Author: Thank you guys for reading.
Don't underestimate the mc, remember the prologue. (think about it)
MC isn't human so don't compare his growth to ours (plus some other things that should be hinting to his condition that isn't really that hidden).
‘Neydomus’ I accidently implied he would take the deal rather than suggest it’s benefits based on what it entails. I reworded it better, that was a my bad moment. Just read to see what I mean. (Was rushing the A/N)
‘Bearcat’ Thanks for your suggestion, I’ll try to do that more (rewrote a bit on the previous chap). After the end of this Arc I’ll backtrack to previous chapters to improve them. Everything I edit will only be more descriptive so no changes in the story to worry about.
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I am currently sitting in an empty room meditating after finishing my talk. The {Terrian}, who introduced herself as Amy, agreed to allow me time to think on the information I just learned. The proposition she mentioned will be discussed when my companions awaken, the sleeping powder appears to last for 18 hrs. Even if they had trouble sleeping, that was too much for such a simple matter.
My race seems to have a lot of negative history, yet I feel there are a lot of things I still do not know about them. The fact I was supposed to have a mission to discover their legacy proves this. Even without the mission, I know there's something about my race I need to discover.
The {Terrian}...no, Amy is very suspicious. Her objectives aren't impossible to understand, yet I feel that agreeing to whatever she wants would be a bad thing. Anyone who tries to propose a deal with a smile, in my eyes, always have greedy intentions. It was this type of thing that...well, it's in the past. But her intentions to use me are obvious.
After some deliberation, I feel that listening to her idea wouldn't be a bad thing. However, in the first place, my group never intended to meet her. This entire encounter was a coincidence of a few factors, so anything she has to offer will only be a potential boon if I accept.
“What do you think I should do?” I asked the only person with me at the moment. My voice heavy with contemplation. The little fairy, who still refuses to leave my side, looks up at me with a look that implies she doesn't understand my question. Her only response was a string of melodies as she readies herself to continue fending off my ever probing finger with her toothpick. Her stance, at the very least, has improved.
Oddly enough she seems to enjoy this as some sort of game, always challenging my hand whenever we are alone. While I readily accept, seeing it as a way to settle any agitation I have built within myself.
There are many uncertainties to consider if I were to deal with Amy. Her race went into hiding to protect itself from threats. In the end, her actions will always be to benefit her race. I am merely a possible pawn to her. However, whether I accept or deny her proposal, my decision to help the little fairy get back home stands without question. This will be above whatever else I may encounter when dealing with this race.
…
Shiro and Puerial are most likely waking up right now...lets see what Amy has in store for me.
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“...and that is it in a nutshell.” (Amy)
Hmm, the deal isn’t bad. I get to tackle the dungeon without worrying about potential death, items dropped are way more valuable, and I get the support of all of the nymphs. Everything, as long as I complete tasks given to me.
“Rejected.” (Kuro)
I was very firm in this decision. This deal essential causes me to be indebted to the nymphs for their generous offer. Not to mention, they plan on making me their personal go-to guy. Rather than a quick deal where both parties are satisfied with immediate results. This would become a long term association with potential disaster written all over it.
Sure I could just ignore their requests after I get what I need at the moment, but that would excommunicate me from valuable resources later on. There is no telling when I would need additional items that can be provided by the dungeons. Their requests themselves may require me to do ridiculous tasks.
Essentially, this deal is bad, but I can't just end everything right now.
As I was about to continue, I observed Amy’s reaction to my reply. She has a face of true incomprehension, now why is that?
“You don't seem to be able to comprehend why I refused.” (Kuro)
“Uh, wait! This deal has so many benefits for you though!” (Amy)
Hmm, she seems to be panicked. It’s odd how she thought I would accept without question, does she take me for a fool I wonder.
“Yea, it does have a lot of benefits.” (Kuro)
“Then!-” (Amy)
“However it also has a fatal flaw. You intend to turn me into a puppet, or were all these enticing gifts merely a show of goodwill?” (Kuro)
It seems I hit the nail on the head. Amy has gone silent with quite the savage expression. With her strength it would be better to rectify this situation before it gets out of hand.
“No need to be angry, any real deal is made between two parties working to satisfy each other the best they can.” (Kuro)
Indeed, I was never against making a deal, but I refuse to have no hand in making it so it doesn’t hinder me later.
“Tch, and here I thought your crave for strength would make things simple. Very well let us talk Dreadling.” (Amy)
There it is, her true character. No race would be so welcoming when they are being hunted by the world for simply existing. The scorn and hatred in her eyes are now no longer hidden. A dead giveaway was the fact that she made a dungeon with the intention of luring people to their death.
“I do crave power, but I will never risk myself or the people standing by my side, that includes the fairy. Your proposal essentially ties my future interactions with any dungeon to being a servant in exchange for strength. However, you’re mistaken if I will allow myself to be in such a situation.” (Kuro)
“Well then, how do we make this work.” (Amy)
This will be a bit tricky. The hostility in her voice shows any wrong move will spell my death.
