Chloe

Guild Adventurer's Guide! (Windvale Town Revised Edition)

Hello, welcome to Windvale Town! This is the Windvale Town branch of the International Adventurers' Guild. To help you better integrate into this new environment, we've prepared a checklist with some important points you should know:

1. Adventurers and Levels: If you're new here, lack sufficient savings, and don't have any special skills, we strongly recommend joining your local Adventurers' Guild branch and registering as an adventurer. Being an adventurer has a very low skill threshold, a wide range of roles, and is the most suitable profession for accumulating wealth. All registered, legitimate adventurers will receive guild protection, receiving support in areas such as training, equipment, assets, taxes, and health insurance, at the cost of a small share of income. If you don't have enough savings to pay registration and membership fees, don't worry! The guild offers low-interest microloans.

The main source of income for adventurers is completing commissioned quests. You can accept private commissions through the guild on the guild bulletin board or complete official quests assigned by the guild. Please do not accept illegal commissions! For the fairness and security of commission dispatches, adventurers must register their rank in their guild membership information from the moment they join and undergo regular guild assessments. Rank is primarily determined by combat ability* and the value generated for the guild*; completing missions helps improve strength, skills, and rank. Higher ranks mean higher income and bonuses, so please participate in more missions! The rank system may vary in different regions. Here is a comparison of the rank system in Windvale Town with well-known adventurers and common professions for reference:

Rank 1: Ordinary person, a novice adventurer with no skills or profession. Rank 2: Basic adventurer, able to independently complete general missions, a common level for beginner swordsmen. Rank 3: Regular adventurer, capable of relying entirely on adventure as a lifelong career, able to accumulate wealth through missions; in principle, able to defeat any human without adventure qualifications in a one-on-one fight. Recommended minimum rank for entering dungeons. Rank 4: Elite adventurer, able to be included in the guild's special list and enjoy preferential financing. Combat ability is roughly equivalent to a national army captain (think of it as a listed company) Level 5: Capable of performing high-difficulty missions with a small team of two to five people; the level of elite ordinary professions such as high-ranking knights, swordsmen, and archers. Level 6: Usually a renowned adventurer, well-known in the industry. The level of the thief 'Wind Runner' Chloe (almost level 7! The average level of common thieves is level four.) Level 7: Capable of independently performing most missions; a tactical level presence in an army. The level of 'Lucida Mage' Stella. Level 8: The level of the warrior 'Silver Hair' Leo (actually just reached it) Common level for high-ranking elves and dwarf warriors. Level 9: A level that is difficult to describe in a few words. Capable of commanding an army. The level of daughter of the lord, the 'Ruler', Scarlet. Level 10: Average level of the highest-ranking paladins and holy knights (Minimum requirement is 9, current maximum is 11) Level 11: The level of the Imp Kylie Level 12: An absolute existence at the strategic level, ~~possibly achievable only by a great mage~~ Level 13: The highest level known to humankind (A legendary, heroic existence!) Level 14: An unverified legendary figure, seemingly like a god Level 15: Theoretically, perhaps, the highest level humans can reach...?

Just as adventurers have levels, guilds also categorize adventurers' targets and enemies—monsters; when hunting monsters, please absolutely avoid enemies two levels higher than yourself, and carefully consider your options when facing monsters of the same or lower level.

Level 1: Creatures that can be subdued by ordinary strongmen (e.g., common wild dogs) Level 2: Common weak monsters (e.g., Dewdrop Slimes, Goblins) Level 3: Special monsters found in the shallower levels of dungeons (e.g., Demon Wolves, Demon Rabbits), powerful ordinary creatures (e.g., Brown Bears, Wild Boars), and adventurers' mounts are generally in this tier. Level 4: Monsters that can begin to use magic (e.g., Three-Tailed Foxes, Evil Gnomes), and infamous dungeon monsters (e.g., Dungeon Slimes, Abyss Tentacles, Armed Orcs, etc.) Level 5: Powerful monsters, capable of ruling a dungeon (e.g., Giant Serpents, Troll Golems) Level 6: Monsters between levels 5 and 7, usually equivalent to organized monster groups (e.g., Giants, Orc Legions) Level 7: Immortal and powerful beings (e.g., Griffins, Unicorns, Pegasus, Earth Dragons) Avoid contacting or attacking creatures of this level or higher without the permission of the guild or Holy Church, or unless absolutely necessary. Level 8: Top predators in the regional food chain, Cataclysmic monsters capable of using powerful magic (e.g., dragon sharks, nine-tailed foxes, flying dragons) Level 9: Legendary creatures, divine beasts, beast gods (e.g., the demon god Bahamut, Cerberus) Level 10: Theoretically even more powerful beings, Great Old Ones, and Ancient Gods. JUST RUN!

