He was now back at the restaurant he had just left earlier, only this time, he wasn't alone. Sitting across from him was the girl he had met at the Hunter's Guild—Aleina.
"So, what's your request?"Lucid asked, breaking the heavy tension between them.
Aleina hesitated for a moment, then answered, her voice calm but tinged with nervousness."I have a little brother… and his birthday is coming up soon. I want to give him a special gift—a bow made from the teeth of infected wolves."
Lucid quietly noted her request. Just then, a waiter arrived and placed down a plate of chicken and a glass of wine for each of them.
"You seem like a noble. Can't you just buy it from the market or hire someone to do it for you? Usually, this kind of request would go through the Adventurers' Guild. Why ask at the Hunters' Guild?"Lucid asked, curious and observant.
Aleina lowered her eyes."You're not wrong. Normally, I would. But recently, monsters from the dungeon nearby started breaking out. The area's become dangerous, and most adventurers aren't willing to take the risk. Even the guild is hesitant to take new requests right now."
Her nervousness showed, but her determination was clear. She really wanted that bow.
"I see... So the Adventurers refused, and you came to the Hunters instead. Alright. I'll take the request—" Lucid leaned back slightly, "—but let's talk about payment."
He wanted to help, sure, but he also needed to survive. Risking his life wasn't something he did for free.
Aleina straightened up."I need 50 infected wolf teeth and 20 fangs. I heard each has about 2 fangs and 16 teeth, so that's around 10 wolves. You can keep the rest of the materials. And… I'll pay 20 gold coins."
Lucid blinked in surprise. That was a lot of money."Twenty gold… huh. That's generous. Alright, deal. How much time do I have?"
"Six days," she replied. "My brother's birthday is in twelve, but I need time to craft the bow and arrows. So the sooner, the better."
"Fair enough. Where should I deliver the materials?"
The question was simple on the surface, but Lucid asked it with purpose. It was a subtle way to learn more—about her family, her identity, and her background.
"You can bring them to the Salvance mansion. Just tell the guards you're my guest."
Lucid nodded as he finished his food and stood up. He placed five copper coins on the table."Got it. I'll get started, then."
Without another word, he turned and left the restaurant, leaving Aleina alone in the crowded room.
That was all the confirmation he needed. Her name was Aleina—now confirmed as a lady from the noble Salvance family. Her request wasn't just a job anymore—it was an opportunity. Gold, noble connections, and a chance to prove himself. Lucid had nothing to lose.
After leaving the restaurant, Lucid made his way straight toward the dungeon outside the city. As he walked, his thoughts wandered.
What can I even do with spare infected wolf teeth? I've heard they're poisonous… maybe coat my weapons with it? Or make small throwing blades? Hmm... worth considering.
After about half an hour, he arrived at the outer gate leading to the dungeon road. Two guards blocked the way with their halberds.
"Normal people aren't allowed past this point. Turn back," one of them warned.
Lucid calmly pulled out his hunter license and showed it.
"I'm a hunter. I've got a request to complete."
The guard checked it thoroughly, then nodded. The halberds moved aside, and Lucid passed through.
He followed the path toward the dungeon. From a distance, he could see minor monsters roaming—slimes and goblins mostly. An open grass field lay ahead, crawling with them. To the left, a dense patch of forest stretched into the distance—that's probably where the wolves are, he figured. Between them stood the dungeon cave entrance.
"Hmm… Maybe I should warm up a bit before going after wolves,"he muttered. He unsheathed his dual daggers and made his way toward the field.
As he approached a slime, he dashed forward and slashed—only for his dagger to pass through the creature with barely any effect.
He clicked his tongue."No wonder no one likes fighting these things. What a damn nuisance."
Apparently, cutting slimes with blades didn't do much. Maybe magic works better, he thought, tossing a small rock at the slime before walking away, irritated.
He turned his attention to the goblins. From a short distance, three of them noticed him and charged, clubs raised.
"Three? Seriously?"Lucid groaned, exasperated. "I know I'm a hunter, but I just got my license for fuck's sake."
As they rushed in, he dashed forward and slashed the first goblin's throat, killing it quickly before jumping back to gain space. The other two didn't stop. One lunged at him with a wild swing—Lucid caught its arm mid-swing with one dagger, stepped aside, and severed the limb before finishing it off with a swift beheading.
But the third goblin came from behind.
Lucid heard it. He spun to the side, barely dodging the strike, and countered with a clean stab to the back.
He exhaled deeply, catching his breath. His eyes narrowed as more goblins started to take notice of the fight.
A faint smirk formed on his face. He pointed one of his daggers at them.
"Well, aren't you all being generous with the welcoming party?"
His breathing slowed, his stance steady. As the goblins rushed forward, he readied himself.
"Fucking green bastards... come on then. I'll send you all back to your mama."
And with that, he dove back into the fray.