Chương 34: Silver-Tongued

Under the dim glow of twilight, four figures slowly made their way back toward the village. Behind them fluttered a pair of enormous black wing membranes, waving like dark banners in the evening breeze. The Giant Winged Bat's wing membrane. The terrifying creature that had cast a shadow over Creekvalley Village, the monster that had kept every villager trembling in fear, was now nothing more than a trophy carried back by adventurers. Several seconds of stunned silence passed. Then—"We won!! The adventurers won!!!"

Someone shouted first, and the entire village entrance erupted into thunderous cheers.

"Thank the gods! The Adventurer's Association saved us!"

"They're heroes! They're heroes of Creekvalley Village!" Before Zelier and the others could even reach the village gate, they were surrounded by a crowd of excited villagers. The fear of death that had weighed on them for days had finally disappeared. Many villagers were already crying tears of relief and joy. Finally... They no longer had to live in constant terror of being ripped apart by a Giant Winged Bat diving from the sky.

"Brave adventurers, on behalf of the entire village... thank you!" Chief Bart was equally emotional.

"You are the heroes of Creekvalley Village!" Even Marcus was overwhelmed by the grand welcome. He scratched his head awkwardly.

"We only did what the quest required, Chief Bart."

"You must be exhausted and starving! Someone—Lunel! Hurry up and prepare some chickens and ducks!" Chief Bart immediately started giving orders.

"Old Henry! Bring out the wine you've been hiding in your cellar! We're holding a feast for our heroes! You're staying here tonight!"

"Ah, no, no, no... there's no need!" Marcus quickly waved his hands.

"You're too kind, Chief. We appreciate the gesture, but we really can't stay." After several rounds of polite refusal, Marcus finally managed to convince Chief Bart to give up on the feast idea. However, the old village chief still insisted on helping them. He had someone bring over the village's only hay wagon and arranged for the driver to personally escort them back to Blackstone Town. This time, Marcus couldn't bring himself to refuse. After a fierce battle, walking all the way back would indeed be exhausting.

So he accepted Chief Bart's kindness. The wagon rattled along the dirt road. Zelier sat inside the carriage. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Looking back, he saw that the villagers of Creekvalley Village were still standing at the entrance, waving their hands as they watched them leave. Their faces were filled with genuine gratitude. Seeing that scene, Zelier couldn't help but feel moved. The ordinary people of this world really had it tough...

A single [Difficult]-ranked monster could become a disaster capable of destroying an entire village. If there had been no Adventurer's Association nearby, how would these villagers have survived the Giant Winged Bat's attacks? It was impossible to imagine. Without enough power to change their fate, people could only drift like weeds caught in a storm, unable to control where the waves carried them. And at any moment, they could be completely swallowed. It was a sobering thought. Zelier quietly clenched his fist.

His resolve became even stronger. When he turned his gaze away, he noticed Grey was also staring at the departing villagers. The setting sun stretched long shadows across the land, and the distant pine forest swayed like an endless sea. For once, Grey's usually playful blue eyes carried a hint of complicated emotion. Zelier spoke softly.

"You also think ordinary people have a difficult life, don't you?"

"Huh?" Zelier's words snapped Grey back to reality. He shook his head with a regretful expression.

"I was just thinking that girl wearing the linen dress was really cute. Too bad I'll probably never see her again..." He glanced toward Zelier.

"Don't you think so?" Zelier silently turned his head away. He had absolutely no desire to continue that conversation. Inside the wagon, only Vaelis' expected mocking chuckle could be heard.... The wagon successfully returned the team to Blackstone Town. Although the driver repeatedly refused payment, Marcus still forced a silver coin into his hands. After handing in the quest at the Adventurer's Association, Marcus received their reward. Giant Winged Bat bounty: 4 Gold Coins.

Five Giant Winged Bat hatchlings: 2 Gold Coins and 50 Silver Coins. Giant Winged Bat wing membranes: 3 Gold Coins. Giant Winged Bat magic cores: 5 Gold Coins. Five hatchling magic cores: 2 Gold Coins. Total: 16 Gold Coins and 50 Silver Coins. Zelier and Marcus each received 4 Gold Coins and 95 Silver Coins. Vaelis and Grey each received 3 Gold Coins and 30 Silver Coins. Overall, it was another extremely profitable quest. Zelier's total wealth had now reached 6 Gold Coins and 20 Silver Coins.

"Let's go have dinner!" Grey eagerly suggested.

"After finishing a quest, we have to celebrate properly!"

"Sure. Find somewhere." Marcus agreed without hesitation. He rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck, clearly wanting to relax as well. Zelier didn't mind either. Normally, returning to the Nightflower Inn only meant eating his usual serving of red wine-braised beef shank before going straight to sleep. Going out with the others for once sounded pretty good. Vaelis almost immediately refused. He had no interest in this kind of activity. But remembering that Grey had saved him today, he swallowed his objection.

"Why bother looking for somewhere?" Grey grinned.

"Obviously we're going to The Drunken Boar!" He raised his voice.

"Come on! Drinks are on me tonight!" The Drunken Boar. The tavern's name was bold enough. The interior was even more so. The moment the creaking wooden door opened, a wave of heat mixed with ale, roasted meat, and tobacco smoke rushed toward them. The tavern was packed with noise. The shouting of drunkards and gamblers was so loud that it nearly drowned out the bard's enthusiastic performance. Everywhere they looked, there was a scene of chaos and celebration. Miners stood on tables clinking mugs together.

At a gambling table surrounded by more than a dozen people, dice flew through the air. The moment the cup slammed down, everyone leaned forward, waiting to see the result. There were also countless travelers sitting around, boasting loudly under the influence of alcohol. Their exaggerated claims made even Zelier shake his head. This was the Drunken Boar Tavern. The favorite gathering place of Blackstone Town's adventurers and miners. Zelier immediately sneezed from the overwhelming smell.

Vaelis' brows twisted into a deep frown. Grey, however, looked completely at home. He entered the tavern like he was walking into his own house. After letting out a loud whistle, a curvaceous waitress wearing a tight short skirt immediately approached.

"Well, well, if it isn't Grey. You finally remembered I exist?" The waitress smiled sweetly and lightly punched his chest. Grey immediately wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Hahaha! My dear Marianne." He planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

"You have no idea. I crawled back from the jaws of monsters just to see you again."

"Such a smooth talker!" Marianne rolled her eyes. Grey only smiled mysteriously.

"I think you know better than anyone whether my tongue is smooth or not." Zelier froze. Dude... did you really have to say that out loud? We're all standing right here.

"I've had enough. I'm leaving." Vaelis immediately turned toward the door.

"No, no, wait... We're already here." Zelier hurriedly grabbed him. Despite Grey's shameless teasing, Marianne didn't seem genuinely angry. She only shot him a playful glare. And before long, the annoyance on her face turned into a bright smile.