On the hills leading to Ciallmhar forest, a dozen of rowdy looking men are gathered around a small campfire. Above said fire is a dirty pot, bubbling with what looks like an assortment of tree roots, beans and wild herbs. If one squint their eyes in an effort to search out for something that at least resemble human food a little better, a few thin slices of ham can be spotted within the thin layer of rising smoke and the unappetizing mixture.
“So how about it, brother? Care to join us for a bite?” -???
Questioning in a low pitched, hoarse voice is the biggest man among the group. He appears to be in his late thirties, with a body that makes one want to compare him to a monstrous bull. He wears no armor, but it might as well be unnecessary since it’s not too farfetched a story if he were to say that his tanned, steel like muscles can repel tempered blades. The numerous scars that he takes no effort to hide and his wild, unkempt beard only add to the already vicious image.
Yet, the one he’s talking to did not miss that sharp, cunning glint at the corner of his eyes. His opponent understood that under the imposing exterior of a wild beast is a sneaky, calculating sewer rat.
“As soon as I’m done with my business here I’ll be leaving. I’m a busy man” –Merchant
“You lot in Ivory are always the same ey? Err….. what’s your name again?” –Deon
“I have no name, call me Thirty-one” –Thirty-one
“Whatever suits you then, Thirty-one.
So the fact that you are here means that we’re finally moving out?” –Deon
“It has been one month since that B ranked adventurer group enters Ciallmhar, it is safe to assume that they have already perished in the forest” –Thirty-one
“Are B-rankers so useless these days? Had they succeeded it would’ve been a lot more simple to kill them and take the loot” –Deon
“It’s hard to think that the Sage did not set any trap to protect his legacy. Such result is only to be expected” –Thirty-one.
The mysterious man who named himself Thirty-one was different from the hoodlums surrounding him. His clothes are clean and neat, the dark blue cloak he wears is not luxuriously decorated but at the same time doesn’t give the impression of being a cheaply made product. His face has gentle features, his body is feeble and slim. Looking at his calm demeanor, he appears to be an amicable man, one who is easy to start a conversation with. If asked for an impression, most would agree that he looks like a normal, harmless man past his prime you could find anywhere.
“Now then, that’s the problem, brother” –Deon
Thirty-one did not show any visible reaction to Deon’s sudden change of topic, but if one were to be very observant, there was a slight twitch at the corner of his eyebrows.
“Are you breaking off the deal?” –Thirty-one
“The deal was to take care of the B-rankers and take the treasure, there was nothing about fending off whatever [thing] that made short work of a B-ranked party” –Deon
“I can’t have that, [Shorthorn] Deon.
Obtaining the Sage’s legacy was the target, regardless of the obstacle. Whether it be the B-rankers or something else” –Thirty-one
“As a businessman surely you must be aware?
When stating the reward for a request, the risks must be made clear.
If the danger level is more than expected, it’s only a matter of course to increase the payment.
Or else how many fools would lose their lives pointlessly like the pieces of dirt they are?” –Deon
“Not as many as the fools who would break a contract with Ivory” –Thirty-one
“Say what you will, Thirty-one.
I may be a fool.
But I surely don’t want to die like one” –Deon
While the contents of the conversation is becoming increasingly strained, the tone of these two men did not waver even if so slightly. Contrary to the threatening words, they speak lightly as if conversing over a casual drink. Either they are incapable of sensing danger, or both are highly self-assured about their own superiority and dominance.
If anyone knows how to read the mood even a little, they would surely bet on the later.
In a battle of words, it is not about who can give a more convincing excuse. It is about who can control the flow of the conversation. If you have doubt about your own self, then you’d have lost the battle before it even started.
After a short period of silence, as if swatting away the cold tension spreading through the surrounding, Thirty-one was the first to take a step back.
“Very well, Deon-dono.
We always pay what is due. Your demand for further reward isn’t without basis.
How about an increase of ten gold coins in the final payment, after the job is done?” –Thirty-one
“Five gold coins now, and then five gold coins after the job is done” –Deon
“Isn’t that the same? Unless you’re trying to run off with the money” –Thirty-one
“What was that about [only fools would break contract with Ivory]?
It’s only for insurance, this is a high risk job after all” –Deon
“Hmm….
So be it” –Thirty-one
Albeit a little reluctant, Thirty-one did not show any visible resistance and swiftly took out five gold coins. Devon received them then called a young boy over.
“Don’t you lose them, each of these worth more than your own life” –Deon
“Y…Yes, Boss” –Boy
Looking at the timid boy that seems to be out of place among these barbarians, Thirty-one knit his eyebrows lightly and throw Deon a suspicious look.
“What’s the meaning of that?” –Thirty-one
“You mean this kid? He’s a slave we bought to carry luggage and take care of chores, what of it?” –Deon
“Are you taking me lightly? If it’s about people, my eyes have seen all kinds during my time as a merchant” –Thirty-one
“The eyes aren’t really one’s undoing, it is often the mouth” –Deon
Thirty-one quickly noticed that there is a silent bloodlust brewing not just from Deon, but from the whole gang surrounding him.
“Hmp… not that it concerns me.
Just handle your job properly” –Thirty-one
“But of course.
…
Still, before you go, let me ask something.
Why is it you’re chasing after such a baseless fairytale anyway?
Not like you at Ivory are lacking in gold, aren’t you?” –Deon
To Devon question, Thirty-one briefly stopped and muttered something softly before taking off. Not wanting to exchange another word with the people behind him.
“Mankind tends to forget easily.
It is our greatest strength, and worst weakness”
____________________________________________________________________________________________
After Thirty-one went out of sight, a young man from Deon group spat on the ground and spoke in an irritated tone.
