I Became a Veteran Who Has to Stir Up Trouble to Survive - Chapter 27

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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[027] A New Weapon, Longsword
｢You are exiting the Dungeon!｣
｢Rest is equally important in Belheim! Please fully recover from your fatigue before entering the next Dungeon.｣
｢However, remember this well. Should you succumb to sweet complacency and fail to achieve your target level within the deadline, you will pay a terrible price.｣
｢Remaining time: 39 days 8 hours….｣
As we emerged from the Dungeon, the sun hung directly overhead.
Malton adjusted his heavy backpack with a murmur.
“We were only inside the Dungeon for four days, yet it feels like an eternity since we’ve seen daylight….”
“Tell me about it.”
“Now that we’re back on the Surface, is there anything you’d like to eat? After all, it’s an Adventurer’s tradition to eat and drink freely after completing an expedition.”
“Me? Grilled pork belly with fermented cabbage torn into strips—I’d want nothing more….”
“Hmm? That’s an unusual combination.”
“It’s a regional delicacy from my Hometown. I’m not sure if we can find the ingredients here, though.”
“Fascinating. If you ever cook it, be sure to call me. …But speaking of which, will you continue to keep your distance like that?”
｢…｣
When Malton turned to look back, Radi, who had been following at a considerable distance, reluctantly opened her mouth.
“…You deceived me, Malton.”
“Deceived? What are you talking about?”
｢…｣
Radi’s eyebrows twitched, and she shot back as if exasperated.
“Are you even in your right mind?! How could you travel alongside such an unsettling existence and risk being branded a heretic yourself?! And it’s not just a passing connection—there are two Evil Gods involved, no less!!”
“Are you insane? Don’t speak so loudly.”
I rushed over and covered her mouth, and Radi glared at me menacingly.
I withdrew my hand awkwardly and spoke.
“Ahem… You promised, remember? Not to bring up that subject when there are people around. …We have much to do outside the Dungeon, so let’s handle that first.”
“Things to do? I have nothing to do with you! Believe in whatever Evil Gods you wish—that’s your concern—but if we’re caught by a Heresy Inquisitor while together…!”
“Right, right, we’d be tortured until death or boiled alive in a cauldron. …In any case, we need to report our return to the Adventurer’s Guild.”
“And we should exchange the materials for currency. The bag is so heavy I can barely move.”
Even with only the cores from the prime Golems, walking had become a burden.
We shouldered our backpacks, which pressed down heavily, and headed toward the Adventurer’s Guild.
‘Perhaps one day I’ll acquire a familiar or hunt a monster specialized in cargo transport.’
｢You have arrived at the Temporary Acaia Adventurer’s Guild!｣
｢A temporary branch operated by staff dispatched from Verastin. It is said that screams of overworked employees occasionally echo from within.｣
As I entered the massive Guild Tent, the Receptionist greeted me with a puzzled expression.
“Oh? You’re the group I helped with registration last time. But… was the expedition more difficult than expected? It’s only been four days since you three entered the Dungeon….”
“No, we found an excellent hunting ground and filled our packs.”
“I see! If you’d like to exchange materials, please bring them to this table… wait, just a moment! This much?!”
When Doran upended his backpack and poured out the Golem cores in a cascade, the Receptionist’s eyes widened in astonishment.
But this was merely the tip of the iceberg.
“There’s more.”
“I-is this really the end…? Could it be…?”
The Receptionist spotted Malton and Radi’s bulging backpacks, let out a startled squeak, and rushed deeper into the Guild Tent.
* * *
“Here is your compensation.”
Only after the Guild Appraiser arrived did the situation finally settle.
Radi accepted a hefty pouch and opened it to peek inside, letting out a small cry.
“What is it, Radi?”
“Gold coins! There are g-gold coins mixed in here!!”
“Gold coins, you say….”
When I sifted through the silver coins packed densely in the pouch, I could indeed see golden coins glinting beneath.
‘Let’s see… like medieval England, twelve copper coins make one silver coin, and twenty silver coins make one gold coin….’
This amount was substantial.
It was several times more than what I’d risked my life to earn in Radgit Cave.
Yet I found myself staring at the coins with a subtle grimace.
‘…It’s woefully insufficient.’
Back when this was a game, I might have been satisfied, but now that this place is reality, thinking of it as the price of my life leaves me far from content.
Besides, it was foolish to expect reasonable compensation in this dark fantasy world where cheap labor overflows, even before the apocalypse.
As I laughed at myself bitterly, the Receptionist spoke in a bright voice.
“You must be pleased with the compensation, judging by that radiant smile! Coincidentally, mages have been flocking here in droves, so demand for golem cores has skyrocketed! But where on earth did you obtain these?”
“That… I’ll document it in a report and submit it soon. However, the specimens we hunted were the last ones, so we won’t be able to bring the same spoils next time.”