Quest Level: The higher the level, the richer the rewards; of course, the higher the difficulty. Quests may encompass various types, not limited to combat missions; quests higher than your adventurer's level are recommended for team participation, and quests two levels higher than your adventurer's level should not be accepted:

Level 1: Quests that most players can complete, gathering quests, cleaning, relaying orders, administrative tasks Level 2: Common difficulty quests, general national commissions (e.g., shallow dungeons, exploration quests, caravan escorts, war mercenaries) Level 3: Medium difficulty quests, usually facing monsters below level 3, the first choice for mid-to-high-level adventurers (e.g., dungeon walkthroughs, regional monster extermination) Level 4: Usually composed of monsters or troops below level 4 to 5, recommended for adventurers level 6 and above Level 5: Same level 4 or army, war, recommended for adventurers level 7 and above Level 6 and above: Following the order of levels 4 and 5; usually unavailable, must be assigned by the guild

2. Currency Exchange Rate: The main currency in Windvale Town is the Crown, which can cover most daily expenses; 10 Crowns = 1 Rein

Currency Dinner Index: A whole roasted pig + two beers approximately 2 Crowns (Dubs Restaurant)

3. Important Facilities: Locations of commonly used facilities for adventurers are listed here! Privately owned item shops, blacksmith shops, and markets all have complete supply chains in this town. Specific addresses are complex and not listed here; please ask trusted adventurers or residents for directions!

Quests, Security, Relief, Taxes, Food and Lodging, Medical Care, Exams: International Adventurers' Guild, Windvale Town Branch: Windvale Town Center Affiliated with a restaurant, public inn, equipment and potion shop, and training ground

Restaurant: Dubs Restaurant: 15 Central Street Medical Care: Windvale Town Central Clinic: 3 Central Roundabout, Windvale Mine Complex: North end of the road in Windvale Nearest Dungeon Entrance: West end of the road in Central Street

That's all for now! For any changes or questions, please check the guild bulletin board or ask guild staff! Wishing you a smooth adventure!

"Ahahh, that wretched crow!" The girl slumped onto a large, round rock, crossing her left ankle over her right thigh. "I won't let it get away until I get my diamond back!"

The girl's name was Chloe, a notorious thief in Windvale Town. Chloe rarely joined the guild, but her rank was roughly between five and seven—upper-middle level, making her a top-tier thief. While most thieves followed behind adventure parties, Chloe often charged into dungeons and labyrinths alone, renowned for her powerful legs and terrifying stamina. Recently, her rank had increased even faster—mostly because of that crow.

Not long ago, she kicked the Demon Flower Serpent to death, and in its coiled lair, she discovered a natural magic blue diamond, almost as big as her arm. Chloe was overjoyed. It was rare for her to accept a monster-slaying commission, and she'd received such a reward! Clutching the diamond with precious care, she casually cut off the giant snake's tongue and brought it back to the guild to claim her prize. As she walked down the street, she could feel everyone staring at her with astonishment or admiration. Earning money in such a glorious way was so exciting! She returned to the guild hall with light steps and a proud stride, just as the crow flew by.

She had heard stories of crows wearing goggles robbing adventurers, but Chloe had always thought it was just an urban legend. Besides, she'd even dealt with a troop of monkey thieves; what was there to fear from a mere crow?

"Look here look here, onee-chan, I found such a huge blue diamond!" Even before she reached the guild counter, Chloe stretched out her arm, proudly displaying the enormous diamond. Suddenly, a dark shadow flew by, and Chloe felt a sharp pain, as if she'd been bumped into in a crowd. When she came to, the heavy weight in her hand had vanished.

It was a beautiful raven. Chloe turned towards the shadowy figure. The raven was pure black, but the tips of its feathers shimmered with a faint, lightning-like or sapphire-like luster. It was clearly extremely robust; beneath its seemingly tough skin lay thick muscles. It already looked ominous enough, with a tuft of long, hair-like feathers on its head that shimmered with a burning orange-gold light. But the most striking feature was its enormous goggles, perfectly fitting its face as if they were part of its body. It flapped its wings, hovered in mid-air, and glanced back at Chloe. Chloe was certain it was grinning maliciously. Wait, were those teeth in its mouth?

At this point, Chloe snapped out of her daze. The bird was clutching the enormous gemstone in its claws. "Wait, that's my diamond!" she cried. The raven turned and flew away. She instantly took off running, her speed seemingly cracking the paving stones beneath her feet.

No no no, that should be a raven, right? Moreover, it looked to be at least a level three monster! This was really bad, you know! A series of trivial thoughts flashed through Chloe's mind. She dodged passersby and raced through the streets. The raven flew at a distance, swiftly passing between city walls and flags, occasionally glancing back. Chloe would sprint to close the distance, only for it to flap its wings and fly away again.

