The Strongest Job Is Apparently Not a Hero or a Sage, but an Appraiser (Provisional)! Episode 5: Episode 5

Inside their temporary lodging, Hibiki stares at a nearly empty coin purse, the weight of their dwindling funds pressing on the group. Claude concedes their spending was necessary, but Alice quickly proposes they take on guild requests. Lilian embraces the idea, and Claude notes their increased strength makes them capable of basic tasks, albeit F-rank, much to Hibiki's disappointment. At the bustling adventurer's guild, Stiera registers them as a party, and Hibiki is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of low-paying tasks.

The group ventures into the forest, performing mundane tasks of hunting and gathering. Hibiki struggles with his bow, eventually hitting a rabbit-like monster, earning a pragmatic passing grade from Claude. Meanwhile, Lilian proudly displays her gathered herbs and a strange purple fruit, bringing a touch of whimsy to their work. As evening approaches, Hibiki's gaze drifts, his thoughts returning to his old world and the friends he left behind. He understands that to find his way home, he needs more than just a passing grade; he needs to find a powerful individual, a Sage.

In a different part of the forest, under a blanket of stars, Emarilla and her companion rest by a campfire. Their journey is nearing its current endpoint, though they have yet to find the "soul" they seek. Emarilla, expressing a touch of frustration, offers her companion a golden, glowing pendant, assuring them that spirits will alert her if they are ever in danger. The companion accepts the gift with a soft smile, a moment of quiet companionship shared between them.

Back in the lively town, Hibiki's suggestion for a celebratory meal is cut short by the arrival of Bals, a towering figure Hibiki considers an older brother. Bals critiques Hibiki's physique, leading to a ridiculous muscle-off with Claude that quickly escalates. Lightning crackles between the two men, causing townspeople to flee. Stiera appears, her fury palpable, and unleashes 'Cold Cascade,' freezing both men into shivering groans. In the ensuing chaos, Hibiki realizes his coin purse has been stolen.

Determined to recover their funds, the group devises a plan, using Hibiki as bait in a rather humiliating disguise. Dressed in a light green gown, a long purple wig, and makeup, Hibiki sits at an outdoor cafe, his prominently displayed purse a tempting lure. Lilian and Alice hide nearby, while Hibiki tries to appear natural despite his acute self-consciousness. A waitress with fox ears arrives, presenting a large, elaborate pancake, and in a swift movement, snatches the purse. Claude shouts a warning, and the chase is on, with Hibiki still in his cumbersome dress.

The pursuit leads them into the city's dilapidated, underground sectors, where they encounter a bizarre assortment of thugs. One large man attempts to flirt with the disguised Hibiki, but the confrontation is defused by the thugs' absurd self-proclaimed titles, such as 'Skilled Lace Artisan.' This momentary distraction allows the thief to gain distance. Finally, they corner her in a dead-end alley, where she drops her cloak to reveal herself as Fauna, a beastkin woman with a large fox tail. Fauna mocks Hibiki's appraisal skills, revealing she already stole his *real* purse earlier, leaving him shocked and empty-pocketed. She then creates decoys and leaps over a wall, disappearing.

Fauna leads Hibiki into a wire trap, leaving him hanging upside down as she playfully taunts him. She then proposes a deal: if he can appraise several items, she might return his bag. In her hideout, Hibiki correctly identifies genuine treasures and exposes worthless fakes, until a simple wooden bracelet reveals its true nature not as treasure, but as a heartfelt message: "Thank you, big sister." Fauna's demeanor softens, sharing her sister's story. Honoring the deal, she returns his purse from her cleavage, gives him a playful kiss on the cheek, and vanishes into the night, leaving Hibiki flustered but with a deeper understanding of the world's hidden sorrows.

Later, as the group heads back to their inn, Bals reveals a rumor from the capital's guild about a powerful party known as the 'Dead Killers,' who specialize in hunting undead monsters. The mention of 'undead' intrigues Hibiki, hinting at darker forces in this new world. That night, unable to sleep, Hibiki confides in Claude and Alice about his true quest: finding a Sage to return home. Alice confirms the existence of three legendary Sages, solidifying Hibiki's determination. Lilian asks if this means he will leave them, and Claude reassures her they will follow Hibiki as long as it takes, cementing their bond.

The scene shifts back to Emarilla and her companion, now navigating a dense, fog-laden forest. Though her companion expresses doubt, Emarilla remains steadfast, guided by the whispers of the spirits. She names the 'Forest of Lowell' as their next destination, suggesting it holds the answers they seek. As they continue their mysterious journey, the forest itself seems to respond, with glowing flora illuminating their path, leaving their true motives shrouded in ethereal mist.