¡°Mom, is this book¡¯s history real?¡± I asked, holding the worn tome tightly in my lap.
She paused, brushing through my hair. ¡°Why? Did you like it?¡±
I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s not about magic, but the story was so good. I just wish it didn¡¯t have such a sad ending.¡±
¡°Some believe it¡¯s true,¡± she said softly. ¡°Others prefer to think it¡¯s just a tale.¡±
¡°Why would anyone deny it?¡±
She sighed, her hands working carefully through the tangles. ¡°The elf hero did something extraordinary¡ªhe tamed the Genesis Geolord, a beast of global scale power, something even our current greatest mages can¡¯t replicate. But in the end, he was defeated by the demon lord. For some, it¡¯s too painful to admit that even at our best, we couldn¡¯t overcome our greatest foe.¡±
I flinched as the comb caught again. ¡°Ouch! Mom!¡±
¡°Sorry,¡± she laughed, tugging gently. ¡°You¡¯ve let your hair get so wild. Maybe I should just cut it all off.¡±
¡°No way!¡± I hugged the book to my chest.
She smirked. ¡°No promises. But you need to take better care of it.¡±
¡°Where can I find more stories like this, Mom?¡± I asked, excitement bubbling up again.
Her expression softened. ¡°Most books like that are in the capital.¡± A blush crept onto her cheeks.
¡°What''s wrong mom?¡±
¡°Just¡ remembering when I met your father. Back in my adventuring days, we were unstoppable. Those were good times.¡±
¡° Cool!, I want to be like that hero someday¡ªhaving adventures sounds amazing.¡±
Mom¡¯s hands stilled for a moment. Then she smiled wistfully. ¡°Oh, Cantheris. You¡¯re still so young. One day, you might think differently.¡±
But I didn¡¯t.
When the time came to leave, I stood by the door, fidgeting with my new robes.
¡°Why do I have to wear this?¡± I groaned, tugging at the soft fabric.
Mom smirked. ¡°With those colors and your sweet face, everyone will think you¡¯re a healer. It¡¯ll be easier to find a party.¡±
I rolled my eyes but said nothing.
¡° I know, I know. You are not a healer, for that case I bought you a gift for the road.¡±
I unwrapped it carefully¡ªa beginner¡¯s spellbook.
¡°This might help you find your role path.¡±
¡°Put it inside in your purse with your other books,¡± she added.
I froze. ¡°You knew about that?¡±
The teasing smile of hers is telling me that mothers know everything without even speaking.
¡° It''s just a book of science and magic,It''s not like it''s another genre!¡±
¡°Aha so the magic book is called blue knight?¡±
¡°Mom! ¡± She must have found it in my room, and now she knows I like stories of heroes fighting against evil.
¡°So you are going tell me what is the other book of yours, The one that I saw you always hiding it since forever¡±
I wasn''t sure what to tell her, it is so embarrassing to reveal such a childish object but I guess since I will not see her for a long time I could.
¡°It''s my diary, I will take it with me to write my adventures and create a book.¡±
She pulled me into a tight hug. ¡°You¡¯ve grown into such a wonderful young woman. My little girl, ready to take on the world.¡±
¡°Mom, I¡¯m 123 years old,¡± I muttered, embarrassed.
She smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. ¡°Go, Cantheris. Write your own story. I will always be here if you need me¡±
With her words echoing in my heart, I stepped into the world, ready to create a legend of my own.
A week had passed since I left the village, and I had finally joined a party. It seemed my mother¡¯s clothing worked. Elves like me were known for our skills in healing, so I told them that the guild had given me the class of Defender. They laughed since that class was known for protection and support in fights by reducing damage¡ªor, as the guild said, receiving the damage. However, based on the book my mom had given me, I had learned ways to cast spells of defensive tactics.
That night was about celebration after finally finding a party. The other members were so excited that they decided to throw a meeting at six PM.
¡°Should I put on makeup?¡± I muttered, staring at the small, cracked mirror in my room. My new teammates were so pretty¡ªI wanted to look my best too.
¡°What about earrings?¡± I asked myself, holding up a simple pair. Sliding them on, I felt my heart calm just a bit. I glanced at my reflection and smiled softly.
¡°I like these,¡± I whispered, touching the earrings lightly. ¡°How I wish they were gold¡¡± I sighed. But no matter.
¡°Tonight, I¡¯ll be an adventurer!¡±
I grabbed my clothes and stepped outside, still marveling at the capital. It had been two days since I arrived, but everything still felt so¡ overwhelming. The streets buzzed with life¡ªmerchants calling out their wares, laughter spilling from taverns, and children weaving through the crowds.
¡°This city feels so alive,¡± I murmured. My hometown had been so different¡ªquiet and serene, just like most elf villages. But here? Everything was loud and full of energy.
Still, loud didn¡¯t mean bad. The shopkeepers were kind, and the people I had met so far were polite.
¡°Wow,¡± I breathed, taking it all in.
Distracted, I accidentally bumped shoulders with someone.
¡°Watch where you¡¯re going, punk,¡± the man snarled, his voice sharp and menacing.
¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I stammered, stepping back quickly.
¡°Hey, it¡¯s an elf,¡± another man said, stepping in. His grin was unsettling, his eyes lingering on me.
¡°She¡¯s so pretty.¡±
I could only feel disgusted by how the man licked his lips, making my skin crawl.
¡°I need to move¡ Sorry,¡± I muttered, slipping between them as quickly as I could.
Even as I put distance between us, I could feel their eyes following me, their gazes heavy and unkind. I gripped my cloak tightly and quickened my pace, focusing on the lights ahead.
This was supposed to be a night of celebration. I just had to make it to the party. Everything would be fine once I was with my team.
In the lively hum of the tavern, I spotted Colt and the rest of the team gathered around a table near the corner.
¡°Hey, Cantheris! Over here!¡± Colt waved enthusiastically, his voice carrying over the clinking of mugs and the chatter of adventurers.
Colt was our leader. Colt¡¯s determination and the way he talked about the future made me feel secure in choosing his party. He was the one who had come to the guild with the others to recruit me, and it seemed I fit what they were looking for. And now¡ here I was.
¡°Hello,¡± I greeted softly, sliding into the seat they had saved for me.
Two other women sit at the table¡ªone is another elf, her sharp green eyes scanning the room as she sips her drink, and the other is a warrior clad in lightweight armor, her muscular frame exuding confidence.
I can¡¯t help but notice something. Why is everyone besides Colt a woman? A slight pinch forms in my head as a thought crosses my mind. Is Colt a womanizer?
I sigh quietly, shaking the idea away. I¡¯m here to be an adventurer, not Colt¡¯s latest conquest. It doesn¡¯t matter if he¡¯s a womanizer. I joined this party for the adventures, not romance.
Colt leans forward suddenly, signaling for us to do the same. ¡°Girls, listen up,¡± he whispers conspiratorially, his tone making it clear he¡¯s about to share something big.
¡°I¡¯ve heard about a cave,¡± he begins, glancing around to ensure no one else is eavesdropping. ¡°There¡¯s something hidden inside¡ the Sword of Geology.¡±
My ears perk up immediately, and I notice the same gleam of interest in the other girls¡¯ eyes.
¡°How do you know it¡¯s real?¡± I ask, trying to temper my rising enthusiasm.
Colt grins confidently. ¡°Trustworthy sources. Believe me, this sword is the real deal. They say it grants the power of teleportation.¡±
Teleportation. The very word feels like magic on my tongue.
The possibilities are endless, though much depends on the sword¡¯s restrictions. Knowing its connection to geology, it might allow for large-scale movement across the world, opening opportunities for exploration and escape like never before.
¡°Good, then what are we waiting for? Let¡¯s go now!¡± I exclaimed, eager to begin the adventure.
¡°Rookie mistake!¡± Colt said with a smirk, wagging a finger at me.
¡°Don¡¯t call her a rookie when you¡¯re just as green as she is,¡± the other elf chimed in, pulling at Colt¡¯s cheeks with a teasing grin.
¡°Ow, ow! Okay, fine, I get it!¡± Colt whined, rubbing his cheeks as the elf let go.
¡°We¡¯ll go tomorrow, girls. No need to rush,¡± Colt reassured us.
The rest of the evening passed in lighthearted fun. We drank orange juice, ate sandwiches from the tavern¡¯s kitchen, and even danced a little to the music. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I belonged. But the fun was short-lived.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
The two men from earlier walked into the tavern, and the moment I saw them, my stomach twisted into knots. I instinctively stepped behind Colt, his broad shoulders and tense muscles giving me a sense of safety.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Colt asked, his face turning serious as he glanced at me.
¡°Those guys¡ they bothered me earlier,¡± I said quietly, my voice shaking. ¡°And now they¡¯re staring at me again.¡±
Colt¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Nobody bothers my woman!¡±
¡°What? You are not my blue knight!!¡± I protested, feeling my face heat up.
¡°You know what I mean,¡± he muttered, his cheeks tinged with red. But he didn¡¯t stop to explain further, stepping forward to confront the men.
From where I stood, I could see the tension in Colt¡¯s stance as he approached them. The men, however, seemed surprisingly calm at first. Their conversation was quiet, too far for me to hear clearly, but Colt¡¯s body language spoke volumes.
Then, out of nowhere, Colt threw a punch, landing it squarely on one of the men¡¯s jaws. Chaos erupted instantly. The men retaliated, and the rest of our party jumped in to support Colt. Tables overturned, chairs flew, and fists met faces in a flurry of movement. By the end of it, the two men were left bruised and beaten on the tavern floor.
¡°I hope you¡¯ve learned your lesson,¡± Colt said, brushing off his hands as he loomed over them.
One of the men coughed, glaring up at Colt. ¡°You¡¯ve made a serious mistake, buddy. You don¡¯t know who you¡¯re dealing with.¡±
¡°Like I care,¡± Colt replied, his voice calm and steady.
¡°Ah, but you will,¡± the man sneered. ¡°We¡¯re part of one of the most dangerous groups in the kingdom¡ªthe Snakes of the Edges.¡±
The air in the tavern seemed to freeze. Conversations died, mugs were left halfway to lips, and all eyes turned toward the confrontation. Despite the weight of the man¡¯s words, Colt didn¡¯t flinch. He stood tall, his presence unwavering.
¡°I said, like I care. Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡± Colt¡¯s voice cut through the silence, cold and unyielding.
The men exchanged uneasy glances before muttering curses under their breath. They began crawling away, their bravado crumbling as they left the tavern.
The bartender, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a weary expression, sighed heavily before speaking. ¡°The Snakes¡ you guys are in serious trouble.¡±
¡°What?!¡± I exclaimed, disbelief coloring my voice.
¡°What are these Snakes?¡± Colt asked, his tone curious but not alarmed.
¡°There are three global bandit groups that operate across all the kingdoms. These groups consist of countless bandits who swear loyalty to their leaders. The Snakes of the Edges, the Climbers, and the Treasurers¡¯ Gravediggers. Each has smaller factions scattered across the lands. The Snakes, in particular, are in their weakest state right now, nearly wiped out thanks to the efforts of heroes Bale and Zakarias. They might be weaker, but they still have numbers.¡±
¡°Ah, I see,¡± Colt said, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°Thanks for the warning, but don¡¯t worry. They won¡¯t scare us or dare step foot in here again.¡±
The bartender shook his head grimly, his unease evident. ¡°That¡¯s the thing, Mr. Adventurer¡¡±
A chill ran down my spine at the bartender¡¯s words, and I noticed Colt¡¯s posture stiffen slightly.
¡°They¡¯re called the Snakes of the Edges because they operate on the fringes of the capital. They wait for their prey where the roads grow thin and the land turns wild. They know where to strike and when to leave no witnesses.¡±
For the first time, I saw a flicker of surprise in Colt¡¯s eyes. But fear? No, there was none. He was a proud man, sure of himself, yet his pride wasn¡¯t empty arrogance. Beneath it lay a core of steadfast values, unshaken by the threat looming over us.
After the night came to a close, we were supposed to leave the tavern, the other two members left to their side of the capital, while I stayed with colt.
The hours passed too quickly. The shops were closing, and the once-bustling streets were now shadowed in darkness. I clutched my arms tighter around myself, glancing nervously at every corner.
¡°I feel scared, Colt,¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible over the faint rustle of the wind. ¡°What if¡ some of those snakes show up?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Colt said with a reassuring smile. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you home. No one¡¯s going to mess with my party.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± I replied, feeling a small wave of relief.
The city felt different at night. The vibrant energy that had captivated me just hours ago was replaced by an eerie stillness. The faint clatter of closing shop shutters and the echo of our footsteps were the only sounds.
Then, out of nowhere, a sharp metallic sound cut through the air.
Colt jerked forward, a metal wire coiling tightly around his legs. ¡°What the¡ª¡± he stumbled, and before he could recover, another figure stepped out of the shadows and slammed a boot onto Colt¡¯s head, driving it hard into the ground.
¡°Colt!¡± I cried out, panic gripping my chest.
The man spat on Colt with disgust. ¡°Think you¡¯re so tough, huh?¡± His voice was venomous, dripping with malice.
Colt struggled, trying to push himself up, but the wire cut deeper into his legs, pinning him down.
I turned to run, but a sharp pain exploded in my leg. A knife grazed my side, and I stumbled, falling hard onto the ground. They were trying to dominate me, but that only fueled me.
¡°You... get off me, pervert,¡± I tried to make a sharp voice, but a punch in the gut turned my fury into fear.
The man loomed over me, laughing darkly. ¡°Elves fetch a high price on the black market,¡± he sneered, his companions joining in with cruel laughter.
The world became a blur as they stuffed a sponge into my mouth, muffling my cries, and pulled a rough sack over my head. My breathing grew shallow as the realization sank in¡ªI was being taken.
I could hear voices, but nobody wanted to play the hero part. I bet they were watching, feeling sorry for me, but not helping. I wanted Colt to help me, but he was done for.
What broke my spirit was the gritty texture of sand beneath my feet. We were outside the capital. Outside the rules. Out of anyone¡¯s reach.
¡°Time for some fun, boys,¡± one of them said with a sickening laugh.
¡°Wait¡ªdid you hear that?¡± another voice interrupted.
¡°Probably just a knight,¡± the first said dismissively. ¡°We¡¯re past the edges. They won¡¯t bother.¡±
¡°No¡ this is different,¡± the second voice insisted.
My heart pounded in my chest. Was I imagining it? Was someone actually coming? Or was my mind playing tricks, clinging to a desperate, impossible hope?
Then, through the haze of fear, I heard it¡ªa voice, sharp and unyielding.
¡°Don¡¯t you think ganging up on someone is a coward¡¯s move?¡±
I didn¡¯t really understand what was happening, but the fight between them was brief, abrupt. In the chaos, I suddenly saw the night illuminated by flashes of light. My heart raced, panic seizing me. Without thinking, my legs moved on their own¡ªI ran. They were still fighting, it seemed. The noise of clashing steel echoed behind me, but I couldn¡¯t stay there.
It was a cowardly move, but I knew I wouldn¡¯t be able to help with all this fear in my mind.
¡°Help!¡± I screamed through the streets. I needed someone to help the man who saved me.
As I rushed through the streets of the capital, I collided with someone.
¡°Cantheris!¡±
It was Colt. Relief washed over his face, and he pulled me into a tight hug.
¡°You¡¯re fine¡ I was looking for you. I thought I¡¯d lost you.¡±
¡°No, I¡ª¡± I stammered, breathless. ¡°Somebody¡¯s fighting out there. We should help them!¡±
His expression shifted, tightening into something cold and calculating.
¡°No, Cantheris. If they really are the Snakes, we don¡¯t want to become targets ourselves. Let¡¯s not meddle with them.¡±
¡°But what about that person?¡± I protested, the image of the lone figure fighting flashing through my mind.
¡°Better them than us,¡± he said bluntly.
His words stung. Anger welled up in me. This was the Colt I admired? The one I thought had the heart of a hero? What a disappointment. He wasn¡¯t the selfless leader I¡¯d believed him to be.
Sensing my disapproval, he tried to placate me, his tone shifting to one of persuasion. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Cantheris. Once we get the sword, we¡¯ll be powerful enough that no one would dare attack us.¡±
I hesitated. His plan made sense, but it felt selfish. Still, I nodded reluctantly. Survival first, after all.
The next day, we had agreed to meet outside the city gates. I had warned Colt about the Snakes¡ªthey could be lurking nearby, waiting with their depraved, evil intentions. That thought made me pause. Since my mother had dressed me in clothes that looked like those of a healer, I realized the Snakes would likely see me as weak and pure. I decided it was time to buy new clothes¡ªsomething that would reflect a more liberated and independent persona.
¡°Colt is selfish,¡± I muttered under my breath, glancing around nervously. ¡°Doing the meeting here¡ was he crazy?¡±
The wind rustled through the trees, and my unease grew. Then, out of nowhere, someone stepped into view.
¡°Hey, are you lost or something?¡±
That voice¡ªit was familiar. But familiar didn¡¯t mean safe.
I forced myself to stay calm, masking my wariness. ¡°No, I¡¯m just getting¡ª¡±
Before I could finish, the stranger placed a finger on my lips.
¡°Shhh. Don¡¯t be so shy,¡± he said, his tone carrying an irritating confidence. ¡°You know, I¡¯m an adventurer myself.¡±
What was with this macho-man act? And, more importantly¡ what was that smell?
I stepped back slightly, giving him a once-over. From his worn boots to his broad shoulders, he didn¡¯t look like he was part of the Snakes, but appearances could be deceiving. He seemed¡ weird. And weird didn¡¯t mean good.
I steeled myself, deciding to act tough. I couldn¡¯t afford to seem like an easy target¡ªnot to this guy, not to anyone.
¡°You smell bad,¡± I said, the words cutting through the tension.
The insult landed; his smirk faltered. Good. I might not have had a sword, but my sharp tongue was weapon enough for now. Honestly, I was doing him a favor¡ªif my team found him here, they¡¯d likely vent their frustrations on him. He didn¡¯t need that, and I didn¡¯t need the drama.
For now, I just wanted him gone.
His nonsensical rambling made me think he wasn¡¯t just weird¡ªhe was outright crazy. And then, he said it.
¡°B: 80, W: 58, H: 83.¡±
At first, I blinked, confused. Was that a code? Wait¡ªno. Realization dawned on me like a thunderbolt. Those were my measurements. My bust, waist, and hips¡ from this year.
How did he know? This little pervert.
My thoughts spiraled. Could he measure me with his lustful eyes? Or¡ªheavens forbid¡ªdid he have a skill of x-ray vision? My cheeks reddened as my inner angel boiled with fury.
¡°You¡¯re a pervert!¡± I shouted, no longer able to contain my outrage. The silence was over, no more elf in danger.
The commotion drew my team, and they arrived just in time to witness the scene. To my surprise¡ªand mild horror¡ªthey seemed to enjoy themselves a little too much at the poor guy¡¯s expense.
¡°This dirty pervert tried to talk to me!¡± I exclaimed, pushing the narrative further. It didn¡¯t matter if he was good or bad, I wouldn¡¯t let anyone think that they could do whatever they wanted with me.
The pervert tried to run, but the elf next to me conjured a fireball with a smirk, launching it at his feet. He stumbled back, his face paling in fear.
For a moment, I felt a pang of pity. Maybe this was too much, I thought, but my pride wouldn¡¯t let me intervene immediately. Still, I decided to hear him out. My team insisted on staying, clearly amused, ready to judge him like a council of executioners.