They soon left the town and entered the forest on the outskirts. Although the scenery was beautiful, it was also home to tree and mushroom monsters, goblins, and other monsters. Chloe kicked away mushrooms with their mouthes wide open, almost using them as stepping stones as she chased the raven bandit. Chloe was breathless, but the raven, unfazed, gradually flew higher and farther away.

Chloe finally lost sight of the raven deep in the forest. When it finally shrank to a dot, she stood there dejectedly.

She even lost the tongue of the strange snake. She absentmindedly returned to its nest and beheaded it. Dejected, she dragged the serpent's head back to the guild to claim her reward, it was already dusk.

From that day on, Chloe began to watch the crow circling overhead. She noticed that the crow would frequently appear above the town, scouting for adventurers below, occasionally launching raids. When it was close enough, Chloe would pounce. Chloe was confident in her leg strength, sometimes even managing to touch a feather. They would chase each other, whether in towns, forests, ravines, or even when it deliberately flew into narrow mines and mazes. She wasn't at a disadvantage because it could fly; she would leap over walls, flagpoles, and tree trunks to get closer, but it always escaped in the end. This had been going on for about half a year.

Today was another day of chasing the damned crow. This time she was really going to catch it, but at the crucial moment, she tripped over a small stone. She dramatically fell, landing face-first in the dirt, scrambling to her feet, her face and bangs covered in mud. She spat, brushed the mud off her face, and went to wash her face in a nearby stream.

After washing her face, water still dripping from her chin, Chloe casually found a large rock by the river and slumped down.

"Ahahh, that wretched crow!" She crossed her left ankle over her right thigh. "I won't let it get away until I get my diamond back!"

She roughly loosened the straps of her boots and slung them off her legs. Her pale calves were exposed to the cool air, making her hold her breath, but her ankles were a fruity red; she seemed to have twisted her ankle sometime.

Besides the sprain, she also had some scrapes, and a tear of resentment welled up in her eye. Her boots were worn inside and out, chafing her skin. These shoes, though inexpensive, were durable and had a good reputation as adventure essentials; she always cherished them.

Ouch. It'll be dark again by the time I get back to the restaurant. Chloe thought. Damn it.

She thought of that magic diamond again. That deep, ocean-like, shimmering blue, that size, that purity, that weight…

If she had successfully sold it back then, that diamond would probably have been worth a whole year's salary—

Waaah!!! Don't make me think of it again!!! Chloe clutched her head and wailed, roaring to the sky.

Dubs Restaurant is the largest restaurant in Windvale Town, offering the most comprehensive selection of dishes at the most affordable prices, attracting almost every adventurer. Its service is unparalleled; Dubs provides the perfect environment for commissioning. During mealtimes, you can come here and choose from dozens to hundreds of adventurers of all classes, making it a superior trading environment second only to the guild, and without any commission fees. However, privacy is not guaranteed, so please consider this carefully.

In the spacious two-story space made of wooden planks, a boldly designed circular bar and outdoor kitchen are visible in the center of the restaurant. The spaces on either side are divided into a tavern and an environmentally friendly dining area. The tavern is self-explanatory; you can enjoy the chef's delicious cuisine, drink ale for a few crowns, gather information on dungeons and adventurers, commission mercenaries, or negotiate trades. As for the so-called 'environmentally friendly,' it's another unique service pioneered by Dubs, meaning a 'dining environment friendly.' In most taverns, noise and even occasional brawls are commonplace. Unless the situation becomes serious, the restaurant generally won't intervene. However, out of consideration for adventurers with weaker combat skills and customers who prefer a comfortable dining experience, disputes and conflicts in this area are strictly prohibited. For an extra one crown service charge, you'll enjoy a completely comfortable and safe dining environment. There are more seats available, and the waiters will serve your food more gently. Opening a bottle of wine here will be an experience unlike any other restaurant. Of course, some noise will still come from the other side of the bar, so please bear with us. Also, you won't encounter many adventurers here, so think carefully before assigning quests. While enjoying your food and service, please refrain from disturbing other customers, especially from making noise or engaging in violence, otherwise… well, you won't want to do it.

In Dubs Restaurant, you can see playful adventurers, waitresses dressed in cute mascot outfits, guild employees drinking to pass the time, succubi soliciting business in a corner on the second floor, the mage studying spells while munching on sandwiches in a private booth, and the demon girl sipping wine on sofas.

A group of adventurers and miners burst into laughter. Their guild ratings were mostly between two and four. The bartender serving customers at the friendly bar glared at them. Several were already drunk, and the sober ones weren't exactly respectable either. Their rank was high enough to dare disregard others' opinions, yet low enough to lack the poise and assertiveness of high-ranking adventurers—the most disliked type.