“I want nothing.” (Kuro)
“...Come again?” (Amy)
Good, she has been completely taken aback by my answer.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“In the first place I came here to gain experience and items, never did I ever expect to meet you. Therefore, rather than make a deal that allows me to fight in a dungeon without risks. Simply don't go out of your way to cause my death as I traverse it's depths. You yourself said you wanted to kill me the moment I was discovered by you. So I want you to ignore me and my party instead. Being in an environment without any risks will never really hone our survival skills.
You don't have to worry though, I still intend on finding the {Dryad} to return the fairy. So your plan to use me in that regard, in the end, still applies. Just, you never had to ask. Hell, why stop their. If possible I can bring her right to one of you guys. I mean, that is what you want right? To save an endangered member of your race. Or, am I mistaken?” (Kuro)
“...” (Amy)
Hmm, was what I said a bit too much? She appear to be a bit...frozen in place. Shiro and Puerial are still just observing. I would rather hear their opinions, but they said something like 'this is my specialty'. How they got such an idea is beyond me.
For now I’ll wait for Amy to regain herself and reply. I’d rather get on with our business after all.
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Puerial’s POV
Uwa, Kuro went business mode again. He does this every time he is dealing with merchants to get stuff for the stores. I’m sorry Amy, it looks like you're his next victim.
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Shiro’s POV
Un, as expected, not even the dungeon can measure up to Kuro when he is like this. A lot of people started sweating whenever he did this, I didn't like their smell even more after that.
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Amy’s POV
This brat, to challenge me in such a way when I was being nice. It is amazing though, for him to see through me to a degree like this. I noticed his business sense from his memories, but that was between him and small fries. Unfortunately, now I know even if they weren't weak it would be the same. I can kill him with a thought, yet he still stood his ground. Hmph, this is what I get for dealing with a Dreadling.
So what do you guys think, just let him be?
“Au, my plan *sob*.” (Nymph 5)
“It seems, regrettably, he isn’t stupid.” (Nymph 1)
“Does this mean we aren’t getting a new hug pillow?” (Nymph 5)
“It would have been good to have him as a servant, how unfortunate.” (Nymph 4)
“I’m glad actually, why do you guys want to interact with him like this. Better to be rid of him.” (Nymph 7)
“Well, he could have done a lot of useful things for us.” (Nymph 3)
“That doesn’t change the fact of what he is!” (Nymph 7)
“We aren’t denying that, but we are still dealing with...you know...that.” (Nymph 2)
“Kuh, if only we could handle it ourselves.” (Nymph 7)
“Why don't we just accept, there is nothing we can really do to force him.” (Nymph 6)
“If only he didn’t have that weird barrier on his mind, he was so vulnerable for my mental attack too.” (Amy)
“You still didn’t need to lay next to him when you tried that.” (Nymph 1)
“At least I got something out of that waste of time! All I was able to do was see some residual memories of all things. How is someone so young capable of having such mental defenses?” (Amy)
“Too late now for regrets.” (Nymph 6)
“*Sigh* I’ll just ask him for a favor and hope for the best than, so troublesome.” (Amy)
“Good luck/Tch/*Sigh*/Do your best.” (All nymphs present in the conversation)
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Kuro’s POV
I observed various changes in Amy’s expression. What ever she is thinking looks to really annoy her. Hopefully she just let's us go, it's not like we care about the truth of what dungeons are.
“*Sigh* very well, you may do as you please on one condition. I need you to help me with something.” (Amy)
Seriously, I just want to continue on with my business. Hearing this just made me annoyed, but her expression shows she has something heavy bearing down on her. So then, do I risk her anger, or see what this request that will end this problem is. Well, at least hearing what it is won't hurt, and I have a feeling it would benefit me to have them owe me one.
“Very well, I’ll hear this request. No promises if it’s obviously out of my league.” (Kuro)
“I guess that's the most I can hope for with you?” (Amy)
There is no way I’ll promise anything without knowing what the promise is to.
“Our matriarch...she has gone silent. If possible, I would like for you to find out if she is ok. The location she was born in is too dangerous for the current you, so we can wait for you to get stronger. In exchange we will see about helping you with those strange seals within you.” (Amy)
...So she knows I have been sealed, and from the looks of it there are many of them. I wasn’t sure whether I had more than one, but this confirms it. Well, this deal is a lot better than the last one. I don't have to worry about being their puppet in exchange for gaining strength.
“Hmm, when I am able, I’ll see about looking into this.” (Kuro)
“...Thank you.” (Amy)
I think this is the first time I’ve seen her genuinely smile at me. Even if she seemed a bit bitter about it, this discussion turned out well. My group can use this dungeon without her instigating our death.
It turns out she was also affecting the loot to drop inferior equipment. How cunning, I didn’t even suspect that. No wonder dungeons are great sources of wealth, minus the danger of course.
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After resting for one more day, my group decided to return to town for now to check on things before tackling the dungeon again. This time without the interruption. However, when we reached the exit, someone I thought I would never see entered my vision.
“I’ve been looking for you...KURO PREPARE FOR MY VENGEANCE!” (Return of the Pervert)
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A/N: Sorry for the delay, I’m stuck at work (IN A BLIZZARD!) so yea, hard to write.
*sob* I even busted my ass on some ice. May my booty R.I.P.
thanks for the suggestions again. hope you enjoyed the chap.