A Bottom-Tier Adventurer Devoted to Supporting Their Idol Activities: Every Time, They Offer Rare Materials and Stir Up the Elites - Episode 29: Ellel’s First Time in the Slums

Episode 29: Ellel’s First Time in the Slums

Guided by the map she received from the food stall owner, Ellel stepped into the slums.

Though it was still daytime, the streets were nearly deserted. The air was sticky and foul-smelling. And unidentifiable scraps of filthy rags littered the path.

As Ellel passed by one of those rag heaps, it suddenly moved.

The heap was actually a person—a one-legged old man—who turned his cloudy eyes toward her.

“…Please… spare some change… please…”

Hearing his raspy voice, Ellel took a silver coin from her pink pouch and placed it in the old man’s hand.

“I don’t have much money either. So this is all I can give for now. But when I become an even greater mage, I’ll come back again.”

“…Bless you…”

The old man clasped his hands and began praying toward Ellel.

Feeling awkward, she waved her hand a few times and quickly left the scene.

#

As she continued deeper into the slums, three dirty-faced children appeared—two boys and one girl.

They stared at Ellel like she was something unusual.

“Um… can I help you?”

Unable to stand the silence, Ellel opened her mouth first.

“Hmm~ just thinking we’ve seen you somewhere before~”

“Where was it again?”

“Wasn’t it that subjugation broadcast where Roger showed up?”

At the name Roger, Ellel’s body jolted.

“You know Roger-san?”

To her question, the three kids puffed out their chests.

“We’re Roger’s disciples! One day, we’re gonna be the strongest, just like him!”

“We already hunt Horn Rabbits around the capital now~”

“I’m strong.”

Each child struck a pose, trying to show off their strength.

Ellel forced an awkward smile. She was unsure how to respond.

“So… where is Roger-san now?”

Still holding their poses, the kids answered.

“Hmm, we don’t know.”

“Roger doesn’t like standing out, so he went underground.”

“He left me behind.”

“I see…”

Looking visibly disappointed, Ellel unfolded the map she had in hand.

“Then… do you know this place?”

The oldest boy took the map. And his eyes lit up immediately.

“Oh, this is the old hag’s apothecary! Hey, are you looking for some sketchy drugs? I’d stop if I were you—they’re addictive.”

“No! I just want to ask her about Roger-san!”

Flushing red, Ellel denied it loudly.

As an apology, the children kindly gave her directions to the apothecary.

#

After parting with the children, Ellel ventured even deeper into the slums.

She descended into the basement of an old brick building.

There was no sign on the heavy door—no writing at all.

After taking a deep breath, Ellel grasped the knob and stepped inside.

“H-Hello.”

The interior was dimly lit.

At the back stood a large table. It was covered in glass bottles of various shapes arranged at odd angles.

“Oh, welcome.”

A wrinkled old woman standing near the table greeted her.

There was a glint of delight in her eyes. It was as if she’d found something amusing.

Cautiously, Ellel stepped forward until she was facing the old woman across the table.

“What kind of medicine are you looking for?”

With an appraising look, the old woman began her customer service.

“Um…”

Caught off guard by the perfectly normal question for a drugstore, Ellel struggled to reply.

Eventually, she forced out her answer.

“Do you have any medicine that will let me meet Roger-san?”

“Fufufu. What a funny girl. Why do you want to meet Roger?”

Suddenly, Ellel’s eyes sparkled.

As if all her hesitation had been a lie, she began speaking smoothly and passionately.

“Roger-san saved my life! Even during the bandit subjugation, he was always watching over me!

When I was in danger, he showed up out of nowhere and defeated the enemy in a flash!

No, it’s more than just that! Roger-san supported me even before I joined the White Orchid Magic Corps!

The only reason I didn’t give up and became a proper mage is because of Roger-san! That’s why—”

“—You want to meet him.”

Breathless, Ellel nodded.

“Unfortunately, I don’t know where Roger is either. After standing out too much on that subjugation broadcast, he changed his hair color to pitch black and is probably hiding somewhere underground in the capital. That boy hates being in the spotlight.”

“No way…”

As if her last hope had just been crushed, Ellel slumped her shoulders.

“But—there is a way to send him a message.”

“Huh…? How…?”

The old woman lowered her face, twisted her lips into a grin, and looked up at Ellel.

“It’s a bit of a rough method. Are you prepared?”

“I’m ready!”

Ellel declared with conviction.

“Alright then, let me explain.”

The old woman began speaking. She was clearly enjoying herself.