"Hey, wanna make a bet?" a bald, burly man grinned slyly. Apparently, they were tired of secretly lifting waitresses' skirts or pinching their butts. "Look at those boobs." The group followed his gaze to a petite girl standing at a small round table, drinking beer with a displeased expression. She leaned forward, one hand on the table, the other holding an oversized cup, her posture emphasizing her full, rounded breasts, the black corset only making their soft shape more apparent. Her back arched like a cat, highlighting her small, rounded shoulders.

A bearded man scoffed, pointing at the girl. "Those legs are the real gems! See that plump ass? It must feel amazing to slam into it. She could have a whole litter of bastards." Beneath the girl's moss-green hot pants were thick, white thighs and long, slender calves perfectly suited to leather boots, appearing disproportionately long compared to her short stature. "Never heard of her? 'WIND runner' Chloe! That girl makes a living with her legs. Those legs could crush me." Another burst of snickering erupted from the crowd.

"Who doesn't know her?" the burly man asked, sidling up to the group. "It's the knowing part that's exciting. The fiercest woman in Windvale, the fake thief who steals business from the wandering knights, the arrogant brat who gets cocky after breaking through level five. She could easily go to the 'restaurant,' but insists on drinking alone at the tavern, pretending to be strong. Look at her smugness, completely disregarding us. Hearing us talk about her, she's probably secretly laughing at us." He lowered his voice, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "Imagine that fearless, arrogant face, that virgin cunt being grabbed and pounded to death in the bed, what kind of expression would she have?"

The process is hard to explain, but they've pushed you out to chat up 'WIND runner' Chloe. With an expression they can't see behind your back, you walk towards the wooden table the girl is leaning against.

She seems to deliberately ignore you until you reach her table, then looks up and puts down her large beer mug. You notice she ordered half a honey-roasted suckling pig, Dubs' signature dish. The roasted pork skin was a beautiful bronze, cut into large dice along with the underlying fat and meat, juicy and fragrant. The beer she ordered was no slouch; the clear golden liquid released tiny bubbles, topped with a thick layer of white foam.

Contrary to the appetizing table setting, her expression was as if she'd seen a rat in a sewer. As if suppressing a wave of nausea, Chloe quietly picked up her glass and took a sip.

"Is there something you need?" After setting down her glass, she looked you in the eye, her tone restrained yet surprisingly polite. "I hope you can get to the point; I don't want my dinner to get cold. By the way, my fees are quite high."

Chloe angrily unfolded the scroll she'd just stamped for the guild. She never imagined she'd be commissioning a guild mission one day. To her, the guild was a place to make money, conduct assessments, and pay taxes, not a place to pay.

She laboriously pinned the scroll to the bulletin board with thumbtacks, sensing someone beside her. Instead of asking for support or to pin it down, she simply turned and saw it was you.

She raised an eyebrow, surprised that the commission had been assigned so quickly. She casually pinned the scroll to the wall, revealing the portrait in the center, and gestured to you.

"Interested? Level three hunting mission." She spoke, looking at the scroll. "Thirty Rein's, but I need it captured alive, not killed."

She stepped back beside you, staring at the scroll with you. "The guild said I paid too much, but this isn't an ordinary crow. Believe me, the guild has no idea how troublesome it is." She sighed irritably. "I don't want to ask anyone for help, okay? But I've tried everything, even asked my friends, but I still can't catch that stupid bird."

Even so, thirty Rein's is equivalent to a hefty price of three hundred Crowns. "That stupid bird... stole something very important from me, and I'm going to make it return it. Half of the town has been stolen by it once; it's more troublesome than goblins," Chloe rambled on. "You've probably been robbed by it too, haven't you? You should have seen it."

You stared at the portrait on the bounty poster—a dark, haystack with an 'infinity' symbol drawn on it, the top burning and smoking. "My friend has also seen that bird; she said she'll draw a new bounty image for me. Until then, I'll use this one as a substitute."

公會冒險者指南! (風谷鎮修訂版)

你好，歡迎來到風谷鎮!這裡是國際冒險者公會風谷鎮分部，為了幫助你更好的融入這個新環境，我們準備了一張清單，上面提供了一些你應該知道的注意事項:

