《Into The World Of Kladin》 Chapter 1 Answer Me! Tempest Strike]
World Knowledge
Item: Description: Notes: Usage Limitations:
Item: Chrono-Interface Module Description: A sophisticated device originally part of the (?????????) ship, capable of interfacing with the ship''s mainframe to manipulate time. This module will only work when powered by temporal energy. Notes: Ensure proper calibration before use to avoid miscalculations in time travel. Warnings: Improper use can still result in anomalies in space time."Usage."
Usage: - Power Source: Requires the Temporal Fragment to function. - Activation: Insert the Temporal Fragment into the designated slot and initiate the holographic interface. - Navigation: Use the hologram to choose the desired temporal destination. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! - Execution: Confirm the selection to initiate the time displacement process.''useless'' [World Knowledge] Chapter 2 Im Leaving ''My second life starts here!'' This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. ''You might as well tell me you''re going to send someone to kill me,'' Chapter 3 Crown City Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Chapter 4 The Adventurers Guild This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Chapter 5 A deal Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ''He couldn''t have found it so quickly without already knowing where his magic circuit was. Are the summoned really capable of such a thing?!'' ''My original plan was to open up my circuits fully in a months time but you presented such an opportunity to me. I''ll be sure to thank you for this opportunity later.'' Chapter 6 Skills
World Knowledge
Skill: World Knowledge Description: Level: Potential:
Skill: Minus Strength Description: Level: Potential:
Name:Alias: Race: Occupation: Age: The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.Hidden? Why is he hiding his race? And an alias... It seems there''s more to this guild leader than I thought. I''ll have to be more careful with him.'' ''I''ll need to keep an eye on this guild leader. There''s definitely more to him than meets the eye.'' He really isn''t normal.'' Chapter 7 And then there was 99 The room fell silent, Tanna''s mouth hanging open in shock. 1,000 Klador was a down payment for a nice home in Crown City and more than a year''s salary for Rank B adventurers. A vein popped on Becker''s forehead. "DO YOU THINK I''M YOUR FRIGGIN'' BANK?" "A loan! It''s just a loan!" Haru quickly said. Becker stared at him, exasperated. "How could I lend 1,000 Klador to an F-rank adventurer? Your plaque is worth, at best, 3 Klador as collateral." "I know that much... But that''s not what I''m talking about," Haru said, gesturing to his attire. "Look at my clothes." Becker examined Haru''s clothes more closely. He had already noticed the strange cat-like patterns and unusual design when they first met. They were definitely peculiar, but what civilization didn''t have its own unique fashion? "What about them?" Haru grinned. "You see, my clothes aren''t just unique because they''re from my world, but also because none of the other summoned are wearing anything similar. They''re truly one-of-a-kind in this world. And right now, the topic of the summoned is all the rage in Crown City. I''ve been getting looks of admiration everywhere I go." Becker raised an eyebrow. "Admiration?" Haru''s voice quickened with enthusiasm. "Think about it. The influential people of Crown City are buzzing about the summoned, and they''ll definitely be interested in the things we brought with us. My clothes might not be worth 1,000 Klador as they are, but the design and style certainly could be. If we sell the rights to a high-end fashion designer with connections to major clothing stores, nobles will be lining up to buy them. This is a golden opportunity to make a profit." He suddenly pointed to Tanna. "Tell me, what do you think of my clothes?" "Me? Uh, I think they''re pretty cute," Tanna said truthfully, praising the design. "Exactly! Now, touch it." He stretched out his arm. Tanna glanced at Becker, both sharing a weird glance before she reached out to touch Haru''s sleeve. "Wow... so soft!" Haru''s excitement grew as he laid out his plan. "See? Quality material and a style that''s never been seen before. It''s perfect for both fashion and sleepwear. And with every product sold, a small percentage will come back to the guild as royalties. You''ll make back five, no, ten times what you lent me in a month, guaranteed!" By the end of his pitch, Haru was a little out of breath. Becker scratched his head. "You summoned are really something else..." He turned to Tanna. "You''re better than me with these types of things. What do you think?" Tanna considered Haru''s plan and nodded. "I think Haru''s idea has merit. Before the summoning, there was already a lot of buzz, and now that the summoned have arrived, they''re the talk of the city. His clothes may attract more attention from noble ladies, but there should be enough interest all around to make this a profitable venture for us. Plus, we do have connections to a well-known designer." "Alright, I got it." Becker reached into his drawer, pulling out a locked box. He opened it and took out a sack of coins, tossing it to Haru. Haru caught the sack excitedly and immediately began to strip, causing Tanna to quickly turn away in embarrassment. Becker retrieved some of his spare clothes and tossed them to Haru who was a little confused. "I don''t want you leaving this office in just your underwear or rumors are going to start flying," he said. "You can keep these clothes, they''re just my spares." Haru smiled. "You''re a pretty cool guy, you know that." Becker snorted. "When you''re done, get out. I think I''ve had enough of you for one day." Haru laughed as he dressed and headed for the door but stopped. "Don''t worry about the loan; I''ll pay it back soon," he turned and said. With that, he left the office. The room fell silent once again. Becker let out an exasperated sigh. "Why do I feel like we just got swindled? It feels like everything has been going his way since we first met." Tanna smiled. "It''s been a while since I''ve seen you show your true emotions in front of someone like that." "Who can keep a straight face with someone so infuriating? It''s like talking to someone who has no shame." He poured himself a glass of alcohol and downed it in one gulp, looking deep in thought. "He''s a recent summon, but the way he carries himself makes it seem like this isn''t his first time here. I feel like he knows more than he''s letting on." Suddenly, there was a tapping on the window behind them. Becker reached up and opened it, allowing a bird to swoop in and land on his desk. There was a note attached to its leg. Becker retrieved the note and read it, his expression turning solemn. "One of the transports has reached the territory of Blackstone as we speak. Let''s go." ¡ Meanwhile, back at the castle where the 99 summoned were gathered, the atmosphere was slightly off. "Thank you, everyone, for signing your contracts. We will now reveal your skills and conduct a quick test to determine which group you will be placed in based on your awakened skill," the chancellor announced. "When your name is called, please enter the designated door on your left or right." The summoned exchanged uneasy glances as the chancellor exited the room, leaving them with guards blocking the exit. The king and princess had already left the moment the contracts were signed, and the once welcoming atmosphere now felt cold and isolating, as if they were being held captive. "What do you think they have planned for us?" one of the summoned asked. "I don''t know, but I hope it''s nothing too dangerous," another replied. Suddenly, the first names were called: "Lance Falknir, please enter the door on the right. Serena Kate, please enter the door on your left." Lance stood tall and proud, his chest puffed out as he proclaimed, "I didn''t come here to follow. I came to lead. And when this is over, they''ll speak of my name with awe. Mark my words." If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. His words echoed throughout the enclosed space, and the other summoned could not help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for Lance''s confidence. He then entered through the right door. Serena Kate, dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt, her long black hair in two braids, gave a shy smile. "It''s nice to meet you all," she murmured, ducking her head. "I hope we can get to know each other better." With that, she walked toward the left door. After that, the names of the summoned were called one by one. In an effort to ease their nerves, the others followed suit, introducing themselves briefly once their names were called. This helped to lighten the tense atmosphere. Finally, only one person remained. The chancellor called out the last name. "Emily Brine." Emily stepped forward, heart pounding. The room held a single occupant, shrouded in shadow. "Um, hello, I''m Emily Br-," she began, but the figure raised a hand, silencing her. "Forward." Emily obeyed, stepping closer. The figure unfurled a scroll, ancient symbols glowing with an inner light. The light surged, engulfing her. As it faded, a single phrase shimmered above her head. "Weapon Forging?" she breathed, confusion clouding her voice. "What does it¡ª" "It''s up to you to discover its purpose, miss summoned," the figure interrupted with a dry rasp. Before Emily could respond, a rune-etched circle flared beneath her, enveloping her in light. Then, she was gone. Emily blinked as she found herself in a new location. She was surrounded by rocky walls, with no exit in sight. Jagged stones bit into her palms. Around her lay a graveyard of broken weapons, twisted and shattered. Chapter 8 A mistake Haru moved silently through the dense forest, his steps careful and soundless. He had on a black pelt which blended with the shadows that stretched around him. The Great Wilderness was alive with creatures, ranging from goblins and ogres to fearsome behemoths that not even the heroes at their peak wished to contend against. These powerful beasts kept humanity''s kingdoms far from their territories. While this particular area posed less threat to the fortified capital, it remained perilous. Even a solitary traveler like Haru could easily become prey to the forest''s inhabitants. After navigating for half an hour, Haru noticed a faint glow up ahead. Most adventurers would avoid such a sight, suspecting it to be a monster camp. However, this was exactly what Haru was searching for. Drawing nearer, his suspicions were confirmed: it was a goblin camp. The perimeter was secured by sharp, crudely fashioned wooden spikes, encircling a central group of goblins who huddled together. Haru focused his attention on one of them and used his skill.
World Knowledge
Race: Goblin Description: A humanoid race with intelligence to use tools and traps on their prey. Found primarily in groups, the goblins are constantly diligent and can adapt to live anywhere. Potential: FGoblins were short, ugly, green creatures that roamed the forest, hunting both day and night. They organized themselves into two rotating groups, a strategy that allowed them to cover more ground and prevent sneak attacks while one group rests. Haru watched from a safe distance as a group of six goblins emerged from their huts and set out to hunt. In a head-on confrontation, he knew he would be at a disadvantage. Leading the group was a particularly large and menacing goblin¡ªa Greater Goblin, an evolved form more dangerous and powerful than the regular ones.
Race: Greater goblin Description: An evolved form of the goblin, larger and more menacing. Greater Goblins are stronger, more intelligent, and pose a significant threat Potential: CHe watched carefully as the hunting party left. Three goblins remained, standing guard at the camp''s perimeter, their eyes scanning the surrounding trees for any signs of danger. Haru took out a nectar fruit and took a few bites, the refreshing juice revitalizing him and giving him a brief jolt of energy. He then discarded the half-eaten remains on the ground and backed away slowly. As another hour passed, the goblins began to wander further from the camp''s perimeter. One of them caught the faint scent of something sweet and followed the aroma, drawn to the half-eaten nectar fruit, which had now grown more pungent. The unsuspecting goblin greedily took the nectar fruit in its hands, looking both ways to ensure no one saw him, before gobbling it up, oblivious to the danger lurking behind.
