Chapter Six: The Enthusiastic Maiden

The guerrilla girl tried to pull Alon along, but to her surprise, she couldn't budge him. Only then did she notice that he was half a head taller than she was. While his build wasn't as exaggerated as the heavy-weapon hunters who resembled small giants, he was still significantly taller and sturdier than the average person.

"I apologize, but I believe there has been a misunderstanding." Alon, who disliked taking advantage of others' kindness, explained earnestly, "I am a local of Loc Lac. It is not that I have nowhere to live; rather, there are certain reasons why I do not wish to return home, nor do I want to rent a room at the Guild tavern. As for breakfast, consider it my treat as compensation for the disruption I’ve caused to your work."

As he spoke, Alon lifted his coin pouch and gave it a shake, signaling that his wallet was quite full.

The guerrilla girl let go and tilted her head, looking him over once more. "Reasons not to go home? A spat with your family? Running away from home?"

"Something like that," Alon replied, looking away with a touch of guilt.

"Hahaha, I hear you, kid! To be honest, I went through a phase like that too!" The girl slapped him firmly on the shoulder. "I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Hot-Sand, a member of the Fortress Guerrilla Squad, as you can see. And this little one here is Sagebrush, my patrol partner!"

The Felyne accompanying the girl waved a paw. It had slightly long, sandy-gray fur with intermittent black markings—a characteristic coat for Felynes native to desert regions. It looked quite small, and judging by its features, it was still just a youngster.

Alon nodded to both the girl and the Felyne, offering a brief introduction, "Alon, one-star hunter. Pleased to meet you."

"Oh-ho, not an apprentice, but a fully promoted hunter already?" The girl named Hot-Sand glanced at the sword and shield on Alon's back. "A light-weapon swordsman, eh? Perfect. We’ve actually been recruiting lately—interested in hearing more?"

Alon initially wanted to decline, but he reconsidered. He wasn't opposed to joining the Fortress Guerrilla Squad to hone his skills; perhaps, viewed from another angle, this was an opportunity to prove he could stand on his own.

"Is it possible to work part-time?" Alon asked tentatively.

Hot-Sand’s eyes crinkled with a smile. The fact that he asked suggested he was interested in the work but still had reservations. This was normal; if he had simply blurted out "I'll join!" without a second thought, she would have questioned his judgment.

"Let's go! We can talk while we eat, and afterwards, I'll take you to see Boss Joda," Hot-Sand said, tilting her head. "The Fortress Guerrilla Squad doesn't just take anyone. Whether it's long-term or otherwise, we need the boss's approval."

"Is that really alright?" Alon couldn't help but ask. "Aren't you two still on patrol?"

"It's fine! It's just a routine patrol anyway. I'll just check in with our companions later and have them keep an eye on this area for us!" Hot-Sand laughed cheerfully.

"You just want to slack off, meow," the Felyne named Sagebrush couldn't help but interject.

"Don't talk nonsense!" Hot-Sand flicked the Felyne's ears, which were slightly larger than those of an average Felyne. "My passion for recruiting fresh blood for the squad is genuine! Come on now, Mr. Expressionless Hunter, let's go! If we're late, the breakfast shop will be out of tables!"

"Very well." Alon, having nowhere else to go, followed the bickering duo.

Since they were both locals, they didn't head to any of the strange, tourist-targeted establishments, but instead found a bustling stall in a residential area favored by the locals. The food served there was simple: olive oil drizzled over steaming hot bean mash. The fragrance of the freshly pressed oil was instantly released by the heat, whetting one's appetite. Paired with fresh-baked flatbread and sweet tea brewed with dried dates, it was a breakfast of plant-based protein and carbohydrates—the local staple.

It appeared modest, but for desert dwellers like them, it was the most comforting of flavors. The price was reasonable and the portions were generous; Alon silently noted the location of the stall, thinking he would come back.

After finishing the meal, Hot-Sand patted her stomach in satisfaction and went to pay, only to find that Alon had already settled the bill. She clicked her tongue. "Tsk, you kid... fine, I'll treat you next time. Shall we go see Boss Joda now? Or do you have other business to attend to?"

Alon thought for a moment. "If possible, I would like to visit the workshop first. I just returned from a hunt yesterday, and my weapons and armor are in need of cleaning and maintenance. It shouldn't take long, and perhaps it might make a better impression?"

"Oh, sure! Smart kid. The boss always says, 'Equipment is the life of a warrior!' He’s sure to like you!"

"You're just happy, meow, because you can slack off longer, meow," Sagebrush remarked.

"Nonsense! My hunting bow needs maintenance too, alright? And I need to restock my arrows!"

"Isn't that something you should do on your own time, meow?"

"Why are you being so serious, cat!"

"Actually, I feel I might be taking up too much of your time, Miss Hot-Sand," Alon added. "You two can continue your duties. I can manage meeting the squad leader on my own."

"Ugh! Why are you both like this? Damn it, are you two actually partners or something?" Hot-Sand said, annoyed. "And another thing! Why are you always using such a polite and distant tone, Alon? We desert folk don't talk like that—who did you learn that from?"

"..." Alon remained silent for a few seconds before answering, "Perhaps it is because my teacher was from Yukumo Village."

"A Westerner, huh? That explains it." Hot-Sand pushed off the table and stood up. "No point wasting time here; let's go! I'll take you to the workshop I know. The whole squad goes there to maintain their gear, so you won't have to wait in line!"

Hot-Sand hurried off, and after exchanging a helpless look with Sagebrush, Alon followed quickly behind.

The workshop Hot-Sand mentioned wasn't large, but given the amount of equipment stored there, business was clearly brisk. The owner was a woman dressed in airy attire, sporting a sun-style tattoo on her shoulder—the most common mark in Loc Lac.

"Boss! I've brought a new recruit to maintain his gear!"

After the greeting, Hot-Sand turned to Alon. "Why are you standing there like a statue? Strip off your armor and weapons and hand them over!"

Having grown accustomed to the girl’s personality, Alon nodded to the owner and began unbuckling his armor piece by piece, setting it on the counter. The owner glanced at the hunter set and tossed it to her assistants for cleaning; such beginner-grade gear didn't require her personal attention.

However, when she took the weapon Alon handed her, her expression turned strange. She examined the hunter's dagger and its matching shield over and over, looked up at Alon, then looked back down at the gear, repeating the process several times.

"What are you looking at, Boss? It's just a basic hunter's dagger, isn't it?" the impatient Hot-Sand asked.

The owner ignored her and stared at Alon, asking in a steady stream, "Kid, how exactly do you use a sword and shield? The edge of this shield is severely worn—are you using it as an axe? And the sword, too—the blade is chipped so badly, have you been using it to crack monster skulls? No? You don't look like someone with that kind of raw strength, so how did you manage to do this to a sword and shield?"

Alon turned his head away, slightly embarrassed, and mumbled, "My style of using the sword and shield is... rather unique."

"You really should stop using the sword and shield. Switch to a different weapon—it'll be better for you, and better for the weapon."

***

*P.S. The protagonist's main weapon in the future will not be the sword and shield, but since his foundations are currently unstable, he is using it for the time being.*