1. 冒險者與等級: 如果你初來乍到，沒有充足的積蓄，也沒有特別的職業技能，強烈建議你加入當地的冒險者公會分會，註冊成為冒險者。冒險者是能力門檻極低、性質極為廣泛，且最適合累積財富的普通職業。所有已註冊的合法冒險者將得到公會保障，以微小的收入分紅為代價，獲得培訓、裝備、資產、稅務，與健保等方面的支持。如果你沒有積蓄繳交註冊與會費，你也不用擔心!公會提供低利率的小額貸款服務。 冒險者的主要收入來源是執行委託任務，你可以在公會布告欄收受私人透過公會進行的委託，也可以執行公會派發的官方任務。請不要私自接受非法的委託! 為了委託派遣的公正與安全性，從入會開始，冒險者就必須在會籍資料中登錄自己的等級，並定期接受公會的考核。等級主要依據戰鬥能力與帶給公會的產值來判斷；執行任務有助於提升力量、技能與等級，等級的提升意味著更高的收入與紅利，請多加參與任務! 等級制度可能隨著不同地區有所差異，這裡提供風谷鎮的等級制度與知名冒險者、外界普遍職業的對照以供參考:

等級1:普通人，毫無技能、職業的菜鳥冒險者 等級2:基礎冒險者，能獨力執行一般任務，初階劍士常見的等級 等級3:正規冒險者，已能完全依賴冒險作為一生事業，能夠透過任務累積財富；原則上能夠單挑任何沒有冒險資質的人類並勝利。建議進入地下城的最低等級 等級4:菁英冒險者，能夠列入公會的特別名單，享有融資優惠。戰鬥能力約等於國家軍隊部隊長 (想成上市公司就對了) 等級5:能以二到五人小編隊執行高難度任務，高階騎士、劍士、弓箭手等普通職業菁英所在的等級 等級6:通常名聲響亮，業界知名的冒險者 盜賊「疾風」克蘿伊所在的等級 (快要第七級了!) 常見盜賊的平均等級為等級四 等級7:能夠獨立執行多數任務，放在軍隊中是戰術級別的存在 「惑星魔女」斯特菈所在的等級 等級8:戰士「銀毛」里歐所在的等級 (其實也剛到而已啦) 高階精靈、矮人戰士常見的等級 等級9:已難以用三言兩語描述的等級。能統帥軍隊的存在。領主之女「統治者」史嘉蕾特所在的等級 等級10:最高聖武士、聖騎士的平均等級 (最低要求為9，當今最高為11) 等級11:小惡魔 凱莉的等級 等級12:戰略級別的絕對存在，~~應只有大魔法師能夠達成的存在~~ 等級13:已知人類達成的最高等級 (傳說英雄般的存在!) 等級14:無法證實的傳說人物，看起來就像神一樣 等級15:理論上，搞不好，有可能，人類能達到的最高等級......吧?

如同冒險者具有等級，公會也幫冒險者的目標、敵人――魔物們進行分級；討伐魔物時，請絕對避開超過自己兩級以上的敵人，面對自己同等級或低一級的魔物，也建議審慎考慮。

等級1:普通強者能制服的生物 (例如普通野狗) 等級2:常見的弱小魔物 (例如露珠史萊姆、哥布林) 等級3:會在地下城淺層發現的特殊魔物 (例如魔狼、魔兔)、強悍的普通生物*(例如棕熊、大山豬)* 、冒險者的坐騎普遍為此階層 等級4:開始能使用魔法的魔物 (例如三尾妖狐、邪惡地精)、惡名昭彰的地城怪物 (例如地牢史萊姆、深淵觸手、武裝半獸人等) 等級5:強大，足以作為迷宮之主的魔物 (例如巨型魔蛇類、巨魔像) 等級6:介於五與七級之間的魔物，組織型魔物群通常與之相當 (例如巨人、半獸人軍團) 等級7:長生的強大存在 (例如獅鷲獸、獨角獸、飛馬、地龍) 未獲得公會、聖教會允許或萬不得已，請避免接觸或攻擊此等級以上生物 等級8:區域食物鏈頂端的大魔物、天災級的魔物，能使用大魔法 (例如龍鮫、九尾狐、飛龍種) 等級9:傳說生物、神獸、獸神 (例如魔神巴哈姆特、地獄三頭犬) 等級10:理論上存在的更強大存在、舊日支配者與古神等。快逃

任務等級:等級越高，報酬越豐厚，當然，難度也越高。任務可能囊括各種類型，不侷限戰鬥任務；高於冒險者等級的任務建議組隊參加，勿接受高於兩級的任務:

等級1:一般人也能完成的任務、採集任務、打掃、傳令、行政作業 等級2:常見的任務難度、國家一般委託 (例如淺層迷宮、地下城、探索任務、商隊護衛、戰爭傭兵) 等級3:中等難度任務，通常面對三級以下魔物，中高階冒險者的首選 (例如迷宮攻略、地區魔物討伐) 等級4:組成通常為四到五級以下魔物或部隊，建議六級以上冒險者參與 等級5:同等級四或軍隊、戰爭，建議七級以上冒險者參與 等級6或以上:由四、五類推；通常無法領取，須由公會指定派發

