Chapter 11 - Glasses-kun Gets a Request

Chapter 11 - Glasses-kun Gets a Request

No messenger came from the castle, and after spending two consecutive days hunting—yesterday and today—I exchanged my catches for cash at the Hunters' Guild.

Beneath a sky half-dyed in night, just before sunset, I head straight for the Adventurers' Guild. Today marks the third day of my promise to meet with Lyra, and it's already evening.

If my sister had returned, I should have been able to see her today—

"She's still not back."

Though I did get to see Laila for the first time in two days, it seems Horn hasn't returned to the capital yet.

The old man at the weapon shop, my source, did say "at least three days." So, it probably accounts for delays if she took her time or ran into unexpected trouble along the way.

Things rarely go according to plan. No messenger came from the castle, so a few days' delay won't cause any issues.

"Got it. I’ll wait a few more days, then."

"Huh? You’re leaving already?"

Ignoring Laila’s voice, I quickly left the Adventurers' Guild.

The guild was crowded. And noisy.

Making an exit before getting tangled up with Lyra’s companions, drunkards, or petty veteran adventurers stuck in mediocrity was the obvious choice.

This time of day, right before nightfall, seems to be when adventurers return from work. The guild was packed, with all tables and counter seats completely full. Since Lyra was sitting at a table with her group, staying long wasn’t an option.

I’ll grab some dinner and hurry back to the inn.

The inn doesn’t serve meals, and the rooms are tiny—really just a place to sleep—but I’m quietly grateful it at least has a bath. Time to head back early for a soak.

After a slow night of rest, I spent the morning waiting again, just like the day before yesterday and yesterday.

While maintaining my hunting gear, I confirmed no one was coming and headed to the Hunters’ Guild in the afternoon.

"—Ah, E… E… uh… Glasses-kun. You’ve got a request."

Seems she gave up trying to remember my name.

The receptionist at the Hunters’ Guild, who absolutely does not remember my name, called out to me the moment I showed up.

Today, too, she’s completely devoid of motivation. Though she’s a young woman, there’s no youthfulness or vigor in her sluggish demeanor. Truly, a reassuring lack of enthusiasm. Please, never learn my name.

For the record, my name is Eil from Albaat Village. Feel free to forget.

"A request?"

The value of prey fluctuates. Simply put, scarce game sells high, while abundant game goes cheap.

I came to the guild today to check the current prices. Now that I’ve gotten used to the forest, maybe I can venture deeper.

Like hunting and combat, earning money requires efficiency. ...Or so my master once said, I think.

For me, the idea of hunting big prey with minimal effort was easier to grasp.

"Words spreading that there’s a young hunter lately bringing in birds. Someone wants to ask if that hunter could take down a specific target."

Huh.

"Just the hunt?"

"Of course. Bring it in as usual. For you, Glasses-kun, it’s just better pay than selling a single bird normally."

I see.

"What’s the target?"

"Ankle Bird."

Ankle Bird. Also called Nighteye Bird. A small nocturnal bird. Its meat is terrible, so it’s not eaten, but its feathers—beautifully blending into the night—are in demand as lucky charms.

"...Night, huh."

How would that go now?

Back before I had "Glasses," my poor eyesight made night hunting difficult.

With my master, I could track or corner larger prey, but small birds...? I’m a little unsure. I’ve seen them, but never targeted one.

Will these "Glasses" give me clear, sharp vision at night too?

...Well, no harm in trying.

"I’ll give it a shot. No promises, though."

"That’s fine. It’s a request, but really just a delivery order. Bring an Ankle Bird, and that’s good enough."

Got it. Then I’ll try.

Since it’s nocturnal, I’ll have to wait until night. Might as well take my time heading to the hunting grounds.

Today, I walked the path I usually run.

Near the river, by the forest.

There’s no clear entrance to the woods, so I’ve scouted around the area I’ve claimed as my hunting grounds, surveying nearby terrain.

Thus, this is my forest’s hunting entrance.

Judging by the ground and such, this place sees no visitors. Just my style.

Since I took my time, the sun is already low.

I gathered edible wild plants along the way and caught fish from the river, pairing them with my dried meat and bread for an early dinner. Meat’s good, but fish is tasty too.

Then, I scouted the hunting grounds.

I checked bushes with berries birds like, along with tree hollows and nests. This is all intel I’ve gathered over the past few days.

Ankle Birds live deeper in the forest. At night, when predators and monsters are scarce, they come out to feed. Their diet consists of insects and berries, I think.

They’re skittish, so getting too close will alert them. Mid-range shots would be ideal.

I think my master mentioned luring them out, too.

I scattered bait—berries hooked on isolated branches with clear sightlines—then returned near the river.

Nothing unusual so far. There are birds I could target now, but the scent of blood might scare them off, so I’ll hold off.

Now, all that’s left is to wait for night.

To cut to the chase—night made it more obvious.

"So it really does work."

I thought it might just be my imagination, but night vision is clearer.

A dense forest is dark enough, but true night makes it worse. Carrying a light would alert prey, so night vision is all I have.

My master’s night vision was impressive, but even he preferred areas with fewer trees, likely wanting whatever starlight he could get.

But for me... Yeah. I can see.

The thick forest is pitch-black, with only faint visibility. Probably about as much as a dark-adapted human’s naked eye.

The problem is… well, that.

In the dark forest, living creatures glow red.

If I focus where I sense movement, I can see through trees and leaves. Their position, posture, situation—all clear.

At first, I wondered if the animals were glowing for some unrelated reason, but when I took off "Glasses," I couldn’t see anymore. So yeah, it’s the glasses’ doing.

...This is absurdly useful. Almost too much to rely on.

Just this single effect alone makes "Glasses’ Talent" revolutionary. Massive implications and value. Definitely keeping this a secret.

That said, isn’t this basically "night vision"?

…………

Oh, right.

I already know I can "change the lens color."

I darkened them for "night" and could look at the sun (though it was blinding).

So, what about the opposite?

"If I think, say, 'day'—oh, it works."

Not like the lenses are emitting light, though.

The dim forest, barely visible before, now looks moderately clear.

Hmm.

Insanely convenient. Absolutely keeping this a secret.