Several low-level jobs on the board matched my qualifications, but the miner protection job intrigued me the most. While the miners worked, several guards had to be stationed nearby to protect them from the stone moles. The stone moles weren't powerful creatures, but for the miners, they were a nuisance, taking time from their mining endeavors.

I have my heart set on this job for a few reasons. The mine is in the safer northern part of the city, unlike the south entrance I used. Miners worked every day, allowing the job to be done daily with no start or end date. The pay of 10 silver per day may not be impressive, but the experience gained would be valuable. The slain monsters’ loot went to the adventurers, at least. I desired to take on this mission due to the monsters. I wanted to learn a potential talent from these 'Stone Moles' while testing my new technique.

Going to the reception desk, I handed my new license over, saying I wanted to take part in the miner protection job. The old man checked my license and registered me.

"Will you be taking part in the mission today?"

"Yes!"

The miner and adventurer party would depart from the north gate together at 8 in the morning. Good thing I left the inn early. I left the guild headquarters and walked along the main street to the north gate, exploring the city and grabbing breakfast on the way. The mog sandwich vanished without a trace.

I arrived early with nothing else planned, so I stood outside the gate, practicing my swordsmanship. As I swung my sword, I received a few curious glances. Regardless, I didn't mind, instead focusing on my technique. When the time neared, adventurers and what I could only guess to be miners because of the pickaxes they were carrying showed up. I joined the group, introducing myself.

"Hello, I signed up for the mining protection job today. I'm Arild Dahl. Nice to meet everyone!"

A burly man in heavy plate armor greeted me. "Alright, I got heads-up from the guild. Glad to have you join us, Arild! Everyone seems to be here. I'll explain the details along the way. Let's move!"

We got into multiple carriages with plenty of storage space, pulled by beasts I can only describe as bison's on steroids. As we made our way, the burly man introduced himself as Corinth Eastall, captain of the mission. He told me the details of the job. The adventurers would spread out inside the mines, covering areas for nearby miners. Outside of mating season, the stone moles were solitary creatures, making it unlikely to engage in combat against multiple at a time. Stone moles earned their name from their strength and powerful claws that could break through stone.

The carriage slowed. It seems we have arrived at the mines. Exiting the vehicle, a mine shaft going into a large hill met my eyes. Several buildings stood in the area outside. According to the information I've received, these buildings housed machines used for sorting and washing ore prior to being transported to the city.

Not wasting any time, each adventurer got assigned to a group of miners. The stronger adventurers would protect a larger area and more miners. Currently, as a novice adventurer in the E class, I will only be able to offer protection to three miners. The miners led the way as we headed inside.

"Newbie, warn us if you notice movement in the mines." The oldest of the 3 miners said.

"Got it!"

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Only 2 people could walk side by side due to the mine’s narrow width. I needed to be aware of the environment while fighting in here.

As the miners took off their backpacks and unstrapped their pickaxes, we had reached the destination. As I didn't know to bring a light source, the old miner handed me a reserve head-lamp from his backpack. Lanterns hung from the ceiling, lighting up the mine. A mobile light source helped as a precaution. The light inside the head-lamp and lanterns emitted from a bright energy source floating inside the glass.

The miners went in three different directions as I stood at the intersection.

*Clink!* *Clink!* …

The mining started. I stood guard, watching the walls for any movement with my short-sword in hand. Pacing between the caves, in case of any blind spots. I didn't wait for long until a hole opened in the wall.

"Mole alert!"

"Alright, keep us updated if something goes awry!" the old man yelled in reply as the sound of pickaxes continued.

The monster made its way outside the wall. It looked similar to an Earth mole, except for its larger eyes and large body. The claws gleamed in the light. I sure as hell wouldn't test their sharpness with my flesh.

Lightning energy stirred inside me as I charged the mole.

Time to test my technique!

My sword thrust towards its face as the agile beast jumped towards mine.

The sword skewered it in its jump, killing the monster without delay. If my strength were any lower, I wouldn't be able to stop its momentum, possibly losing the grip on my weapon as it could deflect towards me. I would be careful with larger animals throwing themselves at me in the future.

Despite not being strong, I couldn't ignore these monsters' suicidal attacks, either. I now understood why they were a nuisance.

"Mole down!"

"Good job!"

My first kill in this world…

I looked at the monster corpse, unsure of how to loot it. No new items in my inventory as expected. Not sure how to loot, I tried prodding it with the sword a few times, to no avail. I went to touch it with my hand, hoping I didn’t have to physically dismember it. I gave an internal command.

Loot.

The corpse disintegrated in front of my eyes, turning into white specks of light. Checking my inventory, the only thing it dropped being a low-grade mana crystal. Pleased that the monsters of this world don’t require a butcher to retrieve drops.

Those specks of light… Is the energy returning to the world?

10 minutes passed until the next contender showed.

When the second mole of the day showed itself, I baited it to jump at me, dodging to the side before the collision, finishing it with a slash after it crashed with the wall. These moles didn’t seem too intelligent…

[TALENT HARVEST]

- Your talent, Talent Harvester, has activated.

- You gain – Underground Perception.

A talent!

Not feeling any immediate changes within my body, I checked the skill.

[Sense Underground]

- While focusing, you can perceive underground environments with a sixth sense.

Is this a wall hack?