Ten days after the first shellfish tempura was born in this world—I brought the Guild Master, Jan-san, to the southern agricultural district. This was for the 'follow-up inspection' of the newly constructed water channel.
"Alright, time to replace the water!"
"Go for it," I replied.
Following Mel-san's energetic shout, the other water magic users began pouring water into the channel. The previous channel had encircled the bird breeding facility, but this time...
"But seriously, looking at it again, it's massive."
Jan-san marveled at the sheer scale of the new water channel. After all, this channel was designed to encompass the entire southern agricultural district itself. In a straight line, it must have been about a kilometer long.
I agreed that this design wouldn't interfere when rotating crops, and any necessary work could be done from the outside. Naturally, it was also kept slightly separated from the inner field area, so the impact on the crops shouldn't be too significant. The construction of this channel had been completed a week ago, and Jan-san had visited then, too. When he said 'looking at it again,' it was because of that visit. The reason we were here today was for a specific verification.
The creation of this new water channel was driven by two main factors. First, the fish had grown so large that they needed to be separated from the other creatures. Second, and more absurdly, the clam/shellfish cultivation had succeeded beyond all belief.
The bivalves, which were originally brought in just for observation, multiplied so fast it made me wonder if they were 'splitting.' So, the old channel was dedicated to the bivalves, and we were also keeping the shrimp and crabs there to monitor their progress. The new channel, on the other hand, was constructed exclusively for the fish.
"But with the channels this big," Jan-san mused, "I suppose we'll have to worry about people stealing from it."
The width was only one meter, slightly wider than the old one, but the length was incomparable. It was definitely too long to keep a constant watch on, but I wasn't too worried.
"Well, the fish themselves are getting pretty big. Anyone carrying one of those would stand out a lot, wouldn't they?"
"Hmm, I suppose you might be right."
About a hundred fish have been introduced into the new channel. After just four or five days, their body length dramatically increased. The largest were nearly 50 cm, and even the smallest were over 40 cm.
"How's the first channel, the old one?"
"Ah, I think it's easier if you see that for yourself."
Jan-san and I then headed toward the old channel, which was surrounded by the bird breeding facility. It was closer to the edge of the town, meaning we had to walk through the agricultural district, but we reached it in about three minutes.
"Woah."
"Uwa."
At a glance, the water-filled ditch was teeming with bivalves. While they weren't packed solid, the sheer number was unbelievable, considering we only started with about twenty. I figured the entire old channel now housed no less than 200 of them. We're currently supplying 40 to 50 bivalves to the town daily, but their numbers aren't decreasing; if anything, they're still increasing.
"To think this is edible, and that delicious... I feel like I've been missing out my entire life.
But does it multiply this much even in the world you came from, Shin?"
I shook my head, left to right.
"I've never seen or even heard of anything multiplying this fast back on Earth (there)."
Jan-san is the only person who knows I came from a world without magic, so we could discuss this openly and honestly.
"So, it really does come down to that condition you mentioned—'not found in nature.' It's hard to believe, but seeing it with my own eyes... well."
In a world where magic is as ubiquitous and commonplace as breathing, it wouldn't occur to people that there's any difference between water created by Water Magic and water from a natural river or rain.
My own idea isn't confirmed and can't be proven, but I can at least form a hypothesis. From the data I've gathered so far, aquatic life raised with Water Magic water tends to grow larger, to varying degrees. Fish grew almost three times their size, bivalves doubled, and shrimp and crabs increased by slightly less than double.
Initially, I thought shrimp and crabs might not get bigger, but when I released the fish into the new channel, some of the shrimp and crabs did grow larger. I first theorized that the presence of predators prevented them from growing, but given that the numbers were also decreasing, it was more realistic to assume that the ones who grew larger were eaten by the fish. After all, a larger body makes it harder to hide.
Later, I restocked the old channel with shrimp and crabs from a nearby river, and it was confirmed that the shrimp grew from 7-8 cm to about 15 cm, and the crabs from 5 cm to almost 10 cm. Furthermore, they showed an increase in numbers, though not as dramatic as the bivalves. This meant we had successfully cultivated shrimp and crabs as well.
Based on all this, I could make a prediction: Is it possible that the simpler the organism's structure, the easier it is to multiply them when raised with Water Magic water?
I hadn't given up on the fish, though. In each of the four corners of the new channel, I had sectioned off a space about three meters across, creating a kind of biotope with rocks and water plants to better encourage breeding.