Minus StrengthThe goblin immediately felt the impact of the skill, its strength weakened but not knowing why. Haru acted fast before the goblin could regain its strength and call for help. He quickly closed the distance between them and covered the goblin''s mouth with his hand before plunging his short sword deep into its neck. If Becker were here, he would have been shocked to discover that Haru had lied about the exhaustion his skill caused. In truth, Haru faced no limits in using his skill as long as he had the mana to sustain it¡ªa perk of being a summoned. "Dammit!" Haru cursed under his breath, realizing his mistake. The goblin''s frantic movements indicated that his blade had missed its mark. If the goblin''s cries reached the camp, Haru would be swarmed by dozens of angry goblins, with little chance of escaping unscathed. The goblin opened its mouth wide, preparing to scream out for help, but Haru was quick to react. He jammed his arm towards the back of the goblin''s teeth before it could scream, lodging it firmly in place. The goblin let out a few pained grunts as he drove the blade deeper in. After a few short seconds, it finally succumbed to its injuries and collapsed to the ground. Haru breathed a sigh of relief as he fell to the floor, exhausted from the fight. "Damn, that was close," he muttered to himself, still trying to catch his breath. He dislodged the goblin''s jaw and saw the deep gashes in his leather bracer, revealing the bloodied skin beneath. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ''Without the [Minus Strength] skill, I would have struggled to take down even a single goblin,'' Haru thought to himself. This was the harsh reality of fighting monsters. Regular humans, without the aid of skills and magic, were among the weakest creatures in the world. Even goblins, considered low-class monsters, were a formidable threat to them. "Focus," he told himself. "I can do this!" Refocusing on the task at hand, Haru quickly took out a small bag and jammed the goblin''s body into it. The bag had a sub-space feature that allowed him to store a certain amount of materials, making it perfect for his current situation. It was expensive and had cost him most of his Klador he borrowed but it was worth it. There was still time before the hunting group would return but he wasn''t going to dally. The guild request board had posted two subjugation quests. The first targeted a goblin camp led by an Elite goblin. It was the same camp he was facing now. The second focused on dire wolves. Both goblins and dire wolves were fiercely territorial, and not surprisingly, they were located within the same area of the forest. The two groups were rivals and Haru knew the dire wolves wouldn''t stray far from each other. Using the light of a crystal he bought, Haru soon found markings on the dire wolves and followed their tracks. Eventually, he reached a rocky area with a large cave in the distance. Wolf-like creatures rested at the cave''s mouth, guarding the entrance.
Race: Dire wolf Description: Ferocious quadrupeds known for their speed and brutality. They can dismember prey within seconds. Exposure to blood may trigger a frenzy. If they are hungry and catch your scent, escape is nearly impossible. Potential: EHaru set his plan into motion. He took out the goblin corpse and carefully cut it open, soaking his black pelt he had used to cloak himself. Once the cloak was saturated with the scent, he donned a mask resembling a goblin''s face. He then took out a a short bow and an arrow. Taking a deep breath, he nocked the arrow and released it. The arrow whistled through the air, drawing the wolves'' attention. One of the dire wolves snapped up and caught the arrow in its jaw before breaking it in half with a crunch. Haru remained calm; this was all part of his plan. He quickly retreated into the shadows back to the goblin camp. The other wolves rose and growled, seeking the source of the attack. Their enhanced senses picked up the scent of goblin blood. The wolves howled, alerting the rest of the pack. A massive wolf emerged from the den, three times the size of the others. Its black fur was as dark as night, and its teeth were as large as a baby''s head. It snarled, annoyed at being awakened. Even the other dire wolves seemed frightened by the massive beast. As soon as it caught the scent of goblin blood, it turned toward the direction where Haru had been moments before. Having fled immediately after releasing the arrow, Haru was unaware of the beast he had awakened. The gargantuan wolf pounced and quickly took to the trees, chasing the scent. It moved with incredible speed and agility, its powerful muscles propelling it forward as it tracked its prey. ¡ "SHIT! SHIT! SHIT!"
Minus StrengthHaru dodge-rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the creature as it landed with a heavy thud next to him. His heart raced as he faced the beast.
Race: Greater Ravager Description: An apex predator that will hunt its own kind if necessary. These wolves separate from their pack after their first successful hunt and challenge the Alphas of other packs to form their own Potential: B
World Knowledge Lv2Haru''s [World Knowledge] skill leveled up, allowing him to use examine on his targets. However, he had no time to process this information; he needed to act fast. "Why the hell are you even here?!" Haru turned and yelled in frustration. He couldn''t believe he had stumbled upon a Greater Ravager, a creature far stronger and deadlier than the dire wolves. If he had known the wolves had a Greater Ravager, he never would have taken on this mission. Despite his knowledge of the future and his past experiences, he knew he had no hope of dealing with the Greater Ravager alone. It would take a full party of high-tier C-rank adventurers to stand a chance against the Greater Ravager and the dire wolves. Even then, victory was far from guaranteed. Haru felt like crying but didn''t have the chance as the Ravager swiped its claws.
Minus StrengthThe Greater Ravager struck at Haru, its massive claws slicing through the air. He ducked at the last second, narrowly avoiding the deadly blow. The strike landed on the tree behind him, splintering it like shredded paper. Haru gritted his teeth and reached into his bag, pulling out his last resort. He had made extensive preparations, but he never expected to use this so soon. Retrieving out spherical item, he squeezed down until he heard a crack and threw it out. A blinding light filled the air, illuminating the space directly in front of the Greater Ravager. Its enhanced night vision was overwhelmed by the sudden burst of brightness, causing it to stagger back, growling in pain. As the dire wolves arrived, the Ravager, still struggling to regain its sight, communicated with them. Responding to its command, the dire wolves howled in confirmation and began their pursuit of Haru. The item Haru used was a single-use magic artifact infused with light magic. It was the second most expensive purchase he''d made, but it was a wise investment for situations like this. For nocturnal creatures like the dire wolves, the blinding light was a formidable countermeasure. Haru was grateful for his foresight. He sprinted with all his might, his heart pounding as the snarls of the dire wolves grew louder behind him. Finally, he spotted a familiar tree. Reaching into his bag, he retrieved a bone whistle. Bringing it to his lips, he blew, mimicking the cry of a goblin. He blew sharply three more times, the sound echoing through the forest. "Please reach..." he muttered, hoping the signal would carry far enough. Chapter 9 Playing Both Sides
Minus Strength
World Knowledge Lv2''Examine''
Greater Goblin Description: Physical Characteristics: Potential: Equipment: Rank:
Greater Ravager Description: Physical Characteristics: Potential: Rank:This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Minus Strength
Minus Strength
Minus StrengthGoblin [Minus Strength] Chapter 10 A wrong impression The morning light eventually peeked through the canopy, and the forest floor was littered with the corpses of goblins and dire wolves. The Greater Goblin and Greater Ravager had fought all night and were both exhausted. Either one would collapse at any moment. The Greater Ravager had a single dire wolf by its side, which lunged at the Greater Goblin. However, with a swift and powerful motion, the Greater Goblin took the dire wolf by the neck and snapped it. That distraction was enough for the Greater Ravager to snap its jaws at the Greater Goblin, who placed its arm in front to protect itself. The teeth sank all the way to the bone, but the Greater Goblin didn''t even wince in pain. Instead, it dug its remaining fingers between the Ravager''s teeth and, using its last ounce of strength, pried open its mouth with both hands. Giving it everything it had, the Greater Goblin ripped the Greater Ravager in half. The Greater Goblin dropped to its knees, utterly spent. The forest was silent, and only the haggard breaths of the victor could be heard. The Greater Goblin had emerged as the victor, and the Greater Ravager was no more.
Minus StrengthBefore the Greater Goblin could even react, a blade drove deep into its neck, reinforced by the mana stone in Haru''s hand. "Thanks for the assist. You did great. You can rest now," Haru said his final words. The Greater Goblin fell, its consciousness fading before finally dropping dead. Haru collapsed on the ground, the weary night of intense focus catching up to him. However, he suddenly felt like laughing and did so like no one was watching. He fell to the ground, placing his hands on his head as he relived the night through his mind. A well-needed rest was in the plans, but for now, he had to quickly do what he needed before the smell attracted other creatures and the dangerous monsters realized the territory was up for grabs. "Time to get to work," he said, taking out a butchering knife and began processing all the corpses. ¡ Back at the Adventurer''s Guild, the air was filled with boisterous laughter and lively conversation. As always, the smell of ale and roasted meat permeated the air. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Haru walked in, his clothes still covered in dirt and blood from his expedition. Unlike before, Haru now looked like just an average, run-of-the-mill adventurer, and so he did not garner any attention. He walked up to the front desk where Tanna was currently servicing another adventurer. "Have a good day!" she said as she finished and turned to the familiar face. "Oh, Haru! It''s been a couple of days. I was afraid we were never going to see you again!" Haru gave a small chuckle as he scratched his head. "What makes you say that?" "Because you pretty much left after receiving 1000 Kladors and didn''t even pick up any quests. After that, we didn''t hear from you at all. You basically disappeared from the city!" There was an underlying tone and a tense aura emanating from Tanna, which Haru chose to ignore as best he could. "Oh, that. Well, I''ve actually been busy completing some of the quests." You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Tanna looked a little surprised and asked, "What quests? I don''t remember issuing you anything yet." Haru gestured for her to wait a moment as he went to the guild board and tore off two subjugation quests. The two pages were presented in front of her, and she froze. "You''re not telling me you tried to complete these two quests on your own?" "Yeah. That''s not a problem, right? I believe subjugation quests are first come first serve, weren''t they?" "Yes¡ but these¡" Tanna''s voice trailed off as she looked down at the two subjugation quests in front of her. It was obvious that she thought Haru was lying. The quests were for the goblin camp of 30+ goblins, led by the Greater Goblin, and the 20+ dire wolves. The recommended requirement for both these quests was two full parties of high-tier C-rank adventurers or B-rank adventurers. Subjugation quests were not the favorite quests for adventurers due to the time and resources needed to prepare for them and the overall unpredictability of the quest. They were issued by the kingdom, and the rewards always started a bit low. At this time, the two quests had been on the wall for months, and they would either require the quests to offer more rewards or for them to turn into urgent quests, which automatically gave out high payment. "I think you might''ve given me the wrong posters¡" "No, they''re the right ones. I have proof¡ª" Just as he was about to empty his bag of holding, a drunk guild member happened to pass by and saw the two posters. He gave a boisterous laugh, "Were you trying to do a subjugation quest? Bro, aim high but don''t go straight for the stars or you''ll end up dead." The entire hall heard the news, and some chimed in. "These summoned, man. They really don''t know left from right." The hall filled with loud laughter, enough for the Guild Leader to suddenly exit his room to see what was happening. Becker appeared and saw Haru. With a smile, he laughed, "Ha, you''re back. I honestly thought you might''ve skipped out on us. Glad I was wrong about that!" However, he soon saw the two posters in front of Tanna. "These are?" he asked curiously. "He said he completed both the subjugation requests," Tanna replied. Becker frowned before turning to Haru. "Is this true?" he asked doubtfully and with a strange look. Haru nodded, a confident smile on his face. "I''ve brought proof," he said, reaching into his bag of holding. One by one, Haru began to take out the materials from the hunt. He