protective.
I swung the sword lightly.
Smooth.
"No resistance… no imbalance," I murmured.
"Your combat efficiency has increased," Travy noted.
"Feels like it," I replied.
When I stepped back out, the dwarf gave an approving nod.
"Looks good on you."
"Thanks."
"The name's Dagan," he said. "Come back if you need repairs."
"Artorius. You can call me Art."
"Mm. Don't die out there, Art."
"I'll try not to."
As I stepped out of the shop, the weight of my new equipment felt reassuring rather than heavy.
"Substantial improvement," Travy commented.
"Yeah," I said, glancing down at my gear. "If the forest really is acting up, I'll need every advantage I can get."
My thoughts drifted back to what I had read in the Adventurer's Guild Library.
Abnormal monster behavior.
Higher-ranked creatures appearing in lower zones.
It usually meant one thing.
"…A leader monster," I whispered.
"A plausible conclusion," Travy responded.
"A Forest Wolf King… or maybe a Goblin Shaman," I continued. "Both can command others. Push weaker monsters outward."
"And if their numbers increase further?"
I exhaled slowly.
"They won't just stay in the forest."
The image formed in my mind almost instantly.
A surge of monsters.
Claws. Teeth. Chaos.
"…Monster Stampede."
"And the nearest settlement," Travy added calmly, "is Roste Town."
I clenched my fists.
"Then we don't have much time."
As I walked through the town, my gaze shifted toward a large building near the center of the market district. The church.
"…Might as well," I said quietly.
"A reasonable decision."
I stepped inside.
The atmosphere changed instantly. The noise of the town faded, replaced by a calm, almost sacred silence. Sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting soft colors across the stone floor.
Near the entrance, instructions for proper prayer were inscribed neatly.
I followed them without hesitation.
At the far end stood a towering statue.
Graceful and gentle. Yet powerful.
"…So this is the Holy Mother Goddess Leriah[2]."
I knelt, resting my hands together as I lowered my head.
"Please guide me… on this path."
For a brief moment, nothing happened.
Then... Warmth.
A soft, gentle presence wrapped around me, like an unseen embrace.
My eyes widened slightly.
"…So you're listening."
The feeling lingered, quiet yet undeniable.
When I finally opened my eyes, a notification appeared before me.
"You have received a warm welcome by the Holy Mother Goddess Leriah after showing her genuine respect."
"You have unlocked a new feature: God's Quest."
"…God's Quest?"
"A mission directly issued by a divine entity," Travy explained. "Conditions and rewards may vary significantly."
"…That sounds… important."
I offered another silent prayer of thanks.
Then the system updated again.
Mission Updated!
God's Quest: Roste Town Defense
Mission Requirements: Successfully defend Roste Town from the Monster Stampede
Time until Monster Stampede: 124:59:11
Reward: God's Favor (Leriah) +100
"…Five days."
My breath caught slightly.
It wasn't a possibility anymore.
It was confirmed.
"…This is really happening."
For a moment, doubt crept in.
Am I ready for something like this?
Then I exhaled slowly and shook my head.
"No," I muttered. "Not doing that."
"Self-doubt detected," Travy said evenly.
"I'm not alone," I replied. "There's the guild. The knights. Other adventurers."
"And you."
"…And me."
The timer continued ticking down.
Five days.
Tomorrow would be the investigation.
Three days after that to prepare.
"That's enough time," I said, more firmly this time. "It has to be."
"Then your next course of action?"
I turned toward the market.
"Preparation."
"…Cooking?"
"Yeah," I smirked slightly. "Food helps more than people think."
"Agreed."
I stretched my arms lightly as I walked.
"If I'm going to fight alongside others tomorrow, I might as well bring something useful."
"And your personal supplies?"
"I won't use them," I said immediately. "It wouldn't feel right."
Technology from my world… food that couldn't be replicated here… No.
"That would break the balance," I added quietly. "And honestly… it feels disrespectful."
"Understood."
The market was lively as ever, completely unaware of the danger looming just beyond the forest.
For now, I stepped forward, ready to prepare—not just for tomorrow, but for what was coming after.
Because whether I liked it or not…
In five days,
Roste Town would face something that could change everything.
[1] For those who forgot how the rarity system works, please check Chapter 2. That's all.
[2] This is explained at Chapter 6 - Knowledge and Advancement