As he spoke, I began to piece things together. He was a miner¡ªor so he claimed. But miners¡ were they all this weird?
He continued explaining, and something about his voice gnawed at me, tugging at the edge of my memory. The tone, the cadence¡ªit was familiar, but I couldn¡¯t place it at first. Then, like a puzzle slotting into place, it clicked.
Don¡¯t you think ganging up on someone is a coward¡¯s move?
That line from yesterday¡ It was the same voice.
Wait, what? I had been expecting someone more¡ cool. Brave, confident, the kind of guy who would stride into a fight like a hero. Instead, I was staring at this¡ªa weird, awkward miner who smelled like dirt. Maybe they just shared the same voice?
Before I could think too deeply about it, the girls burst into laughter, mocking his name when he introduced himself: Daryn.
I didn¡¯t laugh. For some reason, my mind kept circling back to his voice, the weight of it in my ears. It didn¡¯t add up, and that unsettled me more than his perverted nonsense ever could.
No, Daryn wasn¡¯t the one who saved me yesterday. That man¡ªthe one who saved me¡ªmust have been brave. Someone with a soft but commanding voice, confident in every word he spoke. Two meters tall, with long arms and flowing hair, exuding an aura of power. A diamond-badge adventurer, the kind of hero you read about in stories.
Not¡ this.
I didn¡¯t think Colt would meddle much with Daryn, but of course I was wrong. He started a fight again. His pride must have taken a hit after the beating he got last time, and now he was trying to claw it back.
I felt sorry for Daryn. Colt might not have been much of an adventurer, but at least he was one. A miner was just that¡ªa miner. What did they do, really? Chip away at rocks, clean walls, and haul debris. They weren¡¯t fighters. They didn¡¯t know battle.
But before I could even finish the thought, the air shifted. Colt lunged, and in a blur of movement, he was on the ground. Daryn barely moved¡ªit wasn¡¯t a fight; it was a lesson.
I blinked, stunned. Daryn¡¯s speed, his precision¡ it wasn¡¯t the flailing of someone defending themselves. His movements were sharp, calculated¡ªlike someone who knew how to fight.
My stomach churned with doubt. Please don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s the one who saved me yesterday.
I glanced at him, just once, before we left to find the sword. A final look, for my own peace of mind. But then he looked back, his eyes meeting mine.
The weight of his gaze made my chest tighten. I should say something, maybe thank him for yesterday.
No, it can¡¯t be him, I told myself. The one who saved me was brave, strong, someone extraordinary. Not this weird miner.
Yet, as I turned away, doubt lingered. A nagging voice in my head whispered that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªit really was him.
Chapter 11 - The first week
I woke up groggily, my head pounding like a blacksmith¡¯s hammer on steel. The dim light filtering through the window did little to comfort me, and the musty smell of leftover grease hit my nose. My body ached, and I realized I wasn¡¯t in my usual spot under the bridge.
¡°Hey, Slimmy,¡± Bunchy¡¯s voice rumbled from across the room. I turned my head slowly to see him sitting in an old recliner, munching¡ªof course¡ªon a hamburger. Where did he even get these things?
¡°What¡ happened?¡±
My mouth flavors sour, and for some reason I am thirsty.
¡°You blacked out at the bar after a couple of beers. Lightweight.¡± Bunchy chuckled, crumbs falling onto his shirt. ¡°Bryndisa and her crew tried waking you up, but you were out cold. Me and Sorey had to drag your sorry ass out of there. This is my place, by the way.¡±
I sat up, and my eyes adjusted to my surroundings. The room was a shrine to fried food. Wrappers were scattered on every surface, soda bottles lined the windowsill, and, bizarrely, a massive framed picture of a triple-decker hamburger dominated one wall.
¡°Thanks for not leaving me there.¡±
¡°No problem. Figured I¡¯d let you crash instead of dumping you. You hungry? Here.¡± He tossed a paper bag at me. Inside was a steaming hamburger, and he handed me a chipped mug of coffee to go with it.
¡°Thanks,¡± I mumbled, biting into the burger.
As I ate, the weight of last night¡¯s failure sank in. I¡¯d had a chance¡ªa real chance¡ªwith a woman like Bryndisa. And I blew it. My body wasn¡¯t strong enough to handle a few beers, and now I¡¯d never know what might¡¯ve been.
¡°What¡¯s wrong, Slimmy?¡± Bunchy asked, still chewing his own burger. ¡°You look like someone stole your pickaxe.¡±
¡°I think I had a chance with her, But I slept. I screwed it up.¡±
¡°Hah! That¡¯s tough, buddy. But don¡¯t beat yourself up. She¡¯s just one woman. Plenty more hamburgers in the fryer.¡±
¡°Fishes,¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Nothing.¡± I sighed, finishing my coffee. My disappointment hung heavy, but Bunchy¡¯s humor lightened it¡ªjust a little.
¡°Well, shake it off, We¡¯ve got work in thirty minutes. You good to go?¡±
¡°Yeah.¡± I stood, realizing I was still in the clothes from yesterday. ¡°This is all I¡¯ve got to wear for now.¡±
Bunchy raised an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t have work clothes?¡±
¡°Not yet. This is my only set. I¡¯m new to the capital, and I¡¯m broke.¡±
¡°Fair enough. Let¡¯s head out. It¡¯s gonna be a tough day.¡±
¡°Thanks, Bunchy.¡± I adjusted my shirt, the smell of stale alcohol still clinging to it. Despite my embarrassment and regret, I couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful. Bunchy and Sorey had my back, and that was something.
We reached out to the dusty mine, with Bunchy''s truck. The road was long, but It feels good to look through the window and see how the streets disappear and become a zone work.
"Let''s take the boxes of the jackhammer of the car. Can you carry both?".
I nodded confidently and picked up a box in each arm.
"Oh... Slimmy," he said with a chuckle, "you might be slim, but damn, you''ve got some serious strength!"
"Why?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Each box weighs almost 25 kilograms," he explained with a grin. "For me, it''s easy, but I thought you''d be sticking your tongue out, struggling, just lifting one of these!"
We both laughed as I carried the boxes effortlessly, his admiration adding a playful edge to the moment.
As we reached the mining site entrance, I noticed Tenque, the boss, sitting on an old, creaky chair with a newspaper spread across his lap. Next to him, Sorey leaned against the wall, sipping from a steaming mug.
¡°Ey, look who it is! Slimmy and Bunchy!¡± Tenque called out with a grin that was too wide to be comforting.
¡°Good morning, boss. What¡¯s in the news today?¡±
Tenque folded the newspaper and shook his head, his grin fading as it looked to Bunchy. ¡°Something delicate. Yesterday, a couple of young idiots mistook one of our underground mines for a cave. They mucked around, caused a mess¡ªexplosions everywhere. Those little pricks ran off, leaving us to clean it up. We¡¯re short on manpower for the earth mining operation now.¡±
¡°Ah, that¡¯s rough,¡± Bunchy said, his voice taking on a rare seriousness. ¡°Good thing it¡¯s not here on the surface.¡±
¡°Yeah, for now.¡± Tenque¡¯s eyes shifted to me, his expression sharpening.
¡°Putting that topic aside, you Slimmy. You know a guy named Josh?¡±
¡°Josh?¡± I echoed, caught off guard. ¡°Yeah, he used to work under my dad¡¯s supervision.¡±
Tenque squinted, his grin creeping back. ¡°Your dad, huh? What¡¯s your old man¡¯s name?¡±
¡°Dorion Lustria.¡±
At that, Tenque burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. ¡°Dorion Lustria? Oh, now it clicks! That explains your face, Slimmy. You¡¯re the spitting image of that weak-ass punk!¡± His laughter grew louder, and Sorey joined in, smirking into his mug.
¡°Mr. Tenque, what¡¯s so funny?¡± I asked, trying to keep my composure.
¡°Oh, your dad worked here before,¡± Tenque said between chuckles. ¡°I was his boss. The guy didn¡¯t even last a week!¡± He slapped his knee, tears forming in his eyes. ¡°We called him ¡®Sticky Draw¡¯ because he was so scrawny, he couldn¡¯t even lift a full load of tools without his hands shaking! Just like you, Slimmy.¡±
The others laughed, but my jaw tightened. I could feel the heat rising in my face. I didn''t know my dad¡¯s past, but hearing his name dragged through the mud somehow made my blood boil. Tenque¡¯s laugh was like nails on a chalkboard.
¡°You got a problem, Slimmy?¡±
Leaning forward, his grin daring me to speak up. But before I could say anything, Bunchy stepped between us, his arm extended like a shield. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, boss. Slimmy¡¯s not saying anything. He¡¯s just glad you remember his old man, right, Slimmy?¡±
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. The words burned in my throat, but I forced them out. ¡°Yes.¡±
Tenque leaned back in his chair, satisfied. ¡°Good boy. You got that same fire as your dad, but let¡¯s see if you can last longer than a week, eh? Sticky Draw Jr.!¡±
As they laughed again, I bit my tongue so hard it tasted like iron. Bunchy gave me a subtle pat on the back as we walked past them toward the locker rooms.
¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart, Slimmy,¡± Bunchy said in a low voice. ¡°The boss? He¡¯s just testing you. Happens to all the rookies.¡±
¡°Then Slimmy, this Josh guy, he¡¯s been referred to by your dad, so he¡¯ll be coming in too.¡±
From his hand I can see a card. It was a magnetic card, but with my profile in it, an identification.
¡°This is your ID, don¡¯t lose it, or I¡¯ll charge you. Those things aren¡¯t cheap, Slimmy.¡±
¡°Yeah, boss,¡± I muttered, gripping the card in my hand. I didn¡¯t want to mess this up.
Bunchy and Sorey led me into the heart of the mining grounds. I couldn''t help but stare around at the vast space before me¡ªthis place felt endless. The sound of heavy machinery, large mining trucks, and the shuffling of miners echoed across the area. There were more people here than I expected¡ªgrimy, hardened faces from a life of work. Everyone seemed busy, moving with purpose.
¡°Don¡¯t lose focus, Slimmy. Be trucha my friend,¡± Sorey warned, his eyes scanning the area as he walked ahead. I wasn¡¯t sure what trucha meant, but I nodded anyway.
¡°Ey, Bunchy, get the tools ready,¡± he called out. Bunchy gave him a thumbs-up and headed toward the tool station.
¡°What are you waiting for, Slimmy?¡± Sorey barked, his tone suddenly sharp. ¡°Move! Help him out!¡±
I quickly scrambled to follow Bunchy. As we neared the station, I noticed a large, metallic box on the wall. Bunchy slid his ID card into a slot, and the door to the station opened. I did the same, following his lead. The receptionist at the desk barely glanced up as Bunchy started a conversation with her, quickly pointing out the tools we¡¯d need for the day.
Within minutes, a worker came through with a big canvas bag, heavy with tools.
¡°You can carry this no problem, but remember, these are your company-issued tools. Don¡¯t lose them, or you¡¯ll pay for replacements,¡± Bunchy explained as he grabbed the bag.
He asked for the beginner kit for me. I was handed a small toolbox containing basic mining tools: a crowbar, a power drill, splitting wedges, wrench, and a helmet. My hands felt oddly small around them, and the weight of responsibility settled in.
¡°There are bigger tools¡ªjackhammers, pneumatic drills¡ªbut those are up to you. You¡¯ll have to buy your own,¡± Bunchy added. ¡°For now, stick to the basics and get used to the weight. Don''t worry, you''ll get the hang of it soon.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
The air was thick with dust, and I could see the silhouettes of other miners working tirelessly¡ªsome with shovels, some with heavy equipment. Everyone here seemed to have their own rhythm, their own unspoken understanding of the hard work they did.
¡°Bring your sorry asses here! Don¡¯t let me do all the work!¡±
¡°I know, I know, Anything to not hear at the end of the week about your sore arms.¡±
¡°Why are we here, aren''t we supposed to be in the underground, bunchy?¡±
¡°The dusty mine is almost over inside, the most work left is the surface, Slimmy. Now its time to work¡±
The heat of the sun was unforgiving, and I could feel sweat beginning to bead on my forehead as we trudged further into the mine¡¯s work area. The machinery around us continued its incessant noise¡ªmetal clanging, engines roaring, and the sharp crack of tools striking rock. It was a chaotic symphony of labor.
We started with the crowbar.
¡°Ey, Slimmy! Grab that crowbar, would ya? See that chunk of rock wedged in there? Stick the flat end under it, then lean your weight on the handle. Don¡¯t go all brute force¡ªyou wanna pry it loose, not break the bar or yourself. Yeah, just like that. Keep your feet steady¡ªdon¡¯t wanna fall on your ass!¡± Sorey barked.
His voice was sharp, but I could tell he was trying to guide me. I nodded, doing as he said, trying to focus on the feel of the tool, the roughness of the stone, the pressure building as I shifted my weight. The rock didn¡¯t budge at first, but with a grunt and a shift of my weight, I felt it give way.
¡°All the spots where you see silver mixed with black, do the same. And tell us when you¡¯re done,¡± Bunchy added, his voice calm but authoritative. I glanced around. There must¡¯ve been at least thirty other rocks to move¡ªsome smaller, some bigger, but all of them had to go.
The hours ticked by. I could feel my muscles protesting, my hands aching from the strain of the crowbar, but I pushed through. I wasn¡¯t here to quit. I was here to prove something¡ªnot just to Bunchy or Sorey, but to myself.
It wasn¡¯t as hard as I expected, but the task wasn¡¯t over. Sorey shot me a look, his expression somewhere between annoyed and impressed.
¡°It¡¯s not funny when the rookie¡¯s so well trained,¡± he muttered under his breath.
Bunchy just chuckled, not even looking up from the jackhammer he was using to tear into the floor.
¡°Isn¡¯t no wonder Tenque said he did construction,¡±
I felt a small surge of pride. Maybe I wasn¡¯t as out of place here as I thought.
"Alright, Slimmy, time to work that shovel," Sorey called out. "See all that junk pile next to the bulldozer over there. That¡¯s gonna clog it if we leave it there. Scoop it up, toss it in the dump pile over there. And don¡¯t just stab at it like it¡¯s your worst enemy¡ªdig under the mess, then lift. Save your back, man; we ain''t lookin'' to carry you outta here today."
I grabbed the shovel, its weight familiar in my hands. In construction, shovels were like second nature to me. I didn¡¯t have to think twice. My movements were quick, efficient¡ªdig under the pile, lift, toss. I worked fast, not missing a beat.
The hours blurred together. It was hard work, but it was work I understood. The rhythm of the shovel, the way the pile slowly shrank¡ªit gave me a sense of progress, of accomplishment.
By the time lunch came around, my stomach was growling. The thought of food was like a distant dream. But as I remembered I hadn¡¯t brought any lunch with me¡ªno money, no food¡ªI felt a pang of embarrassment.
Bunchy looked over at me as he bit into his hamburger, pausing mid-chew.
¡°I have to admit, Slimmy, I judged wrong,¡± he said, his words muffled but sincere.
Sorey, holding a can of soda, glanced at me and smirked.
¡°Yeah, you¡¯re no weak ass. Can¡¯t say I expected you to keep up like that.¡±
Then Bunchy handed me a hamburger without a second thought.
¡°You owe me one,¡± his tone was light, but there was a flicker of camaraderie in his eyes.
I hesitated for a moment before taking it, the smell of the warm bread and beef hitting me all at once. I wasn¡¯t sure what to say, but the fact that they were treating me like one of the group made my chest feel lighter.
¡°Thanks,¡± I mumbled, feeling my face warm a little.
Bunchy and Sorey didn¡¯t make a big deal of it. They went back to their own meals, the sound of chewing and sipping filling the air.
The day had been long, the sweat thick on my skin, but the exhaustion wasn¡¯t as brutal as I¡¯d expected. Maybe my body was starting to get used to the grind.
¡°Well, it¡¯s time to call it a day. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, Sorey,¡± Bunchy said, feeling a weird mix of relief and accomplishment.
¡°And I¡¯ll see your fat ass tomorrow,¡± Sorey shot back with his usual grin, earning a hearty laugh from Bunchy. I could feel the camaraderie growing stronger, even after just one day.
Bunchy turned to me with a shrug, ¡°Slimmy, you can crash at my place for these next two weeks, ¡®til you get that paycheck. Hope you don¡¯t mind some mess though.¡±
¡°No problem,¡± I answered quickly, relieved not to have to worry about finding a place to stay.
I climbed into Bunchy¡¯s car, the engine rumbling to life as he drove us out of the mining site.
¡°It seems like you¡¯re settling into this pretty quick, Slimmy,¡± Bunchy said, glancing over at me with a grin.
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not as bad as I thought,¡± I admitted, the weight of the day''s work still heavy on me but not unbearable. ¡°How many years have you been working here?¡±
¡°Four years, same as Sorey,¡± Bunchy replied, shifting gears. ¡°Don¡¯t tell him, but the guy really struggled that first week. He looked like he was about to collapse every damn day. Me? I didn¡¯t have it that bad. My big bones helped me last longer, you know? But he¡¯ll never admit it,¡± he added with a chuckle, his eyes glinting mischievously.
The thought of Sorey struggling like that actually made me laugh a little. I was getting the sense that Bunchy wasn¡¯t just a tough guy¡ªhe was the kind of guy who¡¯d help you through the rough patches and make you laugh while doing it.
Bunchy didn¡¯t eat anything, and neither did I for the rest of the night. I stayed hungry, but it wasn¡¯t a big deal. I figured I¡¯d eat tomorrow. Exhaustion hit hard, so I went to bed early that night, knowing the next day would be just as tough.
The next two days were the same routine but by the third day, things took an interesting turn.
"Bunches of fresh meat!" Tenque¡¯s voice boomed, greeting the new recruits. "This is Josh, but his nickname''s gonna be Crack because his bones make a crack when he moves, get it?" Tenque looked around, waiting for a laugh. But the joke fell flat.
¡°Just make sure his bones crack by the end of the week,¡± Tenque added with a falter smile, clearly not expecting much more than a grunt from anyone.
"Sure, boss." Bunchy agreed, keeping it casual as always.
¡°Get back to work!¡± Tenque dismissed us, and we moved out.
Josh, who I hadn¡¯t expected to see here, turned to me, his expression full of surprise. "Daryn?"
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me.¡± I shrugged, trying not to show how much I was surprised too. I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d bump into Josh. His wide eyes told me he didn¡¯t expect to see me here either.
Sorey was looking at Josh, who was obviously trying to get under his skin. "Bunchy, now we have two rookies. Crack and slimmy"
"What¡¯s with all the nicknames?" Josh was a little thrown off by the teasing. "First, my name is Josh, not Crack." His voice was firm, no-nonsense. It was clear that he wasn¡¯t interested in playing the name game.
Sorey didn¡¯t back down, though. "If you don¡¯t like it, talk to the boss."
The tension between them grew, but Bunchy stepped in with his usual laid-back attitude. "Listen, Josh, don¡¯t take it too seriously. It''s just how we roll."
Josh, still standing his ground, wasn¡¯t having it. "Daryn, you should say something too. You let them call you weird nicknames?."
¡°I don¡¯t mind. Everyone here has their own bad nickname ¡° I responded trying to sound neutral.
Josh wasn¡¯t convinced, but Sorey was already giving him another shove, this time with his usual grin. "Well, Crack, today we¡¯re working with the shovels. You¡¯re used to construction, so go ahead and clean up those piles of dirt over there. Use the shovel and put it in the bags."