pulled out freshly skinned wolf hides, sets of goblin ears, wolf fangs, and goblin teeth. The entire hall fell into silence as the adventurers stared at Haru in disbelief. Suddenly, several adventurers began yelling at him. "You dare sully the Adventurer''s Guild by pulling this crap!" one of them shouted. A beer cup flew through the air and landed by Haru''s feet, splashing liquid against his pants. The hall began to fill with angry chants of: "Kick him out!" Outrage filled the halls as they all repeated the same words. Even Tanna and Becker had sour expressions on their faces. "Haru, you should know, it''s against the rules to buy materials from the underground market in order to complete subjugation quests," Tanna said, her voice filled with concern. "If you''re found to do this, we have the right to confiscate your adventurer''s plaque and kick you out." Haru lifted his shoulders and gave a gesture like he didn''t know what to do. "You''ve really gotten me all wrong," he said, shaking his head. "What ever happened to being innocent until proven guilty?" "Are you trying to say you didn''t purchase these and actually retrieved them from those monsters yourself?" Becker asked, annoyed. Even now, he fully believed that Haru was lying. As guild leader, reputation was everything for the Adventurer''s Guild. The guild only worked because the citizens had trust in their abilities to do the hard work. Every adventurer took pride in their work, and they wouldn''t stand by if someone were to make a mockery of it. "That''s exactly what I''m saying," he replied. "I completed the quests, and I have the materials to prove it. I would never lie. I''m an adventurer, and I play by the rules."" "Are you willing to stake your adventurer''s plaque on that?" Becker asked seriously. "Sure thing. You can do whatever you want to prove it, I don''t mind." Haru gestured nonchalantly. Becker gave Tanna a look, and she immediately began to work analyzing the materials. She touched the wolf hide and began examining it. Her years as the guild receptionist, overseeing the materials gathered by adventurers, ensured there would be no mistake. "Oh, it''s still moist, clean cut, it''s fresh," she said with a hint of surprise. "The cuts are all similar, so it was definitely done by the same person." She moved on to the teeth, examining them with a critical eye. "These are all from the third molar, no cracks, residual gum lining is still present," she continued. "They''re all genuine." Chapter 11 Luck of a lifetime As she went down the line, the guild hall grew quieter as some of them wondered if Haru was really telling the truth. After carefully placing down the hide of a dire wolf, she took a moment to give her deliberation. "The materials were expertly butchered, and from the freshness of the material, I would say it was as recent as yesterday, give or take a day or so." "Yesterday?!" Becker repeated in disbelief. "Are you sure?" Tanna nodded. "Yes, I''m certain of it! Also, though there is damage to some of the materials, none of it seems to be from poor butchering job but more so from exterior attacks." She then traced around some markings on a particular wolf hide. "The marks here show damage from dull low grade weapons, commonly used by goblins." In that moment, everyone came to a similar conclusion. A territorial war had occurred! "My goodness, a territorial war actually happened between the goblins and the dire wolves?" an adventurer exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What a stroke of luck!" "Wait, I don''t get it," a newbie adventurer said, his voice filled with confusion. "What''s a territorial war?" A more seasoned adventurer explained, "It''s when two species enter into conflict with each other and fight to the death. Territorial wars don''t happen often, unless something happens to trigger them to take action. When they are caught in one, their primal instinct forces them to attack until only one side remains. There have been cases where someone had chanced upon the result of a territorial war between two species and they took the spoils and became rich enough to buy a place in the city." As the others discussed the implications of this discovery, Becker fell into thought. Tanna walked over to the last set of materials, her eyes wide with shock. The wolf hide was 3x larger than the rest and pitch black, and the goblin molar was several sizes larger than the other molars and had trace amounts of mana. She continued, "This isn''t a hide from a dire wolf, but from a Ravager and judging from the size and density, I believe it may have been a Greater Ravager." The shock to the adventurers could not be underestimated. A Greater Ravager was one of the more feared monsters in the kingdom, and even B-rank adventurers had difficulty dealing with it. It was so quick that it would pick off a party one by one, completely disorganizing the party. With a pack, the Greater Ravager was intelligent enough to give orders to disorient adventurer parties. Unless a high tier party went to deal with it, or at least an A rank adventurer was there, meeting a Greater Ravager was pretty much a death sentence. She then turned to the goblin molar and examined it carefully. After a few moments, she nodded in confirmation. "This is definitely a Greater Goblin''s molar," she said, her voice filled with certainty. "It is likely the same we were already aware about but there are trace amounts of mana emanating from it. I believe before it perished, it had likely already been a rank 4 monster." A breathe of air was sucked in as everyone realized the subjugation quest was already outdated. Had anyone actually attempted the quest, they would''ve been sorely regretting the moment they came across the Greater Goblin. Becker finally turned to Haru and said, "I believe you that you didn''t buy these materials from the underground market. Did you really chance upon a territorial war? Can you explain everything that happened?" Haru nodded and began to explain, sprinkling some truths with some lies. "Alright, it''s not that great of a story. I had been out hunting, and I happened to come across the corpses of some goblins and dire wolves. I followed the trail and noticed a territorial war between the goblins and dire wolves. At the center, a Greater Goblin was fighting a Greater Ravager. Their fight was intense, but neither side was willing to give up. Their battle lasted all night, but by the end, the Greater Goblin came out as the winner. It was heavily injured and was barely moving. I thought there was no better opportunity to stake it all and used my skill, [Minus Strength], to weaken it and take the opportunity to finish it off." Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. A sharp whistle came form the crowd while there were other''s who were jealously mumbling. Continuing, "After that, I thought it would be a waste to not collect the spoils of war, and so I quickly butchered the parts and cleaned up the materials." Everything he said made sense, no, it was the only thing that could make sense! He just so happen to come across a territorial war between the goblins and the dire wolves and happened to be at the right time right place to finish off the Greater Goblin and collect the spoils. It was a complete explanation with no holes anyone could poke holes into, at least, not one they could think of right this moment. There was silence followed by loud laughter as Becker placed a hand on Haru''s shoulder. "I really misjudged you! Sorry, about that. I''ve seen the truth of your character and I now see you are truly made to be an adventurer!" "It''s fine," Haru joined in the laughter. "I get it, adventurers are professionals and you wouldn''t want some greenhorn jerk trying skirt around the rules. If it was me, I would also be skeptical of someone claiming to have completed two subjugation quest by themselves. " The mood seemingly grew several times lighter. In that moment, the hatred for Haru disappeared, and what was replaced was pure jealousy at the ludicrous luck of a newbie. "Turning in a quest like this isn''t against the rules, right?" Haru turned to Tanna and asked. "No, luck is also part of being an adventurer and as you had witnessed it first hand as well as brought the materials as evidence, we can credit these quest to you." Tanna reassured him. "Unfortunately, due to the circumstances of how it was completed, we can only offer to add the completion rate to your record without actually upgrading your adventure rank." Haru nodded. "Sure, that''s fine." "In that case, I will fetch the reward money allotted to the subjugation quests. However. before that, would you be open to selling the materials you''ve collected and sell it to the guild?" Haru seemed to put some thought into it, making Tanna sweat a little. The materials were quite rare, especially the Greater Ravager hide, and it was a valuable opportunity for them to get their hands on such good quality materials. On the open market, they were about two to three times as expensive, and here, they would be able to make good armor that could sell for even more to other adventurers and help the Adventuring Guild overall. Losing this transaction would be quite a lost for the guild. Seeing her squirm a little, Haru give a light chuckle before ultimately agreeing, giving her a sigh of relief. Tanna began tallying the costs using an abacus to calculate the final cost. Everyone waited patiently as she came up with the final cost. "At the going rate, we are willing to offer 5,400 Klador for everything here," she said with a clear voice. "5,400 Klador!" The guild was filled with an eruption of excitement as everyone went mental over the giant windfall that the newbie Haru was getting after having just arrived a few days ago. "Damn, did he just use up all his luck of a lifetime in one day?!" one adventurer exclaimed. "What the heck, when is it my turn?" another adventurer asked jealously. "You think he has a girlfriend yet? He seems a bit inexperienced, maybe I have a shot," a third adventurer said, a sly smile on her face. Though they had money in their eyes, no one really had thoughts to outright steal it. There was pride being adventurers after all. "Is this amount acceptable?" Tanna asked. Haru nodded. She left briefly before coming back with a box filled with the amount said and more. "5,400 Klador plus the amount for the completion of the two subjugation quests comes out to a total of 8,700 Klador. You are welcomed to check if the amount is correct." This amount was truly astronomical with some never having seen so much. With that kind of money, you wouldn''t even need to work another day in your life and could spend the rest of your days in the capital city living the high life. Haru closed the box and the disappointment was immeasurable from the adventurers. He opened it again, and their eyes lit up again. ''They sure are simple people.'' Haru couldn''t help but chuckle. If there was one thing he wanted to make sure he did right in this life, it was making the right connections. Getting a few comrades on his side never hurt. He grabbed a handful of coins and placed them on the table, proclaiming loudly, "I feel like I''m now a part of this guild, and you''ve all been very welcoming. As thanks, tonight, order whatever you want, it''s on me. I hope we can work together even better in the future!" The place erupted into cheers. "We had you all wrong, you''re a great guy!" "All hail the newbie!" Becker grinned. "It seems the summons really are a strange bunch." He closed up the quest board and shouted, "Three cheers to our magnanimous sponsor!" "Hip Hip, Hurray!" Chapter 12 Less than SLAP The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Chapter 13 It was a joke The Guild hall buzzed with energy, laughter and cheers echoing through the space as adventurers reveled in their ale-fueled camaraderie. Haru, caught up in the festivities, accepted every toast, his laughter mingling with the crowd''s. It was the first time in years he had truly let go. Even among the other heroes, he had always kept his guard up, his true intentions hidden. Not that it mattered¡ªthey never cared for him anyway. Feeling flushed, he decided to take a break. As he sat down, a familiar voice reached him. "Mind if I join you?" Haru looked up to see Tanna, a playful smile on her face and a glass of ale in her hand. "Not at all." He gestured to the empty seat across from him. Tanna sat down with a curious look in her eyes. "Two subjugation quests in just a few days," she said, swirling her ale. "Not bad for a newcomer." Haru shrugged. "Just lucky, I suppose. Getting caught in a goblin-dire wolf turf war wasn''t the plan, but it worked out." "Lucky?" Tanna raised an eyebrow. "Venturing deep into the forest with only starter gear, stumbling on a territorial dispute, and coming out on top... that''s more than luck." She seemed to be probing for more. Haru gave a slight snicker as he met Tanna''s inquisitive gaze. "Maybe it''s because I''m actually from the future, and came back with knowledge of the future to live life better this time around." A beat of silence hung in the air as Tanna processed his words. Then, she burst into laughter. "I didn''t know you had such a sense of humor!" As she laughed, Haru narrowed his gaze. ''Now that I think about it, I don''t remember seeing her in my previous life either. The receptionist for this guild was someone completely different.''
World Knowledge Lv2Having leveled up [World Knowledge] previously, the details he could see had changed and more information that had previously been omitted now came to light.