2. 貨幣匯率: 風谷鎮的主要貨幣為克朗，能支付大部分日常開銷；10克朗=1蕾茵 貨幣晚餐指數:一頭烤全豬+兩杯啤酒 約2克朗 (杜伯斯餐廳)

**3. 重要設施:**冒險者常用的設施位置都記在這裡! 民營道具店、鐵匠鋪、市場在本鎮都有完整的產業鏈，具體地址繁複故不列舉，還請向信任的冒險者或居民打聽哦! 委託、治安、救濟、稅務、食宿、醫療、考試: 國際冒險者公會 風谷鎮分會:風谷鎮鎮中心 附設餐廳、公營旅館、裝備與藥水商店、練習場 餐廳: 杜伯斯餐館:中央街15號 醫療: 風谷鎮中央診療所:風谷鎮 中央圓環3號 礦坑群:風谷鎮正北方路底 最近地城入口:中央街西方路底

以上!為目前的所有內容，如有更動、疑問，請關注公會布告欄或詢問公會職員!祝你的冒險順利!

「啊啊，那隻可惡的烏鴉!」少女跌坐在一顆圓潤的大石頭上，把左腳踝搭到右大腿上。「在搶回我的鑽石之前，我絕對不會放過牠!」 少女的名字叫克蘿伊，是風谷鎮上出了名的盜賊。克蘿伊不常出入公會，不過她的等級約莫落在五到七――中上水準，以盜賊來說卻是一等一的存在。一般的盜賊通常走在冒險隊後面，克蘿伊卻時常一人正面猛闖地下城和迷宮，她以她強勁的腿力和恐怖的耐力聞名。最近她的等級提升得更快了――多半是因為那隻烏鴉。

前不久，她一腳踢死了那隻魔花蛇怪，在牠身體層層盤繞的巢穴中，發現了一顆天然的魔力藍鑽，幾乎有她手臂那麼大。克蘿伊大喜過望，難得接受委託討伐魔物，竟有此等收穫!她珍而重之地抱著鑽石，隨便砍下了大蛇的舌頭，帶回公會領賞。 她走在街上，可以感受到每個人都用驚奇或是欽慕的眼神望著她。這樣風風光光地賺錢，超開心的啦!她就這麼腳步輕盈趾高氣昂的回到了公會門前，這時飛來了那隻烏鴉。

她曾經聽說過有戴著風鏡的烏鴉會搶奪冒險者財物的事情，但克羅伊一直以為那只是都市傳說。再說自己連盜賊猴群都對付過了，區區烏鴉有什麼好怕的? 「姐姐妳看，我找到這麼大的藍鑽耶~」克蘿伊還在門外，便朝公會的櫃檯小姐伸長手臂，獻寶似地展示那顆巨大的鑽石，這時一陣黑影飛過，克蘿伊只覺得一陣刺痛，像是在人群中被撞了一下，回神手中沉甸甸的重量已經消失。 那是隻漂亮的烏鴉，克蘿伊轉向黑影的方向。那隻烏鴉通體是純正的黑色，不過羽毛末端隱隱泛著閃電還是藍寶石般的光澤。牠明顯極為健壯，看起來堅硬的皮膚底下肯定是厚實的肌肉；看起來已經夠不妙了，頭上還有一束頭髮般的長毛，像是燃燒般閃著橙黃金光。不過最顯眼的還是那副尺寸巨大的風鏡，完美契合地貼在牠的臉上，好似身體的一部份。牠揮動翅膀，懸停在半空中回頭，看了克蘿伊一眼，克蘿伊很確定牠在奸笑。等等，牠嘴裡那是牙齒嗎?

到這裡，看呆的克蘿伊才回神，那隻鳥的腳爪上抓著的，正是那顆巨大的寶石。「等等，那是我的鑽石!」她大叫，烏鴉轉身飛走。她瞬間跑起來，速度之快似乎崩裂了腳下的地磚。

不不不，那應該是渡鴉吧？而且，牠看起來少說也是三級魔物的水準耶，這也太不妙了吧！克蘿伊腦中閃過一個又一個無關緊要的想法。她閃過路人，在街道上奔馳。那隻渡鴉不遠不近地飛著，輕快飛過城樓和旗幟間，不時回頭。克蘿伊狂奔拉近距離，牠便又振翅飛遠。

他們很快便出了城鎮，來到城郊森林裡頭。這裡雖然風光明媚，但也有著樹怪菇怪、哥布林等魔物。克蘿伊一腳踹飛張開大口的蘑菇，幾乎是把牠們當作墊腳石似的追逐著烏鴉強盜。克蘿伊跑得上氣不接下氣，那隻烏鴉卻臉不紅氣不喘，逐漸飛高、飛遠。

