"SKRIEEEEKKK!!!"

At the sound of the disturbing noises, I move my body with expert precision, lunging it forward while tightly gripping my blade.

These screeches don't come from animals or even beast-type Magivores.

Instead, they're from Ashvine Creepers—Cadre 2 plant-type Magivores, which resemble thick vines with multiple branches and leaves spread all over. Their bodies are ashen in color, and they possess dark crimson leaves.

These robust vines are sentient and slither around the ground like serpents. They overwhelm their targets with their numbers, constricting them once they surround them from all angles.

The Ashvine Creepers also possess spores all over their bodies, which they use to release hot ash that burns their prey.

That's actually their Special Ability.

Normally, these Magivores only live around volcanic valleys and mountainsides, but residents spotted these ones nearby and reported their presence to the Lord. The latter could not let such a hazard roam free in his domain, so he created a job for it.

I just happened to be passing by at this point, so I took it… and here I am.

Ashvine Creepers aren't actually that difficult, but my usual advantage isn't very pronounced here since my Silver Lightning Thunder Sword works best against beasts and humans.

Against plants, its special attributes are diminished.

Still, that doesn't make me helpless at all.

For one, I still have my other two D Grade Armaments—Purple Iron Guardian and Night Traveler's Cloak—to assist me with defense and resistance, respectively, so I'm in no real danger among these Magivores.

My C Grade Armament is also several times sharper than a normal weapon, and it's especially effective against Magivores.

As such, even though it might take a little longer to get rid of these Ashvine Creepers… I've got it.

*************

Once the fight is complete, I harvest the Ashvine Creepers by taking all the dried-up spores and keeping them in my pouch.

These Spores can be ground to make Ashvine Ash, which is a Rank 2 Special Resource.

I personally don't have a use for them, but I have heard that they're used in making fire-resistant balms. Unlike Potions, which may be ingested as well as applied to the target, balms are strictly applied to the surface of the target.

They're rare in the Randalorion Kingdom, and are usually imported, which is why the value of the Ashvine Ash is slightly higher. It's a material that can be exported, after all.

Normally, one would have to go to volcanic valleys to find them, but it's my fortune to have them delivered to me so coincidentally—especially at such an opportune time. After all, I've been running out of supplies, so I need as much money to refill my reserves.

That includes the purchase of Special Resources so I can make Potions in my spare time, as well as purchasing Potions that I currently don't know how to brew. Then, I also need to repair my Armaments, else they will degrade quickly and their life cycle will be shortened considerably.

Every Armament needs to undergo maintenance once in a while. The more frequently it is used, the more recurring repairs have to be made.

I've been traveling West for some time now, since the nearest major city is nearby.

It's not as prominent as the Academy City, Loria, or the Merchant City, Fargos, but it is one of the most visited cities in the Randalorion Kingdom. This is simply because it is situated amidst several trade routes and even shares its borders with a neighboring Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Sarvosia—the ones who attacked our Kingdom after the Randalorion Civil War.

At the moment, we are allied with them, so there really isn't a cause for concern.

Due to the intersecting trade routes and shared border, a lot of goods come through this area. A lot of Nobles and high-ranking members of society also visit this place, both from the Sarvosia Kingdom and the Randalorion Kingdom.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it one of our Kingdom's hotspots.

If it weren't so far away from the Capital, and if it didn't have so many foreigners constantly visiting—which can also add to its level of insecurity—it could actually be considered on the same level as the Merchant City.

However, Fargos is a lot more secure and controlled than this place. As such, it has more prestige and is more visited by the upper echelon of Randalorion high society.

It is also the most favored by the locals in terms of commercial activities.

Still, with the Merchant City so far away, this place fulfills all the conditions necessary for my intended large-scale transaction.

Border Town, Lerois—I should be able to obtain all the necessary goods I require there.

**********

I've been in Lerois for a few days now.

I arrived here earlier this week, spending my night in a high-end inn. I could have gone for a cheaper one, but I needed a well-secured place to assure me of safety. Lerois can be quite dangerous, or so I've heard.

This is actually the first time I'm visiting this place as a traveler.

In my past life, I only came here once the Civil War was over, when the Sarvosia Invasion began. At that point, Lerois no longer existed as it does at the moment. It had become a desolate place, a ghost town only useful for war.

To be safe, I kept my Magivore in the care of an official and well-established Magivore Stable on the outskirts of the City. They run a costly service, but it's worth it if it means my steed is secure.