Name: Tanna Lin Race: Human Gender: Female Occupation: Receptionist of the Adventurer''s Guild Crown City Branch Current Status: Healthy Age: 31''Examine''
Tanna Lin Description: Receptionist for the Adventurers Guild of the Crown Almighty Branch. She is proficient in the use of dual blades and utilizes aura. Once a high-ranking adventurer, she was once known for her exceptional combat skills and strategic mind. Physical Characteristics: (Height: 5''4") / (Weight: 113 lbs) / (Auburn hair, black eyes, lean frame) Potential: A Equipment: Duel Blades Rank: VIHaru performed a spit take. ''What the hell am I looking at?!'' Despite her unassuming appearance as a receptionist, Tanna''s stats painted a different picture. Humans or more accurately, beings of consciousness, could not be ranked the same way as monsters. Their adaptability, resourcefulness, and ability to utilize tools and strategies all culminated in vastly different results against different creatures. For instance, a full party of Rank B adventurers would have trouble facing off against a Rank 4 Ravager and might even lose. But given enough planning, strategy, and resources, even a Rank C group could emerge victorious. At a glance, one wouldn''t know exactly how strong Tanna was without actually looking at her skills. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Unfortunately, [World Knowledge] was not yet at a level that allowed him to see her skills. However, her ranks and potential already showcased her capabilities of a top-tier adventurer. At rank 6, the Greater Ravager and Greater Goblin wouldn''t stand a chance against her. Even at her current level, she was already considered one of the stronger adventurers. In the capital city of any kingdom, you might find only a dozen or so of individuals at her level, and those ranked higher were even rarer. For context, Lance, even before his regression, had only ever reached the esteemed rank of 8 according to [World Knowledge]. A Rank 9 being, at least in Haru''s experience, was unheard of in the current time¡ªeither they didn''t exist, or he simply hadn''t encountered one yet. The question now was, what was someone like her doing in a place like this, working as a receptionist? "Is something the matter?" Tanna inquired, her brow furrowed with concern as she observed Haru''s sudden change in demeanor. Haru coughed, attempting to regain his composure. "Ah, i-it''s nothing," he stammered, forcing a wry smile. "Just swallowed a bit too quickly." "Careful there," a voice chuckled from behind. "That might be your only glass left. You were generous to cover everyone''s drinks, but you may have underestimated how much alcohol adventurers can put away." A firm hand landed on Haru''s shoulder, and he turned to see Becker standing there, a wide grin splitting his face. "Guild Leader," Haru acknowledged. "Ha, who''s this respectful guy? What happened to the arrogant punk who strolled into my guild a couple of days ago?" Becker gave a helpless shake of his head before laughing it off. "Just Becker is fine, lad. ''Guild Leader'' is only for on-the-job hours." He pulled up a chair and joined them at the table. Haru returned a smile. "I''m not worried about the drinks. I can always just add more to the drink fund." "Generous with your earnings, aren''t you?" Becker chuckled. "Careful not to spend it all in one place. Crown City is notorious for lightening the bags of those with lots of money." "That''s not it," Haru explained. "I believe in building relationships with the people I work with. A few rounds of drinks today might just earn me a favor down the line. In my eyes, it''s a worthwhile investment." Becker''s eyes sharpened. "You''re a pretty interesting fella, you know that. Ever since you stepped in, it seems like you knew exactly what you wanted and didn''t take no for an answer. Tell me, is it arrogance or sheer confidence that fuels your actions?" The question echoed Tanna''s earlier questions, prompting a knowing glance between the two. Haru, however, simply shrugged and took a swig of his ale, leaving the answer hanging in the air. Sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere, Tanna smoothly interjected. "Speaking of investments," she began with a coy smile, "Mr. Yoma has responded with great interest in the design of Haru''s clothes. He''s even offered to purchase exclusive rights for its sale and marketing, along with a generous advance of 200 Klador to study the materials used." She paused, her gaze flickering between Haru and Becker. "We''re still negotiating the percentage share, but rest assured, it seems the loan Haru received will be repaid without any issues." Becker let out a sigh of relief. "That''s good to hear. I must admit, I was starting to wonder what would happen if the deal fell through. I even thought about hunting you down if you really fled." He laughed loudly. Haru smiled but kept quiet as he drank from his glass. As Tanna continued with the details, Haru side-eyed Becker and used [World Knowledge] again.
Name: Hidden (insufficient level) / Alias: Becker Zoller Race: Hidden (insufficient level) Gender: Male Occupation: Guild Leader for the Adventurers Guild of the Crown Almighty Branch Current Status: Healthy Age: 34''Everything''s still hidden despite leveling up [World Knowledge]? Only a powerful artifact would be capable of preventing me from seeing his stats. Who is he really? '' As Haru drifted into thought. Just as he was about to use [Examine] on him, Becker suddenly broke the silence. "What are you planning to do next?" Perhaps due to the alcohol or his deep contemplation, Haru answered bluntly. "I''ll probably head off to make some more money before going to the underground slave market." A sudden hush fell over the guild hall. The chatter and clinking glasses stopped. Haru snapped back to reality, eyes darting around in confusion. "What happened?" he asked, but the room remained silent. Every eye was on him. He turned to Tanna, seeking an explanation, but found only disgust on her face. Beside him, Becker''s joyful demeanor had vanished, replaced by a cold, menacing stare. "What did you say?" Becker''s voice was low and dangerous, his earlier warmth gone. "Uh¡ joke, it was just a joke. What I meant was¡ª" Before Haru could finish, Becker''s hand shot out, gripping his clothes with a vice-like hold. Becker lifted him effortlessly and hurled him through the air. Haru crashed through a window, glass shattering around him as he tumbled onto the cobblestone street. Becker appeared at the guild entrance, his towering figure casting a long shadow over Haru. His voice, cold and furious, echoed through the night. "Don''t ever show your face here again. If I see you again..." His hand clenched, the doorframe groaning and splintering under his grip. With a final, resounding slam, the door shut, leaving Haru alone and bewildered on the deserted street. In that moment, he had only one thought: "WHAT THE HECK?!" Chapter 14 A turn of face Destiny of the Hero This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ''I can''t believe my luck. Securing miss Money Bag''s support willmake this journey to be hero a lot easier. Even if this hero business doesn''t pan out I can always fall back on my lovely princess and my rich kingly step dad!'' Destiny of the Hero What the hell kind of freak did I run into? Chapter 15 Three Kladi please The first rays of dawn struggled to pierce the thick, cold mist clinging to the landscape. An endless line of merchant carriages snaked through the gloom, the rhythmic thud of hooves and creak of wheels breaking the silence. This was the Union caravan, a collective of merchants who traveled together for safety and efficiency as they transported their wares across kingdoms.When space allowed, the caravans offered passage to travelers for a modest fee, filling their otherwise empty carriages with adventurers seeking new horizons or common folk journeying to distant towns. At the tail end of this procession, a carriage rumbled along, carrying a diverse group of passengers. Some had the weathered look of seasoned adventurers, while others appeared to be ordinary people on personal journeys. In one corner, huddled beneath a thin, ragged blanket, sat Haru. "Ahhchooo!" Haru sniffled, pulling the thin blanket tighter around his shoulders as a shiver wracked his body. "Dammit, why is it so cold," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably. His usual clothes were gone, replaced by rough, ill-fitting garments already showing signs of wear. He looked no better than a common beggar, a far cry from... well, from what exactly? Two weeks had passed since the guild fiasco, and Haru still couldn''t wrap his head around it. What exactly did he say to piss off Becker and the others so badly? Everyone knew the Kingdom of Crown Almighty was swimming in slaves. It wasn''t a secret. Crown City straight up ran on slave labor, and the whole kingdom was number one in the slave trade out of all the Seven Human Kingdoms. They even had slave auctions every other week, right out in the open like it was no big deal. Even kids knew about slaves here. Noble brats had them like toys. It wasn''t taboo; it was just how things were. So what the hell did he say that was so bad? Getting kicked out of the guild stung, no doubt, but Haru wasn''t one to wallow. He''d burned that bridge, true, but the Kingdom of Cranch awaited, and with it, the chance to unleash his master plan to make money. His secret weapon? A miracle elixir unlike anything the World of Kladin had ever seen. There was just one tiny problem: his alchemy skills were pretty much non existent. Turns out, even with cheap components, botching a potion hundreds of times puts a serious dent in your funds. By the time he finally brewed a successful batch, his funds had been seriously drained. He was too broke to use the mana infused teleporters that could''ve zapped him straight to the Kingdom of Cranch. "No biggie," he thought. "I''ll just take a carriage. It''ll take longer, but hey, more time to work on my magic circuit." Oh, how wrong he was. The journey wasn''t a straight shot, riddled with unexpected stops and ever-increasing travel costs. Haru''s funds dwindled fast. Attempted to keep his head up high, he figured he''d pick up some quests from the local guild branches along the way. Oh, the naivete. Stepping into the first guild branch, Haru was slammed with a harsh lesson in the economics of adventuring. Every F-rank quest board was practically bare, picked clean by the ravenous hordes of low-level adventurers. Higher-ranked quests were off-limits, and his pleas for a loan were met with laughter and ridicule. For the first time since regressing, Haru realized he had underestimated adventurers. Making money was hard, and F-rank quests offered a pittance, often not enough to survive. The caravan? They didn''t care about his sob story. No money, no ride. With his options dwindling faster than his funds, Haru had to sell off his mana stones he had bought to finish up his magic circuit and even his gear just to keep his spot on the carriage. Two weeks later, he was practically a pauper. The only thing keeping him from starving was the jerky he made from that wolf meat way back when. "We''re approaching the border of the Kingdom of Cranch! Anyone getting off, do so now. This caravan''s heading to Thalassa after this." Haru clambered out of the carriage, the only passenger disembarking at this desolate outpost. The caravans wasted no time in leaving, eager to put distance between themselves and this border. It wasn''t a surprise. At this time, the Kingdom of Cranch was wrestling with a nasty plague, and nobody wanted to get caught in the middle of it. Haru trudged onward, his open-toe flip-flops kicking up dust on the barren path. In the distance, a village emerged from the hazy horizon. There were no guards at the entrance, and as he stepped into the eerily quiet streets, it became clear why. The place was practically deserted, or at least seemed to be. The few villagers who could be seen scurried away at the sight of him, while others slammed their shutters closed, their faces showing disdain towards him. The plague''s grip was relentless, reaching even the most remote corners of the Kingdom of Cranch, including this far off village. Haru knew this land was living on borrowed time. His stomach rumbled, reminding him of his empty belly. He took out another stick of wolf jerky, only to retch at the smell. Weeks of this dried-out meat had pushed his tolerance to its limit. The mere scent was enough to churn his stomach. He checked his pouch. Three measly copper Kladi. It was the smallest denomination used within the seven kingdoms. A single Klador was worth a thousand of these copper pieces ¨C and wouldn''t even buy him a cup of hot milk tea. Setting up shop here hadn''t been the plan, but desperate times called for desperate measures. "Just enough for a decent meal and a ride to the next town," he muttered. "Then I''m out of here." Haru spread out his worn blanket, the same one that had shielded him from the weeks of chilly nights, and carefully arranged his wares. Two dozen small, unassuming bottles filled with his precious potion were lined up. In front, a hastily scribbled sign propped up behind them. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. He cleared his throat and bellowed his carefully crafted slogan: "Miracle Cure for sale! It will heal you of your problems and provide you with half a day''s worth of energy for the low, low price of three Kladi!" He shouted for close to half an hour. Silence. Not a single soul approached. Haru scratched his head, bewildered. Was it the price? He''d deliberately kept it low, considering the villagers'' likely meager means. Just as doubt began to creep in, a horse-drawn carriage rolled to a stop before him. The driver, a man with a shrewd glint in his eyes, surveyed Haru''s setup and shook his head. "Listen, kid, take it from someone who''s been around the block," the man began with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. "You gotta up your game. This whole presentation screams ''amateur hour.'' Invest in a proper stall, ditch those cheap bottles¡ªnobody''s gonna buy a miracle cure that looks like swamp water. Check this out." He tossed a shimmering glass bottle to Haru, its surface adorned with delicate gold speckles. It practically radiated luxury. "See? That''s how you grab attention. Perception is everything. Hire a few shills to blend in with the crowd, pick one for a dramatic ''before and after'' demo. And one last thing¡ªditch this backwater village. Head for the capital, that''s where the real money is. But hurry, the king''s cracking down on folks like us. Shame, really. But hey, I''ve already made my fortune, so I don''t have to worry anymore," he laughed. Haru''s jaw dropped as realization dawned on him. "Wait a minute, my product isn''t fake!" "Riiight, you and me both." The man just winked and chuckled, clearly not taking him seriously. A vein throbbed on Haru''s forehead. "I''m serious! This stuff actually cures the disease! It even increases endurance and wipes away fatigue! Don''t you dare compare it to your snake oil!" "Haha, young ones these days, so passionate," the man mused, still amused. "Well, take my advice or leave it. Me? I''m off to my new villa to enjoy my retirement. Tata!" The carriage rolled away, leaving Haru fuming. He chucked the fancy bottle after it, missing by a mile. "Damn bastard," he growled, "calling my stuff fake..." Just as Haru''s frustration reached its peak, a voice piped up from behind him. "Excuse me, mister... does your cure really work?" He spun around, excitement bubbling up. "Of course it works! I made it myself, and it¡ª" His words caught in his throat as he saw the source of the voice. A young boy, no older than six or seven, stood before him. The telltale signs of the Cranch plague were etched onto his frail body¡ªsevere purple rashes and sores covered his skin, taking hold of more than 70% of his body. The boy was painfully thin, his eyes slightly sunken in. Haru furrowed his brown. He knelt down to get a closer look.
