Adventurer’s Guild #3

 

“I have completed the Imperial Guard’s basic combat course.”

Skill: You have learned Imperial Combat. All basic stats increase by 10%.

“Thank you for your effort!”

The guards, led by the adjutant, all bowed their heads.

“Thank you for your help. It really helped me.”

“Thank you all so much-”

Our party also expressed their gratitude.

After two weeks of training, we became stronger than ever before.

It wasn’t just that I gained skills and increased my stats, but I also felt like I had a new perspective on combat.

‘When you learn something, you have to learn it properly.’

I realized it anew. Learning from an expert is much more efficient.

It was the same during my school days.

All the kids who were good at studying went to academies or received private tutoring instead of studying on their own at school, and there was a reason for that.

If I had only received one or two private lessons back then, I might have gone to Seoul National University.

‘I feel light.’

My arms and legs feel light as if they could fly, and my core muscles that keep my body centered are also toned.

It feels like I’ve borrowed the body of an Olympic gold medalist.

It feels so good to be able to move my body freely as I want.

“Please pass the Adventurer’s Guild exam with flying colors. I’ll be rooting for you to give those guys a good pat on the back.”

We left the guard training camp, escorted by the adjutant.

The sunlight shining through the gray sky is warm.

“The test is tomorrow, so let’s take some time off today to get in shape.”

“great-“

“Then I guess I’ll have to go have a quick game.”

I knew Mitchell would go to the casino, but it was a bit surprising that Flora followed him.

‘Surely you’re not addicted to snail gambling.’

I stared blankly at Flora’s back.

They say that stealing late in life is scary, so I wonder if Flora will become addicted to gambling and end up like Mitchell.

“Wagner, what about you?”

“I plan to relax at my lodgings. I also need to take care of my new armor.”

“Okay, I got it.”

Wagner also left, and I was left alone.

I felt a little regretful, thinking, “Should I have gone to the casino with you?”

It turned out well.

‘I have work to do too.’

Since I have some time alone, there is a place I should stop by.

I walked towards the tent of the orc shaman Yurka.

“Oh! You’re here. I’ve been waiting for you, girl.”

Yurka, who was preparing herbs in front of the tent, recognized me.

A smile spread across the wrinkled orc’s face.

“I collected more magic stones.”

“And there are so many magic stones… It’s amazing to see them. Did you discover a magic stone mine somewhere?”

Yurka was amazed.

Improving abilities using magic stones is the main business of orc shamans.

A magic stone is literally a stone in which magic is sealed.

Shamans harness the power contained within magic stones and hone their magic.

The reward from adventurers will be quite substantial.

“Friends will be here soon, so have some tea in the meantime.”

Hororok.

I took a sip of the green tea that Yurka had recommended.

The color of the withered leaves, as if they had been boiled for a long time, is quite suspicious.

It was difficult to even say that the taste was good.

‘But it’ll be good for your body.’

There is a saying that bitter medicine is good for the body.

I drank all the tea without leaving a single drop.

“Oh, does it suit your taste?”

Yurka looked at me with interest.

“The taste is just okay… What’s good about this tea?”

“Well? I don’t know either.”

“What? Wasn’t it traditional oak tea?”

“Sorry, no. Orcs don’t like tea. I bought some at the begging of the Garden merchant, but it didn’t suit my taste. You should drink plenty.”

Yurka poured tea into my cup again.

‘What the hell.’

Did you offer it to me because you didn’t want to drink it yourself?

Suddenly, I felt like I was going crazy.

I put down the teacup and pushed it forward a little.

“Girl, don’t you think you’d like to get a tattoo?”

“tattoo?”

“Orcs draw upon the power of nature by carving symbols imbued with special powers. If you wish, I’d be willing to carve one myself.”

Yurka said with a serious face.

The orc culture is closed.

Their power is used solely for the benefit of their race, and does not benefit outsiders.

Yurka’s offer was a very generous gesture.

‘The opportunity to get an orc tattoo is rare for humans.’

However, there is one thing that is bothering me.

In reality, I haven’t even gotten a single small lettering tattoo on my body.

There’s a saying, “If you misuse the precious body your parents gave you, you’ll be punished.”

Even though I was a girl who had fallen into another world, I was a little reluctant to carve a permanent, indelible mark on my body.

“Hey, what’s the big deal about appearances? It’s the Orc Tattoo, famous for its savagery.”

The worries quickly disappeared.

Opportunities must not be missed.

It is always beneficial to receive it whenever you can.

Compared to the power of a tattoo, a change in appearance is nothing special.

I made up my mind.

“I’ll take it.”

“Good. Then you can choose the tattoo yourself.”

Yurka spread a white sheet of paper on the floor and sprinkled ashes on it.

“Choose the symbol that most appeals to you. But choose carefully. You’re not an orc like me, so you can only have one tattoo.”

The ashes scattered on the floor began to move slowly on their own.

Then the ashes soon took on a specific shape.

The first completed shape is a short, connected dotted line.

Below the dotted line, the words ‘CUT HERE’ are written.

“It’s the symbol of madness. This symbol is tattooed on the neck. It will give you the courage to overcome obstacles regardless of whether it’s through water or fire.”