Bunchy, and Sorey took to power drills to make some holes. Bunchy turned to me. "Yo, Slimmy, bring that drill over here. We need a hole about two feet deep where I marked it with chalk. Hold it steady¡ªno shaking like a leaf or you¡¯ll screw it up. Press it into the rock and just squeeze the trigger nice and slow. Let the drill do the work. If it jams, stop and clear it. Got it?"
It was a simpler task than the shovels, physically speaking, but using the drill was new to me, so it was a challenge in its own right. Still, I gave it a try, making sure to follow Bunchy¡¯s instructions carefully.
As I worked, I noticed Josh struggling with the shoveling, his body language telling me he wasn¡¯t having the easiest time. "Why do I have to do all this while Daryn just gets the easy stuff?!" Josh¡¯s frustration was clear in his voice.
Sorey, always quick with a sharp retort, didn¡¯t let up. "Listen, we don¡¯t care about your whimpering. You came here to work, then work."
Bunchy, who had been casually watching, couldn¡¯t help but laugh at Sorey¡¯s intensity. "Sorey, chill, don¡¯t you ever get tired of bothering the rookies?"
Sorey grinned, never missing a beat. "Honestly? No."
The tension in the air thickened as Josh suddenly snapped, jumping over Sorey with a burst of anger. His fists flew, landing solid punches on Sorey, and the two of them rolled on the ground, fists and feet flying in a chaotic brawl. I could see Sorey¡¯s larger frame and confidence, but Josh wasn¡¯t backing down. There was something different about him¡ªsomething deeper than just strength. I soon realized what it was.
Josh wasn¡¯t just relying on his physicality. He tapped into something else¡ªhis magic. His hands moved swiftly, and with a simple gesture, he manipulated the shovel next to him. The tool floated momentarily before hurling toward Sorey, the sharp edge aimed at him like a projectile.
Bunchy rushed toward them, trying to break up the fight, but he too was knocked back by a stray swing of the shovel. It was like watching a storm of raw emotion and power clash, and I didn¡¯t know how long it would take for it to stop.
¡°Stop, Josh!¡± I shouted, stepping between them. I knew it was dangerous, but I also knew that someone needed to intervene. Josh¡¯s face was a mixture of rage and desperation, but he paused, his eyes meeting mine.
¡°I want to work, but I¡¯m nobody¡¯s bitch!¡± Josh growled, his hands clenched around the shovel handle, still ready to strike.
Sorey stood tall, a glare in his eyes as he prepared to tackle him. That¡¯s when I made a decision¡ªI couldn¡¯t just stand by and let it escalate further.
I rushed at Josh, tackling him from the side. The force knocked him off balance, and he swung the shovel in a desperate attempt to knock me off. I ducked and dodged, slipping around the swings, using my momentum to shift the fight in my favor. With one swift punch, I caught Josh off guard, sending him sprawling to the ground, unconscious.
The scene went silent. Bunchy, who had been watching the whole time, was wide-eyed, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced with shock.
¡°Damn¡ Slimmy¡¡± Bunchy muttered, clearly stunned by what had just happened. Even Sorey, who usually had something snarky to say, just stood frozen, his eyes wide in disbelief. It was as if I had just slayed a dragon right in front of them. ¡°Sorey, you started this. You deal with him.¡±
Sorey, still caught up in the shock of the situation, nodded reluctantly, scooping Josh up onto his shoulder, making his way toward the infirmary.
¡°You good, Slimmy?¡± Bunchy asked, looking at me with a mix of concern and admiration. He could tell the tension had been broken, but the fight had been intense.
¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡±
Bunchy nodded, his serious face giving way to a grin. ¡°Alright, Slimmy, back to drilling. We¡¯ve got holes to make.¡±
The rest of the day felt like a blur. Sorey and Josh were gone, and I kept my head down, focusing on the task at hand. Bunchy and I worked in relative silence, using the drills to make holes in the floor. The routine felt like it was slowly becoming second nature to me, but I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was far from over. Josh was a wildcard, and I could tell that whatever had sparked that outburst wouldn¡¯t just disappear.
The rest of the week was the same.
¡° Bunchy, sorey¡± Tenque called them from his chair spot.
¡° About the earth mine, tomorrow we will start working there. They already gave us permission. So we have to work on that location¡±
¡°Alright boss as you wish¡± bunchy said
Bunchy explained me that the Earth Mine would be tougher, mainly because it meant going underground for the first time. The thought of descending into the depths unsettled me¡ªdark, confined spaces where danger could lurk around any corner. He also mentioned how unusual it was to rotate between mines so quickly. Normally, miners had time to stay around a minimum of 3 months and an average of six months. But the incident yesterday had changed everything, forcing us to move faster, to plug the gaps where help was needed most.
Chap 12- Naive / Present
The morning air was thick with tension, the kind that clung to your skin like the sweat from a hard day¡¯s work. The sun hadn¡¯t even fully risen yet.
"Wake up, Slimmy, time to go," Bunchy¡¯s voice cut through the fog of my tiredness.
¡°I hate this,¡± I groaned, still half-buried in the blankets.
"I know, me too, But the earth''s mine''s a bit far, Tenque told us that they need more man hands so we¡¯ve gotta get a move on. Sorey will take Josh."
¡°Serious? Those two started off on the wrong foot,¡± I muttered, but I could hear the concern in my voice. It wasn¡¯t just about the work anymore¡ªit was about keeping things from going sideways with Josh and Sorey.
¡°I know," Bunchy said, shaking his head as he started getting dressed. "But Josh doesn¡¯t have a car. He¡¯s gotta put up with Sorey for now."
I had to admit, that was a cruel twist of fate. Sorey seems like someone who could get under anyone''s skin, even on a good day.
"The Earth mine will be a little different from what you¡¯re used to," Bunchy continued, zipping up his jacket. "They¡¯re near a forest, so always keep your helmet on. There¡¯s been a few accidents in the past¡ªbeasts and all that¡ªbut nothing fatal. Don¡¯t be afraid, though. Just keep your wits about you."
Beasts? The thought hit me like a cold breeze. My stomach clenched, but I nodded. Forests and beasts didn¡¯t mix well with the mundane work I¡¯d been doing. But this was my new reality now.
The drive was a blur. The car rumbled beneath us as we passed familiar stretches of road that soon gave way to more treacherous terrain. I kept my eyes on the horizon, mentally preparing myself for whatever came next.
We reached the mine station, where we went through the usual logging in with our ID. The routine was starting to settle in, but this time there was a shift in the air. I could feel it. The mines were different today.
¡°Now we¡¯ll need a new tool for you,¡± Bunchy said, tossing a look over his shoulder as he led me to the reception. "Jackhammers won¡¯t do in underground mining. And in this area we don''t have many plugs. We¡¯ll need something more... old school."
He went up to the counter and asked for four pickaxes. I stared at the tools lined up, their sturdy, rough handles gleaming under the station lights.
¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I asked, eyeing the pickaxe warily. It didn¡¯t look like something I¡¯d be able to use without some kind of training.
¡°It¡¯s a pickaxe,¡± Bunchy said with a grin, ¡°We use these instead of jackhammers in the underground mines. No plugs down here and there, so we go manual. The real way."
I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just buy magical jackhammers? That seems like it would save some time.¡±
Bunchy chuckled at my question, a bit of mischief in his eyes. ¡°Because me and Sorey don¡¯t know how to use magic for that stuff. We¡¯re old school, Slimmy. No magic involved.¡± He handed me the pickaxe, and I gripped it cautiously. It felt like a shovel, only much heavier and with a sharper edge.
¡°You¡¯ll get the hang of it,¡± Bunchy said, slinging one of the pickaxes over his shoulder with ease. ¡°Now, let¡¯s go see what the others are up to.¡±
Outside the station, I spotted Sorey and Josh standing by the entrance. The atmosphere between them was tense¡ªJosh looked more annoyed than usual, while Sorey wore that smirk of his, the one that usually meant trouble.
¡°Sup, you two?¡± Bunchy greeted them, his tone casual as always.
¡°Sup, Bunchy,¡± Sorey shot back with a grin, looking over at Josh. ¡°Still carrying that old bag of fat around with you?¡± His voice was teasing, but there was an edge to it that I could feel, even from a distance.
¡°Too funny,¡± Bunchy said dryly, though it was clear he wasn¡¯t bothered. He¡¯d long since grown used to Sorey¡¯s antics.
¡°Alright,¡± Bunchy clapped his hands together, signaling the start of the discussion. ¡°Here¡¯s the plan. We¡¯ll divide into two groups. Slimmy and I will handle the surface work for the rest of the month, and then we¡¯ll switch roles next month. Sorey, you good with that?¡±
¡°Damn,¡± Sorey muttered, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°Guess I grabbed the wrong tools for today. Well, take these,¡± he added, handing over a small bundle of metallic implements. ¡°You¡¯ll need these for the boulders we¡¯re hauling out of the underground.¡±
I watched as Sorey handed over the tools. ¡°Are these wedges?¡± I asked, leaning in a bit to get a better look.
¡°Correct, Wedges,¡± Bunchy explained, holding one up for emphasis. ¡°They¡¯re used to split boulders into smaller, manageable pieces. Down in the mines, we use belt conveyors to move the rock out,¡± he gestured towards the conveyor system snaking up from the underground shaft. ¡°But sometimes, these boulders are just too damn heavy to carry as a whole, so we split them up and take them piece by piece.¡±
¡°Right,¡± Sorey chimed in. ¡°Because our bosses are too cheap to give us proper amounts of TNT.¡±
Bunchy let out a dry chuckle. ¡°Yeah, that too. Although, to be fair, the bosses do have their reasons. Remember the mess our last guy made? Blew a section of the mine clean out¡ªcompletely unplanned, almost collapsed part of the structure.¡±
Sorey nodded, rubbing his temples at the memory. ¡°Exactly. That little stunt cost us weeks of work and a load of safety inspections. So now we¡¯re stuck playing it safe. Wedges are slower, sure, but at least they don¡¯t blow holes in places they¡¯re not supposed to.¡±
Bunchy turned to me with a smirk. ¡°For now, it¡¯s wedges, hard work, and sore muscles. That¡¯s the miner¡¯s life, guys.¡±
¡°Then stop wasting time, Crack and I will handle the underground as we agreed. Just don¡¯t crack a bone, Crack. I don¡¯t wanna be carrying your sorry ass out of there.¡±
Josh¡¯s face darkened at the jab. ¡°I will not,¡± he said seriously, his jaw set. It was clear he wasn¡¯t backing down.
Sorey raised an eyebrow, but before he could say anything else, Bunchy jumped in. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get to work. You guys know the drill.¡±
I felt the weight of the pickaxe in my hand, and with a quick glance at Bunchy, I followed him to the surface work area. I wasn¡¯t sure what to expect, but I knew it was going to be a long day.
As we walked towards the worksite, Bunchy gave me a look. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about those two. They¡¯ll figure it out. Just focus on getting your job done.¡±
The midday sun blazed overhead as I stood awkwardly with a pickaxe in hand, the tool feeling foreign and unwieldy. Bunchy, on the other hand, looked like he belonged here, his every movement purposeful as he assessed the rocky terrain. "There," he said, pointing to a jagged outcrop where the rock shimmered faintly, veins of ore glinting beneath the surface. He swung his pickaxe with a practiced arc, the sharp clang echoing like a command.
I swallowed hard, gripping my pickaxe and imitating his stance. My first swing landed with a dull thud, barely scratching the surface. Bunchy chuckled, not unkindly, and stepped closer. "You¡¯re aiming too shallow, Slimmy. Let the weight of the pick do the work," he advised, demonstrating another powerful strike that sent shards of rock scattering.
I adjusted my grip and tried again, this time feeling the satisfying jolt as the pick bit deeper into the stone. Dust rose around us as we worked, and I found myself watching Bunchy¡¯s movements, the rhythm of his strikes, the precision of his aim. For him, this seemed almost like second nature; for me, every swing was a battle between frustration and determination.
¡°Not bad,¡± he said after a while, wiping sweat from his brow. ¡°You¡¯ll get the hang of it soon enough.¡±
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s kind of difficult, but not much different from using a shovel,¡±
¡°Good, don¡¯t get tired, since later we need to split the boulders that are piling up. Save some wedges in your pockets every time we do this.¡±
With a grunt, he passed me a few more wedges, and I stuffed them into my pockets, every day.
The week dragged on¡ªan endless cycle of pickaxing, splitting boulders, and, of course, hauling the broken debris to the piles. Each day felt like it stretched longer than the last. But, at last, the end was within sight. Tomorrow, I¡¯d finally get paid. The thought made me restless with excitement.
Bunchy has explained me that both pay would come to his mail, until I get an apartment of my own.
¡°What if we hang out tomorrow?¡± Bunchy asked with a playful gleam in his eye. ¡°
¡°Sure let¡¯s meet in the capital, have some fun, enjoy the day. I¡¯ll even treat the rookies to lunch. But no offense, Bunchy after the last time I treated you for lunch, I¡¯m still having nightmares,¡± Sorey added with a smirk, his tone mocking yet somehow endearing.
Bunchy threw his head back and laughed, the sound booming out like thunder. ¡°Fair enough,¡± he said, clearly unbothered. "You know I don¡¯t mind."
Josh sidled up to me, his usual reserved demeanor replaced by an unusual spark in his eyes. ¡°You know, Daryn,¡± he began, his voice low but eager. ¡°There¡¯s gold down there in the underground mines. A lot of it.¡±
Gold? My ears perked up at the word. ¡°Gold?¡± I repeated, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. It seemed like the kind of thing you only heard about in stories, not in real life, not in this hellish place.
Josh¡¯s face lit up with a smile, one of those rare moments where he wasn¡¯t burdened by the weight of the world. ¡°Yeah, gold. It¡¯s for the rich, obviously, but it¡¯s there, beneath our feet. It¡¯s incredible.¡±
I couldn¡¯t stop myself from imagining it¡ªgold gleaming in my hands, piles of it. The thought made my pulse quicken, but a whisper of doubt crept in. Could it really be true? And if it was, what would I do with it?
¡°Wow...¡± I muttered, barely able to contain my excitement.
¡°Hey, you two,¡± Sorey¡¯s voice broke through the moment as he draped an arm casually around our shoulders. ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡±
¡°Nothing,¡± Josh quickly replied, his smirk hiding any trace of the conversation we¡¯d just had.
¡°Right. Well, let¡¯s go, Crack.¡± Sorey nudged Josh toward the direction of the bar. I took my cue and followed Bunchy, but my mind kept going back to Josh¡¯s words. Gold. It lingered in my thoughts like a tempting, forbidden fruit.
The next day, Bunchy drove us into the capital, the city bustling with energy and life. We made our rounds, visiting a few places, trying to make the most of the rare time off. But when it came time to meet up with Sorey and Josh, neither of them picked up their phones.
¡°I¡¯ll check the hamburger place. You go to the bar and see if you can find them,¡±
¡°Ah¡ sure,¡±
I made my way through the crowded streets, weaving between people as I walked toward the bar. The neon lights flickered above, the low hum of chatter filling the air. As I approached the door, someone grabbed my shoulder from behind, sending a jolt through my body.
¡°Lost?¡± Josh¡¯s voice was smooth, his smirk barely visible in the dim light.
¡°Josh!¡± I exclaimed, startled as I turned to face him. ¡°Where¡¯s Sorey? Bunchy and I¡¯ve been looking for you.¡±
He looked around, making sure no one was paying attention, then placed his hand firmly on my shoulder, his gaze suddenly serious. ¡°I lost Sorey,¡± he said, his tone cold. ¡°For good.¡±
Something about his words sent a chill down my spine. He wasn¡¯t joking.
¡°Listen,¡± his voice dropping even lower. ¡°Not here.¡± He gestured for me to follow him.
I hesitated, but curiosity and a strange sense of urgency tugged at me. We moved to a quiet alley where the noise of the crowd faded behind us.
¡°We can go back to the mine. Get the gold,¡± Josh said, his voice heavy with conviction.
Josh¡¯s eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. ¡°The gold¡¯s there. Natural. No one will know. Yesterday, I was in the underground mine, I know where it is. We can take it. We don¡¯t have to keep doing this dirty job. Don¡¯t you want to quit this life?¡±
My thoughts were a whirlwind. I¡¯d dreamed of a life beyond this¡ªbeyond the mines, beyond the backbreaking labor. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
My payment would have not been enough to buy me a house on my own, barely pay the adventurer fee, so perhaps stealing some few grams¡ or kilograms would not be a bad idea. Besides there are more kingdoms to run away to. But I need to make sure this plan he has could work.
¡°But the place is closed today,¡± I said, trying to find a reason to back out, something to get my head straight again.
¡° Don¡¯t worry there is a cave that connects to the mine, and this is the map¡± from his pant¡¯s pocket I can see a map half hidden by his long green coat.
Josh didn¡¯t miss a beat. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a car key and letting it swing in front of me. ¡°I¡¯ve got Sorey¡¯s key. We¡¯ll use his car. If anyone asks, we¡¯ll say he¡¯s the one who took the gold. You¡¯re with me, right?¡±
My mind screamed at me to back away. This was dangerous, reckless. But my hands were shaking as I stared at the key. The money. The gold. It was so tempting. What could I buy with that kind of fortune? A house? A stable life?Weapons? No more of this grueling work?
¡°I...¡± I trailed off, my thoughts clouded by the possibility. It was everything I¡¯d dreamed of, everything I¡¯d wanted. A way out.
I reached out and touched Josh¡¯s shoulder, my decision made.
¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡±
Josh¡¯s smirk widened, but I couldn¡¯t shake the nagging feeling that I was walking into something I might never come back from. Still, the thought of the gold¡ªthe freedom it promised¡ªkept my resolve strong.
To avoid being seen we parked in place inside the forest. The path ahead of us seemed endless, the forest growing denser as we pushed forward. My body ached from the long hours of walking, but Josh¡¯s words echoed in my mind, pushing me forward: ¡°We will be rich soon.¡± The thought of gold, of freedom, of never having to lift a shovel or jackhammer again, kept my steps steady. I couldn''t let fear take hold¡ªnot when I was so close to the promise of a better life.
Josh handed me a helmet, the kind that looked more advanced than the usual gear we wore for work. ¡°Get ready, Daryn. We will be rich soon,¡± he said, his tone laced with excitement, his eyes gleaming with something darker. I nodded, my hands trembling slightly as I adjusted the helmet. This wasn¡¯t the first time I¡¯d felt a sense of unease, but the idea of wealth had a way of silencing those doubts.
"Okay," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. I couldn¡¯t back out now¡ªnot when the gold was within reach.
Then, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, we found it¡ªa cave nestled in the side of a cliff, its entrance hidden by overgrown vines and moss. The shadows in the cave were deep, almost impenetrable, but Josh didn¡¯t hesitate. He pulled out the map, the edges frayed and worn, and unrolled it with careful hands.
¡°We¡¯ll enter through here. This cave connects to the old mine,¡± Josh explained, his voice low and almost conspiratorial. ¡°We just have to follow the path. Don¡¯t worry about anything. The helmets are fully charged, and I know where we¡¯re going.¡±
I stared at the cave¡¯s dark mouth, uncertain. ¡°But how can a cave and the mine be connected?¡±
Josh gave me a sharp look, then gestured to the map. "Shh, not much, but what matters is we follow the right path. We¡¯ll be in the underground mine in no time."
