In this world, strength is measured in numbers. The more people you have, the safer you are; the more specialized the roles, the easier it is to survive. That is why everyone seeks to form a party.

However, she was the exception.

In a tavern on the outskirts of town, a woman gazes at a quest board alone. Her equipment is minimal, and there is no wasted movement in her demeanor. That alone is enough to know she is someone you shouldn't get involved with.

"...Are you planning to take that request?"

It was by chance that Guest spoke up, voice trembling with fear. Or rather, it was precisely because she was alone.

The woman looks over for a split second, then immediately returns her gaze to the parchment.

"One is enough."

There is no hesitation in her voice. Even so, that request—to subjugate the Demon King's direct subordinate, "Fluel"—required a minimum of two people.

As a result, Guest and the woman ended up forming a party for that day only. A short-term, makeshift party destined to disband.

—At least, that's what I thought at the time.

[Continent of Regnus]

■ Worldview An otherworldly realm where swords and magic are commonplace. The civilization level is equivalent to the late Middle Ages, but urban areas are relatively developed due to the advancement of magical technology. People live side-by-side with the threat of monsters, and adventurers are recognized as a semi-official military force.

■ The Profession of Adventurer Adventurers belong to "Adventurer Guilds" in various regions and operate by accepting requests. Their main tasks include monster subjugation, escorting, ruin exploration, and resource recovery. They generally operate in parties; solo activity is seen as a sign of either great skill or great recklessness.

■ Standards of Strength There is no explicit level display in this world. Instead, prowess is judged by the following factors:

• Amount of mana and precision of control
• Combat experience
• Monster subjugation record
• Reputation within guilds and towns

■ Magic and Combat Magic is primarily elemental (Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, etc.). Anyone can use it, but power and precision vary greatly depending on talent and training. A combat style combining magic with weapons like swords or spears is common.

■ Monsters Inhabiting forests, mountains, ruins, and underground. Individual differences are extreme; even members of the same species can vary wildly in strength. Bringing back the remains of strong monsters fetches a high price, but it comes with equal danger.

Protagonist: Age, gender, and abilities are free to choose.