World Knowledge Lv2
Name: Oliva Shu Race: Human Gender: male Occupation: None Current Status: Critically Ill Age: 7The boy''s small hand extended towards Haru, offering a meager sum of three copper Kladi. His voice was barely a whisper, "Is this enough?" Haru''s gaze softened. He understood why his initial attempts to attract customers had failed. The villagers had been burned before, their hopes dashed by countless charlatans peddling false promises and useless concoctions, all for a quick buck. Desperation made fools of them all. The memories flooded back, vivid and haunting. Haru could recall the devastation that had gripped the Kingdom of Cranch during his previous life. The plague, born from their poisoned water source, had swept through the land like a merciless storm. The images of the afflicted, their bodies ravaged by disease and malnourished to the point of being just bones, would be forever etched into his mind. Looking at the young boy before him, Haru felt a pang of sorrow. This was just the beginning. The plague would get progressively worse in time. Coming here wasn''t just to satisfy his need for money, but to alleviate the problem as well. The Kingdom of Cranch was an important tool to help him achieve his dreams in the future. He was going to kill two birds with one stone. Three kladi was what Haru was willing to sell the cure at and he would still be selling at a lost, but three copper kladi wouldn''t even cover the cost of the bottle. Perhaps the child didn''t know the difference, or perhaps desperation had driven him to try. Whatever the case, Haru accepted the meager offering without hesitation. "That''s just enough," Haru said with a gentle smile, placing a bottle into the boy''s outstretched hand. The boy''s face lit up. "Thank you, mister! I hope Momma gets better now." Haru''s smile faltered. "This isn''t for you?" The boy shook his head, his eyes downcast. "Momma''s been in bed for three days. She hasn''t opened her eyes, and her skin is all purple. I-I..." Tears welled up in his eyes. "I want to see Momma smile again... Mister, will she be okay if I give her this?" Haru rested a comforting hand on the boy''s head. "She''ll be okay," he promised, offering a reassuring smile. The boy wiped his tears and thanked Haru, but Haru wasn''t finished. "Hold on, actually. I''m currently running a special promotion. Every purchase of my miracle cure also includes a free stick of wolf meat! Since you''re my first customer, you also get a second bottle absolutely free!" The boy''s eyes widened as Haru piled the items into his arms. "Are you really giving all of these to me?" he asked hesitantly. Haru nodded. "But I''m afraid you might be too weak to carry them all. How about you drink one first? That way, you can show your mother how effective the cure is." The boy didn''t hesitate for a second. He trusted Haru completely. Under Haru¡¯s watchful eye, the boy uncorked a bottle and drank its contents. The effect was instantaneous. The sores on his skin began to fade, retreating like shadows before the sun. Within moments, his skin was clear, the blemishes vanishing without a trace. "Waaaaaa..." The boy stared at his arms and legs in amazement. "Mister, your potion is incredible!" Haru smiled warmly. "How do you feel?" "Amazing! Mister, you''re like a Hero! I need to get this to mommy right away!" The boy, energized by newfound hope and perhaps the potion''s effects, dashed off towards his home. Haru watched him go, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. Suddenly, a man emerged, having seen everything that had taken place as he was making his way home. His skin was marred by the telltale purple spots of the Cranch plague. He had witnessed the boy''s miraculous recovery and wasted no time slamming three copper Kladi onto Haru''s makeshift table. "Give me one too," the man demanded, his voice raspy. "No, wai-" Haru stopped himself from continuing his words. He had only accepted the kid''s price because he felt bad. His original price of three Kladi. At three copper Kladi, they would basically be robbing him. He needed to charge more, but then again, attracting more customers was crucial at the moment. He handed over a bottle, a new strategy forming in his mind. "Don''t forget to tell people where you got this," he said with a sly smile. These words would immediately be his regret. "Also, don''t forget to mention the price from now on will be three Klad¡ª" The man wasn''t even listening as he downed the contents. Chapter 16 Just as planned The man tipped the bottle back, gulping down the contents of the bottle. Almost immediately, the purple sores on his skin began to fade. He gasped, feeling a surge of energy coursing through his body. "It works... IT WORKS!" he roared with elation. Ignoring Haru completely, he sprinted through the village, his joyous shouts echoing through the streets. "He has the cure! The cure for the plague! Only three copper Kladi, and you even get a stick of dried wolf meat!" Haru blinked, caught off guard by the man''s inaccurate advertisement. "Wait, no, it''s three Kladi..." "Wait, is that the cobbler?" The villagers, initially hesitant, began to take notice. "Hey, look! The spots on his skin are almost gone!" This wasn''t like those times when charlatans used some ''random passerby'' to hawk their wares. This was someone from their own village that they knew! Word spread like wildfire through the small village. People who had accepted their fate and been confined to their homes now poured into the streets, their eyes filled with hope in the first time in forever. They practically threw their coins at Haru, eager to get their hands on the miracle cure. Haru''s face twitched as he surveyed the growing crowd. The temptation to pack up and leave was strong, but now that they were all here, he found himself stuck in place. He was selfish, sure. But was he heartless? Surely not. In fact, none of them looked like they even had the money to pay the 3 Kladi he wanted. They looked at him as their savior and he didn''t have the heart to tear away from it now. He knew the fate that awaited the Kingdom of Cranch. Among the seven kingdoms of Kladin, Cranch wasn''t the poorest, but that was before they were hit with this plague. Its resources were stretched thin as the monarch tried its best to keep everyone alive. The fear, the despair, the countless lives lost¡ªit had left a deep scar on his soul. A bitter memory surfaced. In the past, when he was still fresh and naive, he had yearned to help alleviate the suffering of Cranch. Using his [World Knowledge], he identified the plague and tirelessly researched potential remedies. After countless attempts and sleepless nights, he discovered the cure that could save the people. Naively, he entrusted the formula to the Princess of Crown Almighty, believing they would use it to aid their ally kingdom. Instead, they hoarded the remedy, exploiting its additional effect of enhancing stamina and endurance for their own gain. The royals had turned his life-saving cure into a luxury commodity, monopolizing the ingredients and selling it at exorbitant prices to nobles and knights of other kingdoms. They had used it as a training potion, serving only to bolster their own forces. The very people who desperately needed the cure were left to choose between financial ruin or succumbing to the plague. It was likely around then that his disillusionment with the royals, and those in authority, reached its peak. He saw the inherent flaws in the system, the way it perpetuated inequality and suffering. It was worse than where he came from! Those summoned alongside him had also turned to see things from the perspective of those in power. The world was corrupt and a complete clusterfuck and he wanted no part of it! "Screw it," Haru muttered to himself, "I''ll help these people now and deal with the consequences later. I said I would live my life the way I want to, and I will. It''ll all work out in the end!" Before he could talk himself out of it, he emptied his pack, laying out his remaining potions and dried meat. As the day wore on, the crowd swelled. News of the miraculous cure had reached those confined to their homes, and even in excruciating pain, many villagers ventured out to purchase the miracle cure. The smiles and heartfelt gratitude directed at him was¡ intoxicating. His hands moved without even knowing what was happening. By the time the last customer departed, the sun was already setting, and a biting chill settled over the village. Haru surveyed his earnings: a bulging bag of copper Kladi, roughly equivalent to eight silver. His meat stock was gone, but most importantly, his elixers that he had painstakingly created were down to his last three bottles. The stupor he was in halted and he was left with the stark realization of what had happened. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "What have I done?" he thought, panic rising in his chest. "My plan was to sell the cure throughout the Cranch Kingdom, attracting the attention of the royals. I only have three bottles left¡ Does news even travel from this remote village?" Anxiety gnawed at Haru as the reality of his situation sank in. His initial strategy was to spread the cure far and wide, earning an invitation from the monarch to the capital. There, he would sell the recipe, leveraging his position to make demands and secure his future. He was stranded in a backwater village, pockets full of near-worthless copper Kladi and only three potions left. It wouldn''t even get him to the capital. The truth was inescapable¡ he was a terrible businessman. Just as despair began to overwhelm him, the sound of hooves broke through his thoughts. Several knights on horseback rode into the village, led by a captain clad in gleaming armor. "Sir traveler," the captain addressed him with reverence, "might I inquire if you are the one who has provided the villagers with this miraculous cure that alleviated the symptoms of the plague?" He held out a bottle identical to those Haru had been distributing. Haru corrected him. "It didn''t alleviate them. They are cured." A collective gasp arose from the knights. They dismounted and immediately knelt before Haru. "Then it is true," the captain exclaimed. "Word has reached the capital of the exalted one''s miraculous cure and the king himself was informed. We have come with haste at his majesty''s behest. The king formally invites Mister..." Haru answered with a grin. "Call me Rex." "Mister Rex," the captain continued, "Would you do us the honor of accompanying us to the capital?" "I''m quite busy but I suppose I can go if the king is inviting me," Haru replied, feigning reluctance. "But I am famished from my travels. I would like to eat something first... and no wolf, please." "O-Of course, Mister Rex," the captain assured him. "The Kingdom of Cranch offers many delicacies, none of which include wolf meat. We shall utilize the kingdom''s teleportation stations to swiftly transport you to the capital, where you may dine to your heart''s content." Haru suppressed a triumphant grin as he gathered his belongings. Everything was falling into place¡ j-just as he had planned. ¡ Haru was stuffing his face like there was no tomorrow. Roasted duck, fancy salads, desserts that would make your grandma jealous¡ªthe Cranch castle''s dining hall had it all. Sure, a big bowl of rice would''ve made it perfect, but hey, beggars can''t be choosers, right? Suddenly, a voice boomed through the hall, "Presenting His Royal Majesty, King Cranch, and the young princes!" The massive oak doors swung open, revealing not one, but three figures. King Cranch strode in first, his broad shoulders and commanding presence filling the doorway. A thick, well-groomed mustache flowed into a beard, framing a face etched with the hardships of a life lived, rather than the pampering one might expect of a king. The telltale marks of the Cranch plague marred his skin. Yet, his eyes, when they landed on Haru, held a spark of hope. Behind him trailed two boys, princes born into royalty and bearing themselves as such. The elder, especially, exuded an air of noble grace, a differing aura to that of his father. Haru immediately activated [World Knowledge] as he scanned the family.
