A Monster

After walking for a few more minutes, the party arrived at a checkpoint. Aldric observed a diverse array of individuals entering and exiting through a massive gate. There were various specimen present, including lizardmen, snake-headed beings, and even some individuals crawling on the ground with their bodies.

"Please stop," commanded a soldier, eyeing their party. "Please show your Adventurer card."

"Allow me to handle this," interrupted Torin, stepping forward. "I am the leader of this party, and here is our permit," he said, presenting the card.

The guard scrutinized the card closely and spoke, "Sir, this permit is only for four people, and I see that your party has five members."

"Ah! He recently joined our party, and I forgot to register him. You know how old age makes you dull. Can't you let it slide this time?" pleaded Torin, approaching the soldier and discreetly passing a pouch to him. "Okay, I will let it go for this time only, but don't forget to register him," said the guard, concealing the pouch under his plate armor.

"Let's proceed then," said Torin. As they continued walking, Aldric expressed gratitude to Torin for resolving the situation. Engaged in conversation, they soon arrived at a two-story building that spanned roughly two kilometers.

"This is the Adventurer's Association building. Here, adventurers sell all sorts of materials related to monsters, such as mana cores and fangs," explained Torin.

They entered the bustling building, filled with people chatting, drinking, eating, and sharing their daily experiences. In one corner, there was a bar and a small kitchen. Torin approached the counter and called his party. The counter was managed by three individuals, two of whom were wolfkin, and the other was human.

"Oh, Torin, you've got a new face in your party," remarked one of the wolfkin, an old man who appeared to be a seasoned hunter. The wolfkin directed a piercing gaze towards Aldric, testing his mettle. Aldric recognized that the wolfkin was merely assessing him and not displaying any bloodlust. To hold his ground, Aldric released his aura and respectfully introduced himself, "Hello, sir. My name is Aldric."

The wolfkin smirked in response and said, "Hahaha! Interesting. Not only are you powerful, but you're also humble. Torin, you've got a good one on your team. By the way, my name is Ragnar Fangmaw."

"Actually, he isn't a member of our party," replied Torin.

Curious, Ragnar inquired, "Then what is he doing with you guys?" Torin proceeded to explain the entire situation to Ragnar, leaving him astonished. "He killed a Naga alone," Ragnar exclaimed in awe. "You're being too loud, Ragnar," Torin interjected, attempting to calm him down. Other adventurers sitting nearby overheard the conversation and began discussing whether such a feat was possible or not. "Nonsense! I've been slaying monsters for 30 years, and I still can't take down a E-rank creature alone, let alone an X

D-rank at such a young age. He's just spouting nonsense," scoffed an old hunter in a disgusted tone. Many other adventurers followed suit, expressing skepticism towards Aldric and Torin's party.

"Aldric, can you show them?" asked Torin, growing weary of the constant doubt they faced.

Aldric nodded and produced a large body seemingly out of thin air.

"He can use spatial magic too," Ragnar thought, shocked. However, he wasn't the only one taken aback. Everyone who witnessed the display was astounded, especially by the sight of the Naga's lifeless body.

Author: Spatial magic means a user who uses space magic.

"Where should I put it?" Aldric asked Ragnar, ignoring the shocked gazes fixed upon him.

"Wait, I need to call some people to examine and transport it," replied Ragnar, pressing a button behind the counter. Soon, four individuals arrived from second floor. As they laid eyes on the Naga's corpse, they hurriedly approached and began examining it.

"The body is real," one of them stated, followed by another who remarked, "The mana core is missing." A third person chimed in, "All the internal organs are intact." After a while, all four of them simultaneously declared, "The dead body of the Naga is genuine."

"Alright, send it to the workshop," Ragnar instructed them. They promptly took the Naga's body and left the building.

"Since the mana core is missing, the price for the body will be 10,000 glimmer coins, and your rank will increase from Rank 3 to Rank 4," Ragnar informed them.

"Okay," agreed Torin. Ragnar then handed him the coins and updated their adventure permit. "Now we can explore dungeons," Sharlyn exclaimed. Witnessing everyone's joy, Abyss couldn't help but smile. Torin then handed 3,000 glimmer coins to Abyss. "But the price was 1,500 glimmer coins, not 3,000," Aldric pointed out.

"The extra amount is for transportation fees, and I believe you deserve it," replied Torin, looking at his party, who were pleased with his gesture.

"Now, let's go," declared Torin, and they departed from the association building.

"Looks like a monster has been born in the city of sheep," Ragnar chuckled, expressing his amusement.

To be continued....