"Let me see the map," I insisted, stepping closer.
Josh quickly pulled it away, shaking his head. "No, Daryn. If you screw this up, we¡¯re done. We won''t get another chance like this."
I felt a sinking sensation in my stomach, but I nodded anyway. "Fine. I need the money too, I get it."
He handed me a bag and a pickaxe. As I took them, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what we were really walking into. But the thought of the wealth that lay at the end of this journey kept me from asking too many questions.
The air inside is cool and damp. The darkness seemed to swallow us whole, and the sounds of the forest faded behind us. The air grew heavier the deeper we went, thick with the musty smell of earth and stone. My heart pounded in my chest, and my thoughts kept drifting back to the gold¡ªhow much could we get? How many pieces? How could I spend it all?
We walked for nearly ten minutes, the silence between us only broken by the occasional scrape of our boots against the rocky floor. Then suddenly, the sound of Josh¡¯s footsteps ahead of me stopped. His light flickered, and before I could call out, the beam went dark.
¡°Josh!¡± I shouted, the words echoing off the stone walls. But there was no reply. The only sound I could hear now was the echo of my own voice. He was gone¡ªcompletely gone.
My pulse raced as I flicked on my own helmet light, but the beam seemed weak, the darkness pressing in on me from all sides. I called his name again, but the silence was deafening. I moved forward, calling out desperately, but there was nothing¡ªonly the fading sound of footsteps and the deeper silence that followed. It felt like the cave itself had swallowed him up.
I stood frozen for a moment, trying to make sense of the situation. Josh had left me¡ªhe¡¯d just disappeared into the dark, leaving me behind with nothing but his promises of riches. My mind whirled with questions. Was this all a lie? Was there even any gold in the first place? Or had I been foolish enough to follow him into a trap?
As I pressed forward, the light from my helmet illuminated a strange scene ahead. A large, bold rock stood ominously in the path, its surface scarred with deep slashes¡ªlike something had struck it with immense force. My pulse quickened as I stepped closer, noticing that the marks weren''t random. They looked deliberate, almost as if someone¡ªor something¡ªhad been here before. Buried beneath the rock, just barely visible, was the outline of something metallic. A sword? I wondered, my thoughts racing. It looked ancient, its hilt weathered and dull, partially obscured by dirt and debris.
Nearby, scattered bones of animals lay in disarray, their skeletal forms eerily white against the dark rock. Some were cracked clean through, others gnawed at the edges. Whatever had been here wasn¡¯t just dangerous¡ªit was predatory.
I must have walked for another twenty minutes, though time felt warped in the oppressive silence of the cave. Just when I was ready to give up hope, I saw it¡ªa faint, flickering light in the distance. It wasn¡¯t the cold glow of my helmet or the harsh artificial light of the mine. It was warm, soft, and promising.
I made a fatal choice. I did run and made a bad step. The ground beneath me gave way with a sharp crack. A loud, splintering noise echoed through the cave as the fragile floor collapsed, plunging me into a dark abyss. I fell, dirt and debris tumbling around me, the sensation of freefall lasting longer than I expected. My stomach lurched as I hit the bottom with a bone-jarring thud, pain shooting through my entire body.
I lay there for a moment, stunned. The first thought that hit me was disbelief¡ªI was alive. How did I survive that? My body ached all over, my head spinning as I struggled to make sense of what had just happened.
But as I tried to move, panic set in. Two heavy rocks were pinning my ribcage, pressing down with agonizing weight. My legs were buried under layers of dirt, the pressure making it nearly impossible to budge them. Every time I tried to push against the rocks, they shifted slightly, threatening to crush me completely.
I grit my teeth, sweat mixing with the dirt on my face as I fought to breathe. The air here was thicker, almost suffocating, and my light flickered weakly, casting erratic shadows on the jagged walls around me. I was trapped.
Despair clawed at the edges of my mind. This is it. This is how it ends? Buried alive, chasing after some stupid gold? My chest heaved, every breath a struggle under the weight of the rocks. My fingers scrabbled at the dirt, trying to find some leverage, but it was no use. The more I moved, the more precarious my situation became.
I stopped struggling for a moment, staring up at the faint glow of my helmet light. My thoughts drifted to Josh. Where are you? Did you know about this? Anger and fear mingled in my chest, but they couldn¡¯t overpower the crushing reality of my predicament.
I stayed here for hours, until my light was flickering.
And¡ Now.. I am here the way I am, it¡¯s Josh''s fault.
Present:
As I lay trapped, my thoughts drift back to the life I live in this world. For all its hardships¡ªthe grueling work, the endless sweat¡ªit isn¡¯t all bad. My life is simple but fulfilling in its own way. Now, faced with this suffocating stillness, the thought of losing it all gnaws at me.
Something shifts in my mind when I remember. The fog of fear and sleepiness lifts, replaced by a strange clarity.
Relax, I tell myself. Panicking only wastes the precious air left in this pit. I inhale deeply, savoring the sharp bite of the stale air and letting my lungs settle into a steady rhythm. I need to think clearly.
But the situation is dire. My brain throws out a flurry of ideas, most of them absurd. My gaze falls on the jagged rock pinning me down. Could I¡ eat it?
The notion is ridiculous, but desperation has a way of bending logic.
¡°It¡¯s an isekai,¡± I mutter, a weak grin spreading across my face. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ve got some hidden talent. Like¡ Rock Chewing?¡±
I tilt my head back, open my mouth wide, and sink my teeth into the cold, unyielding stone.
The result is instantaneous and painful. My teeth scream in protest, a sharp crack echoing in my skull as a molar gives way. I yank back, clutching my jaw and groaning in agony. So much for hidden talents.
¡°Well, that is dumb,¡± I say aloud, the humor of it only slightly masking my growing despair.
Time slips by in silence, broken only by the faint sound of dirt shifting around me. Every minute feels like an hour. My body grows weaker, the weight of the rocks pressing down harder with every shallow breath.
I can¡¯t just wait here. I have been trapped for hours¡ªif anyone is coming, they¡¯d be here by now.
I have one shot or more to say, I have the option to give it all and die, or dont give it all and die. I think the choice is obvious.
I take a deep breath, feeling my ribs strain against the weight. The air is thin, but it¡¯ll have to do. Summoning every ounce of strength left, I clench my fists and brace myself.
¡°Here goes nothing¡¡±
With a guttural roar, I drive my fists into the rocks pinning me, my chest heaving as I push with all my might. My body screams in protest, but I don¡¯t stop. The sound of rock cracking fills the chamber.
Shock washes over me. My punches¡ they¡¯re working?
I slam my fists again, harder this time, and feel the stones shift. It¡¯s like my arms turn into hammers, each strike reverberating with power I don¡¯t know I have.
¡°Come on¡ MOVE!¡±
With one final push, the rocks shift slightly, granting me just enough freedom to twist my torso. Relief floods through me for a moment, but my victory is short-lived. I still can¡¯t move fully¡ªthe weight pressing on my legs remains unforgiving.
As I adjust my position, something sharp jabs into my thigh. My thoughts scramble. What is that?
The wedges.
A flicker of hope lights up in my chest. The wedges we use for work¡ªthey might just save me.
I maneuver my arm, slipping it into the narrow gap between my torso and the rocks. Each movement is a struggle, the confined space grinding against my bruised ribs. Sweat pours down my face as my fingers fumble to retrieve the tools. It is agony¡ªsharp, burning pain tearing through my arm¡ªbut finally, I manage to pull two free.
My arm is now stuck in an awkward position, but the sight of the wedge in my hand renews my determination. I bite down on the urge to cry out, forcing myself to focus.
You¡¯re so close. Don¡¯t stop now.
With a guttural effort, I twist and shove my arm upward. Every inch of movement comes with searing pain, the rough edges of the rocks scraping against my skin. Blood trickles down my arm, warm and sticky.
But I don¡¯t care.
Finally, my arm breaks free, trembling but clutching the wedge like a lifeline. The motion leaves me with a deep wound and raw, bleeding skin, but there is no time to dwell on it. I still have a chance.
Clamping the wedge between my fingers, I begin forcing it into the crevice between the rocks. Each push is excruciating, my fingers screaming under the pressure. Blood wells beneath my nails, and with a sickening crack.
The pain is overwhelming, blinding. Tears stream down my face, but I don¡¯t stop. The hope of freedom burns brighter than the agony, driving me forward. Another wedge. Another brutal push.
¡°Come on¡ COME ON!¡±
With both wedges in place, now to execute the craziest idea. I raise my fists. The skin on my hands is raw, the bones aching as if they¡¯re on the verge of snapping. But I strike the wedges anyway, using my arms like a hammer.
One. Two. Three.
The sound of metal biting into stone echoes in the confined space. I can feel the pressure on my bones of my hand as I keep striking. Each try grows weaker, my strength waning. Air is running out, the staleness suffocating me. My roars turn into choked gasps, my voice cracking into silence.
Blood splatters from my hands with every hit, dripping onto the rocks below. Pain lances through my body, but I push past it, a strange mix of laughter and sobbing spilling from my lips.
You can¡¯t stop. You¡¯ve come too far.
I strike again. The wedges groan under the pressure. A fissure spreads across the stone, small at first, then wider.
Crack.
The sound is like music to my ears.
I give it one last, desperate blow, and suddenly, the rocks shift. The pressure on my legs eases, and I feel the weight lift.
The rock gives way, crumbling into pieces around me.
For a moment, I don¡¯t move. I just lie there, staring at my bloodied hands, breathing in shallow gasps of precious air. A weak, incredulous laugh escapes me.
I did it.
I am free.
My body is finally free from the crushing rocks, but reality hits me like a boulder. I am still trapped¡ªfifteen meters underground with no clear way out.
As I try to catch my breath, something flickers in the corner of my vision. A faint glow.
The menu.
The system interface hovers before me, its familiar orange light cutting through the oppressive darkness.
Skills:
Research Beyond the Scope
This skill can¡¯t evolve.
Allows learning of skills unrelated to your category through experience and fulfilling specific requirements. Learned skills, however, cannot evolve.
Survival
Automatically activates when HP drops below 10%. Grants unlimited stamina for a brief period and negates most pain, except from extremely severe wounds.
I stare at the description of the Survival skill, a sudden realization hitting me.
Evolve?
Pachesko¡¯s words echo in my mind. Every skill can evolve once its experience bar is full. The path to unlocking stronger abilities.
But right now, there¡¯s no time to dwell on that. My body trembles with exhaustion, yet I feel oddly energized. My limbs move, the crushing fatigue replaced by a strange, almost artificial vitality.
The Survival skill.
The surge of strength I feel isn¡¯t my own¡ªit¡¯s the skill taking over. It dulls the sharp edge of pain and pushes my stamina to its limit. Like anesthesia mixed with an overdose of energy drinks, it keeps me moving even when my body screams for rest.
¡°This is my shot,¡± I mutter, clenching my fists.
With no time to waste, I drag myself to the jagged rock wall and begin to climb. Every inch upward is a battle. The rocks are loose, the air is heavy, and I can¡¯t see far ahead. But the skill keeps my stamina surging, numbing everything but the desperate need to escape.
I push and pull, my fingers digging into cracks and crevices. Time blurs into a haze of effort and determination. The weight of my body feels distant, the strain manageable¡ªeven if my nails crack and skin tears.
Finally, my hand reaches the edge of the opening. With one final pull, I haul myself out and collapse onto solid ground.
The moment I hit the surface, Survival deactivates.
The pain comes rushing back like a tidal wave, every cut, bruise, and strain screaming at me all at once. My body feels like a sack of broken bones and bruised flesh.
I can¡¯t move. All I can do is lie there, gasping for breath.
But I am out.
Resting on the cold, hard floor, I laugh weakly, the sound broken and hollow.
Then I close my eyes, thinking that I am alive.
chap 13- Hospital/Tsukihana
I wake up in a hospital room, my body aching like I¡¯ve been crushed under a mountain. The moment I see them¡ªSorey, Bunchy, and especially Josh¡ªmy blood boils. My hands clench into fists before I even think about it.
¡°I¡¯m gonna kick your ass so hard, Josh, you won¡¯t sit straight until my next paycheck!¡± My voice is hoarse, my throat burning, but I don¡¯t care. Rage fuels me more than any sense of self-preservation.
¡°Chill, Slimmy,¡± Bunchy says, stepping between us, his hands up in a placating gesture. ¡°I know you¡¯re stressed, but let¡¯s not¡ª¡±
¡°Sorey, you tell him,¡± Bunchy mutters, looking away. ¡°I can¡¯t defend you this time.¡±
Sorey grins nervously. ¡°Sup, Slimmy.¡±
His casual tone only makes me angrier. ¡°Explain. Now.¡±
¡°Well,¡± Sorey begins, scratching the back of his neck, ¡°this was... kinda my idea. Josh didn¡¯t plan this. I told him to help me out.¡±
My jaw tightens. ¡°What. The. Hell.¡±
Sorey raises his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Look, you¡¯re too good at your job, you know? It wasn¡¯t fun. So I thought we¡¯d spice things up. And, uh... Josh was getting tired of my jokes, so I figured I¡¯d let him in on it. A little bonding, you know?¡±
Josh shifts uncomfortably but doesn¡¯t look up.
¡°So you¡¯re telling me you nearly kill me because Josh is sick of your shit?¡± I growl. ¡°How is that my fault?¡±
Sorey looks away, his usual confidence shaken. ¡°The cave¡¯s not that dangerous, Slimmy. It¡¯s only a forty-meter passage. We didn¡¯t think you¡¯d actually... get lost.¡±
Josh finally speaks, his voice quiet. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Daryn. I didn¡¯t think it¡¯d go this far. Honest.¡±
But I look at Bunchy. ¡°And you knew?¡±
He winces, his usual cheery demeanor faltering. ¡°I did, but... I didn¡¯t exactly participate.¡± He hesitates before adding, ¡°I told them it was stupid, Slimmy. But, you know... Sorey¡¯s Sorey.¡±
I want to scream, to fight, to get even, but my body betrays me. My strength is gone, and all I can do is glare at the three of them.
¡°I trusted you,¡± I say through gritted teeth. ¡°All of you. And this is how you treat me?¡±
Bunchy looks at the floor. Sorey sighs, his bravado deflated. Josh, to his credit, doesn¡¯t look away this time.
¡°Get out,¡± I say, my voice low and cold. ¡°All of you.¡±
¡°Slimmy¡ª¡± Bunchy starts, but I cut him off.
¡°Out!¡±
¡°Fine, we¡¯re leaving. We¡¯ll excuse you with the boss, don¡¯t worry.¡±
They leave without another word, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stare at the ceiling, my mind racing. I should¡¯ve died down there. And for what? A stupid prank?
Tenque comes to visit. It¡¯s not like I want him to come¡ªit¡¯s far from my best idea¡ªbut here he is, and there¡¯s no turning back. Let¡¯s see what he has to say.
¡°Hello, boss,¡±
¡°I heard from those two, making excuses for you. I had to come check for myself.¡±
¡°Oh, so now you believe it?¡±
¡°No,¡± he says, smirking in a way that makes my stomach twist. ¡°But I want you back at work tomorrow, good as new. Unless, of course, you¡¯re looking to get fired.¡± He winks, then lets out a laugh as he heads for the door. The laugh might sound playful, but his eyes stay cold and serious.
¡°Slimmy, Slimmy,¡± he calls over his shoulder, pausing just before leaving. ¡°Bet you¡¯re expecting your paycheck, huh?¡±
¡°Right¡¡± I reply cautiously, already preparing for the next blow.
¡°Haha! About that¡ªwe use your paycheck to take care of you.¡±
¡°You kidding,¡± I snap, my tone sharp.
¡°Who do you think is paying for your wounds? Bunchy? Sorey? The company? No, Slimmy, you did this to yourself.¡±
¡°The bright side?¡± he continues, his voice oozing condescension. ¡°Now you¡¯ve learned not to be naive.¡±
I glare at him, clenching my jaw tight. ¡°Is that why you came here? To tell me all this?¡±
¡°Bosses aren¡¯t friends, Slimmy,¡± and leaves while laughing.
I stay where I am, rooted to the spot, the silence of the room pressing down on me. His words hang in the air, sharp and stinging, refusing to let me be.
Tsukihana:
As the door creaks open, my breath hitches. A young nurse steps into the room, her presence both captivating and unsettling. Her dark blue hair falls softly against her neck, framing a shy expression that only adds to her charm. Those blue eyes flicker nervously, as if she''s unsure whether to meet my gaze or look away.
Her pink uniform clings to her figure in all the right places, leaving little to the imagination. The mini-skirt flutters slightly as she moves, revealing a glance of her bare legs. A golden bracelet jingles softly on her wrist, adding a delicate contrast to the boldness of her appearance.
Her hesitance only fuels the growing tension in the room. My thoughts race, a chaotic mix of admiration and guilt. Her uniform, while professional, feels more like a test of my restraint. The way it hugs her curves, the subtle sway of her hips as she approaches¡ªit¡¯s almost as if she knows the effect she has on me.
I bet the hospital is aware, good luck me, that really set me off my steam from before
But while I look more, there''s something about her that immediately tells me she''s not entirely at ease in this setting.
"Good afternoon, Daryn. I am your doctor, Toroshiro. This is our new intern Tsukihana, she will be in charge of your care. Anything you need, just ask her." The doctor¡¯s voice is calm, but it¡¯s the way Tsukihana avoids my eyes that catches my attention. She¡¯s red, cheeks flushed like she¡¯s embarrassed or anxious¡ªmaybe both.
He hands me a small remote with a button. "This is for emergencies. Just press it, and she¡¯ll come running."
I glance at Tsukihana, and she offers a small bow, looking even more awkward. I can¡¯t help but wonder why someone like her would choose a job like this. She seems to shrink under the doctor¡¯s instructions, and I can see the hesitation in her eyes as she tries to hold herself together.
The doctor leaves us, and the room feels much quieter, the air thick with unspoken tension. I stare at Tsukihana, and she stares back, fidgeting with the corner of her clipboard. I clear my throat, trying to break the silence.
"Hello?" I ask, my voice not as sharp as I intended. It comes out almost like an invitation, but she seems startled anyway.
She yelps, which immediately makes me smirk. I wasn¡¯t expecting her to make such a cute sound, and despite myself, it pulls a chuckle from me.
"Do you know when I can leave?" I ask, my voice a bit more serious now. I have a bad feeling about being cooped up in this bed for too long. My body¡¯s battered, but my mind needs to be free.
"Tomorrow," she answers quickly, though she looks almost apologetic.
I blink, disbelief written on my face. "Tomorrow? Are you sure? I¡¯m still in pretty rough shape. I could crack any second."
She nods, but her eyes flicker with uncertainty. "Yes, I¡¯ll give you therapy every two hours. By tomorrow, you should be fine."
I furrow my brow. Therapy? I don''t even know what kind of therapy she¡¯s talking about, but it doesn¡¯t sound like anything I¡¯m familiar with.
"What do you mean by therapy?" I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral, though a pang of confusion rises in my chest.
"Yosh!" She yelps again, this time visibly flustered. Her hand comes up to her face like she''s trying to hide behind it. I roll my eyes. If she wasn¡¯t so shy, I¡¯d be tempted to flirt with her. But honestly, her constant yelping and nervousness are starting to get a bit irritating. If she weren¡¯t so cute, I might have gotten frustrated by now.
"I mean, I have healing skills," she finally says, and it catches my attention. Healing skills? I should have known. It¡¯s a hospital, after all, so having healers on staff makes sense.