World Knowledge Lv2
Name: Aldric Norwell Race: Human Gender: Male Occupation: King of the kingdom of Cranch Current Status: Moderately Ill (afflicted with disease) Age: 49''Examine''
Aldric Norwell Description: Aldric Norwell, the reigning monarch of Cranch, carries himself less like a king and more like a seasoned warrior. Once a renowned adventurer whose name resonated throughout the kingdom, he had once been part of a legendary S-rank party, famed for their daring exploits and famous monster takedowns. Though he has long since traded his adventuring gear for the mantle of leadership, the aura of a seasoned swordsman still clings to him. Physical Characteristics: (Height: 6''2") / (Weight: 210 lbs) / (black hair, blue-grey eyes, robust frame) Potential: A+ Equipment: Royal Sword of Cranch Rank: VIIIHaru almost caused a repeat of when he saw the stats for Tanna, the receptionist. It was another hidden powerhouse that caught him by surprise. ''Damn, are there just top tier ex-adventurers everywhere?'' He had never met the King of Cranch as the kingdom had already fell before the heroes even travelled here. After that, he wasn''t sure what happened to the royals of Cranch. He decided to play it cool for now. Continuing, he moved on to the princes.
Name: Cael Cranch Race: Human Gender: Male Occupation: 1st prince of the kingdom of Cranch Current Status: Moderately Ill Age: 15
Name: Elric Cranch Race: Human Gender: Male Occupation: 1st prince of the kingdom of Cranch Current Status: Moderately Ill Age: 9The king turned to the guards in the room and proceeded to tell everyone to leave the room, leaving only himself, the princes, and Haru to discuss what happens next. Chapter 17 A meeting gone awry? This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Chapter 18 Admiration ''make a kingdom''? This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Chapter 19 Further Discussions The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Chapter 20 Arrest the Lord Regent! "My King, I apologize. I tried to inform the Lord Regent you were in an important meeting, but¡ª" Aldric lifted a hand. "It''s fine. You can return to your station." "Yes!" The guard bowed and returned to his post. "Your Majesty," Magnus began, "Why was I not informed about this particular meeting? As the royal advisor, I must say I''m deeply troubled by such actions." "It was my decision," Cael interjected. Magnus shot a snide side glance at Cael before turning his attention to Haru, then back to the king. "Your Majesty, I think it is about time you told me what has been going on. For the continued survival of the kingdom and in honor of the late queen, I must be consulted in all affairs!" Aldric tried to calm Magnus with a short laugh. "Now, now, we didn''t mean anything by it. We heard of a traveler visiting the outskirts of the kingdom who happens to know of a cure to our current plight. We invited Mr. Rex here to discuss the potential remedy." "Your Majesty!" Magnus exclaimed in shock. "Surely, you have not again fallen for another charlatan?!" Aldric turned to Haru and apologized. "The Lord Regent is simply cautious of the kingdom''s affairs. I hope Mr. Rex can be understanding." He then turned back to Magnus. "Magnus, this time, you are mistaken. The cure is real. Look at Elric." He gestured for his youngest son to step forward, revealing his clear skin, free of the rashes synonymous with the disease. Magnus narrowed his eyes in surprise as his hands navigated to find a spot on Elric only to come up empty-handed. He turned to Haru and asked a bit more reservedly, "Are you from the Alchemist Association?" "No, just a wandering traveler," Haru answered. "Hmph, Your Majesty, I''m afraid you have fallen to the deception of another trickster," Magnus said. "What do you mean? Elric is clearly cured," Aldric replied. Magnus''s expression hardened, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Your Majesty, appearances can be deceiving. There are many ways to fabricate temporary reliefs that mimic cures. Without the rigorous testing and approval of the Alchemist Association, we cannot trust this so-called remedy. This traveler could be a skilled charlatan, preying on our desperation for his own gain." Cael who had heard his words began to argue. "You are being rude to our guest. The evidence is right before us. How can you explain Elric''s recovery if this is all a deception?" "I''m afraid the prince is simply too young and doesn''t understand the complexities of the real world," Magnus said, leaning in closer, his voice earnest but insidious. "My King, there are many who would seek to take advantage of our current plight. We must remain vigilant. I implore you to let our own alchemists examine this ''cure'' thoroughly before placing our trust in it. The prince is still too young to handle such matters. As not only your trusted advisor but also yours and queen Lysandra''s longtime friend, allow me to oversee these duties for now. We cannot afford to be careless. " Aldric looked between Magnus, Cael, and Haru, uncertainty clouding his eyes. Cael was his own son, whom he had long planned to have succeed him, yet Magnus was a longtime friend who had been with him even before Cael was born. Magnus, perhaps believing the king would trust his words implicitly, scowled as he saw Aldric hesitate. It had never been like this before. Something was different. Spotting the two vials on the table, Magnus suddenly devised a plan to steer things back his way. He stood above Haru and asked, "Are these the so called cure? This is a simple way to resolve the matter. Relinquish the cure for examination. If I''m wrong, I will simply give our savior here a formal apology." As he reached for the vial, Haru''s hand shot out and caught his arm. "Is something the matter?" Magnus asked with a coy look. Haru stared at Magnus with unrelenting eyes. "Those aren''t for you." "Oh, are you worried I might find something I shouldn''t?" Before making a move, Haru made sure who he was dealing with.
World Knowledge Lv2
Name: Magnus Lugus Race: Human Gender: Male Occupation: Regent under the crown of the kingdom of Cranch Current Status: Healthy Age: 53 If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.''Healthy?'''' Haru''s brow lifted slightly. ''Examine''
Magnus Lugus Description: Magnus Lugus, holding the title of Lord Regent, oversees the administration of Cranch in the absence of the monarch. Born of noble blood, he once belonged to a renowned A-rank adventuring party. As a highly skilled magic user, Magnus ranks among the top spellcasters in the kingdom of man. Physical Characteristics: (Height: 6'') / (Weight: 188 lbs) / (White greying hair, brown eyes, trimmed beard, medium sized frame) Potential: B Equipment: Finely crafted mystic cane Rank: VII+It was a similar description to the king and it was easy enough to assume that they had been part of the same party during their younger years. However, what really took Haru by surprise was that the Lord Regent current status was healthy. Was there truly someone within the kingdom of Cranch who wasn''t afflicted by the plague? And if so, why was the tell tale sign of the plague on his face then? A familiar scent suddenly snagged his attention. Without a second thought, he brought the Lord Regent''s hand closer and inhaled the scent deeply. Lilac and vanilla, with a slight undertone that couldn''t be mistaken from a woman he knew from his past. The Lord Regent immediate pulled his hand back with a slight look of disgust. "What are you doing?!" he asked, annoyed. Haru''s smile was slow, making it all the more eerie. "You smell like her." "Wha-what are you talking about?" Magnus took a step back, feeling uncomfortable. Haru proceeded to laugh as he leaned forward. "I knew she had her claws deep in this kingdom, but I never expected her top pawn to be right in front of me. I''m relieved, though. I don''t have the time to root out all of her puppets, but at least the most important one is here." Haru wasn''t making a lick of sense, at least, not for those currently observing him. "Mr. Rex, what''s going on?" The King asked. "What else could it be but the end of his charade?" Magnus seethed angrily. "He knows his lies have caught up and is trying to confuse us with nonsense. We must detain him immediately. Once our alchemist examines the evidence, we''ll know the truth for sure and we can move on to implementing actual plans to revitalize the kingdom instead of blindly trusting these charlatans! Guards, come in and detain the charalatan!" The door opened and guards rushed in as they circled around Haru. However, Cael had been observing the interaction from the start and sensed that something was off. From his brief conversations with Haru, one thing had become clear: Haru was not someone easily understood or categorized. If there was one thing Cael had learned from their exchanges, it was that Haru operated beyond conventional logic, and Cael was curious to uncover what it was that Haru was getting at. Haru turned to the Lord Regent and said, "Do you remember when I said there are those who seek to destroy the kingdom of Cranch? What would you say if I told you right now, in this room, is one of the main perpetrators that wish to see Cranch destroyed?" The room went into a stunned silence as they all turned to the Lord Regent. There was, after all, only one person who he could be talking about. A vein popped on Magnus'' forehead as he pointed an accusatory finger at Haru. "Y-You dare make such accusations! You''ve been acting suspicious since the moment I arrived. If anyone''s a spy here, it''s you!" The king, clearly unsettled, tried to diffuse the situation. "Mr. Rex, I can assure you that Magnus would never act against the interests of the kingdom. I''ve known him for most of my life, and we''ve faced more than one life-or-death situation together during our years as adventurers. I can personally vouch for his character." Magnus offered a smug smirk at the king''s endorsement as he turned to the captain. "Well, captain, I thought I said to detain this man." The Captain of the guard had hesitated the moment he came in. He was the same one who had escorted Haru all the way here and knew first hand of the amazing cure which could save their people and now he was being ordered to detain him. His eyes shifted to the prince. Though he was a man who always listened to the orders of his superiors, there were times when even he had to question his orders. He needed confirmation from the prince or the king. "Hold on," the prince said, turning back to Haru. "Do you have anything to say?" Haru leaned in, his brows narrowing. "I can offer you one piece of advice. Beyond the plague, the kingdom''s downfall has been meticulously orchestrated. The isolation, the constant sabotage, even the queen''s death¡ªnone of it was random. Nothing will change until you rid yourselves of her puppet and take away the knife that''s currently aimed at your back." The accusation was heavy. Haru was directly implicating the Lord Regent in the death of the late queen and everything else that has been happening. "He lies! I am the Lord Regent, a trusted advisor to the king and queen for over two decades. I''ve never betrayed the kingdom, and to accuse me of orchestrating the queen''s death...!" Magnus''s voice shook with indignation as he turned to the king. "Aldric, why are you letting this man poison your son''s mind? You must act now and detain him before he corrupts the young prince further!" His face flushed with anger, he pointed to the guards. "Arrest him, now!" Some guards moved toward Haru, but before the captain could tell them to hold, Cael stepped forward. "Stop!" The guards stopped. "Do you have any proof to what you are saying?" Cael asked. Haru spoke with a calmly. "Proof? I have none but my own words. However, I trust you''re smart enough to have already drawn your own conclusions. You''ve made good plans, but why haven''t you implemented them? It''s been frustrating, hasn''t it? Watching as the kingdom you cherish slowly crumble. And the plague¡ªit''s a slow-acting disease. It doesn''t become lethal until it covers more than half of the body. You already know the answer, don''t you?" Haru remained silent as Cael clenched his fists. His words struck a chord, resonating deeply with the young prince. Cael, born to one of the greatest adventurers and the former princess of Cranch, was expected to excel in politics and management. Yet, time and again, the Lord Regent had been there to stifle his growth. Especially after the Queen mother''s death, the Lord Regent had consistently undermined Cael''s efforts to save the kingdom. With his wife gone, the king often leaned heavily on the Lord Regent for counsel. There had been many suspicions aligning with Haru''s revelations, but more pressing matters had always diverted Cael''s attention. Now, he couldn''t shake the thought¡ªcould it be true that his mother''s death wasn''t solely due to the plague and the kingdom''s burdens? Gritting his teeth, Cael reflected on Haru''s unexpected appearance in their time of need¡ªa hand reaching from the shadows. It had come out of nowhere, and yet, he felt if he didn''t grasp it, his world would be swallowed by the abyss. In an instant, he made a decision. Turning to the captain, he commanded firmly, "Apprehend the Lord Regent! He will be investigated and held in prison until further notice!" Chapter 21 a Heavy Explanation This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Minus Strength Lv 2
World Knowledge Lv3Chapter 23 The Whirlwind of Cranch
World Knowledge Lv3The timing couldn¡¯t have been better. [World Knowledge] had leveled up, and with it came a new function. During his journey to Cranch, Haru never stopped using the skill, pushing it to its limits whenever his mana allowed. He had learned that the more a summoned skill was used, the stronger it became. Now, at level 3, he could finally see the vulnerabilities of whatever he analyzed. He focused on the freshly transformed humanoids, his gaze narrowing as the information unfolded before him.
