The morning after the Devilish Forest, I checked my status at the Adventurer's Guild. My eyes widened.
New Skill: Holy Path — increases speed and sharpens sword techniques.
Its catastrophic effect was clear: Last Minute Luck would now enhance my movements. I felt excitement surge through me.
Night fell, and the Hero Party gathered.
Sanot spoke calmly. "Tomorrow, we travel to Inodum City. It's famous for hunting undead—easy leveling. Four days' journey."
I nodded, then went to sleep.
Morning came. The willow rabbits we hunted were weak to magic, so Sanot prepared food. I carried out the usual chores—cleaning, cooking, polishing weapons—while the others rested.
Two days passed. On the third morning, I spotted a lone slime.
Sanot frowned. "Slimes live in groups. This is strange."
I raised my sword, ready to strike. But the slime spoke through telepathy.
Please… help me. I was separated from my group. We do not harm humans. This is my oath.
I hesitated, then said, "I believe you. Hide in my bag. Give me your core temporarily, so my companions won't kill you."
The slime agreed. "If my core is destroyed, I die."
I showed the core to my companions, convincing them. At night, I played with the slime, teaching it survival tricks. It became my secret friend.
Before entering Inodum City, I used Lucky Looter and found scattered bones. Following them, I discovered the slime's group. Reluctantly, I returned the slime to them. It was sad, but hid its feelings.
By evening, we reached Inodum. I suggested, "Let's choose an inn at random."
We did—and discovered it was also a venue for the black market.
I turned to my companions. "We should inform the city guardian."
Bange shook his head. "No. If we interfere, we'll be accused falsely. By the time we're freed from prison, the Demon King will have conquered the world."
I calmed myself and went to my room.
Meanwhile, my companions whispered among themselves.
"Hero's luck is too much. He even stumbled upon the black market, something others struggle to find. Tomorrow, let's enjoy it ourselves."
Their laughter echoed in the dark.
Dransart remains innocent, unaware of the schemes around him. His luck grows, his skills sharpen—but his companions' envy deepens.