As a side note, the shrimp, when made into shrimp tempura, were a hit. The crabs, however, were dismissed purely based on their appearance, so I gave up on making them a food source. I plan to return them to a natural river eventually so they can live out their lives.
"Well, I understand the situation now," Jan-san concluded. "I have no choice but to accept what I see. Aquatic creatures raised with Water Magic water grow giant or multiply. I don't think there's any need to hide this. Magic seems to be involved, after all."
"Is that so? I was worried that someone would notice us starting another weird project."
"It's too late to stop being weird," Jan-san muttered with a wry smile, and I gently nudged his back as we entered the building to escape the continuing heat, even near the water.
* * *
"I've been here once before, but this is a remarkably comfortable 'workplace,'" Jan-san observed.
We sat across from each other on a sofa in a room that served as a reception area, which, while not as grand as the Guild Master's office, was quite pleasant. The facility was twice the size of the original breeding facility I'd made, and since I had the chance, I made it two stories to improve the quality of life. It included a break room and a simple shower area for hygiene, which is critical in an animal-handling facility. It also served as a break room for the people managing the channels and changing the water.
"Speaking of which, there was a small, partitioned room in the area for the birds. What's that for?"
"Ah, that wasn't here before. That's the room for hatching the eggs (¹)."
"Hatching?"
We had initially gathered the wild birds to secure eggs, but being able to breed them would be even better. With the facility's capacity doubled and the success of the clam farming, I decided to test what was possible. I simply gathered the birds that were already warming their eggs and their clutches into that room for care. I explained to Jan-san that we were considering breeding the wild birds this way.
"You're really doing a lot, aren't you? Well, I'll be looking forward to it. Your world, Shin, must have had quite a rich food culture."
He didn't say it sarcastically; he let out a pure sigh of admiration. Indeed, the people of my former world were quite particular about their food. The problem is, what I'm doing is actually quite inefficient. For stable food supply, the best approach is to eat grains directly. Using grains or feed for livestock and aquaculture is actually a great luxury, something only possible when you have enormous surplus. This world, ironically, has no water shortage and an unnaturally huge grain harvest, yet they don't do this.
"Oh, speaking of which, a thank-you letter arrived from the Count. I'm guessing it's about the two Wyverns and the extra meat we presented. And I meant to tell you—there's also a subjugation reward for the Wyverns, so look forward to that."
They had a subjugation reward on those, too? Unexpected income is always welcome.
"Also, it seems Baron Locke's punishment has been decided."
I felt my eyebrow twitch. That name—the one who tried to kidnap the children...
"...What happened?"
"The conclusion is that he retired and passed his title to the next generation. I imagine the people he was connected with didn't want him to talk, so they made a move to protect themselves. For now, 10,000 gold coins were transferred from the Baron's family as 'consolation money' for the 'misunderstanding.'"
Raide-kun had said the best-case scenario was forced retirement and succession, and the worst was the complete dissolution of the house. So, it was the best-case scenario. It felt too light a punishment, but I figured I couldn't judge by Earth's standards. If anything, a compensation payment to commoners might be considered exceptional treatment here.
"The money is split: 5,000 to the Guild, and 5,000 to the orphanage. As for your share from the Guild—"
I held up my palm to Jan-san.
"Please add that share to the orphanage as well."
Hearing that, he sighed deeply, shifted his weight, and settled back on the sofa.
"I figured you'd say that. But you're not going to demand a single thing in return? Your noble-mindedness makes me feel unsettled."
He flashed a teasing smile, and I returned a grin.
"Not at all. You, Guild Master, have already gone to great lengths to cover up my lack of magic and my knowledge from another world. I'll need your continued support in the future."
"That's all well and good, but try a little harder not to stand out! You're the Giant Boar Killer, the Glantz subduer, and the Wyvern shooter... you're famous in the Royal Capital as the Mysterious Adventurer! They're even debating whether you actually exist or not."
My existence is being questioned? What am I, an urban legend or a cryptid?
"Seriously... But even so, it seems Raid-kun, Gil-kun, and Luce-san haven't tried to recruit me, right?"
"True, Shin is officially registered as a Silver Class Adventurer under the Guild, but his ability is seen as Gold Class equivalent. If someone tried to scout that kind of talent over the Count's head, that would cause a major issue. The offer probably went to Count Doorn first and died there."
