This adventurer is overly righteous.

"They should... be all killed?"

Such thoughts were in the minds of the villagers watching, at least that's how it seems for now.

The burning haystacks released thick, black, pungent smoke, which, carried by the east wind, poured into the burrows. The other entrances were blocked, and no field mice appeared at the only exit for a long time.

In that case, those nasty field mice should be wiped out.

"OK!"

This is truly delightful. Not content with nibbling at the roots of crops underground, those field mice also sneak into houses at night to chew up things and steal stored grains and dried meat.

Even the originally timid and cautious field mice became ferocious after their metamorphosis, repeatedly injuring people and even killing several hunting dogs in the village, yet they were powerless to deal with these beasts.

Ordinary magical beasts can be killed by overwhelming them with numbers, but these field mice are extremely good at hiding and escaping. They can burrow into their holes in the blink of an eye, and they are also exceptionally clever, refusing to eat any food laced with poison.

If they had no other choice, why would they try their luck at the Adventurers' Guild in the hope of getting help from adventurers?

They had never seen an adventurer like Kroya before.

"Thank you very much."

When Kroya first arrived in Nome Village, he saw a hunchbacked old man walking behind him. His aged body trembled slightly with gratitude. He was the owner of this wheat field, and no one hated these mutated field mice more than him. The other villagers were worried that the field mice would endanger their land after they multiplied, and the old man's crops had already been greatly damaged by those field mice.

At this time, the villagers regarded Kroya's continued guarding of the cave entrance as a sign of diligence and responsibility, which improved their perception of Kroya somewhat.

"We'd like to prepare a meal for you, using the meat of these field mice..." the old man said thoughtfully as he walked, "some honey, soft bread, and some wine..."

"Those field mice are still yours, but we plan to buy them from you, meat and all, at market price..."

In the past, few adventurers would come to the village, and even if they did, the villagers would be wary of whether they were disguised bandits. However, since the adventurer was kind and had helped them a lot, they were willing to give him a proper welcome before he left.

Just as the old man was pondering how to express his gratitude for the meal after extinguishing the flames and dissipating the thick smoke, a faint tremor came from underground.

It was an intense malice, which Kroya could feel. Because of divine favor, he had sensed the faint malice emanating from the ground from the very beginning. As the large field mice were killed one by one, the malice grew stronger and stronger until now, it was no longer hiding itself at all.

"Back off!"

"Kroya shouted, and the old man was startled. But the next moment, a patch of soil next to Kroya began to rise up, and a giant field mouse the size of a wild boar with spiraled horns on its head rushed out of the flying dust, aiming straight at Kroya.

This is a legitimate magical beast...

Carter stepped forward with his sword raised, the blade slicing across the giant field mouse's side, leaving a deep, bone-revealing gash, but the giant field mouse did not slow down at all.

If what Croa said is true, and that guy is the leader of these field mice, then the beast must be in a state of extreme rage right now, probably unable to even feel pain.

Dodge...

With Croa's skill level, it should be possible.

But he has someone behind him.

Out of the corner of his eye, Carter saw the old man standing frozen in place behind Croya.

If Croa had dodged, the giant field mouse's horn would have pierced the old man.

Tsk...

  

You're really causing trouble for others!

But that kid will probably dodge it...

If Carter were in Croya's position, he would hide.

That old man was just unlucky.

It's common sense that one's own life is more valuable than others'.

However, considering Crozier's performance over the past few days, Carter found it difficult to make a judgment.

Because that kid is just incredibly stupid.

He might actually get hurt trying to protect that old man.

However, things turned out exactly as Carter had predicted the worst.

Kroya didn't move, but adjusted the angle of his sword, seemingly intending to block it head-on.

"Get out of the way!"

Carter shouted, explaining that his mission was to protect the safety of the new adventurers, and if Kroya were seriously injured as a result, his mission would be in vain.

However, the giant field mouse was faster than Carter could speak; its sharp horn pierced Kroya's clothes instantly, while Kroya's sword pierced its soft abdomen.

"what!"

The surrounding villagers screamed in fear.

Wait, it didn't go in!

Carter's eyes widened as the giant field rat's horns stopped at the surface of Croya's clothes, unable to advance an inch. Croya was only jolted back a step by the impact, but the next moment he completely plunged the sword into the giant field rat's body.

He was hiding armor under his clothes?

"Bang"

The giant field mouse's carcass fell to the ground with a dull thud, and the old man behind Croya was still in shock, his hands and feet trembling.

Kroya patted his clothes and stood there, his overly pale face showing no sign of panic.

Thank you for your concern.

Kroya flicked his sword, sheathed it, and then spoke casually to Carter.

[Your calm, patience, and successful eradication of the rat infestation in Nome Village deserve praise.]

[Slight improvement in martial arts skills]

Your courage in protecting the vulnerable and remaining calm in the face of danger is commendable.

[The effectiveness of the Blessing spell has been slightly improved.]

A few lines of small text appeared in the lower left corner of his vision. Kroya glanced at them and felt a surge of satisfaction. He then spoke to the bewildered villagers.

"Then I'll leave these field mice to you. Just do as he just said."

The villagers will buy the pelts and meat of these field mice at market prices.

Kroya pointed to the giant field mouse that was lying on the ground, twitching from time to time, and said cheerfully.

"Please leave me some meat to eat."

.......

Meat, especially grilled meat with its rich fat and golden-brown, crispy skin, is extremely tempting to adventurers. The Adventurers' Guild has partnered with a tavern that specializes in all kinds of grilled meats, where adventurers returning from missions can feast.

"I thought it would be more resilient..."

The piece of roasted meat was taken from the hind leg of the field mouse leader. It glistened with oil under the firelight. Carter sliced ​​it into pieces, then poked it hard with his knife. A piece of meat stuck to the knife and was put into his mouth, where he chewed and savored it carefully.

The roasted meat was tender and flavorful, and tasted quite good.

"It must be because they smeared honey on it." Kroya ate the meat in the same way. It was afternoon, and the villagers were busy dealing with the field mice. Kroya didn't plan to let the villagers prepare any big meal; it was too much trouble. He just asked for a piece of meat to grill and eat himself.

Even so, the meat was coated with honey and delivered with ale, soft bread, and milk.

"I benefited from your success."

Carter knew he couldn't possibly receive this treatment on his own, and shrugged helplessly.

"After all, I'm friends with them now."

"Kroya said with a laugh," Carter said, clicking his tongue in amazement.

"By the way, how did you block it?"

After a while, Carter turned and asked.