After all my goods were searched, and I showed them my documentation and means of identification, I was allowed to venture into the City with them. Since I have a lot of luggage with me, I employed workers to carry everything to my room.

There are things I want to sell, but there are also things I would like to buy.

Naturally, I could do all of these on my own.

But no… that's not the best way to do business in Lerois—especially as an outsider.

And so, the first thing I did the next day was seek out an Agency and hire an Agent who would help with the sale, purchase, repair, and maintenance of all the goods I have in my inventory. This Agency is a trusted business, and they have all the means of identification necessary to run an honest business.

I also made sure to ask around, and it appears they are the most reputable Agency in the city.

For extra measure, I flexed my own identification—the golden badge of a First Rate Scholar with three Royal Seals of Excellence.

With such an identification, I'm certain they won't rip me off and will offer their best service.

I was given one of their best Agents, Mr. Garfield, an old veteran in the field, and after watching him work for half a day, I'm certain he'll handle everything with utmost care and exceptional ability. I'll get the best bargains, and all my transactions will come at no loss.

This is why having an Agent is so useful.

With my Agent handling all my transactions and my Magivore being taken care of, I suddenly have a lot more free time on my hands.

As a result, I have decided to begin exploring the City.

It'll take about two to three weeks for all my business in this city to be concluded, so there's more than enough time to find the best sights in the Border City and have fun. I'm not the only tourist who comes to this City, so it was easy to get a map of the city, with all the tourist attractions mapped out clearly for me.

I have also been approached by many so-called professional guides, but I turned them down.

They're only after my money and will definitely rip me off.

The only trustworthy sources are reputable businesses that run such services. I asked the Agency to refer one to me, and they did so without much of an issue.

I visited the Guide Agency, and after flashing my badge, they gave me their best Guide.

A charming woman named Elaine.

Her broad smile and soft voice cause anyone in her presence to relax, and her professional dress oozes a mix of modesty and prestige. Her dark hair is packed in two buns, and with a light skin that almost resembles that of the Syl'vaens, she appears almost angelic.

I can see why such a woman would be considered their best Guide.

The Guide Agency even provided the carriage and all manner of supplies—including refreshments—that I would enjoy throughout my trip.

I registered for a one-week Guide trip, so every day, Elaine would bring the carriage to my inn's doorstep and take me to select locations. I could also request to be taken to my preferred locations, but it's usually best to let professionals handle these things.

We would take breaks at intervals, and Elaine would use her sonorous voice to explain many things about the Border Town and the significance of all the places we visit.

Honestly, it's all more enjoyable than I expected.

If I had a Guide like this to take me around the Academy City back then, would I have also had a more memorable experience? I believe so.

One week came and went in the blink of an eye.

I paid them for their services upfront, and they didn't disappoint. I'll certainly be recommending people to their place, since they aren't as well-known and popular as the Agency that referred them. They definitely deserve more business.

Even with the tour over, I still have about two more weeks to spend in the city.

I have decided to consider this as a kind of vacation.

There are still quite a few places I wasn't able to visit with the Guide, so going there on my own and creating memories seems ideal.

And so, every morning, I wake up and select a particular section of the Border Town I would like to explore before setting off. I usually spend the whole day out and only return in the evening, but this is simply due to how enjoyable these experiences are.

In my Past Life, was I ever able to slack off like this?

No way!

Even in my present life, I actually realize that I haven't really had the time to truly relax.

I always had one thing or the other to worry about.

But now? There's no such thing to consider.

With my mind dead set on having fun, I continue to explore each segment of the vast Lerois City.

Then, one fateful day—

"Hmm…?" I pick up a poster from the ground, my eyes furrowing slightly.

It's a 'Missing Persons' Poster.

Nothing about this Poster is unique on its own, but I've actually been seeing quite a few Missing Persons Posters since I arrived in Lerois.

At first, I ignored it, but this has reached a concerning degree.

Lerois can indeed be unsafe, but it's usually because of scammers and robberies. Missing Person cases shouldn't be this rampant. I should probably ask the Agency about this so I can get more information regarding the matter.

If some kidnappers have taken root in Lerois, it's pertinent to report to the authorities.

"M-Mister… are you a Mercenary?"

A voice suddenly calls out to me, snapping me out of my deep thought.

"Hmm?" I look down and see a child, barely to the point of being a teenager, pulling my shirt from its hem. The child stares at me with his round crimson eyes, his ebony skin glistening under the sunlight.

His rough face and slightly thin figure give him the appearance of a beggar.

Beggars are rampant in Lerois, so the sight doesn't surprise me.