He had a point. To the Count, my current position is: I am a business partner who brings enormous profit despite our initial rocky encounter. I've produced his children, Fam-sama and Clot-sama, and I solved the problem of their engagement presentation to a higher-ranking noble.
Yes, there's no way he'd let me go. It would be like sticking their hand into a grateful beneficiary and major vested interest. If anyone tried to force it, they would have to be prepared to make an enemy of the Count's house.
"An offer might still come through, but the Count will step in as a cushion and soften the blow."
So he'd act as an intermediary? That was a relief.
"Speaking of which, Guild Master—you reconciled with the Count, didn't you? Let me thank you again. Thank you."
I bowed my head, and he held his hand up vertically in front of his face, shaking it from side to side.
"Ah, about that, I should have just listened to you, Shin. I think the guy was just desperate. Now that Fam-sama and Clot-sama are settled, I bet a huge burden has been lifted from his shoulders."
"? What do you mean?" I asked.
Jan-san scratched his head.
"In the end, it was all for the kids. He's only so-so with magic and magical power, and he must have been worried about his children's abilities. So he wanted to do everything he could for them and leave them a good foundation while he could."
For a noble in this magic-supremacy world, having low ability is a serious problem. Was that why he targeted a Gold Class Guild Master and a competent individual like Raid-kun, trying to surround his family with capable people? Now, with the engagement of the probably-youngest siblings settled, their future was happily secured.
"But... does bloodline really affect magic that much?"
"I don't know about that. I'm not an expert. But in Count Doorn's case, I remember that the older siblings born to his first wife, who are above Fam-sama and Clot-sama, were... well, less impressive, except for the eldest son who's the heir."
Ah, different mothers, as expected of a noble. And the non-heir siblings are 'less impressive,' huh? Was that who Carman-san was referring to?
"It's other people's family business, and there's no point in worrying about it. Anyway, thanks to you, the relationship between the Guild and the Count is good. Now, Shin, keep doing business with the Count and keep increasing the jobs in this town. I'm counting on you."
I tilted my head, confused.
"Wait, but right now, I'm already creating jobs for about twenty people..."
"That's the thing. Before you came to town, the Guild had about 50 registered members, but now it's over 70. The numbers were already trending up, but now, because of the belief that 'if you come to this town, you can get delicious food and work,' nobody is leaving, and the numbers just keep going up."
I vaguely remembered Raid-kun mentioning something like that when he was acting Guild Master.
"Do you think the town has enough people for jobs other than adventurers?"
Hearing that, the Guild Master pondered.
"There are jobs, but the reality is that they are all kept within the family. Remember the artisans you hired soon after you arrived—for clothes, baskets, construction? Those jobs are either passed down through generations or limited to people who grew up in this town."
I understood the sentiment. Everyone wants to pass on their livelihood to their children. If their magical power is high enough, they'd go to the Royal Capital, but if not, it's only natural they want to keep the limited work within their own circle.
"It's not about good or bad. I mean, if you had to hire someone, wouldn't you prefer a face you can trust?"
I had to agree with that. Especially in this world, where monster attacks and bandits are a constant threat, choosing who to trust is vital. It could be a matter of life or death.
"But if that's the case... is it okay with the other Adventurer Guilds and the general safety?"
"As long as they're registered with an Adventurer Guild, it doesn't matter where they base themselves. Besides, a larger number of people raises our Guild Branch's rank. Other Guild Branches might have issues if too many people leave, but the top brass will sort that out. Don't worry about it."
He quickly drained the drink that had been placed on the table.
"I've talked for too long. I'm heading back to the Guild now. Call me if anything else comes up."
And so, Jan-san returned to the Guild, and after resting a little, I decided to go back to the Inn.
* * *
"...A customer for me?"
"A breathtaking beauty! You're a dark horse, aren't you, dearie?" Claire Age-san, who greeted me at the 'Clan,' reported the visitor with a look of intense curiosity.
A beauty meant a woman, but the female acquaintances I had were limited, and the proprietress had been around them longer than I had. I came to this world alone. I had no acquaintances who only I would know.
Feeling nervous, I was led to the dining hall where the person was waiting.
"Oh, it's been a long time, Shin-dono. Thank you for your help to me and my child that day."
The woman looked at me and spoke in a masculine tone. She was a rare sight in this world, with long black hair and black eyes. Though seated, her posture and the length of her legs suggested she was as tall as, or perhaps taller than, Raid-kun. Her clothing was deceptively simple, like just wrapped cloth, but the quality of the material and her overall aura exuded nobility.
