I rode my horse back to Ravenscoft Manor. I’d only been away for a short while, but it felt like I was returning after a long time.

First, I went to Fiora and shared the information I’d gathered. Especially the information from the archives, which I’d only skimmed, was no joke.

"Oh dear...."

After reviewing everything, Fiora let out a short sigh. She even furrowed her brow as if feeling dizzy.

"The identity of the cult leader is, as expected...."

"We plan to launch an operation to secure decisive evidence this time."

"Is there really a need for that?"

"There’s an inspector nearby. We don’t know what kind of trouble he might cause once things get started."

If Kelsas were to fully delegate authority for what I’m trying to do, that might be different.

But honestly, I don’t trust public officials. You should only trust those who are trustworthy.

"You’re doing something dangerous again, aren’t you?"

"It’s for you, Fiora."

She knew why I was going to such lengths. The relationship between the sickly young master and Kahlum, and Kahlum’s whereabouts, the one who recites sins.

She blushed but still nodded.

"What can I do to help?"

"Nothing. You could provide private soldiers, but it might escalate into a conflict between territories."

If a territorial war breaks out, the political situation would become even more chaotic. As far as I know, at this timing, the Empire was already suffering greatly from external barbarians and monsters. And now a civil war?

The country could easily be shaken. Therefore, it was better to proceed as we were.

Fiora took my hand, as if apologetic. It was truly warm.

"I’m not much help, am I? I... truly cherish you."

"Heueung, Fiora. Heup!"

"Ueung... Eup♥"

I gave her a surprise kiss and fondled her chest. Her firm, ample breasts swelled and swayed, almost filling my hands.

Her breathing grew rougher, and Fiora tongue delved deeper. As always, it grew hot and sticky.

"Fiora is helpful just by existing, you know? The most voluptuous and lewd..."

"Heeut..You’re just like a male dog, anyway...♥"

Fiora smiled, her eyes half-closed. Ah, I wanted to pounce on her right here and now.

But there was something I had to do. Something that took precedence over everything else.

"Mm, hmm."

Fiora returned to her serious demeanor. She looked like a competent company executive.

"I will compile the information thoroughly."

"Yes, if the inspector comes to question us later, we can just present these. Then, I’ll be going."

"When will you be back?"

"If I’m lucky, maybe I can come back once later?"

I left with a foxy smile, like a foxy guy, not a foxy woman.

As I left, I glanced back at Fiora. She flinched, lowering her head, as if her lower body was tingling.

’Now, let’s do what I need to do.’

I considered stopping by home, but then I just left the territory. It felt like I was heading to my death, especially if I stopped by home first.

I searched for hidden pieces near Ravenscoft Manor. My goal was to obtain Noble-grade items.

There were two places to raid in total.

First, I quickly raided one dungeon and obtained an item.

[Talisman of the Potency King]

Rarity: Noble

*Unique Passive Effect ’Infinite Potency’: You do not tire even after ejaculating. Semen is generated infinitely.

*Unique Passive Effect ’Aphrodisiac Semen’: Lowers the target’s wariness upon contact with semen. Activation and effects cannot be nullified.

「Search for it. I left everything I had there! -Dildoroger, the Potency King」

For those who struggle every night, this item would surely be more potent than any elixir.

But I didn’t need it.

’All these options are so pathetic. Infinite Potency? I’ve been infinite since birth. And Aphrodisiac Semen? I should be thinking about conquering women with my heart, not like some perverted virgin.’

The other one was the problem. A place with an easy but effective item.

And a place with a difficult but decent item.

’I have a slight bit of time. So, let’s raid the difficult one.’

I hastily rode Lynn and crossed a few ridges.

It would have been difficult in the past, but since Lynn grows with me, crossing mountains was a joke.

Then I arrived at a secluded spot in the mountains. In my memory, it should be right here.

Zzzzzng!

As I approached, the surrounding scenery distorted as if reacting. The dungeon entrance immediately revealed itself.

The location was roughly midway between Ravenscoft Manor and Weaverpool.

Dungeon information appeared.

[Drom Heavensmile’s Watchtower]

-Structure: Tower, 2 Floors

-Difficulty: ★2

-Objective: Defeat Named Monster

-Reward: 500 Gold, All Stats +2

※Main Composition: Gnolls, Wild Wolves

’Note that the named monster might be different, just like before.’