“That sly cur. Speaking in riddles then waltz off without a care. Who the hell does he think he is?” –Man 1
“Don’t get riled up over every little thing, you’ll grow old faster” –Deon
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Boss, so that guy was from Ivory? He didn’t look anything special” –Man 2
“Gyahaha, of course he didn’t, that’s what those at Ivory are like” –Deon
“What do you mean?” –Man 2
“Ivory is primarily a merchant group. In other word, their main activity centers around trading and negotiating. Having an imposing appearance may be able to scare one person or two, but in the long term it is not good for business” –Deon
“Ohhh, Boss would make a shitty merchant then” –Man 3
“Even looking like this, I was quite the lady killer back in the days ya’ know?
From the high class whores in north street to the alluring dancers in south market, they would pay me to bed them for just a night” -Deon
Everyone send doubtful looks at Deon, but he splendidly ignored them.
“Sooo….. what’s with his name anyway?” –Man 2
“Hm? Ah…
Do you know why they are called “Ivory” in the first place?” –Deon
“…not really” –Man 2
“Not much is known about that group” –Man 3
“When you join Ivory, you abandon your old name, your old family, your old aspirations and grudges.
They will first cut off a part of your body, usually the tip of your left pinky.
Then they will carve a number on the bone that they cut off.
That number will become the member’s new name, and he will wear a necklace adorned with that piece of bone around his neck.
Hence [Ivory]” –Deon
“Ugee….. that’s a pretty disgusting custom” –Man 4
“Who would want to join that group of sickos?” –Man 2
“Hmmnnn, it is indeed a hair-raising practice, but can’t say it’s not for good reason.
When doing business, especially when it comes to shady deals, the thing that matters the most is trust.
After all there’s nothing else one can rely on. Contracts and letters are just papers in the end.
And Ivory commands a great degree of [trust]. Even more so than legal traders.
That piece of bone carved with a number is like a signature for Ivory. It shows the member’s devotion, and Ivory’s seriousness when it comes to upholding their part of the deal” –Deon
.
.
.
.
.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
[MC POV]
It has been one month since I started to stay in the Sage’s secret cottage.
It is technically inside the trunk of a tree, but all of life basic necessities are met, there’s a bed, a study table, and even a washing basin. Cooking is done outside. The toilet is… well, this whole forest.
I don’t really have a demand for luxury, so all is fine.
During this past month, I tried my best to digest the information in the books he left behind. Sadly, his information is from 700 years ago, so I still don’t really know what is going on with the current era.
There were many useful things however, one being the records of life forms around the continent, including Ciallmhar forest. As far as monster meat goes, they all taste bad, so I just ignored them.
But I was able to locate various animal habitats thanks to those information.
Makes me wonder why most of those habitat has not changed since 700 years ago... perhaps because this forest is untouched by human? Save for that village from before.
For the time being, my supply of human meat ran out but I don’t really have to find another village to massacre.
Peace is good.
I still miss human meat from time to time though.
Especially Elves.
.
.
.
Ahem!
I tried my hand at magic a little, but it seemed like I don’t have the aptitudes for it.
Generally speaking, my magic power is around 100, which is at the level of a beginner mage. It doesn’t sound too bad for someone who has no experience at conjuring spell yet. But it is not just about the amount of mana. Conjuring magic, just like martial-arts, require a certain amount of effort and talent. It is not as if my talent is completely zero, but it was very hard to successfully cast a spell, and my magic power didn’t go up much after practicing this past month.
To put it in another way, it is not impossible for me to become a mage, but it is not worth the effort.
So I’ve decided to use my limited time for activities that are more productive.
Language was the one I studied the hardest. Thankfully Danaan language itself isn’t too complex and shares many similarities with both Japanese and English so it was a fairly smooth ride.
The study has been going well. But it has only been one month so I’ve only barely passed the starting point.
I can write and read some simple sentences, greetings and daily conversations to a certain extend. Speaking however, is no good. My throat works differently from a human’s, not the mention the structure of my teeth is different too. I also don’t have a tongue, so there’s no way I can speak properly. I doubt I can make out what other people say either.
But for now, I’ll be happy with just being able to read and write.
.
.
.
Since I’ve been studying like a good child, I don’t go out much these days, unless I’m out of food.
The inside of the tree is cool and comfortable. I only need to get food when I’m hungry. There’s no deadline to be made, no pressure from society. There’s no need to deal with people I don’t want to deal with.
I think this kind of simple life is also a type of happiness.
Even though I’m aware that I won’t continue like this forever, since I do have goals of my own.
For a little while longer... I want to continue enjoying this NEET life for just a little while longer.
Talk about this house, there’s a big mirror here too. It was a pleasant surprise.
I hated my body at first, but I’m steadily getting used to it. It has the kind of charm that grows on you.
Or rather…
This emerald colored skin, as if I’m crafted from the highest grade of jewel.
These round, big, black eyes, as if one would drown inside if stare at them for too long.
This pair of elegant antennae, with feathery hairs so fine they flutter at the slightest of vibration in the air.
.
.
.
Wait.
Aren’t I super cute?
.
.
.
Disrupting me posing in front of the mirror, a wasp flies inside my bedroom and lands on my shoulder.
Wasps cannot speak, but they can communicate using chemical substances produced from within their bodies and visual signals(also known as body language in human term). Natural wasps can only communicate simple messages such as “danger” or “direction of a prey”. But using a combination of both chemicals and visual signals, I taught these wasps to project more complicated messages.
And the message that they brought me.
A group of human is heading for this location.