Name: Huxely Gray Race: Transfigured Human Gender: N/A Occupation: N/A Current Status: Infected with Demonic Seed Age: N/AThe details weren''t surprising. [World Knowledge] functioned like an encyclopedia, providing detailed information on the subject he focused on¡ªthough it was far from complete. Haru had often wondered how the skills of the summoned came into existence, how they manifested differently for each individual. But, realizing the futility of such questions, he pushed them to the back of his mind. The workings of [World Knowledge] were an enigma. What he did know was that the skill''s name was no exaggeration. It held information on nearly everything in this world¡ªeverything that existed when he first arrived. However, things created after his arrival, or those not part of the natural world, remained a mystery, as they hadn¡¯t yet been recorded into [World Knowledge]. There were times when the skill proved useless, particularly with their fights with the demons. During those times, he often had to fill in the gaps manually. Thankfully, [World Knowledge] wasn''t a skill with Incalculable potential for no reason. At Level 3, he could manipulate his skill to affect what he sees.
World Knowledge Lv3
Transfigured Human Description: N/A ¡ª¡ª¡ª ????? ¡ª¡ª Updated ¡ª¡ª Once a human guard for the Kingdom of Cranch, he has been corrupted by a demonic seed implanted in his body. The Transfigured Human now acts purely on instinct, attacking anything in its path. It possesses enhanced strength, agility, and formidable defenses compared to its previous form. Potential: C+ Equipment: Reinforced steel blade Rank: III Vulnerability: The demonic seed is fragile and will shatter upon forceful contact.In his previous life, it had taken Haru far too long to grasp the full potential of his skill. [World Knowledge] was undeniably overpowered, a lifeline for those thrust into an unfamiliar world. But it was also tedious. He''d often find himself sifting through irrelevant details, forced to cycle through different information to get what he needed. That was, until he discovered he could filter the information¡ªcalling up only what mattered with a mere thought. But there was more to [World Knowledge] than just selective display. The skill had a hidden mechanism, updating itself with new information in real time. When Haru answered Cael''s questions, it wasn''t just to inform him about the demon seed ¡ªit was to allow his own system to record and process the evolving situation. Every moment, every action, contributed to the skill¡¯s growing database. As he watched the guards struggle against the transfigured monstrosities, Haru''s skill zeroed in on the demon seed. It was the weak point. With a focused intent, [World Knowledge] activated its secondary function. White marks appeared on the transfigured guard charging towards Cael and Elric, highlighting the vulnerable spot¡ªa point on the upper right chest. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Minus StrengthWithout hesitation, Haru snatched up a fallen blade, infusing it with a single mana stone. One precise stab was all it took. "KEUGGGGHHHH!" The creature roared in agony before collapsing to the ground. Haru¡¯s sharp gaze met Aldric¡¯s, the tension between them palpable. "Go," Haru commanded. "What?" Aldric asked, momentarily stunned. "I can handle things here. Go after him." "But¡ª" "Don''t let this be your nightmare." Haru turned fully toward Aldric, his voice cutting through the chaos as if they were the only two people in the room. "You can''t bring her back, but you can avenge her. He may have been your friend once, but that was a long time ago. Don¡¯t let her death be in vain. She wanted this kingdom to change, to be a place your sons could inherit with pride. If you let him escape now, the kingdom will always be under threat. The foundation will remain rotten. Cut it out now. Show your sons who their father is!" Aldric jolted as if awakened from a long slumber. Haru, a young man in his early twenties, had never been someone he gave much thought to¡ªjust a bearer of the cure with grand ideas of building a kingdom. A young man without real life experience, or so Aldric had assumed. But those words, spoken with the weight of someone who had lived through similar experiences, resonated deeply. In that moment, age no longer mattered. Aldric felt a kinship, as if Haru were a near peer. His heart quickened, ablaze with resolve. Was it really okay to do what he knew he must? He turned to his children, and in that moment, both Cael and Elric met his gaze. The unmistakable message in their eyes was clear¡ªthey wanted revenge for their mother. The king smiled and muttered, "I won''t let you boys down." With a low smile he turned his back on the chaos behind him. In that instant, he trusted that everything would be fine and focused solely on bringing Magnus down. Aldric started toward the gaping hole in the wall, each step heavier than the last, as if something deep within him was awakening. With every stride, his muscles tightened, constricting and contracting with newfound strength. Power radiated from him, growing stronger and more fierce with each step. By the time he reached the edge of the opening, the aura around Aldric had transformed. The king of the jungle had returned. The once old lion was back in its prime, and it was hungry for retribution. The princes watched their father¡¯s retreating figure, but what they saw wasn''t just their father¡ªit was the back of a former S-rank adventurer. Aldric¡¯s eyes locked onto Magnus, a mere speck hovering over the distant city. His mind was consumed by a single, unwavering thought: take him down. He pushed off the ledge, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to pause. The air trembled under the unleashed power of the once-great adventurer. Magnus, oblivious to the impending storm, continued his flight, gliding effortlessly through the air. With each step, he floated across great distances, using a path of air beneath his feet. ¡°Damn, she''s not going to be happy with how things turned out,¡± Magnus muttered to himself. ¡°I was supposed to sway more of the nobles before the attack, but now everything¡¯s in chaos. We¡¯ll have to move sooner than planned. No, dammit, it wasn¡¯t my fault. It was that damn brat. He must be a summoned! I''ve never encountered anything that could weaken my magic so instantaneously. But why was he here, and how could he wield such advanced magic? Even at my level, pulling off something like that would require years of practice. It¡¯s only been a month since the summoned arrived.¡± As he pondered these questions, a chilling gust of wind swept across his back, sending shivers down his spine. Cold sweat formed as an inexplicable fear gripped him. ¡°MAGNUS!¡± The shout tore through the air, and Magnus spun around just in time to see a blade aimed straight for his head. His eyes widened in shock, but before the blade could connect, an unseen force yanked him downward and flung him back several dozen meters, narrowly avoiding a lethal strike. Magnus panted heavily, the bitter taste of near-death still fresh on his lips. Mages were always at a disadvantage in close combat; magic demanded concentration and focus, making them more suited to long-range attacks during monster battles. To mitigate this, mages had developed a method long ago¡ªa way to inscribe magical instructions onto their bodies in the form of runes. These runes acted as a holding pattern, storing spells that could be triggered automatically under certain conditions. Though a powerful tool for survival, these runes were single-use. Once activated, they vanished, leaving the mage defenseless until they could be re-inscribed. Magnus had just used one of these life-saving runes. "Aldric!" Magnus turned, shock and disbelief contorting his face. Aldric was here? Now? "Have you abandoned your children and your kingdom? I never thought you''d be so cold-blooded." "Worry about yourself," Aldric¡¯s voice was low and menacing. "Because I¡¯ve come for your neck." There was something in those words¡ªsomething that made Magnus instinctively step back. Fear. Was he truly afraid of this so-called puppet king? Aldric had retired long ago, only practicing his swordsmanship as a form of exercise. Yet, in Magnus'' eyes, he saw a glimpse of the man who was once revered as the Whirlwind of Cranch. That same relentless force who once had the awe of his peers was now standing against him looking for his life. Chapter 24 Good Bye ''Dammit, how can he move like this while being affected by the disease?'' Magic Stacking [Great Lightning Tribulation]! BOOOOM! This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Lyle the Unbreakable [Sundering Rend]
Minus StrengthChapter 25 This is astounding The king slowly shifted, his eyes fluttering open to focus on the ceiling above. ¡°Father?¡± He turned his head toward the familiar voice. There, standing at his bedside, were Elric and Cael looking back at him with a mix of relief and joy. ¡°Dad!¡± Elric exclaimed, throwing himself onto his father in an unrestrained hug. Aldric grimaced as pain shot through his body, a strained smile crossing his lips despite the discomfort. His entire body was stiff, every muscle aching. He looked to Cael with pleading eyes. ¡°Elric, father is still healing. You need to let him rest,¡± Cael gently admonished, pulling his younger brother away. Aldric sighed in relief as the pressure on his ribs eased. He looked around the room, taking in the sight of his two sons and the quiet stillness that filled the room. After a moment, he finally asked, ¡°Is he¡?¡± Cael nodded. ¡°Yes¡ the Lord Regent is gone.¡± A heavy silence settled over the room. Aldric¡¯s face darkened. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ If¡ if only I hadn¡¯t been so blind. Perhaps then your mother¡ª¡± ¡°Father, you are not to blame,¡± Cael interrupted firmly. ¡°When I was younger, I once asked Mom why she chose to marry someone outside the usual norms of royalty. Historically, the records of a royal marrying a commoner are rare, and when they do exist, they''re often regarded as romanticized tales rather than truth. The traditional role of a princess has always been to forge alliances that serve the royal family¡¯s interests. Yet, against custom and years of precedent, she chose to marry someone of a completely different class.¡± Aldric¡¯s expression softened as Cael continued, "She spoke of the first time you met and the moments you shared together. She listed many reasons why she fell in love with you. But the one thing she mentioned she liked most of all was that you always tried to see the best in people.¡± Aldric looked a bit stunned. ¡°I never knew she said that about me.¡± ¡°She also told me she wished for me to inherit your qualities because she believed the kingdom needed a new path forward and that meant being a king of the people,¡± Cael added. ¡°A king who understands the people.¡± Aldric looked at both of his sons warmly, a smile forming on his lips despite the pain. ¡°She always was a sweet talker. But I¡¯m glad you both take after your mother more than me. She was always so intelligent. If you took after me, this kingdom might already be gone.¡± He chuckled, though the movement sent a jolt of pain through his sides. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, Father. Mother taught me as much as she could before her passing. I promise I won¡¯t let the kingdom fall, no matter what,¡± Cael vowed. ¡°And I¡¯ll help!¡± Elric chimed in, his youthful enthusiasm bringing a lightness to the room. Aldric¡¯s smile widened, pride swelling in his chest. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you both,¡± he said. Suddenly, as if remembering the other important matter they had been discussing before discovering of Magnus'' betrayal, he asked: ¡°Where is Mr. Rex? There are some things I¡¯d wish to speak with him about.