I went inside. As soon as I entered, I was thrust into combat.

This is the problem with tower-type dungeons. The simpler the floor structure, the more limited stealth assassinations become.

"It’s a human, a human!"

"Intruder!"

"Awooooooool!"

Gnolls and Wild Wolves, both are easy to fight if you use the terrain to your advantage.

The structure of the first floor was just a wide-open space with a few sculptures.

I drew my sword and ran. A Wild Wolf, larger than a regular wolf and with tough hide, instantly leaped.

I ignored it and charged straight ahead.

The first floor was guarded by a few Wild Wolves and many Gnolls. The Gnolls tried to attack me through the openings created by the wolves.

"Haa!"

Holding my sword, I spun around quickly. The spears thrust by the Gnolls were cut down without fail.

I spun once more, severing the Gnolls’ necks.

"Debauched Hero Lucian, sword dance, begin!"

I slaughtered every monster I saw. If I detected even a hint of organized movement, I’d hide behind sculptures or float and perform hit-and-run attacks.

This allowed me to annihilate them. Ugh, the smell of beasts.

[Conditions Met!]

[You have acquired the Title ’Gnoll’s Might’!]

[Gnoll’s Might (Normal)]

Type: Title

Effect: HP/Luck +10. Easily gains favor with Gnolls.

As I neared twenty Gnolls killed, the title appeared.

Titles are always welcome! I immediately upgraded it.

[Gnoll Expert (Rare)]

Type: Title

Effect: HP/Luck/Dexterity +10. Damage dealt to Gnolls is always judged as a critical hit.

I headed to the second floor. On the second floor, too, my presence was immediately exposed.

’A few Gnolls with crossbows, many Wild Wolves.’

This time, it was a bit trickier. The wolves were already drooling and charging at me.

They were basically fast, had bleeding attacks, and if I was unlucky, I could contract rabies.

’Plus, the Gnolls would shoot bolts if I showed any opening, or even try to lure me into one.’

This combination is really fucked up.

But who am I? I’m the Hero!

My Dexterity had already surpassed 100 long ago, thanks to my titles.

Ssaeaeng, huung!

I engaged in a speed battle with the wolves at transcendent speed.

When I ran with all my might, the wolves followed me exactly. I ran, then stepped on a nearby wall to move elsewhere.

The moment the wolves slipped and then hastily turned their heads towards me.

Crossbow bolts flew, attempting to restrict my movements. I deflected them all with my sword and activated my coat’s effect.

As I was about to leap into the air, the Gnolls pulled something out.

"Throw it at the human!"

"Keeeh, die! Half-goblin!"

Fuck, who’s a half-goblin?

What they threw were grenades. Though they were crude ones.

If I got hit by that defenselessly right now, I’d fall.

’If I fall, the wolves will pounce.’

A moment of absolute peril. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

I used my wits to dodge the incoming grenades. I stomped on a nearby pillar and bounced off to another spot.

Metal fragments flew everywhere. I even saw them friendly-fire the wolves, their own allies.

In that gap, I hid behind a sculpture. The monsters immediately became flustered.

"What, where’s the human?!"

"Find the half-goblin!"

" Kuuuh, Awoooooo!"

In this opening, I ran quickly. I ran with all my might towards the attic where the Gnolls were.

No one noticed me coming this far. Why? Because of my title, of course. Stupid bastards.

I hid in the shadows, closed the distance with the Gnolls, and dealt with them one by one.

Once I had slaughtered all the Gnoll archers, the wolves finally looked up at me and howled.

I used my coat to fly around. It wasn’t at high speed, but I deliberately tried to wear out the wolves.

"I’m here, hey, awoooo!"

When I provoked them, the wolves charged with terrifying leaping power.

Of course, I deliberately went to a spot where they could barely reach me, then floated a bit higher. I know exactly how you bastards jump, so of course.

I tried to exhaust all the wolves’ strength. A moment later, the wolves, looking tired, couldn’t even howl and began looking up at me with their tongues hanging out.

Only then did I land and easily eliminate them all. Another title appeared.

[Conditions Met!]

[You have acquired the Title ’Wolf Hunter’!]