I glance at her again, an idea forming in my head. I activate my Eye of Curiosity skill, hoping to get a better sense of who she is. Her class should give me a bit more context.
The result appears in front of me like a silent whisper:
Tsukihana
Category: Healer
Description: Unknown.
B86, W60, H90.
Unknown? Does she have some kind of passive ability that hides her information from skills like mine? That''s odd.
"So, you''re a Healer, huh?" I ask, leaning back against the pillows, trying to keep the conversation going. If I¡¯m stuck in here for the rest of the day, at least I might learn something interesting.
She freezes for a moment, looking genuinely surprised by my question. "Y-Yes..." she replies quietly, her eyes wide.
"That''s pretty impressive," I say, trying to sound casual, though my curiosity is piqued. "But, um, why not become an adventurer? I mean, with a power like that, you could be out there saving the world instead of... healing patients."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"I... I don''t really want that kind of life," she says softly, almost as if she¡¯s speaking to herself. "Helping people here, in the hospital, is enough for me."
"Fair enough," I say with a shrug. "I guess not everyone wants to be a hero."
She leaves the room to do her nurse stuff.
Every two hours, without fail, I press that little call button, for the therapy. She really takes her job seriously, when I press the button she comes running, like if I''m having an emergency.
I¡¯ve been secretly hoping she¡¯d trip, that fate would deliver the ultimate spectacle. And of course, the gods answer my unspoken prayer. The moment she steps into the room, her foot catches on something, and she stumbles forward. Time slows as her short pink skirt flutters up, giving me an unhindered view of pure, white cotton panties stretched perfectly over her round shaped cheeks. My breath catches.
She scrambles to her feet, her face redder than her uniform buttons, while I do my best to keep my expression neutral. Inside, though? I¡¯m practically doing a victory lap.
I lean back in my bed with a grin I can¡¯t quite hide. ¡°Best. Hospital. Ever.¡±
She collocates her hand in front of my affected areas and execute her enchantment ritual in the areas, such as arms, chest and legs and I feel the pain subsiding and I start feeling better.
By the next day, in the morning, I feel okay¡ªor at least better than before. I stretch, shaking off the lingering soreness from my body.
¡°Well, it¡¯s time for me to go,¡±
She only nods in response, her eyes fixed on the floor. The same shy, distant figure I¡¯ve come to know during my brief stay. Even now, I can¡¯t tell what she¡¯s thinking.
As I step out of the room, faint noises from the hallway catch my attention¡ªraised voices, hurried footsteps, and the telltale shuffle of chaos brewing where there shouldn¡¯t be. A hospital is supposed to be a place of quiet recovery, not this.
Curious, I edge closer to the door and peek outside.
Three figures barge through the corridor, shoving doctors aside. The tension in the air thickens as their presence disturbs the usual calm.
¡°Where is her?¡± one of them demands, his voice sharp with desperation and anger.
I narrow my eyes and activate my Eye of Curiosity skill to assess them. As expected, they aren¡¯t ordinary civilians.
Two Rogues flank the leader, a man radiating aggression with every step. His category reads as Boxer.
Seriously? A Boxer? Pachesko really has a weird type of humor.
¡°We want the High Priestess. Nothing else. If you bring her to me, nobody gets hurt,¡± the Boxer growls, scanning the room with predatory intent.
Instinctively, I close the door quietly behind me and turn the lock. The last thing I need is for these adventurers to find Tsukihana¡ªor me, for that matter.
¡°They¡¯re after a High Priestess,¡± I mutter, sarcasm dripping in my voice to mask my unease. ¡°Could be anyone, really.¡±
A soft, almost inaudible whisper catches my attention.
¡°I am the only High Priestess in this building,¡± Tsukihana confesses, her cheeks tinged with shame as she avoids my gaze.
Before I can process her words, a loud bang reverberates through the door. The wood splinters as the Boxer drives his fist through it, his face appearing in the jagged hole.
¡°You¡¯re here, High Priestess,¡± he snarls, eyes glowing with an unnerving intensity.
Tsukihana flinches behind me, trembling. I glance at her, momentarily torn between frustration and pity. But there¡¯s no time for hesitation.
¡°Ey, you guys sure she¡¯s the one?¡± I say, stepping forward to block their view. ¡°Look at her. She¡¯s so shaky¡ªcan she really be a High Priestess?¡±
The Boxer glares, his temper flaring. ¡°Get out of my sight!¡±
Not yet. I press on, my voice dripping with false curiosity. ¡°And what¡¯s so special about a High Priest anyway?¡±
The Rogues chuckle under their breath, but the Boxer isn¡¯t amused. His eyes narrow as he spits out his answer.
¡°The class of a High Priest is rare. We heard about what she did for Zak¡ªhe was on death¡¯s door, his arm nearly torn off in a raid. She healed him like it was nothing. Do you think any ordinary healer could do that?¡±
The revelation hits me like a blow. A High Priestess isn¡¯t just rare; they¡¯re invaluable. But why do they want specifically her so badly?
I glance at Tsukihana, who shrinks further into herself, her trembling form almost disappearing into the shadows.
I sigh, forcing myself to stay calm. ¡°You can¡¯t force someone to do what you want,¡± I whisper, leaning closer to her. ¡°Go while you can. I¡¯ll stop them.¡±
But before she can move, the Boxer pulls out a phone. He speaks briefly into it, his expression darkening as he ends the call. His next words send a chill down my spine.
¡°I see. You¡¯re a player.¡±
What? Another player?
My mind reels. There are others like me in this world¡ªadventurers transported from another realm. Could that explain their fixation on Tsukihana?
¡°You want that damn priest all to yourself,¡± the Boxer growls, his tone dripping with accusation.
The two Rogues seize me by the arms, their grips like iron. My attempt to resist is futile; they¡¯re far stronger than I anticipated.
¡°I have a pathetic category,¡± the Boxer sneers. ¡°Boxer. Useless. I can only fight with my hands¡ªno feet, no weapons, just fists. A joke, really.¡± His frustration is evident as he clenches his fists.
¡°But with a healer like her?¡± One of the Rogues grins, his voice tinged with madness. ¡°We could take on high-level dungeons, bleed all we want, and she¡¯d just patch us up. Level up faster than anyone else.¡±
The truth is clear now. Their rage isn¡¯t about Tsukihana herself¡ªit¡¯s about their own inadequacies, their desperation to rise above their limitations.
Adrenaline floods my veins. My body moves before my mind can catch up.
I won¡¯t let them take her.
I see the boxer, his stance shifting as he prepares to throw a devastating blow. With quick thinking, I use my legs for leverage, pushing off the two rogues. Their grip falters as I kick the boxer with my feet. His momentum works against him, and I manage to create just enough distance between us, throwing the rogues off balance in the process.
For a moment, I¡¯m free¡ªbut they surround me again, faster than I expect. The boxer, however, has a different goal. He¡¯s already eyeing Tsukihana, not concerned about me anymore. The rogues, agile and precise, still have me trapped. I grit my teeth, looking for any weakness in their movements. These guys are quick, but they lack the raw strength of the boxer. I can match their speed if I find an opening.
¡°You¡¯re good, but not good enough,¡± one rogue sneers, shifting to my side.
Before I can react, one of them tosses a smoke bomb at my feet, blinding me in seconds. I barely have time to register their footsteps before one rogue¡¯s punch lands square on my face. The other hits me in the gut. The force knocks me back, but I quickly steady myself.
I fight the dizziness, remembering what I have to do. They¡¯re overconfident, thinking they have me on the ropes. But my father¡¯s cruelty taught me to endure worse. I let out a muffled cry, half-real, half-fake. The rogues hesitate, thinking they¡¯ve broken me.
¡°Such a wuss,¡± one mutters. ¡°Let¡¯s finish him.¡±
I can¡¯t afford to let them think that. They come at me again, but I react just in time, dodging the back sweep of one rogue and grabbing him by the collar. I hurl him through the door into the hallway, buying myself precious seconds as I stumble away from the gas.
One rogue, stunned. The next one runs straight at me¡ªa bad move. I catch him off-guard with a light punch to the jaw, knocking him up.
I waste no time. I have to find Tsukihana. The sound of footsteps echoes from below, the air thick with tension. The doctor¡¯s words ring in my ears¡ªthe authorities are coming. But I don¡¯t have time to wait for them. I need to stop these men before they do something even worse.
The faint sounds of laughter come from a room ahead. I speed down the hallway, heart pounding. There he is¡ªthe boxer, grinning like a maniac, holding Tsukihana by her shirt. His laughter echoes through the room.
¡°You¡¯re mine, priestess,¡± he growls. His grip tightens on her, a disgusting leer spreading across his face as he licks her cheek. ¡°Delicious. Just like we¡¯ve been told.¡±
I can¡¯t stomach the sight. My voice drips with disgust as I step forward. ¡°You¡¯re making me seem like I¡¯m an angel.¡±
His hand slides lower down her body, and my rage boils over.
¡°Stop now, before I make you regret it.¡±
He grins, unfazed. ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡± He throws her to the floor.
¡°You also want her, come on, this is your chance. Take advantage of her.¡±
¡°No, not that way.¡±
I lunge at him, but he¡¯s faster than I expect, ducking under my attack and landing a clean punch to my face. Pain explodes across my skull, my vision swimming, but I don¡¯t have time to care. I shake it off, trying to focus through the pain.
I can barely keep up with his movements¡ªhe¡¯s good, and his punches are sharp, precise.
¡°This is one of my skills, be ready noob.¡±
The Dempsey Roll. I¡¯ve seen it in movies, but I never thought I¡¯d face it in real life. His head bobs and weaves, his body moving in perfect rhythm as he strikes with relentless power. One hit. Two hits. My defense is barely holding up. My arms are shaking, but I refuse to drop.
With a grunt, I manage to land a kick to his side, but he counters with a brutal hit to my gut. My knees buckle for a moment, but I quickly regain my footing.
His smirk widens. ¡°Not bad. It''s hard to believe you are level one.¡±
¡°How do you know I¡¯m level one?¡±
¡°I¡¯m level three now. I can tell you¡¯re struggling. It¡¯s obvious you¡¯re still weaker than me.¡±
He comes at me with the intensity of a charging bull. I try to weave, but I¡¯m in his domain now¡ªthere¡¯s no room to dodge. I can feel the pressure mounting. His fists are a blur, and no matter how much I try to avoid it, I know he¡¯ll find an opening.
¡°Doing boxing against me? You¡¯re such a fool,¡± he taunts, his voice full of smug confidence.
Before I can react, he finds my blind spot. A brutal counter shot lands directly on my face, and the impact sends me crashing to the floor. The world spins for a moment, the taste of blood sharp in my mouth.
He¡¯s right. I can¡¯t out-box him. I have no expertise in this style, but that doesn¡¯t mean I have no options. Our physical feats are similar, but I have to find a different way to fight him. I can¡¯t win by following the same pattern.
I take a breath, my body screaming in protest. He comes at me again, but this time I¡¯m not going to play his game.
He rushes forward, thinking he has me. But I¡¯m not where he expects. I dash to the side, quickly shifting my stance¡ªa move I¡¯ve practiced a hundred times in the past. It¡¯s not boxing¡ªmore like a mix of street fighting and taekwondo combat.
He growls, his eyes narrowing as he notices the opening I¡¯ve left. ¡°Umm, you¡¯re leaving your stomach wide open. Don¡¯t underestimate me!¡±
I can¡¯t afford to underestimate him, but I¡¯m not backing down either. He dives into the Dempsey Roll again, his punches coming fast and furious. But this isn¡¯t a boxing ring, and there are no rules. As his punch comes at me, I drop to the floor, executing a move I¡¯ve learned to use in tight spots¡ªlow and fast.
His fist passes over me in a blur. He doesn¡¯t expect my sudden shift. I kick out, a powerful strike from the ground up, connecting directly with his chin. He stumbles, momentarily disoriented.
Before he can recover, I don¡¯t give him a chance. I unleash a rapid sequence of kicks¡ªone to his leg, one to his arm, and a final one to his head. My strikes hit like a whirlwind, forcing him back.
But he¡¯s not out yet. The Dempsey Roll comes again, his footwork flawless, his speed relentless. I try to keep him at bay with my own kicks, but he dodges with ease, his movements quick and practiced. He ducks low, weaving under my attack, then launches another punch straight for my face.
This time, I do something unexpected. Instead of trying to avoid it, I use my own weight against him, falling backward, throwing off my balance intentionally. The boxer¡¯s punch misses, but I can feel the chaos of my movements catching him off guard. He hesitates for a split second, trying to figure out what I¡¯m doing.
I don¡¯t give him time to react. As I hit the ground, I plant my hands, flipping myself back onto my feet.
¡°How can you do that? Are you some kind of superhuman?¡± he spits, eyes wide with disbelief.
¡°No,¡± I grunt, standing firm. ¡°It¡¯s just a lot of work... in the arms and legs.¡±
He punches again with his other hand, and I can feel the power behind it. Our distance is too close, his punches landing with devastating force. But I notice something¡ªhe¡¯s getting tired. His stamina is less than mine.
¡°What¡¯s wrong? No more Dempsey Roll?¡± I taunt, smirking.
¡°I can¡¯t use it more than three times. My mana ran out,¡± he snarls.
¡°I see. Then I guess you¡¯re just a dog of one trick.¡± My smirk widens as I prepare my stance again.
I can see the fury on his face as he charges at me. Then, just as his next blow comes, I spot an opening. I step inside his reach, closing the distance, and drive my elbow up into his face with everything I have left. The force of the blow hits him squarely on the jaw, and his body goes slack. He crumples to the ground, unconscious.
The fight is over.
¡°Thanks, Mortaz¡¡± I mutter as I collapse to the floor, exhausted.
¡°Hey¡ why the long face¡¡±
¡°Why did you do this for me? You didn¡¯t have to go so far.¡± She hides her face in embarrassment.
¡°I think it was the normal thing to do,¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± she whispers.
¡°No problem,¡± I respond, my voice barely audible.
The day passes quickly. The police don¡¯t interview me, assuming I¡¯m just a patient. The story everyone agrees on is that a security guard defeated the attackers¡ªmostly because they don¡¯t want to complicate the situation further.
chap 14- The arena/ The map
The sky had long since darkened, and the faint glow of the moon offered little comfort. I sighed, my frustration mingling with exhaustion. I¡¯m still lost. Completely, utterly lost. Tomorrow was going to be a disaster¡ªI¡¯d missed an entire day of work, and there was no doubt I¡¯d get in trouble for it.
But even if I managed to find my way back to the job site, where was I supposed to sleep? The thought gnawed at me, each step on this endless road making my legs heavier. My rage, which had burned so fiercely earlier, had simmered down thanks to Tsukihana. Her words had a strange way of cooling the storm in my chest.
Maybe I can talk my way out of this mess. Bunchy might let me crash at his place if I plead my case. He probably feels at least a little guilty for what happened¡ªor at least I hope he does. But that¡¯s assuming I even find my way back. Even if Bunchy agrees to pick me up, I don''t know where I''m at.
I find a bench far from the shops and sink down onto it, resting my elbows on my knees. The cold wood presses against my back as I try to calm myself down. Think. There has to be a way out of this.
Maybe there¡¯s a bridge around here? It¡¯s not much of a plan, but at least it¡¯s something¡ªa place to sleep, at the very least.
As I stare at the empty street ahead, trying to piece together a next move, something familiar bounces into view.
No way.
It¡¯s Pachesko. That absurd, round, bouncy figure is impossible to mistake. He¡¯s as surreal as ever, his endless energy somehow not dulled by the night.
¡°Sup, daryn?¡± he calls out, grinning like he hasn¡¯t got a care in the world. ¡°Congrats on hitting LV3!¡±
I blink. ¡°LV3?¡±
¡°Yeah! Didn¡¯t you check your profile?¡± he says, tilting his head as if my confusion is the most ridiculous thing he¡¯s heard all night.
¡°What are you talking about?¡± I ask, completely lost.
He shakes his head, his grin widening. ¡°Man, you¡¯ve gotta stay on top of this stuff. Open your menu. You¡¯ll see what I mean.¡±
Reluctantly, I pull up the menu, the translucent screen flickering into existence in front of me. A blinking icon at the top catches my eye. I tap it, and a new screen slides into view.
And there it is¡ªmy stats, my level, and a notification I hadn¡¯t even noticed.
LV3
Skill Improvement and New Skills Added
- Backpack: You can save up to three objects and call them with a thought. You can also switch them out just as easily. Objects might weight less than 40 kg per slot.
- Eye of the Curious evolves to Eye of the Intern
- Eye of the Intern: This skill lets you gather info about people or objects¡ªnames, categories, classes, descriptions, skills, Level, Mana, and BWH measurements. Info that is not provided either doesn¡¯t exist yet or is hidden by security skills.
¡°Wow, I really need to start paying attention to these things,¡± I mutter, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Pachesko chuckles, his signature grin plastered across his face. ¡°Yeah. Imagine if you fell asleep after a battle and missed a message like this. Not a good look.¡±
¡°I know¡±
¡°So, what are you doing out here, all alone, without a party or even a place to crash? Don¡¯t tell me¡ªafter all this time, you still haven¡¯t managed to put together a proper, sustainable life.¡±
¡°Pachesko, I¡¯ve only been independent for two weeks,¡± I snap, my frustration spilling into my tone.
¡°And your paycheck?¡±
I grimace, avoiding his gaze. ¡°I¡ don¡¯t really want to talk about it.¡±
"well at least you have a place to stay, besides the bridge, right?"
"Yes, but i''m lost."
¡°Unbelievable. Look, you¡¯re in the capital, right? You need directions. Basic stuff.¡±
¡°That¡¯s why I need help,¡± I say, leaning back on the bench. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about this place.¡±
¡°Then buy a map. Duh,¡± he says, shrugging like it¡¯s the most obvious thing in the world.
¡°A map?¡±
¡°Yeah, something that shows the structure of the capital.¡±
¡°Damn¡ I don¡¯t even have a single coin.¡±
¡°I have a solution.¡±
¡°What is it?¡±
¡°Underground fights.¡±
¡°You¡¯re kidding,¡± I say flatly. ¡°Those places are crawling with powerful warriors¡ and I¡¯ve heard people die there.¡±
¡°You really don¡¯t change, do you? Always stuck in your little bubble. No, they don¡¯t kill each other. Sure, maybe a few broken ribs, and yeah, maybe an arm or a leg goes missing here and there, but hey¡ªyou¡¯ll make some cash and still be alive, right?¡±
Before I can argue, my stomach growls loudly, cutting through the conversation. The hunger I¡¯d been ignoring hits me all at once, and Pachesko smirks.
¡°See? Even your gut agrees with me.¡±
¡°Fine¡¡±
¡°But before you dive in, shouldn¡¯t you take care of something first?¡± he says, a knowing look in his eyes.
¡°What? Huh?¡± I blink at him in confusion, then realize what he means. ¡°Oh, I see¡ Let me find something first.¡±
Pachesko guides me through the shadowy interior of a tavern. The dim light barely illuminates the crowd of sketchy patrons, and while no one says a word, I can feel their stares drilling into me.
At the back of the tavern, we slip through an inconspicuous door that opens to a steep staircase leading underground. At the bottom, there¡¯s another door, this one guarded by a large figure.
¡°Password?¡± the guard growls, his deep voice rumbling through the air.