“That’s unfortunate… Ah, with this number of subjugations, I’ll stamp your Adventurer’s Badge with the Golem seal! I look forward to your continued excellent performance! You three will be entering together next time as well, yes?”
“Well, about that….”
Radi hesitated and raised a hand to speak.
“…I think I’ll have to sit this one out.”
“What? Why?! With results like these, most people would want to stay, wouldn’t they? Even high-rank parties struggle to earn this much money in such a short time….”
“Well, it’s true the income is appealing….”
Radi glanced at me, furrowed their brow, and shook their head slightly.
“It’s just… a difference in direction, I suppose.”
“I see… Then there’s nothing to be done. But if you change your mind, please let me know right away! There’s no rush to decide—you can think it over more!”
Radi sighed, shouldered their backpack, and headed out of the Guild Tent.
I reflexively tried to grab their shoulder, but they shot me a glare and left without another word.
｢Adventurer ‘Radi’ has withdrawn from the party!｣
‘Damn… this is rather problematic.’
The kid leaving the party is honestly quite a blow.
The deeper we venture into the dungeon, the more we’ll need a skilled ranged archer.
Moreover, they’re a versatile talent—skilled with traps and capable of performing reconnaissance through their keen sense of smell.
Their excellent reaction time makes them perfect for amplifying my abilities with my [Chaos] power.
And most of all….
‘…They saw my undead form and still didn’t report me to the Temple.’
Though they were angry at being deceived, knowing association with me endangered them, Radi ultimately kept my secret.
In a world rife with betrayal, a taciturn and trustworthy companion is worth far more than a handful of jingling gold coins.
I could never afford to lose such talent.
‘The problem is he’s already left….’
Fortunately, I still have options.
After all, now that he’s come here, he’ll eventually want to form a new party and challenge the Dungeon again.
Considering the time needed for adequate supplies, rest, and recruiting new party members, I have at least three to four days before the next entry.
I can roughly predict where he’s headed.
As I was grinning and scheming, Malton carefully pocketed his earnings and spoke.
“It’s unfortunate, but there’s no help for it. Let’s get moving. Shall we head to the Temple?”
“The Temple? Why the Temple… oh.”
I can check my level directly through my status window, but the people here can only verify theirs through the Temple’s crystal sphere.
‘Come to think of it, I should dispose of that pendant the Goddess gave me in my previous life too….’
Since I’ve already earned enough money from hunting the golem, I’ll put that off for later.
“Let’s skip the Temple for now… want to head to the Weapon Shop instead?”
“The Weapon Shop?”
“Yeah, my cutlass got completely destroyed when we took down the golem. I’ve earned the money, so let’s replace it while we’re at it.”
“A sound idea.”
Malton and I set off at a leisurely pace.
Despite being away for only four days, the Campsite near the Dungeon had undergone considerable changes.
The barren Clearing now had temporary structures, and every narrow alley was lined with street vendors and tents that hadn’t existed before.
Hawkers stationed themselves along the roads, and the sound of haggling never ceased at every corner.
‘This place feels more like a Dungeon than the actual one.’
As I entered a decent Weapon Shop, the proprietor looked Malton and me up and down, then spoke dismissively.
“…Welcome. We’ve got beginner weapons and armor over there, so just browse around. Don’t touch anything if you’re not buying.”
“….”
Could a shopkeeper really treat customers this way?
I furrowed my brow before glancing down at my own appearance and understanding.
My current clothes were tattered from just returning from the Dungeon, and in this pre-modern society, clothing was essentially an identity document in itself.
Malton, already accustomed to such situations, produced his silver Adventurer’s Guild badge.
“I’d like to see some swords.”
“Ah, my goodness! High-ranking Elf adventurers! B-rank no less… no wonder you both possess such striking features….”
“Keep it down, would you.”
“Of course!!”
The merchant hastily bowed and retreated.
As I surveyed the weapon shop—surprisingly well-stocked for a hastily erected tent—various equipment caught my eye, ranging from beginner gear to equipment for seasoned Mercenaries.
[Plain Wooden Bow and Arrow Set]
｢Not bad for target practice.｣
[Traveler’s Leather Gloves]
｢For callus prevention. Don’t expect anything more.｣
[Militia Halberd]
｢A long shaft combined with an axe blade and hook is effective against cavalry!｣
As I eagerly browsed through the weapons, Malton spoke up.
“There’s quite a variety here. Which weapon are you thinking of choosing?”
“A longsword. The straight, double-edged type.”
“Hmm? I thought you preferred curved blades.”
“That was something I took from the Pirate… I was forced to use it. I prefer straight swords.”
Belheim has many sword techniques that utilize curved blades.
Since many techniques derive from actual medieval swordplay, there exist diverse methods beyond simple slashing and thrusting.
Horizontal sweeps followed by angled strikes, deflections, raking motions, unconventional dual-wielding and variations….