"What's this, a married woman? I was hoping for a little romance, but it seems I was mistaken."
She guessed and then looked disappointed. I just ordered a drink from the proprietress, and after making sure she was out of sight, I addressed the 'customer.'
"Um, who are you?"
She didn't seem hostile, but I couldn't lower my guard until I knew her identity. She claimed it had been a long time, but this was our first meeting, and I had no memory of helping or saving her or her child.
"Have you forgotten? You saved us from the Wyvern horde."
"......Eh? Ehhhh?!"
I did shoot down a Wyvern, but the one I saved was—
As I stared at her, utterly dumbfounded, 'she' continued without waiting for my response.
"Ah, my apologies. This is the first time I have met Shin-dono in this form. Did I surprise you? Or should I have come in the form I was in at the time?"
"Please don't do that, that would surprise me in two ways. Though this form is also surprising in two ways."
That Dragon from that day—she was a woman? I couldn't tell the gender of a Dragon from its appearance, and her masculine way of speaking meant I hadn't realized.
"I have not yet introduced myself. My name is Alteriese. Remember it."
I instinctively bowed my head at the Dragon's introduction.
But a question remained: How did this person, even in human form, get into the town? There should be gatekeepers.
"But how did you manage to enter the town? Did the guards not say anything?"
"Hmm? I simply told them my benefactor, Shin-dono, was in this town, and they let me through. Was something wrong with that?"
Hearing that, I covered my face with one hand and drooped my head. Seriously, the security is a sieve.
Seeing my reaction, she burst into a joyful laugh.
"Hahaha! Thanks to you, I was not suspected at all! Shin-dono is a celebrity."
"Well, in a sense... But why are you here?"
I saved her, and her attitude was friendly, so I didn't think she was hostile. But she was a Dragon, and her intentions were completely inscrutable. Tense, I waited for her reply.
"I told you I would formally thank you someday, did I not? However, I also have a separate matter to attend to."
"A separate matter?"
So she definitely came to give thanks, but she had another purpose, too. I had no idea what it could be. As my mind raced with guesses and speculations, a dish was placed on the table.
"Wait, Claire Age-san? I didn't order any food..."
"This beautiful lady is new to the town, isn't she? You can't say you've been to this town without trying this."
What was lined up was a full-course meal of all the dishes I had taught her: a Tuna Mayo knockoff, Chicken Mayo, various Tempura, and the sandwiches made with them.
"Yes, this! This is precisely the mysterious food I spoke of! I see there are things that weren't there before, too. May I enjoy this right away?"
I turned my palm up in a gesture of 'please,' and with a mix of curiosity and a beaming smile, she began to devour the food.
"Indeed—all of it is delicious, but the seasoning used is what truly enhances the flavor of all these ingredients. Even in my long accumulated knowledge, I have never encountered this taste. What is this?"
"The person who made it is right in front of you. Why don't you ask him?" The proprietress, who had been watching her eat with a satisfied look, directed the question to me.
"What! This was created by Shin-dono?! My companions also said that they couldn't find a corresponding example in the records of any human nation, ancient or modern..."
That was only natural. It was knowledge brought over from literally another world.
"Would you like to try making it? It's not a secret."
"Truly?! That is wonderful! My companions will also be delighted. If possible, I would also like to learn how to make these dishes, not just the seasoning."
As I nodded, Claire Age-san also seemed to understand, and we all headed to the kitchen together.
* * *
"Oh ho, hmm, hmm... So you don't use any particularly novel ingredients. No, this is magnificent! I am happy to learn that there are still so many unknown discoveries to be made!"
I wondered how old she was, but her words confirmed she possessed considerable knowledge. With that in mind, I decided to ask her if there was anything in this world that was the same as what I knew from Earth.
"...Hmm? Eggs? Chicken... a bird? What are its characteristics? It's a certain size, basically doesn't fly, and lays one egg a day..."
She crossed her arms, her expression turning complex.
"I apologize, but I do not know of such a convenient bird. In fact, does it even exist?"
That breed only came to be on Earth after years of breeding and selective refinement. It seems it wouldn't be that simple.
"May I ask one more thing? It's about a grain."
Without much expectation, I now asked about rice.
"Hmm... It grows in wetlands or marshes? It is similar to the grain used to make bread, but the heads droop more from the weight when ripe... I apologize, I do not know that either. However, I have companions who research books and records. I shall ask them about the bird and the grain when I return."
