After Radeus accepted the quest, the four returned to the inn to discuss a plan.
"Rock Worms: C-rank individually, B+ rank in groups, and A-rank for the Worm Queen."
"They're two to four meters long, as thick as a barrel, with shells covered in a hardened horny layer. Their coloring matches the surrounding rock, giving them perfect camouflage. Their heads have chrysanthemum-shaped mouthparts containing three rings of sharp teeth, and they can spit corrosive slime."
"They live underground and detect prey through vibrations. They normally lurk three to five meters below the surface, bursting out to ambush prey as it passes. When moving in groups, they have a 'worm nest consciousness,' with the Worm Queen commanding them through infrasound."
"Their weaknesses are their soft bellies and unarmored mouths, and they're sensitive to high-frequency vibrations."
Intelligence Rudeus made his dazzling entrance!
"Isn't your information a little too detailed?"
Listening to such detailed information, Radeus couldn't help marveling at the wonders of Intelligence Jiraiya.
"The lady at reception told me all this. It's our first time taking on an S-rank quest, after all, so we'd better be careful."
Rudeus said this to Radeus.
"And there's this!"
Rudeus took out an old map and laid it on the table.
"What's this?"
Eris frowned at the tattered map as she asked.
"This is an old map from the Adventurers' Guild. It shows where the Rock Worms are this time."
"Here!"
Rudeus pointed to a spot.
"There's an Ancient Quarry Ruins beside the Eastern Trade Route. If the Rock Worms are building a nest, this is probably where it would be."
Hearing Rudeus's assessment, Radeus nodded in agreement.
"Sounds right!"
Then Rudeus used earth magic to create a miniature terrain model on the table.
"This is roughly what the terrain around there looks like. I