克蘿伊最後在森林深處追丟了那隻烏鴉。牠終於小到變成一個點後，她頹然佇立原地。 她甚至弄丟了那條怪蛇的舌頭。又心不在焉地回到牠的巢穴，直接砍了牠的腦袋。她失魂落魄地拎著魔蛇的頭顱，拖著腳步回到公會領賞，已是日暮時分。

從那天起，克蘿伊便開始關注盤旋上空的烏鴉。她發現，那隻烏鴉時不時就會出現在城鎮上頭，物色身下的冒險者，偶爾展開劫掠。當他們距離夠近時，克蘿伊就會撲上前去。克蘿伊對自己的腿力很有自信，有時甚至真能搆到牠一根羽毛。他們會展開追逐，無論是城鎮、森林裡、裂谷邊，甚至牠會主動飛進狹小的礦坑和迷宮裡。她並沒有因為對方會飛就落入下風，她會蹬過屋牆、旗桿、樹幹靠近牠，但最後牠總會逃掉。這樣的日子已持續了約半年。

今天又是個和混蛋烏鴉互相追逐的日子，她這次真的要抓到牠了，卻在緊要關頭被一塊小石頭絆倒。她戲劇性地摔得灰頭土臉，從倒栽蔥狀態爬起來，臉和劉海上都沾滿泥巴。她啐了一口，拍掉臉上的泥土，到附近的小溪洗臉。

把臉洗乾淨，下巴還滴著水，克蘿伊隨便在河邊找了塊大石頭，頹然坐下。 「啊啊，那隻可惡的烏鴉!」她把左腳踝搭到右大腿上。「在搶回我的鑽石之前，我絕對不會放過牠!」 她粗暴地鬆開皮靴的皮帶，把靴子從腿上卸下來。她白皙的小腿暴露在涼爽的空氣中，讓她一陣屏息，然而她的腳踝變成了水果般的脹紅色，她似乎在什麼時候扭傷了腳。

除了扭傷，她還有點被擦破皮，她眼裡不甘地蓄了一滴淚。她的靴子內外都有點磨損，磨破了她的皮膚。這雙鞋子雖然是便宜貨，但經久耐用，是口碑良好的冒險精品，她一直珍而重之。

好痛，走回餐館肯定又要天黑了。克蘿伊心想。混帳東西。

她又想起那顆魔鑽。那海洋般深邃、碧波般閃耀的藍色，那尺寸、那純度、那重量…… 要是當初成功賣掉的話，那顆鑽石大概能抵她一整年的薪水――

***哇!!!不要再讓我想起來了啊!!!*克蘿伊抱頭哀號，仰天怒吼。

杜伯斯餐館是風谷鎮上最大間的餐館，這裡提供最齊全的料理、最實惠的價格，幾乎所有的冒險者都會來這裡用餐。這也是其他餐廳模仿不來的服務，杜伯斯提供最完美的委託環境。你可以在用餐時間來到這裡，數十至百名涵蓋任何職業的冒險者任你挑選，可說是僅次於工會的優質交易環境，而且不收手續費。當然，這裡較不保障客人的隱私，這點還請各位客官自行考慮。

木板拼成的廣闊兩層樓空間中，可見大膽設計於餐館中央的環形吧台與外廚房，這之外的兩側空間被切分成了酒館與環境友善餐廳。酒館沒什麼好說的，你可以在這裡嚐到主廚製作的美好料理，用幾枚克朗的價錢暢飲麥酒，你可以在這裡蒐集地下城和冒險者的情報，委託傭兵或是商談交易；至於所謂的「環境友善餐廳」，同樣是杜伯斯首創的獨特服務，意即「用餐環境友善餐廳」。一般酒館內，喧囂，甚至偶爾的群眾鬥毆都是尋常事，只要非事態嚴重，原則上餐廳不插手處理，但體諒戰鬥能力較弱的冒險者和希望舒適用餐的顧客，這一區塊的紛爭、衝突絕對禁止。您只要多繳交一克朗的服務費，用餐環境絕對舒適安全。這裡有更多的座椅空位，服務生會更輕柔的端送您的餐點，在這裡開一瓶葡萄酒絕對會是其他餐館無法有的體驗。當然，吵鬧還是會從吧檯另一邊傳過來，這點還請多多包涵；另外，這裡就遇不到多少冒險者了，想要派發委託請仔細考慮。在享受餐點與服務的同時，請切勿造成其他顧客的困擾，尤其不要製造噪音、行使暴力，否則……嗯，你不會想這麼做的。

在杜伯斯餐館裡，你可以看到嬉鬧的冒險者們、穿著可愛的看板娘服務生、喝酒解悶的工會雇員，也可以看到在二樓角落招攬生意的媚魔、在雅座邊啃三明治邊研究咒語的法師、躺在沙發上品酒的小惡魔。

