Chapter 32: Danger Approaches

After collecting my payment and confirming next month’s potion commissions, I hummed a tune and headed to the Golden Skull Auction Exchange’s weapons and equipment section.

With my status at Golden Skull, buying gear here was the obvious choice—especially with the discounts I could get.

Still humming, I quickly picked out what I needed within my budget.

Two daggers, two short swords, a light shield, a set of lightweight leather armor, plus some auxiliary casting materials and tools—fifteen gold coins gone in a flash.

My current body can’t handle much. Longswords are too heavy, so daggers and short swords are best. For protection, leather armor is the most practical—light and mobile.

Cloth armor is too flimsy. Even if I can revive, I don’t want to be that vulnerable, so I chose leather, though it’s a bit heavy for me.

Trying on the armor, I hopped around, testing its fit and flexibility. I had the auction’s gear specialist adjust the size and weight, and only then was I satisfied.

…It cost eight gold coins; I wasn’t about to settle for ill-fitting armor that could chafe or hinder me in a fight.

With my delicate skin, I’m not keen on unnecessary injuries.

“Phew… nice!”

With weapons and armor sorted, my wallet was lighter, but I felt stronger and more confident than yesterday.

Since I only took two commissions, the storage bracelet had space, so I tossed everything in.

“Hm… three weeks to finish the potions, then one week to train… Potions first, then fieldwork. That’s the plan.”

I mentally mapped out the next month, stretched, and decided to register at the Adventurers’ Guild to save a trip later.

Two months since waking up, life started rough, but I’ve climbed out of the pit. Though I’m stuck in this risky border city due to money and growth constraints, my strength grows daily!

Life’s going smoothly. If things keep going well, that’d be perfect.

But… just as I was about to leave Golden Skull, the supervisor stopped me.

“Um… esteemed Miss Hidden Moon, I heard you purchased leather armor and weapons, correct?”

He looked at me, inquiring.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

I eyed him, puzzled.

“Are you planning to go adventuring?”

“…What I do doesn’t concern you, does it?”

I tilted my head.

“True, but as Golden Skull Auction Exchange, we care about our clients’ safety—especially a rare Level 10 Alchemist like you,” he said, his face turning serious.

“If you need money or training, we can provide a venue. But please, don’t go hunting or fighting outside the city right now—it’s not safe. Apart from the Thunder Whip Mercenary Corps, other groups are suffering heavy losses, with many mysteriously vanishing. Over a hundred people have disappeared in the city too. We suspect other races are active nearby.”

…What?

I blinked, stunned.

“It’s not uncommon. Black Obsidian City’s on the border and has faced attacks before… So when I heard you bought gear, I rushed to warn you. Please be careful.”

“…Got it. Thanks for the heads-up.”

I nodded after a moment’s thought.

…I thought the disappearances were just the six mercenaries and landlord I killed. But seven missing people wouldn’t cause the city guard to question me so seriously. There are way more vanishings than I realized.

This city’s getting more dangerous…

I thought quietly, the idea of escaping starting to form.