Hearing our conversation, the proprietress leaned in.
"Please do! It sounds like Shin might make something new again."
"Ah, that reminds me, I would like to give some of this as a souvenir to my companions and my child. Could you prepare more of this food? About 50 portions of each should be fine."
The proprietress's eyes widened.
"No, you can't! If you make that much, the townspeople won't have anything left to eat..."
"That's right. Please keep it to about ten portions of each. But 50 portions of each... are you sure that's enough for you and your companions?" I asked.
Claire Age-san's eyes darted back and forth between Alteriese and me.
"You are right, I apologize. I was almost causing trouble. Ah, also—I will enjoy the food in my human form, of course. If I were to eat in my 'original' form, 500 portions of each would probably not be enough."
At this, the proprietress finally looked confused.
"Um, Shin-san. Is this person—"
I scratched my head.
"Um, well... this is the Dragon I saved from the Wyvern horde the other day..."
She froze for a few seconds after hearing that, then slowly began to topple backward. I quickly caught her, preventing a disaster.
* * *
"Then, I shall gratefully accept these!"
In front of the Inn, Alteriese beamed, holding the bag containing the prepared food and a jar of mayonnaise.
Because a Dragon had come, Block-san and Dunder-san, who were involved in the original incident, were called, and the Guild Master, Jan-san, also came to greet and see her off. In the distance, a gallery of townspeople was visible, mixed with the figures of Raid-kun and Milia-san, though their instincts probably kept them from approaching.
"But to think you were the Dragon from that day..."
"We are glad to see your child is completely healthy," Dunder-san added.
Block-san and Dunder-san, who knew the story, shared their honest thoughts, surprised but comfortable because I and the Guild Master were present.
"I also owe both of you a great debt. I apologize for threatening you at the time. You were trying to save my child, after all."
"Anyone would be desperate when their child's life is on the line. Human or Dragon, it's the same," Jan-san defended her, and Alteriese's gaze shifted to me.
"Farewell, Shin-dono. Thank you for your kindness. I will definitely repay you for this food—"
Her movement suddenly stopped, like a paused video.
"No, wait, that's right! I came here to give you thanks!"
The beautiful woman frantically flustered, her previous dignity completely gone in her confusion.
"Oh, that was close... I was nearly going to leave with just a souvenir."
"Even so... do you happen to carry human gold coins or anything?" I asked.
Shaking her head, she reached into her chest and pulled out a thin, polygonal piece of metal about the size of her palm, offering it to me instead.
"...What is this?"
"That is my scale. I have heard it is traded at quite a high price among humans. Would you accept this?"
Hearing that, the Guild Master's face changed color.
"A D-Dragon Scale?!"
The fact that he was this surprised meant it must be incredibly valuable. I was afraid to ask the price later.
"Block-dono and Dunder-dono, one scale each. Shin-dono, please take two. Now, I must take my leave for today."
I called out to her as she held her bags and began to walk away.
"Are you going to go back in that form?"
"It would be better to change outside the town. Or would you mind if I returned to my original form here?"
At that, the three men—Jan-san, Block-san, and Dunder-san—shook their heads at incredible speed, explicitly rejecting the idea. The surrounding gallery of townspeople retreated all at once, like a receding tide.
Then, after turning toward the gate, she suddenly looked back at me.
"Oh, yes, Shin-dono. The truth is, I lost my partner, so I am a widow now. If you don't mind the child that comes with me, you are welcome to pursue me. Strong males are always welcome, regardless of species."
Leaving me with a smile and a comment that was hard to take seriously, she vanished outside the gate.
Left behind were Block-san and Dunder-san, nervously fiddling with the Dragon scales, and the Guild Master, who patted my shoulder.
"She was a beauty, wasn't she? I bet a cheating husband would be terrified of her."
"She probably wouldn't even leave bones behind..." I grimaced.
We shared a wry smile and stood there for a while, basking in the cooling breeze.
Summary:
The absurdity of Shin's life ramps up! The enormous new water channel is built, confirming his Earth knowledge/magic water makes aquatic life giant and ultra-prolific. He finds out Baron Locke got off easy but received a huge compensation, which Shin instantly redirects to the orphanage. Then, a drop-dead gorgeous woman arrives and reveals she's the Dragon he saved, Alteriese, come to thank him and learn his mysterious Earth cooking. The town guards let a Dragon in just because she's his 'benefactor,' cementing his accidental celebrity. She leaves him with an invaluable Dragon Scale and a shocking, casually delivered proposition.