[Wolf Hunter (Rare)]

Type: Title

Effect: Can communicate with canids and detect their presence.

Since it was for canids, it was quite comprehensive. This will be useful too. Upgrade, go!

[There Are No Bad Wolves in the World (Ancient)]

Type: Title

Effect: Can communicate with canids, detect their presence, and they will trust and follow the owner.

I’ve become a wolf expert myself. Getting two new titles made me feel pretty good.

But where was the named monster?

No matter how much I searched the second floor, there was no secret door. Instead, there was a door at the far end of the second floor, but when I went through it, it was just a bedroom.

’What is it? Sometimes there are named monsters hidden in places, and many newbies wander around and give up.’

This won’t do. Time for Goddess’s chance.

"Goddess, please help me!"

This was the conclusion I reached after coming down to the first floor and pondering. The Goddess joyful voice was heard.

"Sigh...my apostle is really pervert who only knows to get tough in front of women."

"Your apostle is so incompetent. Please forgive me!"

Goddess immediately exerted her power and opened a hidden path.

One spot caught my eye. It looked like an entrance leading underground.

"Thank you, Goddess!"

I went down. As I descended, a considerably wide cavern appeared.

Lantern lights illuminated various spots. Someone stood stock-still in the center.

Red mohawk hair reaching his waist, a lean, muscular physique covered in tattoos, and demon-like inverted eyes.

He looked up at the ceiling and spoke solemnly.

"Have you reached this venerable one, human?"

I examined him closely, then chuckled. This bastard, he’s funny.

"What kind of pretentious pose are you striking?"

"This venerable one is the Heavenly Demon."

"I just came here because you were hiding, you bastard."

"Foolish. To throw away your life for a mere heavenly treasure."

"No, why are you being so pretentious?"

"Do not act rashly. Do you consider yourself special? Thousands, tens of thousands vanish like dust every day on the path of cultivation."

"Oh, is that so? Who does such a thing?"

"By this venerable one."

I was speechless. The funniest thing about this bastard was... No, never mind.

"...Don’t use such strong-sounding words. It makes you look weak."

I approached him. That’s right.

He was a goblin. A bit tall for a goblin, but still.

He was still just a goblin. Yet he was striking such a pretentious pose.

"Do you intend to... touch this venerable one?"

"Enough. Kneel."

"Foolish. It will end in an instant...."

Thud.

The self-proclaimed Heavenly Demon Goblin instantly dropped to his knees with a thud.

"Whether you’re a Heavenly Demon or whatever... as long as you’re a goblin, you can’t lay a finger on me."

"Wh-why? Why me?!"

"Because I have the Goblin Aura title. Bow deeply, you idiot!"

Thud!

The Goblin Heavenly Demon immediately performed a deep bow. I struck his head with the flat of my sword.

"Keoeok!"

I clicked my tongue, watching him collapse.

"Goblin Heavenly Demon, my ass! Hey, aren’t you gonna get up? Attention, attention!"

"Y-yes, sir...!"

"Alright, you have an item, don’t you? Hand it over. Let’s resolve this peacefully. How about it?"

The goblin hesitated for a moment. Wow, he’s hesitating in this situation?

"Th-this is my cherished heavenly trea..."

"Stop with that shitty Heavenly Demon concept! What’s your name?"

"Drom Heavensmile...."

"Fuck, that name is a million light-years away from ’Heavenly Demon’! Doesn’t that sound more like an orc’s name?"

When I questioned him in exasperation, the goblin retorted as if complaining.

"No, we goblins are more intelligent than orcs, aren’t we?"

"Intelligent, my ass! *Cough!"

"Heeik... I-I’ll give it to you!"

When I moved to hit him, he voluntarily handed over the item. What a funny guy, this one.

[Broken Straight Sword of the Veteran]

Rarity: Noble

*Unique Effect ’Veteran’s Strike’: Has a 0.01% chance to instantly kill the opponent.

「Who would use something like this?」

Finally, all conditions were met. My level and three Noble-grade items!

As I gathered them, they simultaneously turned into light and enveloped my entire body. And finally.

[Conditions Met!]

[Force Heart Rises! 3 → 4]

I reached the early Expert stage. The brilliantly shining light spread out in all directions like the Milky Way.

Objective Complete!

To celebrate... should I go see Fiora?