Pachesko steps forward, completely unfazed. ¡°Wriggling shadows.¡±
The guard doesn¡¯t hesitate, stepping aside and letting us through.
I shoot Pachesko a glare. ¡°If you know all of this, then I bet you could¡¯ve told me where my job was located in the first place!¡±
He grins, completely unbothered. ¡°No! Or¡ could I? Who knows? Come on, Daryn, enjoy this while you¡¯re still young. Don¡¯t make me think you¡¯re still that loser from before. I wanna see it for myself.¡±
I bite back a retort as we step into a massive underground arena. The air is thick with the roar of the crowd and the smell of sweat and adrenaline. In the center are multiple fighting rings, each filled with combatants. Brutal races dominate the scene¡ªorc warriors clashing with minotaurs, eagle men tearing into opponents with razor-sharp talons.
I groan, burying my face in my hands. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can do this¡¡±
¡°Don¡¯t be such a wuss,¡± Pachesko says, smacking me on the back. ¡°You¡¯ve already endured a lot worse. Come on, it¡¯ll be your turn soon.¡±
I freeze, my heart dropping into my stomach. The announcer¡¯s voice echoes through the arena.
¡°The winner of this match will take home a prize of 100 silver coins!¡±
One hundred silver coins? My head spins at the sheer amount. For a single night that is a lot.
The announcer continues, hyping up the match. ¡°In the blue corner, a complete novice¡ªBlue Fresh Meat! Zero wins, zero defeats!¡±
I cringe at the nickname. Seriously?
¡°And in the red corner, with two wins and zero defeats, Transparent Mantra!¡±
¡°What the hell is that?!¡± I exclaim, staring at my opponent as it enters the ring.
The creature is¡ bizarre. A gelatinous mass of translucent goo wobbles into the arena, four tentacles emerging from its body, with glowing red eyes glaring at me from its semi-liquid surface.
¡°FIGHT!¡± the announcer shouts.
Instinct kicks in, and I rush forward, my fist already cocked back for a punch.
¡°DARYN! NO, YOU IDIOT!¡± Pachesko¡¯s voice cuts through the chaos, but it¡¯s too late. My momentum carries me straight into the monster¡¯s range.
My punch lands squarely¡ªonly for my arm to sink deep into its gelatinous body.
¡°Huh?¡± I blink in confusion. My arm is stuck, the gelatinous mass clinging to me like quicksand.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
¡°Wow,¡± I mutter, disbelief creeping into my voice.
Before I can react, the creature¡¯s four tentacles lash out, wrapping around my face and neck. They constrict with terrifying strength, cutting off my air.
I can¡¯t breathe! My vision blurs as I thrash wildly, trying to pull free, but its grip only tightens.
¡°DARYN!¡± Pachesko shouts again, his voice barely audible over the roaring crowd.
My mind races. I need to think. Fast.
I can hear it¡ªa faint, gurgling sound of pain from the creature.
¡°Release me!¡± I shout, struggling against the gelatinous mass that still clings to me.
The creature may look like a pile of goo, but its weight is nothing to scoff at. Gritting my teeth, I thrash and agitate its body, forcing it to loosen its grip just enough for me to pull free.
In my hand appears the object I saved earlier using my Backpack skill¡ªa long, sharp wooden stick I found in the street. It materializes with a thought, appearing right when the Mantra had sunk my arm into its body.
The moment the stick was inside its gelatinous form, the creature writhes, visibly uncomfortable. So you don¡¯t like pointy things, huh?
Seizing the opportunity, I dash forward, gripping the stick tightly like a makeshift bat.
¡°Let¡¯s see how you like this!¡± I yell, swinging the stick with all my strength.
The stick smashes into the creature¡¯s gelatinous body with a resounding whack. The Mantra lets out a strange, guttural noise and retaliates, flinging its tentacles to block my strikes.
But then it begins to glow¡ªa faint, eerie light emanating from within its body.
¡°What now?¡± I mutter, already regretting not checking its info before the fight.
The glow intensifies, and suddenly, everything about the creature changes. My punches, which had been landing with some resistance, now slide off its surface as if I¡¯m punching soap.
¡°What the¡ª?¡± I try again, but my fist slips right through, completely ineffective. I can¡¯t even feel the impact anymore.
The crowd roars in approval as the Mantra glides toward me, its tentacles whipping around like snakes.
It must¡¯ve activated some kind of skill. I need to think fast.
Sweat drips down my face as I dodge one of its strikes. My mind races. If I can¡¯t land a clean hit, how do I even fight this thing?
An idea sparks in my mind.
Soap can get sticky and solid with enough grit, I think, my heart pounding. It¡¯s worth a shot.
Dodging another swipe of its tentacles, I send up a handful of sand from my backpack skill and hurl it straight at the Mantra¡¯s glowing body and specially the eyes.
The grains hit its gelatinous surface, sticking and spreading across its form. The Mantra quivers, its movements slowing, and the glow begins to dim.
It¡¯s working!
The amount of sand clings to its body, turning its once-fluid, slippery form into a gritty, semi-solid mass.
I don¡¯t wait for it to fully recover. With my wooden stick in hand, I dash forward and swing, this time landing a solid hit right in its core.
The Mantra lets out a garbled screech, its tentacles flailing wildly.
¡°Not so slippery now, huh?¡± I grin, feeling a spark of confidence for the first time in the fight.
A hit there, here, and the mantra is beaten for good. I step on it
¡°AHHHHH¡±
Victory roar
¡°The winner is the blue fresh meat!!!¡± the announcemt is given through the speakers.
The map:
With the money in hand, in the corridor. I finally take a breath of relief.
¡°You did it!¡± Pachesko grins, practically bouncing in place. ¡°You¡¯re not a loser anymore!¡±
I glance at him, skeptical. ¡°You think so?¡±
¡°Yeah, but don¡¯t get too full of yourself. You¡¯re still a pervert and an immature mess.¡±
¡°Fair enough,¡± I mutter, not even trying to argue.
Pulling out my phone, I glance at the time. ¡°God, look at this¡ªit¡¯s already 11 p.m.!¡±
¡°Well, hurry up then. Let¡¯s get that map you needed so badly,¡± Pachesko urges.
We find a nearby shop that¡¯s still open. The dimly lit interior is filled with crafts, trinkets, and various essentials. Among the clutter, I spot a stack of maps.
I pick one up, labeled Map of the Capital, and hand over 80 silver coins¡ªnearly my entire reward. It stings a little, but at least I¡¯ll finally have some direction.
¡°Good, now you¡¯ve got it!¡± Pachesko says as we step outside.
I unfold the map under a streetlamp, trying to make sense of the intricate lines and labels. It¡¯s overwhelming at first, but as I trace my finger along the streets and districts, I start piecing it together.
¡°Okay... I think I¡¯m starting to get it,¡± I mumble, squinting at the details while I walk through the streets.
Pachesko peeks over my shoulder, nodding approvingly. ¡°See? Not so hard. Now you won¡¯t get lost like a clueless noob.¡±
¡°You know what, let¡¯s just ask someone. Haha.¡± My laugh is nervous, but it¡¯s better than wandering aimlessly.
I push open the door to a small shop, the faint jingle of a bell announcing my arrival. Inside, an elf stands behind the counter, her gaze steady and confident. My mind trips over itself. She¡¯s... captivating. Her figure could win competitions for sheer perfection, and there¡¯s a maturity in her presence that sends my thoughts spiraling into dangerous territory.
¡°Welcome, dear customer. "
Her tone is soft yet seasoned, the voice of someone who¡¯s seen and done more than I can imagine. ¡°Milf¡ª¡±
¡°What?¡±
A sharp jab hits my back. Pachesko, my companion, shoves me forward, snapping me out of my daze. I stumble but catch myself, my cheeks burning as I quickly compose myself.
I cough to cover my slip. ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s cold outside. I, uh, I was stuttering.¡±
The elf arches an elegant brow, her lips quirking into a smirk. She doesn¡¯t believe me, but she lets it slide. ¡°Oh, I see. So, what brings you to my shop?¡±
Her voice carries a confidence that unsettles me, like she¡¯s already figured me out.
¡°Right. I¡¯m... lost,¡± I admit, pulling out the map and unfolding it. ¡°I have this map, but I don¡¯t know if you can help guide me through it.¡±
She eyes the map briefly, then exhales slowly. Smoke curls from the long pipe she¡¯s just summoned from seemingly nowhere. After a moment, she gestures for me to hand it over.
¡°This,¡± she says, holding the map delicately between her fingers, ¡°is a view map. It¡¯s not an exact structural map.¡±
¡°Not sure what that means¡¡± I say, tilting my head.
She exhales another stream of smoke, her eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°It means it shows a general layout of the kingdom. It¡¯s not detailed or accurate, but it¡¯s better than nothing.¡±
¡°I¡¯m still lost,¡± I admit, rubbing the back of my neck. ¡°I just want to figure out where this place is. And where I can find mine dust.¡±
¡°Mines, huh?¡± She taps the pipe against her lip thoughtfully. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about those places, but I can guide you through the map. For a fee, of course.¡±
Before she can put a price on it, I make the offer.
¡°Ten silver coins. Take it or leave it.¡±
She inhales from the pipe again, watching me like she¡¯s searching for the slightest hint of hesitation. And exhales slowly.
¡°Fine.¡±
Her smirk deepens, victorious, as she pockets the coins and begins to study the map.
"The center is obvious, kid," she begins, her voice smooth and confident. "The castle of the capital¡ªbiggest structure in the whole kingdom. Stands at 300 meters tall, the highest point around."
I nod, glancing at the map as she continues.
"The gray area here," she points, "is what we call the Medium. That¡¯s where the wealthy live¡ªtheir money outshines everyone else¡¯s. Lavish homes, perfect streets, you get the picture. Outside of that," she circles her finger around the map, "are the rural zones. That¡¯s where most of us live, sell, eat, drive, and work. A bit chaotic, but it¡¯s home."
¡°And these green and gray areas outside the circle?¡± I ask, pointing at the map.
"The green is the forest. Dense, wild, and unpredictable. As for the gray, that¡¯s where you¡¯ll find minerals, caves, and dungeon entrances. Big mountains, too. Dangerous but lucrative if you know what you¡¯re doing."
I nod slowly, piecing it together. "I think I get it. But what about these blue and red lines?"
"The blue lines are safe paths," she explains, tapping the map. "They¡¯ll take you to other cities outside the capital and, if you follow them long enough, even to neighboring kingdoms. The red lines, though¡ªthat¡¯s the adventurers'' path. Novices and wanderers take it to avoid getting lost."
"Oh¡ I came from this path," I say, pointing at the red line.
Her smirk deepens as she leans closer. "Let me guess¡ªyou got robbed."
"No¡" I protest weakly.
She chuckles, stepping around the counter and tilting my chin up with her fingers. Her touch is light, but her grin is wicked. "Yes, you did."
I decide not to answer, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze.
"I guess the last thing is the gray spots inside the capital?" I ask, steering the conversation back.
She steps back, her expression relaxing as she explains. " People in a hurry to work or find parking stay there. The streets are chaotic¡ªtraffic jams, people walking everywhere. Like you see now. The loose zones are areas where there is not much selling point and are used for workers to find parking and get out quickly to their destinations and business companies where they need space to work on."
I nod, remembering Bunchy telling me how lucky he was to find an apartment in a quieter area.
"Here," I say, marking the gray spot on the map near the desert. "I want to go here."
She raises a brow, examining the map. "That¡¯s a bit far. Section H, outer zones. Ask for directions while you walk, but for now just go left and straight."
She explains how most places are marked by letters, and I realize that¡¯s where Bunchy lives. From there, I can call him on the phone.
"Thanks," I say, folding the map.
"No problem, Daryn."
Her voice lingers in my mind as I scratch the back of my neck, trying to focus on her eyes and not... anything else. She notices but doesn¡¯t comment, her smirk returning as she puffs on her pipe. I quickly leave, shaking my head to clear my thoughts.
During the night, I reach the destination after asking many people for directions.I call Bunchy. We talk about everything that happens. Thankfully, he¡¯s feeling a bit regretful and lets me crash at his place. Pachesko leaves, muttering something about coming back when I least expect it.
¡°You¡¯re having a rough night, Slimmy,¡± Bunchy says, his voice muffled by the hamburger he¡¯s eating. Surprisingly, it¡¯s chicken this time.
¡°Yeah... thanks for picking me up,¡± I say, slumping into the couch.
¡°At least you were close to the area. I was worried about you. I want to call earlier, but I figure you¡¯re still mad. I don¡¯t want what you did to Josh to happen to me¡±
We both chuckle at the memory, though it feels a little bittersweet.
¡°So,¡± I ask, leaning back, ¡°does Tenque say anything?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry about him,¡± Bunchy says, waving it off. ¡°We all have a nice long argument with him. Let¡¯s just say... we barely win. We owe you so, relax¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll forgive them so easily,¡± I mutter, crossing my arms. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of pulling a joke on them as payback.¡±
Bunchy raises an eyebrow. ¡°No way. Don¡¯t even think about it.¡±
¡°Why not?¡±
He sets his hamburger down and fixes me with a serious look. ¡°Daryn, your soul is like a hamburger.¡±
¡°What?¡±
He ignores my confusion and keeps going. ¡°You can make it spicy, right? A little spicy makes you happy. But then you add more, and it¡¯s still good¡ªmaybe even better. But if you go overboard, you regret it when your lips are burning and... well, when you¡¯re stuck in the bathroom.¡±
I stare at him, utterly baffled. ¡°What does that even mean?¡±
¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is... revenge might feel sweet at first. But if you take it too far, you¡¯ll end up regretting it.¡±
¡°Bunchy,¡± I say flatly, ¡°you¡¯re not making any sense. You¡¯re just rambling about hamburgers and spice.¡±
¡°Doing a joke to Sorey,¡± he says, ignoring me, ¡°only leads to more chaos. Trust me.¡±
I sigh, slumping further into the couch. ¡°Ah... fine. Maybe you¡¯re right.¡±
He grins, clearly pleased with himself. ¡°Of course I am.¡±
We don¡¯t say much after that. Exhaustion hits me like a tidal wave, and we both fall asleep right away.
Chap 15- the consequences
I wake up even earlier than usual, well before Bunchy. "Wake up, Bunchy."
¡°What¡ªwhat¡ªit¡¯s 5:30 a.m., Slimmy!¡± he groans, burying his head in his pillow.
Since hitting Level 3, I feel faster and stronger. The morning jog I usually do in thirty minutes now takes me half the time, and I cover twice the distance. It isn¡¯t just my skills improving; my whole body is changing. Leveling up isn¡¯t just some abstract concept¡ªit¡¯s real, and I can feel it.
At work, I power through all the chores, leaving Bunchy and Sorey in the dust.
Tenque notices, leaning on his shovel with an annoyed look. ¡°Bunchy, Sorey, how come the new guy is working better than you two?¡±
¡°I dunno, boss,¡± Bunchy says, scratching his head. Even he looks confused.
Tenque waves a dismissive hand. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯ve got more work to do thanks to those thugs from the other day.¡±
That¡¯s when I hear a low growl. From the edge of the forest, a tiger steps out, its eyes locked on us like we¡¯re breakfast.
I immediately activate Eye of the Intern out of instinct, scanning both the tiger and Tenque.
Tiger of the Mountains
Level: 2
Description: A territorial tiger. Does not possess skills or mana.
Name: Tenque
Category: Fighter
Class: Manager
Level: 2
Description: Boss of Section 146, father of two children. Earns 55 gold coins every two weeks.
Mana: 40
Skills:
- Management (Passive): Handle calculations up to six digits without tools.
- Bravado (Passive): Multiply basic attack power by 2 if no fear is present.
- Backpack (Passive): Store up to three objects and summon them at will.
The tiger lunges at Bunchy, its claws bared, but Tenque steps forward with a grin, flexing like he¡¯s about to wrestle a bear.
The tiger¡¯s charge is fast, but Tenque is faster. With a roar of his own, he meets the beast head-on. The tiger¡¯s claws swipe at his chest, but he dodges, countering with a brutal swing of his fist. His muscles bulge as he grapples the tiger, throwing it off balance.
And then, from nowhere, a pickaxe appears in his hand. Must be his Backpack skill in action. In one swift motion, he swings it down, the crack of impact echoing through the air. The tiger crumples to the ground, lifeless.
The sight is brutal. The blood, the sheer force¡ªit¡¯s hard to watch. Good thing he keeps the mess contained, or Bunchy might puke.
Unfortunately, Sorey doesn¡¯t hold back.
Tenque wipes sweat from his brow, tossing it in my direction. ¡°What? You pissing your pants, Slimmy? Like your daddy?¡±
¡°Why do you keep bringing my dad into this?¡±
Tenque smirks. ¡°Hah! Don¡¯t get so serious, Slimmy. Let me enjoy myself a little.¡±
My fists clench, anger rising in my chest. Before I can respond, he laughs again, walking away as if nothing happened.
I take a few minutes during the lunch break to load my pickaxe, shovel, and crowbar into my Backpack, testing the limits of my new skill, seeing Tenque taking action make realize is better to be prepared for anything. Once done, I sit back down with Bunchy, Sorey, and Josh to eat.
Bunchy passes around hamburgers. ¡°Slimmy, don¡¯t you think hamburgues are life-changing?¡± he says between bites.
¡°They¡¯re good, but don¡¯t you ever get tired of eating them every day?¡± I ask, munching on one myself.
¡°Hamburgues are heaven, Slimmy. They¡¯re my reason to live,¡± Bunchy declares, dramatically savoring another bite.
¡°Yeah, Slimmy. Don¡¯t mess with Bunchy¡¯s hamburgues,¡± Sorey chimes in. ¡°He gets sensitive about it.¡±
¡°Not really,¡± Bunchy replies, grinning through his mouthful of food.
¡°And you, Josh? Aren¡¯t you tempted to join the religion of the hamburguer?¡± Sorey teases.
Josh shakes his head, holding up a taco. ¡°Nope. I¡¯m loyal to tacos. They¡¯re superior in every way.¡±
¡°Oh great, here we go again,¡± Sorey groans, rolling his eyes.
Before we can start debating food superiority, a commotion erupts from the entrance to the underground mines. Miners scramble out, their faces pale with fear.
¡°Help!¡± one of them yells as a group of about thirty crowds the surface.
Tenque marches over, looking as unfazed as ever. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± he asks, arms crossed.
One of the miners, still catching his breath, replies, ¡°We heard something¡ something weird down there.¡±
Tenque raises an eyebrow. ¡°Weird? Like what?¡±
¡°Squeaks,¡± the miner says. ¡°High-pitched, echoing through the tunnels. Like some kind of animal was there.¡±
¡°So it¡¯s an animal. And you¡¯re miners,¡± Tenque says, his tone dripping with disdain. ¡°You¡¯ve got the strength to choke out a boar. What¡¯s the big deal?¡±
¡°It wasn¡¯t just the sound, sir,¡± the miner continues, visibly shaken. ¡°I saw¡ a silhouette. Dark and huge¡ªalmost three meters tall. And it wasn¡¯t alone. There¡¯s more down there.¡±
Tenque pauses, his brow furrowing in thought. ¡°Three meters, huh? Sounds like Gula Moles. Though I¡¯ve never heard of them getting that big¡¡± He shakes his head. ¡°Probably just shadows messing with your eyes. Disappointing. I¡¯ll talk to the higher-ups about deducting your pay for wasting time.¡±
He turns to us. ¡°Bunchy, Sorey, Crack, Slimmy¡ªyou¡¯re coming with me to check this out. Grab whatever tools you¡¯ve got. Wrenches, crowbars, doesn¡¯t matter.¡± He taps his pickaxe. ¡°Let¡¯s sort this out and get back to work.¡±
As we approach the entrance to the mines, the atmosphere grows heavier. This is my first time venturing underground, and the sheer size of the mine makes it feel like stepping into another world.