“Mom, you’re going to carve it on your neck?”

“Isn’t it wonderful? Would you like this pattern, girl?”

I pictured myself with a cut line on my neck and even a gruesome message engraved on it.

The symbol of madness. Literally.

If you walk around with this kind of nonsense, there’s no one else who’s crazy.

‘I don’t think it was this scary in the game.’

The optional extras are excellent, but the appearance is just too hideous.

‘They say appearances don’t matter, but even so, I can’t live my whole life like this.’

I shook my head cautiously.

“Um… Can I see other patterns too?”

“Do as you wish. But keep in mind that there aren’t an infinite number of candidates.”

The ashes scattered again and formed another pattern.

The following pattern looked strangely familiar.

Multi-layered hearts surrounded by ornate decorations.

The upper part was puffed up like an apple, and it got thinner as it went down.

“It’s the mark of desire. This tattoo is only available to those with exceptional talent. A bit surprising.”

“What kind of talent is it?”

“It means that you have excellent talent as a female.”

“What, what, what?”

I was speechless for a moment.

It looks somehow familiar.

‘Damn, isn’t this something I often see on Hitomi?’

While I was chewing over the shocking words I had just heard, Yurka continued speaking calmly.

“The pattern of desire is engraved on the lower abdomen.”

Yurka stroked the area below my belly button.

“This is the position where women who will one day become mothers hold their children. If you engrave this symbol, you will be loved by many men. It will also make your nighttime activities even more enjoyable.”

“I, I don’t need that kind of thing!”

“Why? There are many orc females who want this tattoo. But not everyone who wants one can get one. You’re in luck.”

In simple terms, it is a uterine tattoo.

This kid is crazy.

“Show me something else.”

“Haha—you’re a greedy girl. Well, that’s good. Let me show you the next pattern. This is probably the last candidate.”

The last pattern was very tiny.

A cute bird that looks like it’s about to spread its wings and fly into the sky at any moment.

However, we must not let our guard down.

Who knows, this might be engraved on the uterus too.

No, it’s more dangerous because it’s smaller.

Ominous thoughts flashed through my mind. A place even more so than the womb. For example…

“A small but impressive tattoo of the demon. I’m getting it on my finger.”

phew.

Fortunately, my prediction was wrong.

I secretly sighed in relief.

“This symbol allows you to create a protective gale that nullifies enemy magic. While you won’t use it often, it will be a powerful force in crucial moments.”

“I’ll do this.”

There was no choice.

I don’t want to walk around with a cut line on my neck, but I have no intention of getting a uterus tattoo.

‘If it’s a finger tattoo, it would be perfect to cover it up with a ring.’

If I wear the ring of waiting that I received from the captain of the guard, no one will know that I have an orc tattoo.

Hidden secret weapon.

The true value of this tattoo will be revealed when dealing with wizards.

“But are you really okay with this? I think the Tattoo of Desire would suit you better…”

“Okay. Take this.”

“Hmm.”

Yurka smacked her lips with regret.

He heated a needle in the fire and dabbed sky blue ink on its tip.

“It might sting a little.”

Kuk.

The moment the needle pierced my skin, a sharp pain shot through my finger.

“Ouch!”

I couldn’t help but scream like a girl, like Guan Yu.

Gao is very hurt, but it hurts.

The tattooing process was only completed after tears welled up in my eyes.

“You have been given the Tattoo of Anti-Magic. Magic resistance is greatly increased.”

“—The Gust of Protection

Once a day, you can summon a mysterious wind that destroys magic.

The sight of the little bird landing on my finger was quite adorable.

“I didn’t mention it earlier, but this tattoo has another meaning. Do you know what it is, girl?”

Yurka stroked my shoulder with a kind face.

no way.

This kid, this tattoo doesn’t have any hidden meaning like a symbol of a female, or a flesh slave, right?

Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine.

“That means you are a friend of our orcs.”

Fortunately, this time too, the ominous predictions were wrong.

“Friend⋯.”

“If you ever meet other orcs while traveling the world, show them that tattoo. It will prove you’ve earned the approval of an orc shaman.”

“Thank you, Yurka.”

“Rather, I’d like to express my gratitude. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to do something worthwhile thanks to you, a person like you, in this old wasteland of the human kingdom.”

Yurka’s eyes were filled with affection, as if she was looking at her granddaughter.

“I can finally face the last moment with value.”

⋯The last one?

There was something uneasy about Yurka’s words.

Flutter—

The tent’s curtain was opened, and two orcs entered.

“Aha, that human girl.”

“You came well prepared, Yurka. Let’s try something.”

These were the two orc shamans who helped Yurka when she leveled up her magic stone last time.

But, something feels strange.

The old sorcerers held swords and clubs in their hands.

“Yurka?”

Yurka stood up. Without answering, he took something out from the back of the tent.

A hatchet with a sharp blade.

That day, it was sharp, as if it had been well-maintained as usual.

“⋯Girl, come out.”

“Wait, why are you using a weapon-”

“I will give you the final test.”

Yurka pressed the wolf’s scalp deeply into her hair.