¡± "I''ll get someone to fetch him," Cael said as he turned to get someone. Moments later, Haru entered into the room. "Hey, you''re awake," Haru greeted Aldric casually. By now, the two princes and the king were used to his lax demeanor. "Yes," Aldric replied, bowing his head as best as he could manage. "I hope you can forgive me. I was foolish to not heed your words earlier. You were right about everything. I hope you won''t hold it against us." "Water under the bridge," Haru waved his hand nonchalantly. "I also wish to thank you for your assistance," Aldric continued earnestly. Haru stayed quiet. "Not only had you let me fight without worry, you always helped me finish the fight. It was you, wasn''t it?" Aldric pressed on. "The reason I was able to break through his barrier. I could feel it as I tried to force my way through. Magnus was burning through his life force to sustain his magic, and I wouldn''t have been able to break through before his attack reached me. However, at the last moment, I felt his magical influence on the barrier weaken dramatically, just enough for me to break through. There are few tools that can achieve such a feat, and there are no skills known to me that can affect mana to that degree. The only thing I can think of would be the skill of a Summoned. A skill that can affect mana like that would make waves among the Seven Kingdoms. However, please rest assured, I have no plans to spread information about your skill." Haru''s smile widened. "You''re welcome." "You gave this old man a chance to redeem himself," Aldric said. "And for that I will forever be grateful." "Well, it wasn''t like I was going to let you go after all the effort I went through to come here," Haru said, shrugging. "Your survival is as much a benefit to me as it is to this kingdom. So, how about it? Are you ready to accept my offer?" He withdrew the two vials he had kept after the whole debacle and placed them on the bed. "If it were up to me, I would accept without hesitation. However, my role as king is only temporary. The final decision will rest with my son." Aldric turned to Cael. Cael met Haru¡¯s gaze, then extended his hand. "Whatever you need, we will fulfill our end of the bargain completely. The kingdom will be grateful to have you as a partner." Haru grinned widely and shook Cael''s hand. "Likewise. Now, drink up. I don''t want my partners dropping dead so soon after sealing the deal." Cael immediately took the vial and drank its contents. Almost instantly, the purple rashes on his skin began to fade. He stared at the vial in awe. "This..." He looked at his hands, clenching them as if to ensure he wasn''t dreaming. "Does it remove fatigue as well?" he asked. Experiencing the cure firsthand was vastly different from witnessing its effects on Elric. The disease often left one drained, gradually progressing until one was confined to their bed. Yet, drinking this cure had caused a resurgence of energy within him. "That''s right," Haru said, his posture growing a bit prouder. "This cure is one of a kind. Not only does it rid you of the disease, but it also relieves fatigue and boosts energy! That''s why I suggested you could sell it outside your territory to recoup your investment." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "But to this degree..." Cael murmured, deep in thought, while Aldric struggled to lift his arm. "I''ll do it for you, Dad!" Elric said eagerly. He grabbed the second vial, unsealed it, and hastily poured it into Aldric''s mouth, causing the king to mildly choke. As Aldric swallowed the contents, the shock on his face was evident. Like Becker and others of his caliber, his control over his body was practically a skill unto itself. He could feel everything happening inside him with precision. If he were to narrate what he felt he would say it was an overwhelming warmth spread through his blood, into his muscles, seeping into the deepest crevices of his body. The pain that had once wracked Aldric''s body had subsided to a dull ache, and even that was fading rapidly. His ultimate trump card, Sundering Rend, was a skill infamous across the Seven Kingdoms not only for its overwhelming destructive power but also for its devastating toll on the user. Wielding such a technique placed an inhuman strain on the body, pushing it far beyond the limits of ordinary endurance. Each use inflicted deep, irreversible damage¡ªmuscles torn, bones splintered¡ªwounds that never fully healed. Every time Aldric invoked this skill, his recovery took longer, the toll growing steeper with each use. Against Magnus, he had put everything on the line¡ªhis strength, his life, all for vengeance and to protect his sons. He knew, rationally, it was a reckless decision. At his age and with the disease already sapping his vitality, it was likely to take months for any kind of recovery, if he recovered at all. Using it again could easily be the end of him. But now, this elixir... Aldric could feel the change within him. It wasn¡¯t that he was instantly healed, but the relentless damage inside him had halted. He could feel his cells, spurred on by some unseen force, beginning to mend his broken body. The fact that he could move without excruciating pain made him wonder if he had somehow drunk from the enchanted waters of the Tree of Life, deep within the elven homeland. Curing the disease was one thing but this¡ this was something else entirely. ¡°D-Did you really create this yourself?¡± Aldric asked hesitantly. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Haru affirmed. ¡°Father, what¡¯s happening?¡± Cael asked in concern, seeing the worry in his father''s eyes. "I''m unsure if we are able to hold on to this." "Father, what''s going on?" Cael asked again. Aldric shifted his body, reaching for his sword in the royal scabbard at his side. He drew the blade, its edge gleaming in the light, and held it up for all to see. "This sword once belonged to the first king of Cranch, one of the Braves who vanquished the Great Evil over three hundred years ago. The first king understood that this blade would always be a source of great envy, a beacon that could bring danger to his family as long as it remained in his possession. So, he hid it away, pretending it had been lost forever." He paused, his eyes landing back on the vial. "Now, another object of great envy has appeared. This elixir you¡¯ve brought to us, it shares similar properties to the waters of the Tree of Life, which the Seven Kingdoms have long coveted. Not only has it restored my vitality, but it has also accelerated the body¡¯s natural healing processes, energizing me in a way I haven''t felt in years. Such a potent elixir doesn''t exist anywhere in Kladin. If word were to spread, the other kingdoms would stop at nothing to get their hands on it. They could use it to train their soldiers more efficiently, drastically reduce recovery times, and increase their military strength exponentially. And it wouldn¡¯t just be the kingdoms¡ªthe Adventurer''s Guild, the Alchemist Association, the Merchant Union... all of them would come after it. Cranch wouldn¡¯t be able to keep the recipe to itself; we¡¯d face ruin, or worse, total destruction, from those who desire this elixir." By the time he finished speaking, Aldric''s brow was slick with cold sweat. He was not only a king but also a seasoned, retired adventurer. He knew the way of the world and of the greedy nature of man. Haru remained silent. In truth, he already knew of this problem and only hoped they hadn''t figured it out so quickly. Cranch, to him, was a means to an end. The truth was, placing the elixir anywhere else was never really an option. When they were first discussing it, he had only been telling them half truths''. Selling it to one of the top organizations or another kingdom could bring him immense wealth, but it would also paint a target on his back as the creator of the elixer. He lacked the necessary means to defend himself if they were ever act against him. Cranch was unique. Haru had been genuine when he said he admired the kingdom''s decision to abolish slavery, but as Magnus had pointed out, it was a move that had isolated Cranch from the other kingdoms, crippled its economy, and with the plague running rampant, nearly brought it to ruin. His plan had been to use the elixir to help the people of Cranch while simultaneously securing the funds he needed for the next phase of his plans, all while letting Cranch bear the brunt of any backlash. If, in the end, other forces decided to move against Cranch, well¡ that was the cost of doing business. Sure, helping others felt good, but altruism didn¡¯t count for much when his own life was on the line. When push came to shove, he was prepared to abandon them if it meant saving himself. ¡®Should I just leave and switch to plan B?¡¯ Haru thought. Plan B involved framing Cranch as the sole creator of the cure while quietly selling it on the side, ensuring the heat didn''t fall on him. It was a risky and messy alternative, but it was starting to seem like he didn¡¯t have a choice. Suddenly, Cael spoke up, breaking the tense silence. "What if we dilute it?" ¡°Dilute it?¡± Haru repeated. ¡°Right,¡± Cael continued. ¡°Have you tried adjusting the formula before?¡± ¡°No,¡± Haru replied slowly. ¡°This recipe has always worked, so I never saw the point in altering it.¡± "Then what if we find a way to lessen the effects of the elixir," Cael suggested, "so it only partially counteracts the disease in Cranch?" He paused, his eyes darting between his father and Haru. "You said it yourself¡ªthe other kingdoms are waiting for us to reach a point where we can''t defend ourselves, ready to pounce as soon as we''re vulnerable. But what if that time never comes? What if we hold the cure but don¡¯t suddenly recover all at once? That would only draw their attention. Instead, we create a weaker version of the elixir, just strong enough to ease the symptoms of the plague so our people can start to recover and return to work. Those who are watching us would be thrown off¡ªthey''d get confused and probably send in spies to figure out what''s happening." He leaned forward, his excitement building. "In the meantime, we partner with the Merchant Union and market this diluted elixir as a low-grade stamina potion. The outside world might suspect that the elixir is doing more than just boosting stamina, that it¡¯s somehow countering the plague, but they won¡¯t have any concrete proof. We can then gradually increase the potency of the elixir within Cranch. The rest of the world will think the plague was never as deadly as it seemed, that our people just needed time to build their resistance. By the time we introduce a stronger version, the Merchant Union will already be invested¡ªthey¡¯ll want to protect us because they¡¯ll profit from the elixir¡¯s success. Meanwhile, the other kingdoms will be forced to back off, unsure of what''s really happening here." Haru raised an eyebrow, considering the plan. It was simple plan that would have the other kingdoms look like fools as they tried to figure out what was happening. By the time they figured it out it would be too late. In fact, Haru realized Cael would likely never release the full undiluted elixer and simply play both sides. The full elixer was an extraordinary thing and holding it meant power, something that could put Cranch back on an even playing field. Haru couldn''t help but give a devilish grin as he nodded at Cael. "That could work." "But there''s still the problem of the contaminated waters in Cranch," Cael added cautiously. "We don¡¯t know how long the plague will last. As long as the water remains tainted, they''ll eventually catch on, and Cranch will still face ruin." Haru''s smile widened. "If that''s the issue, it¡¯s not a problem. I have a way to fix that." Both Cael and Aldric looked at him in surprise. "Mr. Rex," Aldric said slowly, "You sound confident. How can you be so sure?" Haru shrugged casually. "Just leave it to me. I can promise that in a month or two, I''ll have that issue resolved." Cael and Aldric exchanged glances. Then, almost in unison, they turned back to Haru. "Then we''ll leave it to you," Aldric said with a nod. "Great," Haru replied with a smirk. "Now, who wants to lead me to the treasure room?" Chapter 26 Holy Exposition This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. they ¡®smelled like her.¡¯ Chapter 27 An amazing discovery
Name:Description: Use: Assessment:Great, a trinket for warding off children¡¯s curses.''
Name:Description: Use: Assessment:''What am I going to do with an portable rain maker?''
Name:Description: Use: Assessment:''Okay, so it¡¯s basically earplugs,'' ''I was too optimistic.'' Interesting...
Name: Sealed Containment Box Description:If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Name:Description:EnhancementsAssessment: ValueRare-grade Chapter 32 Why are you two here? Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!
World knowledge Lv3
Igor Rufflair Description: Potential:Equipment: Mastery: Rank:
Haru Rex Age: Description: Potential:Equipment: Unique Skill: Rank:
Haru Rex ¡ Condition
Becker Zoller Description: Potential:Equipment: Mastery: Rank:
Viva Loslir Description: Rank:
Cain Vernant Description: Rank:
Tanna Lin Description: Rank:"¡" Update This will be an update for anyone who might still remember this story. I had hit a a wall I couldn''t really write past and that took me out. I still really want to finish this story and since then, I had re-written major portions of the story that will allow me to continue forward. I will relaunch on Mar 17. Thus, this story will be deleted in a few days. Make sure you follow my author account for an update when the re-release publishes! Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Kind of need to fill in space here so I will just say that I''m really looking forward to summer. I really hate the cold! Update 2 Hi! I have officially launched the rewritten version for Into the World of Kladin! If you''re interested, you can use the link above to arrive on the new page. This version will be deleted within the next 24hrs. See you there!