To aim for higher mastery, it’s better to become familiar with a longsword beforehand, which offers greater versatility depending on the user’s skill level.
“But there are so many longswords displayed here… it won’t be easy to choose.”
“Indeed….”
In comics and novels, the term “longsword” is often used as a blanket term for Western swords, but naturally, longswords also come in various forms and variations.
And by examining the form, one can discern the sword’s purpose and intent.
For example….
“Hey Malton, we’ll probably face monsters more often than engage in combat against people, won’t we?”
“That depends on the time and place. At least in dungeons, we’ll likely encounter monsters more frequently. …But why ask that suddenly?”
“Because different sword forms are advantageous against different opponents.”
Against typical monsters, a sword focused on slashing with high stopping power is preferable, while in combat against people, a pointed sword focused on thrusting is better.
To penetrate knights’ plate armor or chain mail and inflict damage, thrusting is far more effective than slashing.
Even in the early medieval period, broad swords prioritizing cutting performance were common, but as they gradually evolved into pointed forms, this was due to the advancement of blacksmith techniques and the increased distribution of chain mail.
‘Since I haven’t had to face knights yet… a slashing sword would be more appropriate for me now.’
After deliberation, I drew a longsword from the rack.
｢You have selected an Orcet Classification System Type XIIIA double-edged sword!｣
｢This type is called a true medieval two-handed sword, characterized by parallel blades with a rounded tip!｣
｢With sufficient strength, it’s an exceptional cutting weapon capable of severing even monster bones in a single stroke.｣
｢Detailed Specifications
Blade Length: 95cm
Grip Length: 24cm
Weight: 2.05kg｣
‘Excellent.’
On Earth, this was a longsword used in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
It was a type designed to overcome the steadily increasing defense of chain mail through pure cutting force.
Therefore, if one could wield it with all their might, it would prove quite effective even against formidable opponents.
After subtly showing the sheathed sword to the merchant who was trying to overcharge me and giving a quiet warning, I paid and left. Malton then asked with concern.
“Hmm… it seems you’ve spent quite a sum. Will that be alright? In Verastin, we could have found a sword of similar quality for a lower price.”
“I think of it as an investment. An adventurer who skimps on equipment won’t survive.”
“A wise answer. A good mindset indeed.”
“Right, and besides, I’ll be able to earn plenty of money going forward.”
Skimping on equipment could mean death in an instant.
A costly lesson learned from playing Belheim.
Any Adventurer worth their salt cannot afford to be stingy when it comes to weapons and armor—they’re directly tied to survival.
Besides, prices around Dungeons are exorbitant anyway, so this expenditure is hardly wasteful.
“Now then, I need to find lodging for the coming days… I noticed several inns clustered along the path we came from. Shall we head that way?”
“Unfortunately, I’ll be staying at a nearby acquaintance’s home. He’s rather particular about company, so I’m afraid it won’t be possible to accommodate you as well.”
“Well, can’t be helped then. See you next time.”
“Indeed. After we’ve regrouped, we’ll meet again. Take care of yourself.”
Malton and I discussed our plans for the coming days before parting ways at the entrance to the Rental Tent Area.
With the next expedition looming, sleeping in a cramped, frigid single-person camping tent would be foolish.
‘Even if I must spend a bit more, it’s better to rest properly in a decent place….’
I paid the silver coins and stepped inside the temporary rental tent.
｢You have entered an Adventurer’s Rental Tent.｣
｢A multi-person tent constructed with thick insulated outer layers and sturdy support frames!｣
｢Investing in quality rest is a wise choice. Greater trials await you in your next expedition!｣
｢Remaining rental period: 2 days 23 hours….｣
As I stepped inside, the faint scent of grass and straw tickled my nose.
In the corner sat a bed fashioned from straw covered with a blanket, and a small makeshift table with a lamp and other necessities.
Being a two-person tent meant sharing with another Adventurer, which was inconvenient, but a large Temporary Partition stood between us, so my privacy wouldn’t be violated.
‘I feel like a Mongol nomad.’
I collapsed onto the bed without even changing clothes.
My entire body ached from carrying a heavy backpack all day long.
Moreover, in the Dungeon I had to keep my nerves on edge at all times in case monsters appeared, and even during rest I’d kept my hood pulled low to conceal my black hair.
My brain felt like it was melting from the first proper rest I’d had in ages.
But just as I was drifting into sweet slumber, I heard groaning from beyond the partition.
Every time I tried to surrender to sleep, the noise pricked my consciousness like needles, making it impossible to rest.
‘Damn it… did I pick the wrong tent? It was the last one available, so I can’t even switch….’
After tossing and turning, I finally lost patience and roughly yanked open the Temporary Partition, shouting at the woman on the other side.
“Keep it down and let me sleep…! Wait, what…?”
What are you doing here?
And beyond the partition, Radi stared back at me with startled eyes.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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