The Dark Warrior by Kugane Maruyama Page B

that was, of course, the exact opposite. “Anyhow, he’s a famous talent holder in the city.”
    “Still, there’s someone way more famous than me.”
    “The leader of the Blue Roses?”
    “The leader of the Blue Roses is famous, too, but I mean someone in this city.”
    The last member of the team, whose name Ainz hadn’t heard yet, mentioned someone in a loud voice. “He means Mr. Baleare!”
    His curiosity piqued, Ainz asked, “What kind of talent does he have?”
    Everyone looked surprised. Apparently this was something anyone would know. Ainz had been so eager for info and so focused on improving Nazarick’s position that he’d let his guard down. It was unfortunate, but he was confident he could bounce back from this minor of a mistake. But before he could even make an excuse, they seemed to have reached their own conclusion.
    “I see! So the fact that we hadn’t ever heard of you despite your magnificent armor and that companion so beautiful she’d be the talk of the town means you’re not from around here?”
    Ainz took the timely cue. “That’s exactly right. We just arrived yesterday.”
    “Ah, then you wouldn’t know, huh? He’s quite famous here, but I guess word of him hasn’t spread to other cities.”
    “No, it doesn’t seem like it; I’ve never heard of him. Do you mind telling me?”
    “His name is Nfirea Baleare. He’s the grandson of a well-known apothecary, and his talent is the power to use any and every magic item. He can use scrolls from different magic types, which you usually can’t do, and he can even use items that only nonhumans are supposed to be able to use. I’ll bet he can even use items that require the user to have royal blood.”
    “…Hmm…” Ainz took pains to not let his wariness show in his voice.
    How far does this talent go? Could he use items that with few exceptions only guild masters can use, like the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown? World Items, too? Or is there some limit?
    That was someone to keep an eye on. Of course, he might also make a valuable pawn.
    Narberal must have had the same take. She brought her mouth near where she seemed to have decided Ainz’s ears were under his helmet and whispered, “This guy could be dangerous,” her voice wary.
    “…I know. Coming to this city was the right move.”
    “Momon, is something wrong?”
    “Oh, no. It’s nothing. More importantly, could I ask you to introduce the last member of your team?”
    “Sure. This is Dyne Woodwonder, a druid. He uses healing magic and magic that manipulates nature, and he also has a wealth of knowledge about medicinal herbs, so if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. He even has medicines for stomachaches and that kind of stuff.”
    “Looking forward to working with you!” The man whose messy beard and solid build combined to create a somewhat barbaric impression spoke in a dignified voice. That said, he was still younger than Ainz appeared to be. A faint grassy smell came from a pouch at his hip.
    “Okay, now it’s our turn, huh? This is Nabe and I’m Momon. Looking forward to working with you.”
    “Likewise.”
    “Yes, we should make a good team. Momon, feel free to call us by our first names. Now, I don’t mean to hurry us along, but I’d like to get down to business. Not that it’s a real job per se…”
    “Uh…”
    In response to Ainz’s dubious interjection, Peter held up a hand entreating him to wait. “Our aim is to hunt the monsters that pop up near town.”
    “Subduing monsters…?” Ainz thought that fell pretty squarely under the work umbrella.
Or is there some reasons adventurers don’t consider it work?
he almost wanted to ask, but if it turned out to be basic common sense, it would seem like he didn’t know anything, and that would be bad. Instead, he chose a more benign subject to ask about. “What are the monsters called?”
    “Oh no, not like that—I wonder what they call it in your country—where you hunt monsters and get