As soon as we approached the gates of Guinovam, we were greeted by the guards responsible for monitoring the entry and exit of the city. Due to our previous visits, they easily recognized us, allowing us to pass with just a quick glance at our faces. As we entered the city, the lampposts illuminated the path with their radiant lights, while some people walked along the streets. It's interesting to note that in this world, the lampposts are not powered by electricity but by crystals that glow when exposed to mana.

With that idea in mind, we continued our walk until we reached the adventurers' guild. We spent a good amount of time gathering the plants for the mission, so it was already dark, although it wasn't yet late at night. As soon as we crossed the door, we were immediately enveloped by the lively noise of the adventurers occupying the premises. In no time, I could tell that the adventurers' guild would get extremely busy during the night. Many adventurers come here to relax, have fun, and enjoy a meal and a drink after a day filled with quests.

As we walked through the corridor, we headed towards the counter, where we spotted Flora, apparently busy attending to an adventurer.

"Why can't you just give me a little more for all the trouble I had to go through to get all these stupid plants?"

I heard the complaints coming from the man’s mouth. Like most male adventurers, he displayed a sturdy physique, but curiously, he didn’t carry any weapons with him.

(Maybe he fights hand-to-hand?)

I thought as I approached the counter. Looking back, I noticed that the girls were already seated at an available table. I had informed them beforehand that only one of us needed to go to the counter to complete the mission. Therefore, they followed my request and occupied a vacant table.

"Sorry, but I've already explained that we can't give you more than that. Besides, even if you insist that you dedicated a lot of time to collecting the plants, some of them weren't even part of the original order. So, the previously offered amount is still the maximum I can offer you"

Flora said with a tired expression on her face, unsure of what else to do. Upon hearing Flora's words, the man slammed his hand on the counter before turning and heading towards a nearby vacant table. As soon as Flora noticed me, her face lit up with a welcoming smile, which was quite different from her previous expression.

"I'm glad to see you again. How was the mission? Did everything go well?"

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Flora asked as she fixed her eyes on me. Taking the opportunity, I pretended to pick up something from the counter, but in reality, I retrieved the bags containing the plants from my storage ability. As I grabbed the bags, I lifted them and carefully placed them on the counter. Witnessing this, Flora's eyes widened slightly, unable to contain her surprise.

"You managed to gather all of this? And in just one day?"

Flora questioned, surprised. Upon hearing her words, I pointed my finger towards Fujiwara, who was savoring a piece of chicken alongside the other girls.

"My companion over there has an ability that helped us greatly in harvesting the plants"

I said. Upon hearing my words, Flora remained surprised but seemed to accept the situation and headed to the back with the bags containing the plants. About 15 minutes later, she returned, carrying two noticeably heavy bags.

"Here is the reward for completing the mission. Additionally, due to the amount you brought, we decided to offer an extra bonus. The guild leader requested to reward adventurers who brought more than what was requested"

Flora said with a gentle smile on her face. However, her words made me ponder the guild's purpose in acquiring all these plants. It led me to believe that the guild leader was likely anticipating the arrival of the monster horde, considering he also picked up on it from our conversation, and planned to use them to treat the injured. After all, these plants possess healing properties and would be of great help in a situation like that.

"Thank you, Flora. By the way, could you arrange a meeting with the guild leader for me? I have an urgent matter I need to discuss with him"

I asked, looking at Flora. Upon hearing my words, Flora nodded in understanding and responded.

"Of course, you'll probably be able to speak with him tomorrow morning"

Flora said with a smile on her face. After her response, I turned and began walking towards the table where the girls were sitting. However, I was suddenly interrupted by a sturdy figure that appeared in my field of vision. Looking up, I realized it was the same man Flora was talking to before she attended to me. His expression was clearly hostile, making it evident that he certainly wasn't there with friendly intentions towards me.

"Hey, kid! While I was sitting, I overheard something I can't ignore. Did you receive a bonus for the medicinal plants mission?"

The man asked with a challenging tone as he looked at me. Hearing his words, I responded honestly and sincerely, after all, he wasn't wrong.

"Yes, it's true. Why?"

I said, maintaining a neutral expression with my eyes still fixed on the man. Upon hearing my words, he smirked and replied.

"I see, just as I suspected. Well, there's something that deeply bothers me. I see you have two bags in your hands. How about sharing one of them with me? You know, you caused me some trouble when you decided to harvest all the plants. Unfortunately, when I got there, they had already been plucked by you. I suggest we have a serious conversation about this. You see, fate sometimes has scary ways of dealing with those who break the rules"

Upon hearing the man's words, I was overcome by a sense of confusion, questioning whether he was serious. As I cautiously looked around, I noticed some stares fixed on us, but none of them seemed willing to intervene. At least, that's what I thought until a powerful voice echoed through the premises.