What surprises me most isn¡¯t the ominous, yawning tunnels, but the reaction of the other miners. These men, who spend their lives swinging pickaxes and hauling stone¡ªmen with arms like tree trunks and faces covered in rugged mustaches¡ªare trembling with fear.
Whatever is down there, it isn¡¯t just shadows.
As we descend deeper into the mine, the dim light from the oil lamps along the walls flickers, casting long shadows that dance with every movement. The air grows heavier with every step, thick with the smell of damp earth, rust, and something faintly metallic.
I can¡¯t help but marvel at the scale of the operation. Massive wooden beams crisscross the tunnels, supporting the weight of the world above us. Strange machines sit idly along the walls¡ªhulking contraptions of gears, levers, and pipes that look like they belong in a steampunk fantasy. It seems similar to the surface mining in sections organized; we are in Section 146. I don¡¯t know their names or purposes, but their sheer size and complexity make me feel small.
Tenque, always in charge, walks ahead with his pickaxe slung over his shoulder, inspecting the walls as we go. ¡°I don¡¯t hear anything,¡± he says, his voice echoing. ¡°Probably just the gas down here making those wimps hallucinate.¡±
I glance around. ¡°This place is huge.¡±
¡°Not as big as my guts, Slimmy,¡± Tenque shoots back without even looking at me. ¡°Too bad I can¡¯t say the same about your dad¡¯s.¡±
I clench my fists, ready to swing. ¡°Why don¡¯t you say that again, old man?¡±
Before I can act, Bunchy grabs my arm, holding me back. ¡°Whoa, buddy. Easy. I know you can knock him out, but he¡¯s the boss. We need this job.¡±
I grit my teeth. ¡°Fine¡¡±
The smell is getting worse.
¡°This place stinks,¡± Sorey mutters, pinching his nose.
Suddenly, a series of fast, scratching sounds echo through the tunnel, and from the shadows emerge creatures¡ªmassive moles, their fur bristling and claws glinting like knives in the dim light.
Tenque doesn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Gula moles!¡± he barks, charging forward with his pickaxe. His first swing lands with a sickening crunch, sending one mole tumbling lifelessly to the ground.
Bunchy, Josh, and Sorey leap into action. Bunchy wields his wrench with surprising precision, while Josh swings two crowbars like a whirlwind. Sorey¡¯s shovel is a blur as he strikes down another mole.
I join in, swinging my pickaxe with all my might. The fight is brutal but short, and soon we are all standing over the corpses of the moles, panting.
¡°Ugh, I¡¯m covered in mole guts,¡± Bunchy says, wiping his wrench on his overalls.
¡°I guess we¡¯re done,¡± Sorey says, leaning on his shovel.
¡°Not quite,¡± Tenque says, scanning the tunnel. ¡°These things are fast and crafty. If there are more hiding in the mine, we need to deal with them before we can continue operations. Let¡¯s move.¡±
As we prepare to continue, something on the ground catches my eye. Among the rubble and debris is a pair of sleek, futuristic-looking boots. They gleam faintly in the flickering light, unlike anything I¡¯ve ever seen.
¡°What are these?¡± I ask, picking them up.
Bunchy looks over. ¡°Magnetic boots,¡± he says casually. ¡°They use advanced magnetic properties to let you float. Handy for cleaning mine roofs or reaching tall equipment.¡±
¡°Float?¡± My eyes widen. ¡°That sounds incredible!¡±
¡°You¡¯ve never tried them?¡±
¡°No, but I want to.¡±
Tenque¡¯s voice booms from up ahead. ¡°Slimmy! Stop wasting time! Let¡¯s go!¡±
¡°We¡¯ll catch up, boss,¡± Bunchy shouts back. Then, turning to me, he grins. ¡°Go ahead. Try them on. You won¡¯t regret it.¡±
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Yeah. I was just like you when I first saw them. Curious. Trust me, it¡¯s worth it.¡±
Excited, I quickly swap out my boots for the magnetic ones. The moment I put them on, they adjust automatically, snugly fitting to my feet.
¡°They feel amazing,¡± I say, admiring how light they are. ¡°But how do I turn them on?¡±
¡°You just focus,¡± Bunchy explains. ¡°They drain a little mana to work, and easy to use. They¡¯re super efficient, though, so don¡¯t worry about them draining you dry.¡±
I close my eyes and concentrate, willing the boots to activate. Almost immediately, I feel a strange pull, and one of my feet lifts off the ground.
¡°Whoa!¡± I exclaim as the sensation of floating sends a thrill through me.
¡°Relax, you¡¯ll get the hang of it. Just keep your balance.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
With a deep breath, I focus again. Both feet hover a few inches above the ground. The rush of excitement and freedom is exhilarating.
¡°These are amazing!¡± I say, grinning as I float a few inches above the ground.
¡°You can use them while we¡¯re in the mine,¡± Bunchy says, walking beside me. ¡°But don¡¯t get attached. These boots aren¡¯t cheap. Most miners make do with ladders, but a few of us get to use these for special jobs.¡±
¡°I see¡¡± I reply, focusing on adapting to the boots. It doesn¡¯t take long to feel comfortable, gliding forward with ease. ¡°Wow, I¡¯m getting good at this!¡±
¡°Yeah, they¡¯re pretty intuitive. No special skills required,¡±
When we catch up with the group, they¡¯re finishing off the last of a few smaller moles. These ones are less aggressive than the first wave.
Tenque notices me immediately, floating in the boots. ¡°Now what? A flying wimp joins the fight?¡±
¡°You¡¯re really getting on my nerves, old man,¡±
¡°Oh yeah? Good to know.¡± He smirks, giving me a pointed look. ¡°Stealing company boots is a bad move, Slimmy.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not stealing them. I¡¯m testing before I decide to buy,¡± I shoot back, irritated.
¡°Same thing,¡± Tenque says with a shrug.
¡°Shhh,¡± Bunchy interrupts suddenly, his voice low and cautious.
¡°What? Are you telling me to shush, Bunchy?¡± Tenque growls, his tone laced with irritation.
¡°Sorry, boss, but something¡¯s not adding up here,¡± Bunchy says, his eyes darting around the mine. ¡°These moles we¡¯ve been fighting¡ªsomething¡¯s off. The first ones we saw were running, not attacking. Gula moles can¡¯t see, so they shouldn¡¯t even know our location. And they hate light. Why would they be here, acting like this?¡±
Josh chimes in, his face pale. ¡°And the miners said they saw something big¡ªthree meters tall. These moles are barely a meter and a half. Plus, they didn¡¯t squeak. Those miners mentioned squeaking.¡±
Tenque¡¯s brows furrow. ¡°Squeak?¡±
Josh nods. ¡°Yeah. Whatever they saw made squeaking sounds.¡±
Tenque crosses his arms, looking between Bunchy and Josh. ¡°What are you trying to say, Bunchy?¡±
¡°The moles aren¡¯t attacking us. They¡¯re running from something else,¡± Bunchy says, his voice barely above a whisper.
The group freezes at his words.
¡°HAHAHAHA!¡± Tenque¡¯s laugh booms through the tunnel. ¡°You¡¯ve got a wild imagination, Bunchy! You too, Josh! There¡¯s no way there¡¯s something down here that could scare off gula moles. The only creatures that could live in these mines are moles, earthworms, and the occasional bear that wanders in by mistake. I¡¯ve never seen anything else in all my years.¡±
Before he can finish laughing, a loud, echoing squeak fills the tunnel. The sound is shrill and menacing, bouncing off the walls and making the air feel even heavier.
¡°Tell me I¡¯m imagining this,¡± Sorey whispers, clutching his shovel.
¡°It might be some kind of rodent, but¡ª¡± Bunchy starts.
¡°Rodent or not, I¡¯ll stick this pickaxe in its brain,¡± Tenque says, still grinning, though his bravado is starting to crack.
As if summoned by his words, a silhouette emerges from the shadows behind Tenque, slowly stepping into the dim light.
The creature is massive¡ªnearly three meters tall and hunched over, its muscular frame covered in matted fur. It stands on two legs, its long, jagged claws scraping the ground.
Tenque, still laughing, reaches out to touch the fur. The moment his hand makes contact, his laugh dies, and his smile vanishes.
The rat is enormous, towering over Tenque, who is nearly two meters tall.
Its red eyes glow faintly, filled with malice. Its weight alone seems to shake the ground with each step.
I instinctively activate Eye of the Intern, focusing on the creature.
Name: Giant Rat of the Cave
Level: 3
Description: A predatory rat that thrives in cave systems, feeding on anything in its path. Its heightened aggression and pack mentality make it a formidable threat. Its claws and teeth are strong enough to tear through rock and flesh alike. Does not posses skills or mana.
Tenque moves to a side, then his actions proceeds, swinging his pickaxe with all his strength. The weapon strikes the rat¡¯s chest with a dull thud but barely makes a dent in its thick fur and muscle.
The rat lets out a guttural growl, baring jagged teeth the size of daggers.
From where I stand, I can see it¡ªTenque¡¯s face, usually full of confidence and bravado, is now pale with fear.
¡°Shit¡¡± he mutters, trembling. But in a flash, he forces himself to recover, gripping his pickaxe tighter. ¡°Come on, guys! Help me!¡±
Without hesitation, we rush forward, weapons ready, to face the towering monster.
Everyone rushes into action, but the giant rat moves with terrifying speed and strength. With a casual swing of its massive body, it tackles Tenque, sending him flying into the mine wall. The impact echoes through the cavern as dust and debris scatter.
¡°Boss!¡± Bunchy and Sorey shout, charging forward with their weapons. But the rat turns its attention to them, swiping its claws and knocking both men back as if they were ragdolls. They hit the ground hard, groaning in pain.
Josh grits his teeth and steps forward. ¡°I¡¯ve got this!¡± His hands glow faintly as he controls the shovels around on the floor. With a swift motion, the shovels shoot toward the rat, striking its head repeatedly.
The giant rat screeches in pain, staggering under the relentless blows. ¡°Good job, Josh!¡± I shout, feeling a glimmer of hope.
But before we can celebrate, another rat emerges from the shadows behind Josh. Its red eyes lock onto him as it lunges.
¡°Josh, behind you!¡± I shout, activating the boots. With a burst of mana, I dash through the air and grab Josh, pulling him out of harm¡¯s way just in time. The rat¡¯s claws rake the air where he had been standing.
¡°You¡ saved me,¡± Josh says, panting.
¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea,¡± I snap. ¡°If one of us dies, it makes it harder for the rest of us to survive. That¡¯s all.¡±
But there¡¯s no time for banter. As I float higher to get a better view, my heart sinks. More rats pour into the cavern¡ªdozens of them. Twelve at least, their hulking forms moving like shadows in the dim light, approaching.
Bunchy and Sorey scramble to hide behind some overturned crates, their earlier bravado gone. Tenque, despite his injuries, roars in defiance and charges one of the rats alone.
¡°Come on, you oversized pest!¡±
But the rat doesn¡¯t even flinch. Its tail lashes out, slamming into Tenque¡¯s chest and sending him to the ground, coughing blood. Before he can recover, the rat bites down on his arm, its jaws crunching through flesh and bone as it tries to rip it apart.
¡°Run! Everyone, run!¡± Tenque yells, his voice raw with pain.
My instincts scream at me to flee, but I can¡¯t leave him like that. Activating the boots, I soar toward the rat¡¯s head. With the momentum of my dash, I summon my pickaxe from the Backpack skill and swing with everything I have. The pickaxe strikes true, shattering the rat¡¯s skull. It lets out a final screech before collapsing, releasing Tenque from its jaws.
¡°Get moving!¡± I shout at the others, who are frozen in fear.
I want to help Tenque up, but another rat is already charging toward us. I have no choice but to retreat, dashing out of the mine.
Once outside, I land among the group, panting. The remaining miners stand in stunned silence, their faces pale.
¡°Where¡¯s Tenque?¡± Bunchy ask, scanning the crowd.
¡°He¡¯s gone, Bunchy".
¡°No way,¡± Sorey mutters, his voice trembling.
¡°We have to go back for him!¡± Josh says, his hands clenched.
¡°We don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s still alive,¡± Bunchy says, shaking his head.
I sigh, my stomach churning with a mix of guilt and frustration. ¡°Maybe he is¡¡± I mutter. ¡°Damn it, I don¡¯t want to save him, but we need to clear out those rats either way. Leaving the mine like this isn¡¯t an option.¡±
I take a deep breath and turn back toward the entrance.
¡°I¡¯ll go alone,¡± I say firmly.
¡°Slimmy, are you sure?¡± Bunchy asks, his voice laced with worry. ¡°It¡¯s too risky.¡±
¡°With these boots, I¡¯ve got the advantage,¡± I reply, tapping my foot against the ground. ¡°And saving Tenque is the priority. Once he¡¯s out, we can deal with the rest of the rats. Stay here. I¡¯ll handle it.¡±
The deeper I go, the thicker the air becomes. The sour tang of rat musk clings to my nose, mingling with the metallic bite of the mine¡¯s stagnant air. It smells like rot¡ªlike something alive has been left to die.
I¡¯m close.
My heart thuds in rhythm with my boots¡¯ quiet steps. This must be how adventurers feel, right? Stalking through dungeons, fighting monsters, testing their mettle. My hands shake, but I don¡¯t care. Excitement buzzes under the surface of my nerves. If I can handle this, maybe I¡¯m not just some weakling coasting on luck.
I bend down and grab a rock, hurling it into the shadows ahead. It clatters against the ground, echoing faintly. Moments later, two rats scuttle into view, their snouts twitching as they sniff at the distraction. Gotcha.
I activate my boots, soaring upward silently. My pickaxe is ready in hand, its weight comforting. The plan is simple: strike fast, strike hard. But as I launch forward, a blur of fur streaks toward me from the side.
Teeth the size of daggers snap shut inches from my face. I twist midair, narrowly avoiding the ambush. The first two rats notice me, their squeaks rising into an ear-piercing frenzy. My stomach drops, but I force myself to move, zipping between the walls of the tunnel in sharp zigzags. The boots hum faintly with each push.
I swing the pickaxe down, the blade sinking into one rat¡¯s skull with a wet crunch. It collapses instantly. I spin to strike the second one, but my swing lodges the pick in the jaws of another. It screeches in pain, thrashing violently. The vibrations rattle through the handle, and I have no choice but to let go and retreat.
As I hover, catching my breath, I spot something ahead¡ªa jagged hole in the wall, too smooth to be natural. It¡¯s just wide enough for one of the rats to squeeze through.
Is this where they¡¯re coming from? The thought barely forms before I notice something else¡ªa rock flying toward me. My instincts scream danger, but it isn¡¯t an attack. Someone has thrown it.
¡°Tenque?¡± I whisper, my voice barely audible over the squeaks echoing around me.
I move carefully, weaving between rusted equipment and shattered beams, until I find him slumped against a wall. His arm hangs limp, blood staining the dirt beneath him. He gives me a faint smirk.
¡°Sup¡¡± His voice is weak, barely a rasp.
¡°Stop talking,¡± I say sharply. ¡°Save your energy.¡±
¡°Energy for what? I¡¯m done for¡¡± His grin widens, despite the blood on his teeth. ¡°You can leave, Slimmy. No hard feelings.¡±
¡°That sounds reasonable.¡±
¡°Or¡¡± He coughs, wincing. ¡°You could take out the rest of those rats. Clear the mine.¡±
I frown. ¡°You must be crazy. If we couldn¡¯t handle them as a group, you think I can do it alone?¡±
¡°Section 123, a lever¡± he mutters. ¡°There¡¯s TNT set up there for an operation. Lure the rats there, blow the bastards sky-high.¡±
¡°And what about you?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Maybe. But hey¡ªif you pull it off, we both walk outta here alive.¡±
I hesitate, then stand. ¡°I¡¯m not doing this for you,¡± I mutter. ¡°But I¡¯m not heartless enough to leave you here, either.¡±
As I find the section, I spot the TNT neatly arranged near a marked wall. A lever connected by a long wire sits 20 meters away.
This has to be it.
I grab a handful of rocks and hurl them down the tunnel. The squeaks come almost immediately¡ªlouder, angrier. Eight rats surge forward, their claws scraping the dirt as they bound after me.
My heart races. A shadow blurs in my peripheral vision, and I barely avoid the snapping jaw. The rat¡¯s leap knocks me off course, but I shove a crowbar into its mouth to keep it from biting down. I twist away, the boots propelling me forward as the other rats close in.
The TNT is just ahead. I shoot past it, zigzagging to avoid the snapping tails. If I can accelerate in the last moment when I turn right, I can press down the level and explode the rats.
As I getting closer I can see the figure of Tenque standing there, grinning.
¡°What are you¡ª¡± My words freeze in my throat as his hand moves to the lever.
¡°Sorry, Slimmy,¡± he says, coughing. ¡°But we needed a sacrifice to make this work. Better you than me.¡±
¡°You bastard!¡± I shout, but it¡¯s too late. He yanks the lever.
The explosion roars, the shockwave hurling me backward. The rats ahead of me take the brunt of the blast, their bodies flung like ragdolls. Pain lances through me as I hit the ground, coughing on the dust and heat.
Footsteps crunch closer. Tenque stands over me, laughing weakly.
¡°Can¡¯t believe you fell for that,¡± he wheezes. ¡°Thanks for taking care of the rats, Slimmy. I¡¯ll take it from here. The miners¡¯ll call me a hero after this¡ª¡±
My fist connects with his face before he can finish. He crumples to the ground, unconscious.
Turning on my heel, I leave him there and return to the others.
Outside of the mine I finally see all the miners.
¡°The mine is clear,¡± I tell Bunchy and Sorey. ¡°Get the cleanup crew in.¡±
I sit on the floor, and I can see the menu notification and I check it.
You achieved lv5, it says.
Title Unlocked: The Caveman
Effect: You are now attuned to the primal instincts of creatures that thrive in caves. Skills inspired by cave-dwellers are now accessible. Grants a passive bonus of +10% stamina recovery when underground.
But that wasn¡¯t all. Two skills materialized before me, floating like ghostly inscriptions in the air. My hand twitched as I tried to swipe at them, but they remained still, waiting for a choice.
Skill Options:
- Chew Rock
- Description: Grants the ability to consume rocks to restore health. Bland taste, but regenerates HP based on the amount consumed.
- Effect: Eating rocks restores 5% HP per 10 units.
- Passive Skill
- Claw of the Excavations
- Description: Grow hardened claws to excavate walls and tear through enemies.
- mana: 15
- Effect:
- Increases critical hit rate by 15%.
- Boosts mining speed by 25%.
- Effective against enemies with light armor or thick hides.
- Active Skill
The options hovered before me, both strange yet oddly fascinating. My thoughts raced.
If I were an adventurer perhaps I would focus on damage, but I am not, I might never have a party the way I am going, so I have to be independent and choose chew rock. Either way I can do damage with my pickaxe.
I chose Chew rock passive skills.