一桌由冒險者和礦工組成的群集爆出笑聲，他們的公會評鑑多半落在二到四級，正為環境友善吧檯顧客服務的調酒師瞪了他們一眼。有幾個人已經醉了，清醒的傢伙也不是什麼正經貨色。他們的等級高到膽敢不在意他人眼光，又低到沒有上級冒險者的氣度和主見，是最招人嫌的類型。 「喂，要不要來打個賭?」一個光頭壯漢奸笑。看來他們已經玩膩偷掀服務生的裙子或是捏她們的屁股了。「看看那對奶子。」 一桌人順著他的視線看去，是一位嬌小的少女站在小圓桌前，滿臉不悅的喝著啤酒。她一手撐著桌面一手拿著太大的杯子，前傾的姿勢大大凸顯了她飽滿渾圓的胸部，穿著的黑色束身衣只讓柔軟的形狀更加清晰可見。她的背像貓一般拱著，凸顯了她小巧圓潤的肩頭。 一位大鬍子男嗤笑一聲，指了指那位女孩。「那雙腿才是極品!看到那肥臀了嗎?撞起來肯定很爽。可以生一整窩雜種。」那女孩的苔綠色熱褲下露出的，是粗壯白皙的大腿，還有很適合皮靴的修長小腿，與矮小的身高不搭，顯得極為修長。「沒聽過她的名號嗎?『疾風』克蘿伊!這丫頭靠腿吃飯的。那雙腿可以夾死我。」眾人又爆出一陣訕笑。 「誰不知道她了?」壯漢湊向眾人。「就是知道才刺激。風谷第一的捍婆娘，和遊俠搶生意的冒牌盜賊，突破五級就趾高氣昂的臭小鬼。明明可以去『餐廳』，偏要來酒館一個人喝酒，假裝自己很強的樣子。瞧她得意的，完全不把我們放在眼裡。聽到我們在談論她，八成還在心裡恥笑我們。」他把聲音壓低，露出獰笑。「想想那張天不怕地不怕的臭臉，那處女騷屄在床上被抓著搗得死去活來，會露出怎麼樣的表情?」

過程很難解釋，不過你被他們拱出來搭訕『疾風』克蘿伊。你掛著背後的他們看不見的表情，向少女所倚的木桌走去。

她似乎故意忽視你，直到你走到她桌邊了才抬起頭，放下她的大啤酒杯。你發現她點了半頭蜜烤小乳豬，杜伯斯的招牌菜。烤豬皮呈現美麗的古銅色，連著底下的脂肪與肉被切成大骰子狀，多汁而香氣四溢。她點的啤酒絕非殘次品，澄澈的金液微微釋出氣泡，被酒杯頂厚厚的白沫層點綴著。 與秀色可餐的餐桌風景相反，她的表情像是看到陰溝裡的老鼠。彷彿要壓下噁心的衝動，克蘿伊靜靜拿起酒杯啜了一口。 「你有事嗎?」放下酒杯後，她望向你的眼睛，語氣克制而意外地有禮。「希望你可以長話短說，我不想要我的晚餐冷掉。順帶一提，我的委託費很貴。」

克蘿伊忿忿地攤開給工會蓋完章的卷軸。她真沒想到，自己有一天居然會在公會委託任務。對她來說，工會是收錢、考核還有繳稅的地方，而不是付錢。 她艱難地用圖釘把卷軸釘到布告欄上，感覺到旁邊有人。她沒有請對方扶住她搆不到的紙張上緣或釘上圖釘，她只是轉頭，發現是你。

她挑了挑眉，沒想到這麼快就可能把委託派發出去。她把紙捲隨便釘到牆上，露出中央的畫像，對你做個手勢。 「有興趣嗎?三級捕獵任務。」她看著捲軸說話。「三十蕾茵，不過我只要活捉，不能殺掉。」 她後退到你身邊，和你一起盯著捲軸。「公會說我付的太多了，但那不是隻普通的烏鴉，相信我，公會不知道牠有多難纏。」她惱火地嘆氣。「我也不想拜託人好嗎?但各種方法我都試過了，我也先請朋友幫我，怎麼樣都逮不到那隻笨鳥。」 即便如此，三十蕾茵是相當於三百克朗的高價。「那隻笨鳥……偷走了我很重要的東西，我要逼牠還回來。半座城的人都被他偷過一次，牠比哥布林還麻煩。」克蘿伊喋喋不休地說著。「你肯定也被牠偷過吧?你應該見過牠。」

你注視著懸賞任務上的畫像，那是一團黑黑的乾草堆，上頭畫了一個「無限」符號，頂端燒起來冒著煙。「我朋友也看過那隻鳥，她說會幫我畫一張新的懸賞圖片，在那之前先用這個頂一下。」