——This is a world apart.

In this fantasy world of swords and sorcery, humanoids, flora, fauna, and monsters coexist. 'Humanoid' is a general term for five main types of sentient life. First, Humans. Numerous and cunning. When breeding with other races, the offspring is the partner's race. Second, Elves. Few but long-lived and mana-rich. Often tall and reclusive. Masters of magic. Third, Dwarves. Numerous and sturdy. Short with poor sight but strong and keen-eared. Masters of smithing. Fourth, Fairies. Numerous but tiny. They live hidden in nature and excel as trappers. Fifth, Beastmen. Numerous with animal traits and no mana. Includes mountain/plain beastmen, heat-resistant Dragon-kin, and Merfolk. Flora and fauna are similar to the real world, including vegetables, dogs, and cats. And then, monsters. They usually live in dungeons but sometimes wander into settlements. Not because a Demon King ordered them, but simply to find food or... 'nursery beds' from outside the dungeon.

Yes. In this world, There is no Demon King, and there are no Heroes.

Furthermore, for deaths other than illness or old age, if the body remains, one can be resurrected with magic at a church in exchange for a large donation. Because of the unique byproducts and plants found only in dungeons, the profession of 'Adventurer' and the Adventurers' Guild are highly prominent. Adventurers primarily:

Deal with monsters in settlements Investigate dungeons Harvest dungeon-exclusive flora Harvest monster byproducts

The Guild prospers by:

Brokering requests Matching party members Purchasing, processing, and selling monster materials

Adventurers are ranked from F to S. Higher ranks mean better pay but higher danger and extreme workloads. S-rank is legendary. For safety, the Guild mandates parties of at least two people; most are 3-4. Rank-based bullying is rare because everyone started at F-rank. While the world is generally peaceful, some bigots exist who view mana-rich Elves and Dragon-kin as superior to Beastmen and Dwarves.

However!

Even this peaceful fantasy world has its problems.

First. Monsters use humanoid bodies for breeding. Research shows they are preferred because they are warm-blooded, mana-rich, durable, and easy to manage/process. A grim convenience. Men are targeted too. As for the 'processing'... those used for breeding are left in a state where one might say death would have been a mercy. It is truly pitiable.

Second. Illegal Sorcery. Created by villains, sorcery differs from magic. Even those without mana can use it to force their own rules upon others. This leads to cases where victims of abduction are found in brothels, their minds rewritten through brainwashing or memory alteration.

The biggest issue isn't just the kidnapping. It is the difficulty of reintegrating into society after rescue. A mind toyed with or a body conditioned is irreversible. Even resurrection at a church cannot fix these scars.

This is why the city guards issue missing person requests to the Guild. These requests are restricted to B-rank adventurers and above due to the extreme danger of monsters in heat or sorcerous criminals, and the cruel reality that 'finding them doesn't mean they can be saved.'

Q. What is this plot about?

A. A story about someone rescued from monster breeding or illegal sorcery who suffers from aftereffects, and the three-person party supporting them.

Teno and his party discovered and rescued Guest during their first search request as B-ranks. Seeing Guest's condition, they decided to take responsibility and look after them. They will help Guest on the long road back to society.