I sigh, digging into my pocket to offer him a coin, but he hurriedly proceeds to stop me.

"I don't want your money. I want to hire you… for a job!"

"A job?"

The kid nods, quickly bringing out a crumpled poster. No, not a poster; this looks more like a sketch of some kind.

"Did you draw this?" I ask with a peculiar expression.

"Mhm!" The boy nods, handing it over to me. "That's my older sister. She's been missing for a month now. I don't have the money to pay for Missing Posters, so I had to make a drawing myself."

"Oh? This is quite detailed, though…" I mumble, genuinely impressed by the boy's skills.

I suppose one can really find talent anywhere.

"Yeah. Big sis always praised me for that. Said I would grow up to become a big man one day with my talent. But now she's missing, and I don't know what to do."

"…."

I observe the boy's face, and it seems he's truly in anguish.

Worry shrouds his visage like a dark shadow, and while he keeps shifting uncomfortably under my scrutinizing gaze, he has a determined expression on his face. Such seriousness, I can only expect to find it from a skilled scammer or a genuine person.

For all I know, this could be come elaborate new ploy designed by scam artists in this city, but for the sake of charity… I choose to hear the boy out.

"So how much are you willing to pay?"

He hurriedly brings out a small pouch and hands it over to me with trembling hands.

"T-this is all I have…"

I open the pouch and see the amount. It isn't a lot, but something isn't right.

"This is enough to print a Missing Persons Poster, so why don't you do that instead?" I raise an inquisitive brow, my gaze flashing with suspicion.

"What good will that do?" The boy sighs. "Look around, Mister. There are so many Missing Persons Posters around, but I haven't seen any of those people found. Rather than waste my money on that, I figured it's best I had a Mercenary help me."

"And you chose me? Why would you trust me to help you? I could just run off with your money."

"No… you won't!"

"Oh? Why?" My gaze turns serious, and I stare in silence.

"B-because… I just know it! You don't seem like that kind of person! Most people would simply walk past those Posters, but you picked one up and looked at it for a long period. You're also wondering what's happening, aren't you?"

'Sharp kid…'

I smile wryly and sigh, nodding my head slowly. "Yeah, I am."

"Then please accept this job. I know this isn't a lot, but it's all the money I have! I'll come along with you and help with whatever you need."

His dedication resonates with me for some reason.

Could it be because of just how much he cares about his siblings? Ah, this is reminding me of Craig and Selicia. I haven't seen them for about half a year now.

I miss them so much.

"So what do you say, Mister? I won't hold you back, I promise!"

'What an earnest young man…' I nod once again, my smile widening. 'I guess it wouldn't hurt to have him come along with me while I figure out what's going on.'

My plan is to go to the Agency and Guide Establishments to make inquiries regarding the issue.

They deal with a lot of people, so they are bound to have useful information.

"Alright. I accept the job."

I pocket the money and pat the boy's head, gesturing that he come with me. His eyes instantly brighten up, and he jumps in excitement, following behind me as I walk through the busy street and return to my carriage.

It's at this moment that the boy realizes just how rich I am.

The look of shock on his face would have been more amusing if not for the current situation and how it greatly bothers me.

"What's your name, kid?"

"It's Hassan… just Hassan," He replies with a slightly dark gaze.

'A foreigner's name, huh?'

I notice the change in demeanor, but choose not to pry any further. Instead, I let out a smile to elevate the mood within the carriage.

"Alright, Hassan… remember not to hold me back."

"I won't!"

"Good! Try to keep up."

The coachman takes us to the Agency, and afterward, we proceed to the Guide Establishment.

After investigating for the rest of the day, I piece together everything and make some rather concerning discoveries: this Missing Persons situation has been ongoing for nearly a year now, which means the appropriate authorities are definitely aware of it.

Yet why aren't they curbing it?

Are they unable to? Or… are they somehow complicit?

There has been a string of missing persons cases all over this Border Town, but it isn't as random as I initially thought. It only happens to low-profile individuals and slum dwellers.

Lone travelers are also prey to these situations.

As such, these kidnappers aren't after ransom. They're most likely trafficking these people, but how do they achieve that with such strict security within the city?

They either have a secret network or they're in cahoots with the Lerois authorities.

Something tells me it's the latter.

Regardless, the situation has become a lot more serious than I expected, and before I make an attempt to report to the authorities, I have to ensure they're not directly involved—else, I run the risk of tipping them off.

In essence, I intend to get to the bottom of this on my own.

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