Treasure Hunter 1

The request from Glen carried higher risks than usual, and the reward was actually cheaper than normal.

"Did you get a new cargo ship-type escort vessel from Shinnosuke's trading company? While we're mining, we'll dig up some of it for you too."

So it seems the reward includes the rare minerals we mined.

While we aren't certain how much we'll be able to extract, even less than the full 1,000 tons that Holy Bell can carry would still yield a substantial profit.

However, there's a minor issue at the mining site.

Although this region lies midway between Akneria and Holy Rimuria, the scenario of Akneria invading Holy Rimuria makes it unlikely that the frontline would extend this far at present, regardless of which side gains the upper hand.

The main concern is the rising threat of space pirates and attacks, exacerbated by deteriorating security.

The site is located deep within a vast asteroid belt, with numerous radar blind spots.

Given that Holybell can't maintain constant vigilance during mining operations, having only Yatagarasu and Fubuki isn't reassuring.

"To ensure there are no gaps in coverage, we'd really need at least one more escort vessel."

Glen nodded in agreement with Shinosuke's assessment.

"Right. This job seems big—can't afford to skimp on expenses."

Glen immediately submitted a request for additional escort vessels, and after Linha completed the procedures, she posted the request on the network.

"Yes, the procedures are complete. Now we just need to wait for a sailor to accept it."

It was uncommon for a requester to appear immediately after the request was posted.

Just as Shinosuke and the others were about to turn back and start over, they were quickly called back by Linha.

"Wait, just a moment. There's a request to accept the mission."

"Wait, really? Isn't that too fast? Who is it?"

"...It's Ayla."

Linha held back Rina, and they waited at the guild for about an hour.

Ayla arrived at the guild shortly after receiving the call.

I can finally repay my debt to Shinnosuke. Both for your help and the escort ship incident. I can't possibly repay this favor with just one act, but I never had the chance until now. I'll repay it little by little from here on out.

Upon learning that Iria had been rescued by Shinosuke and others during her accident in the asteroid belt, and that she had secured the new escort vessel Phantom by having Syokouji Industry intervene on her behalf, she had long been eager to repay that debt. Yet, she had been growing increasingly frustrated, as no opportunity to do so ever seemed to arise.

Now, with Glen's recent request, she saw a chance to return even a small part of that favor—and so she stepped forward to help.

"I'm not really thinking in terms of debts or favors or anything like that."

"That won't do. We're free merchants, so we need to keep things clear on that front."

"Well, I suppose that's how it is..."

With that, the preparations were complete.

Shin nosuke's Yatagarasu and Ash's Fubuki would protect the mining mother ship Big Bear, while Andy's Holy Bell would handle the reception of rare metals on-site.

To them would join Ira's Phantom.

The five ships, having completed their preparations, set out toward the designated mining site.

Upon arriving at the target asteroid belt, Shinosuke and the others advanced through the belt, led by the Seeker Eye launched from Big Bear.

It seemed they would need about five days to traverse the asteroid belt, requiring a one-day rest in the middle to allow for Alisha and Merisa of the Seeker Eye to recuperate.

Five days after the rest day, Shinosuke and the others safely arrived at the mining site.

"Good, this looks promising. Let's make the most of it. You lot, treasure hunting! Dig it up!"

Glen and the team launched the mining shuttle and began operations.

This time, they planned to work for at least ten days, digging as much as possible.

They had set a maximum of fifteen days for the operation.

Once operations begin, they plan to first load the rare metals onto Big Bear, then start loading onto Holy Bell. However, if they uncover the extremely rare rare metals Glen mentioned, they’ll also load onto Holy Bell, leaving Holy Bell permanently anchored at the mining site.

The three ships tasked with patrolling the surrounding space are Yatagarasu, Fubuki, and Phantom.

"Indeed, there are many blind spots. It was the right decision to have Aila here."

The three ships take turns covering each other's blind spots while on alert, but they can barely maintain a minimal clear zone.

"But Master Shinnosuke, wouldn't space pirates be unlikely to appear in such a deep asteroid belt?"

Millena tilts her head from her co-pilot seat.

"Well, there aren't any space pirates that'd claim territory in a place like this, but you know, every rule has exceptions—there are always those who stand out. Besides, there might be the so-called space jellyfish living in this asteroid belt."

"That sounds far more frightening."

"That's exactly why we need to stay on high alert. Iraya-san has already shared the communication frequency data of the space jellyfish. Serah, make sure you don't miss even the slightest change."

"Understood. Leave it to me."

There are currently no signs of space pirates or space jellyfish appearing, but we can't afford to let our guard down.

The tense ten days have begun.