"That’s not it. It’s just that we requested the aid of someone stronger than those of you present—Momon-san."

As if responding towards the words spoken moments ago, a warrior clad in full plate mail stepped out from one of the carriages. Due to the helmet he was wearing, his face could not be seen.

"Please allow me to introduce everyone. Reaching the rank of adamantite with the power of only two people, the adventurer Momon-san from the 'Darkness'. His teammate Nabe is also present. With these two to protect the campsite, this arrangement… I hope everyone is satisfied?"

The atmosphere suddenly became completely different. To adventurers and workers, the one standing in front of them was one who had reached the peak of their profession. Under the presence of the strongest, every worker, regardless of who it was, kept quiet.

Seeing how the workers reacted to the appearance of an adventurer of the highest rank, the mood of the other adventurers improved. An affectionate smile emerged on the face of the leader of the adventurer team as he conversed with the warrior in black.

"Please let us handle the rest. In the meanwhile, could Momon-san continue the exchanges with the workers? Also, please take over the role of leadership and advise us on the security plans for the rest of the trip."

"Understood. Although I am still lacking, if your team have no problems with it, I will accept. However, I will still be relying on you guys as the main security force. Your team contains more people. It will be more convenient for us to assist instead."

"No! What are you talking about!? You’re not lacking at all! Doing it that way will drag Momon-san—"

"No, your team will still be tasked with the main security. Do make use of us. Now then, Nabe."

Having ended the conversation there with a voice which carried the hint of a faint smile, Momon walked down the stairs from the carriage. The person following behind Momon was a woman of astonishing beauty.

Usually, when a beautiful woman appears, there would always be some kind of commotion. However, things became very different if the level of beauty was overwhelming. In the presence of a truly beautiful woman, the only thing one could do was have their eyes stolen.

"Hekkeran. That person…"

"Aye, Rob. I was thinking the same thing. We saw her at the North Market. Over there… Momon of the 'Darkness'. Having only one companion. If it’s like that, it seems like the rumor of defeating a Gigant Basilisk wasn’t as big of an exaggeration as I had initially thought."

"Giga—! About that, is that true?"

"Seems like it. There’s also a rumor that they defeated a demon with a difficulty rating of over 200 using a single attack. I heard this from Greenham."

"—That can’t be real right? A difficulty of over 200 is beyond the limit of human capabilities. That isn’t a territory humans could ever reach… Could it be that you misheard 100 as 200?"

"Even if it’s like that, it would still be amazing. Yet somehow I get the feeling that it really did happen like it was said in the rumors. At least, that’s how I feel."

Even though it was only a brief moment of conversation with the gold ranked adventurer, the personality of Momon seemed to have been made clear. It was consistent with what the people expected of adamantite ranked adventurers. The impression given off by Momon was that of a likeable man.

"Before we begin the exchange… there’s something I wish to hear from you guys."

Momon’s voice wasn’t particularly loud. However, the impression that one received when hearing the sound of his voice was that of majestic grandeur.

"Why have you decided to go to the ruins? Because you’ve accepted the request? However, different to how the Guild can sometimes force adventurers to take a request, there’s nothing preventing you from rejecting this request. What is your reason for deciding to go?"

The workers exchanged glances at each other, hesitating on who should respond. In the end, the first to speak up was someone from Parupatra’s Team.

"That’s obviously because of money."

The perfect answer to the question. There was no other reason. The reason why the workers hesitated to answer wasn’t because the question was hard, but rather, they were trying to determine Momon’s true purpose of asking such an obvious question.

After confirming that every worker agreed with the given answer, Momon continued to ask.

"In other words, the reward offered from this request is enough for you guys to risk your life for?"

"That’s right. The amount offered was enough to entice all of us. Also, bonuses will also be given if we discover additional treasures from the ruins. Isn’t that enough for us to bet our lives on?"

The one who responded was Greenham.

"…I see. So this was the final decision you guys made. Understood. Looks like I’ve asked a pointless question. Please forgive me."

"What you asked wasn’t particularly offensive… Please don’t mind."

"Hya hya hya. Looks like you are done with the questions. In that case, could this old man also ask something?"

"Please go ahead, senior."

"I’ve heard many rumors about you. Whether they’re true or not, this old man wishes to find out for himself."

"I see. Seeing something in person beats hearing a hundred tales huh? Alright. I’m fine with it. Then allow me to, no, allow us as the security guards to demonstrate our worth. In what manner would you wish to do this?"

"About that, obviously it’s to have you face off against an opponent right?"

Everyone present suddenly focused their attention towards—

"—Of course, it’ll have to be the one who proposed it. This old man himself."

"What? So senior wishes to choose himself? …I will apologize first then, but I’m not a man who is used to holding back when fighting. Although I may not have the intentions of wanting to cause injuries, I do not have enough confidence that I can control my strength properly—are you still fine with this?"

"Hya hya hya hya! As expected of the adamantite rank! This old man has already decided on taking the risk. I won’t blame you for anything that happens."

A faint laughter could be heard from underneath Momon’s helmet.

"That’s expected, senior. This is the difference in in battle strength—I’m strong. Stronger than everyone present. That’s why I’m adamantite ranked."

Overwhelming conceit, and an attitude as if looking down from above. However, not a single bit of unpleasantness was felt by the workers present. This was obviously due to the impressive pressure emitted from the man called Momon. His words were accompanied by an overwhelming pressure which gave the impression of staring at death itself, thus the words felt as if they contained the power of persuasion.

"…How amazing."

"…Aye, really amazing."

Most of the people in the audience couldn’t help but let out their voice due to the emitted pressure.

There were many women that fall for strong and powerful men. In terms of respect and admiration, many men were also fascinated by the strength of the strong. Like moths attracted to flames, the people living in this world of blood and steel couldn’t help being mesmerised by that irresistible charm, even though they were aware that they would get burned if they got too close.

"Hya hya hya! Looks like there won’t be anyone here objecting to you being adamantite ranked! Although I’ve said it this way, since it’s a rare opportunity, I will still carry on despite knowing that I will lose. The carriages over here are in the way. Can we use the empty area over there instead, butler?"