Character Insight:
Shin is fundamentally the same—trying to apply common sense to an insane world. His self-deprecating annoyance at being a 'Mysterious Adventurer' (or urban legend) contrasts sharply with the awe he inspires. Alteriese is a creature of immense power and dignity, yet her human form is capable of adorable fluster and panic, especially when she almost forgets her mission. Her proposal to Shin, despite her regal nature, shows Dragons value strength and loyalty above all else.
Behind the Scene:
This chapter is a huge turning point, formally introducing a friendly, powerful Dragon into Shin's immediate circle. This relationship (Benefactor/Dragon) changes the entire political landscape, as even Count Doorn's power pales in comparison to a Dragon. The failure of the rice/chicken queries sets up a future plot line: Earth's technology needs to be taught, not found. The Baron Locke plot is cleanly wrapped up, demonstrating that even 'justice' in this world is transactional and political.
T/L:
¹ Hatching (ふか - fuka): I've been trying to breed the birds we caught to ensure a stable supply of eggs and meat. Just putting the parents and eggs into a separate room to encourage them! ↩
Notes:
• Jan - The sturdy branch manager of the local Adventurer's Guild. He is short, has muscular build, and gray hair.
• Mel - A young girl Shin hires for her Water Magic to clean his catch. She has semi-long hair, and slightly foxy, sharp eyes.
• Shin - An average, middle-aged Japanese salaryman who prides himself on his common sense and average abilities. He was forcibly sent to a fantasy world by a God and granted the 'ability' to prevent anything 'outside his common sense' from occurring in his presence.
• Locke - A minor noble (Baron) arrived in town to illegally procure children, viewing them as profitable commodities due to rumors of their healing magic. He sports slicked-back, shaved hair, wears overly expensive gold-trimmed clothing, and carries an entitled, arrogant expression.
• Raid - A young, 'normie' adventurer who gets saddled with the job of escorting Shin. He is carefree and friendly but is instantly put on edge by Jandou's ominous warning. He has short black hair, sun-tanned skin, and wears casual adventure gear.
• Glantz - A notorious bandit known as 'Glantz the Bloody Axe Ogre' for his massive weapon and brute-force approach. He has muscular build, bushy beard and unkempt hair. He carries a massive, 3-meter axe, and Wears bandit gear.
• Luce - A Bronze-class adventurer, also an orphanage graduate and very close friend of Gil. She specializes in Fire Magic, but can only 'manifest' flames without projection. She has flaxen hair tied in a braid at the back, short stature.
• Gil - A Bronze-class adventurer and recent graduate of the local orphanage. He specializes in Earth Magic (Stone Bullet), but its initial power is weak. He and Luce are close, almost like siblings. He has short hair, slender build, and looks unhealthy.
• Clot - Short, golden-blonde hair, with a more reserved demeanor, initially in fine clothing, later wearing a 'priest' costume. The young son of the Count, he is Fam’s foil—polite, proper, and sensibly excited about the new things, contrasting his sister’s spoilage.
• Fam - Short, golden-blonde hair, energetic and bright-eyed, initially in fine clothing, later wearing a 'maiden' costume. The young, spoiled daughter of the Count, she immediately demands Shin’s presented clothes and food, her reaction central to Shin’s plan.
• Carman - The Count's official merchant in the town. A professional, elderly man who quickly recognized the unexpected value of Shin's processed fish.
• Claire - The sharp-witted owner of the inn 'Clan,' which was previously famous for its private bath. She is a powerful water-magic user.
• Ban - One of the three new adventurers housed by Shin, he is gentler and more reserved than Cart, with an androgynous appearance, shoulder-length hair, and a gentle-looking demeanor.
• Alteriese - A dragon saved by Shin after he shot down the wyverns threatening her child. She can take a beautiful human form with a masculine speaking style, long black hair, black eyes, a tall, imposing build, and wears simple, high-quality wrapped clothing.
• Dunder - An elderly yet spry man, recently hired, with a weathered appearance and seasoned, reflective approach to work. He’s pleasantly surprised by his second wind in life, especially after eating wyvern meat.
• Block - A newly hired laborer with a solid, working-class build, he assists Shin with hunting and odd jobs. Straightforward and excited about earning high-value meat.
• Milia - The young receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild. She has short hair, tanuki-face like (cute), wears round glasses, and business attire.