After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 235

Chapter 235: Candy

“This many monsters appearing in such shallow areas… Something is definitely wrong with the ‘Demon Forest’ lately.”

The guild branch leader, who had personally come out due to the abnormality of three consecutive missing parties, pressed her fingers to her temples in thought. Having hunted in the Demon Forest for many years, her words carried weight. Although thanks to Gretel’s efforts no one in our group had been injured, the air was heavy with the grim outlook ahead.

The abnormal outbreak of monsters here was likely tied to the disturbances in the forest detected by Liese’s squad from the national army. Though the reason remains unclear, for some reason, monsters from the depths of the Demon Forest have been gradually seeping toward the outer regions.

“If it were goblins, it’d be one thing, but if a beginner or intermediate party were attacked by this many orcs, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Exactly, madam. Two intermediate and one beginner party have disappeared… The likelihood of their survival is almost nonexistent. Even so, we must continue searching until we find some clue.”

“You’re right…”

The search continued, but the members were growing quieter. Everyone had already realized that their missing companions likely faced a grim fate.

“There’s a human presence!”

It was Helga, the imperial-style magician who had been persistently using her Exploration spell, who spoke up. A wave of joy swept through the adventurers, only to freeze at her next words.

“However, there are no signs of life.”

About 200 meters away, we found the body of a man. While most adventurers were women, it wasn’t uncommon for men to join parties as porters.

The man’s face was unrecognizable, brutally beaten with a club. Even Gretel turned her face away at the sight, though Michaela remained composed, taking in the grisly scene without flinching. I guess starting an adventurer’s career at five years old isn’t just for show.

“In that case, it’s highly likely the missing women are still alive!”

“What makes you think so, Michaela?”

“Only the man was slaughtered, with no female corpses or signs of bl00d around. This suggests the monsters—most likely the orcs—captured the women alive to use as breeding tools.”

Even Michaela furrowed her brow at her own words. Gretel and the guild branch leader seemed to have reached the same conclusion, their expressions grim. However, Tseli appeared to see this as an opportunity.

“In a way, this could be hopeful news. If they’re to be used for breeding, they likely won’t be harmed. If we rescue them now, I’ll personally purify them of any taint left by the monsters… And their wounded hearts can be healed by the Supreme God.”

“I see your point, Tseli. Let’s save them before they’re forced to bear the orcs’ offspring. It’s time for those with Exploration skills to shine… Helga, we’re counting on you!”

“Leave it to me, madam.”

Expanding our search efforts around where we found the man’s body, we soon located what appeared to be an orc den— a cave.

“Well, it’s just as expected, but still troublesome.”

Even the battle-loving Gretel seemed unusually hesitant. I’d have thought she’d rush in eagerly.

“Monster hunts in caves are a pain. The entrance and passages are so narrow, it’s hard to maneuver. Plus, since there’s a high chance of hostages inside, we can’t burn everything with fire magic or drown them with water magic. We have no choice but to deal with them one by one at the entrance. But enough complaining; let’s fight.”

With that, my precious childhood friend turned on her heel to confer with the branch leader. Well, that makes sense… This mission is under guild command, and we from the lord’s faction are only here to assist.

After a short while, Gretel returned.

“The attack starts in five minutes. The archers will take out the sentries, and the close-combat team will charge in. From there, it’ll probably turn into a battle of endurance.”

“Madam, please wait a moment… I’m almost done!”

“It doesn’t seem like you’ll have a role here, Nicole.”

“Well, it’s kind of like a good-luck charm… I’d like everyone entering the cave to eat this before going in. I’ll need ten more minutes to finish enough for everyone.”

“…Fine. I’ll let the guild know.”

Ten minutes later, Nicole, Tseli, and Helga were handing out small red pellets to the assault team.

“Are these candies?”

“Yes… They’re useful in fights where we don’t know what kind of magic the enemy might use. Please pop one into your mouth before you go in.”

Huh. Nicole’s starting to remind me of an Osakan auntie.

Since she threw these together so quickly, I doubt they’ll have much effect. But since she gave birth to my child, her magical power has reached A-class… She now possesses top-tier abilities in gold-element magic, on par with Clara. Whether it’s alchemy or potion-making, these candies should prove helpful in the fight.

“Sorry for the wait. Branch leader, I’ll leave the command to you.”

“Yes, ma’am. Archers, fire!”