I sit on the cold, hard floor, every part of my body screaming in pain. My butt is sore, my arms feel like they¡¯ve been torn apart, and my head pounds relentlessly from the deafening noise. The vibrations still echo through my skull, threatening to shake my brain into mush. If it weren¡¯t for my Survival I skill, I¡¯d probably be sleeping with the fishes right now.
Even so, I can¡¯t believe I pulled off that turn in time. Maybe... just maybe, it¡¯s thanks to the Level Up I earned earlier. Could it have granted me resistance? Strength? Whatever the case, it¡¯s the only reason I¡¯m still alive.
My blurred vision clears, and I spot a rock lying just ahead. My instincts flare to life. I know exactly what I have to do now.
Chap 16- The importance of Knowledge
The mine¡¯s warm air wraps around me, thick and heavy¡ªa stark contrast to the bitter cold of the surface. Maybe that¡¯s why I like it down here. The world above carries too many memories I¡¯d rather bury. But here? In the dim glow of lanterns and the steady rhythm of pickaxes striking rock, there¡¯s a quiet simplicity. A fleeting peace, even amidst the chaos of this mismatched group of miners.
The rhythmic clang of pickaxes echoes through the mine, a steady soundtrack to life in the underground mine. The air here isn¡¯t suffocatingly hot¡ªthank the gods¡ªbut comfortably warm, a welcome reprieve from the biting cold outside. Somehow, working here feels more bearable, even if the company occasionally tests my patience.
"Can¡¯t believe we¡¯re changing mine locations again," I mutter under my breath.
"Yeah, Slimmy. But the Earth Mine¡¯s being handled by the authorities now," Bunchy says, his voice carrying that ever-curious edge. "They¡¯re trying to figure out what¡¯s up with the pests down there."
I raise an eyebrow. "Authorities?"
"Obviously, the knights, dumbhead!" Sorey butts in, striding into the conversation like he owns it. His grin is wide, smug, and just a little too irritating.
"Do not disrespect the hero, Sorey," Bunchy rumbles, his deep voice like distant thunder. "He might just give you a proper knockout."
Sorey scratches the back of his head, feigning innocence with an awkward laugh. "Oh, my bad, Slimmy. Old habits die hard, you know?"
Before I can retort, Josh jabs an elbow into Sorey¡¯s ribs, wearing a sly smirk. "But Sorey, it¡¯s not just the knights. Detectives and medical examiners are on the case too."
Sorey grimaces, glaring at Josh like he¡¯s already plotting revenge. Their endless banter fills the air, and while I hate to admit it, it¡¯s oddly comforting in this cold, dark place.
I step aside with Bunchy, lowering my voice. "Those two are getting along better lately, huh?"
Bunchy shrugs, the corner of his mouth twitching into a knowing smile. "Yeah, ever since that prank¡ªI mean accident. Guess they¡¯ve learned a few things about each other."
My expression darkens. "I still don¡¯t think it was funny, Bunchy. That could¡¯ve gone really bad for me. I¡¯m just trying to keep this group in one piece, but the memories... they still hit me sometimes."
"Hey, you two!" Sorey¡¯s voice cuts through my thoughts like a whip. "This isn¡¯t break time!"
"Come on, Slimmy," Bunchy says, chuckling softly as he straightens up. "Sorey¡¯s right. We can gossip later."
I sigh and nod, though my frustration lingers. "Fair enough."
As we get back to work, I glance at Sorey and Josh. Their bickering continues, but beneath the surface, there¡¯s a strange camaraderie¡ªsomething forged in the chaos we¡¯ve endured together. It¡¯s messy, annoying, but undeniably human.
¡°Move!¡±
I stumble as a burly man shoves me aside. He¡¯s definitely a miner, judging by his soot-covered clothes and rough demeanor.
¡°Hey, dude, chill!¡± Bunchy steps in, glaring at the man.
¡°Yeah, chill, man!¡± Sorey voice chimes in from the crowd. ¡°This guy¡¯s a hero, you know! He¡¯s the one who took down the giant rats in the other mine!¡±
The miner doesn¡¯t seem impressed. He snorts, crossing his arms. ¡°Oh yeah? Do I look like I care?¡± His tone is loud, dripping with sarcasm. Then, with a mocking grin, he raises his voice. ¡°Hey, guys, this is the big shot who made our shifts shorter!¡±
I can feel all eyes in the mine turning toward me. Whispers ripple through the crowd.
¡°Wait, wait, guys, chill out! It¡¯s just a shift!¡± Bunchy tries to defuse the situation, stepping between me and the miner. ¡°More time to relax for everyone, right?¡±
But the man isn¡¯t having it. His face twists in anger, and before I know it, he grabs Bunchy by the collar.
¡°Relax? I need this job to pay for my daughter¡¯s medicine. That¡¯s why I¡¯m in this godforsaken place!¡± His voice echoes off the cavern walls. ¡°Shorter shifts mean less pay per day. Less pay means my daughter doesn¡¯t get what she needs!¡±
The tension thickens as other miners begin to speak up, their frustration spilling over.
¡°Yeah! Who¡¯s gonna pay my rent now?¡±
¡°Do you know how expensive it is to have a wife?!¡±
The crowd divides into two groups¡ªthe miners from the Earth Mine, who were recently relocated here, and the ones who¡¯ve been working in the coal mine for months. The air feels like it¡¯s about to snap as tempers flare.
¡°Guys, stop!¡± I say, trying to intervene, but my voice gets drowned out by the growing arguments.
¡°Nobody¡¯s at fault here!¡± Bunchy shouts, shoving the angry miner back. ¡°I bet the authorities will be done with their inspection in a week or so. Then everyone from the Earth Mine will go back, and things will go back to normal. So back off!¡±
His words only stoke the fire. The crowd looks ready to explode into punches when a calm, authoritative voice cuts through the noise.
¡°Rafael.¡±
An old man steps forward, his gray hair and stern eyes giving him an air of experience. His voice is calm but carries the weight of authority. ¡°I leave for a few minutes to go to the bathroom, and you¡¯re already causing chaos?¡± He looks at the angry miner¡ªRafael, I assume¡ªwith a disappointed sigh.
¡°Who are you?¡± Bunchy asks, his curiosity breaking through the tension.
The old man straightens, pointing at Rafael and a few others in the crowd. ¡°I¡¯m Iwa, one of the group leaders here. Specifically, his boss.¡± He turns to the group, his eyes narrowing. ¡°And yes I¡¯m pointing to you guys¡ªshouldn¡¯t you be ashamed? You¡¯re bosses of your own groups, and yet you¡¯re acting like children.¡±
His words are calm but hit like a hammer. The miners begin to shuffle awkwardly, their anger cooling under Iwa¡¯s sharp gaze.
As the tension drains from the air, I can¡¯t help but glance at the old man. There¡¯s something about him¡ªhis presence, his authority. A part of me wonders if I¡¯ll ever command that kind of respect.
As the wave of warm air fades, signaling the end of my shift, I feel a strange mix of exhaustion and relief. Sorey and Josh are still stuck on theirs, so Bunchy and I decide to grab a quick meal.
¡°He¡¯s a way better boss than Tenque. Why can¡¯t we have someone like him in charge?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know, man. Just be grateful for what we¡¯ve got. At least Tenque¡¯s in the hospital, so no boss breathing down our necks for now.¡±
¡°Yeah, but who¡¯s gonna tell us what to do?¡±
¡°Tenque left detailed plans. Obviously, the company signed off on them. If we stick to the routine, maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªI¡¯ll be the next boss. I can see it already.¡±
Leaving him to his fantasies, I decide to explore the area. Wandering through the mine¡¯s intricate tunnels, I spot Iwa and Rafael standing near the edge of a dimly lit section. As soon as Iwa catches sight of me, he waves me over.
¡°Yes?¡± I ask, stepping closer.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
¡°Rafael here has something to say to you,¡± Iwa says, gesturing to the man.
Rafael shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. ¡°...Sorry,¡± he mutters, the word as hollow as an empty tunnel.
I can tell he doesn¡¯t mean it, but I decide not to press the issue. ¡°Apology accepted,¡± I reply simply.
Iwa watches Rafael for a moment before turning his sharp, calculating gaze to me. His eyes don¡¯t just study my face¡ªthey seem to look through me, weighing my experiences and intentions.
¡°I heard about the rats,¡± he says, his tone calm but tinged with curiosity. ¡°It¡¯s impressive that one guy managed to take down those monsters.¡±
¡°Yeah, well¡ I had some help from the company¡¯s magnetic boots. Now that I don¡¯t have them, I¡¯m just an ordinary worker.¡±
¡°Ah, the magnetic boots,¡± Iwa says with a chuckle. ¡°Those things are amazing. Not for someone like me, though.¡±
¡°Why not?¡± I ask, confused.
He pulls up the hem of his pants, revealing a long, jagged scar running down his leg.
¡°Working here, sooner or later, you¡¯ll have an accident. And not everything heals,¡± he says with a sigh. ¡°But let¡¯s change the subject. If you¡¯re interested, there¡¯s a shop near Section G that sells advanced tools for work. Just mention my name and the seller will treat you like gold.¡±
¡°Thanks, Iwa,¡±.
¡°No problem, slim-Can I call you slim, right?¡±
¡°Yeah sure, and you don¡¯t have a nickname?¡±
¡°Let me guess you are in Tenque¡¯s group¡±
¡°Yes, how do you know?¡±
¡°Years of experience, make me see things that youth can¡¯t see. Talking about, youth its time for my young body to work again, hoho. You too should return to your spot.¡±
I nod and follow my own path.
When I return to Bunchy, he hands me a shovel and a burlap bag with a smug grin. ¡°Well, Slimmy, there¡¯s not much going on right now. Just collect debris, toss it in the bag, and you know the drill.¡±
One scoop. Two scoops. Three.
By the time I reach my 144th scoop, I¡¯m drenched in sweat. My arms ache, and my focus is slipping, but the monotony is occasionally broken by the miners around me. I notice a pattern¡ªthey bump into Sorey, Josh, or Bunchy almost like clockwork. Every five minutes, someone shoves one of them and mutters, ¡°Sorry, didn¡¯t mean to,¡± with a smirk. It¡¯s obvious they¡¯re doing it on purpose.
¡°Uff¡ 219,¡± I mutter, heaving the last shovelful of debris into the bag. ¡°Finally done. My shift is almost over.¡±
Nearby, I spot Iwa crouched over a pile of coal, casually picking through the miners¡¯ bags like it¡¯s a leisurely game.
¡°I think I get why you¡¯re so relaxed,¡± I say, wiping my forehead. ¡°You¡¯re not even doing your job. You¡¯re just picking through the coal like it¡¯s a game.¡±
¡°Game?¡± Iwa repeats, looking up at me with a smirk. ¡°Do you even know what coal is used for?¡±
¡°Uh¡ steak?¡±
¡°Steak?¡± He lets out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. ¡°Let me guess¡ªyou don¡¯t know the difference between regular coal and premium coal either, do you?¡±
¡°Premium coal?¡± I repeat, frowning.
He holds up a small chunk, its surface glinting faintly in the lantern light. ¡°Coal isn¡¯t just coal. Some of it¡¯s high-quality, crucial for specific industries. It¡¯s valuable. But most people see it as just dirty rocks.¡±
¡°Okay, so what¡¯s your point?¡± I ask, crossing my arms.
He stands, his tone growing serious. ¡°Do you see yourself as just a coal miner with a shovel, or do you see yourself reaching for the stars?¡±
¡°...Huh?¡±
¡°After my accident,¡± he says, tapping the scar on his leg, ¡°I couldn¡¯t rely on strength anymore. So I developed something better¡ªan eye for detail. I learned how to spot premium coal, how to lead people, and how to make myself indispensable. That¡¯s why I¡¯m a boss now. Strength will only get you so far. You¡¯ve got to think beyond the shovel if you want to rise.¡±
As Iwa''s words sink in, I can''t help but feel a bit overwhelmed. Leadership? Unique abilities? Spotting premium coal? What is he even talking about?
¡°Wait, wait,¡± I say, raising a hand. ¡°You¡¯re messing with me, right? It¡¯s just coal. Dirty, black rocks that make a mess of everything. You can¡¯t be serious about all this premium coal nonsense.¡±
Iwa smirks, leaning casually against the wall of the tunnel. ¡°Messing with you? No, Slim. You¡¯re just ignorant.¡±
I narrow my eyes. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not ignorant. I know what coal¡¯s for. It¡¯s¡ uh, for making fires. Cooking steaks. And¡ heating stuff?¡±
He chuckles, shaking his head. ¡°You really don¡¯t know, do you? Sit down, rookie. Let me educate you before you embarrass yourself further.¡±
I hesitate but eventually drop onto a nearby crate. ¡°Fine. Enlighten me.¡±
Iwa picks up a chunk of coal from the pile next to him, holding it up between two fingers like it¡¯s a precious gem. ¡°This little black rock isn¡¯t just for heating or cooking steaks, as you so eloquently put it. It¡¯s made mostly of carbon, one of the most important elements in the world.¡±
¡°Carbon? Like¡ the stuff in pencils?¡± I say, raising an eyebrow.
He nods. ¡°Graphite in pencils, yeah. Same element. But carbon doesn¡¯t just stop there. It¡¯s the foundation of chemistry, the backbone of life itself. Every living thing on this planet has carbon in it. And coal? It¡¯s a treasure trove of carbon.¡±
¡°Wait,¡± I say, holding up a hand. ¡°Are you telling me coal is alive or something?¡±
Iwa groans, rubbing his temples. ¡°No, genius. Coal is the result of millions of years of pressure and heat acting on dead plants. It¡¯s ancient plant matter, compacted and transformed into carbon-rich material. Think of it as nature¡¯s way of recycling.¡±
I blink, trying to process that. ¡°So¡ you¡¯re saying coal is, like, super-old plants?¡±
¡°Exactly,¡± Iwa says, tossing the coal chunk into the air and catching it effortlessly. ¡°And because it¡¯s so rich in carbon, it¡¯s not just fuel. Coal¡¯s carbon content makes it useful in creating steel, and even in products like dyes, plastics, and medicines. The world runs on carbon, Slim. Coal just happens to be one of the easiest ways to get a lot of it.¡±
I lean back, crossing my arms. ¡°Okay, fine. So it¡¯s useful. But why does that matter to us? We¡¯re just mining it. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re making steel down here.¡±
Iwa grins. ¡°It matters because knowledge is power. The more you understand what you¡¯re working with, the more valuable you become. You think a guy like me became a boss just by digging and carrying sacks of debris? No. I learned everything there is to know about coal. How to spot the best chunks. How to negotiate with suppliers. How to lead people. If you want to rise above the shovel, Slim, you¡¯ve got to stop thinking like a grunt.¡±
I stare at him, half-annoyed, half-impressed. ¡°You really like to make a guy feel stupid, don¡¯t you?¡±
¡°It¡¯s not about feeling stupid,¡± he says with a shrug. ¡°It¡¯s about waking up. You¡¯re not just a miner, Slim. You¡¯re part of a system that powers the world. If you can¡¯t see that, you¡¯re wasting your time here.¡±
I can¡¯t respond to Iwa. It¡¯s like my thoughts are tangled, and I have no idea what to say. Am I really embarrassing myself? Was I that clueless this whole time? Instead of replying, I let the moment hang awkwardly in the air. Finally, I decide to go. My shift is over, and I need to clear my head.
¡°Well, Slimmy. Time to go home,¡± Bunchy says with a tired grin.
¡°I guess¡ yeah,¡± I mumble, my voice distant as I follow him out of the tunnels.
The next day, as we park the car, something feels¡ off. My unease grows as I notice ambulances lining the entrance. Paramedics move with urgency, wheeling out stretchers, their burdens hidden beneath white sheets or writhing in pain.
At least thirty miners are being carried out, their faces pale, drenched in sweat. And then I see him. Iwa. He¡¯s on one of the stretchers, his usually sharp eyes closed, his body eerily still.
I push through the crowd, my heart pounding. ¡°Iwa!¡± I call out, but there¡¯s no response. My voice cracks as I reach a nurse tending to the stretcher.
¡°Is he¡ is he okay?¡±
The nurse looks at me with tired eyes and shakes her head. ¡°He passed away.¡±
¡°What? Why?¡± My words come out louder than I intended, disbelief tightening my chest.
The nurse sighs. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. You¡¯ll need to ask the crew.¡±
My head feels light as I stumble back, trying to process her words. Passed away? Iwa? The guy who stood there laughing at me just yesterday?
I spot Rafael standing in the corner, his head low, tears streaming down his face. Without hesitation, I approach him.
¡°Hey,¡± I say, my voice shaking. ¡°What happened?¡±
Rafael doesn¡¯t look up. He sniffles and wipes his nose with the back of his hand before muttering, ¡°The ventilation system failed.¡±
¡°What do you mean it failed?¡±
¡°The fans stopped working, man. The air got so hot, people didn¡¯t know what to do. Everyone panicked. It turned into chaos¡ªpeople pushing, shoving, trying to find air.¡± His voice cracks as he continues. ¡°Some got really sick, but Iwa¡ he couldn¡¯t handle the heat. The stress. The crowd. His heart¡¡±
He doesn¡¯t finish, but he doesn¡¯t need to. I feel like I¡¯ve been punched in the gut.
¡°Wasn¡¯t there a technician on-site?¡± I demand.
Rafael shakes his head bitterly. ¡°The technician is coming today¡ but it¡¯s too late. No one knew how to fix this.¡± His voice cracks, grief tightening his throat.
A shuddering sob escapes him. ¡°He was like a brother to me. We worked side by side for nearly ten years.¡± He squeezes his eyes shut, his hands trembling. ¡°And now he¡¯s gone.¡±
My fists clench, rage and frustration boiling inside me. ¡°Then this is the fault of the com-¡±
Before I can finish, Rafael¡¯s hand shoots out, grabbing mine tightly. His tear-streaked face is suddenly inches from mine as he whispers urgently, ¡°Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t say something you¡¯ll regret.¡±
¡°What? Why not?¡±
¡°There are bosses here,¡± he hisses, glancing over his shoulder. ¡°And people from the company¡¯s departments. If they hear you complaining¡ªif you start pointing fingers¡ªyou¡¯re done. Fired, blacklisted, or worse. They don¡¯t want troublemakers. They¡¯ll get rid of you without thinking twice.¡±
Rafael releases my hand, his voice softer now, almost pleading. ¡°Just¡ keep your head down, Slimmy. For your own good.¡±
¡°I thought you hate me for the shifts and such¡±
¡°I don¡¯t hate you, but I am a father, my daughter is always first. But is enough damage for today, I think¡±
I glance back at the ambulance where Iwa¡¯s body lies, then at the crowd of pale, shaken miners. The weight of it all presses down on me¡ªthe loss, the injustice, the helplessness. My fists unclench, but the fire in my chest doesn¡¯t die.
chap 17- The immovable by his will/Poker
As I sit down to eat dinner with Bunchy, my phone buzzes.
¡°Ey, Bunchy, I¡¯m stepping outside for a bit,¡± I say, already pushing my chair back.
¡°Sure, Slimmy,¡± he replies, barely glancing up from his food.
As soon as I step out the door, I answer the call.
¡°Hey, boy,¡± comes a gruff voice.
¡°Dad?¡± I say, caught off guard.
¡°Yeah, how¡¯s the adventuring life treating you?¡± he asks, his tone casual, but I can hear the smirk behind it.
I can¡¯t tell him the truth¡ªthat I¡¯ve been robbed and now I¡¯m working in a mine. I don¡¯t want to admit he was right.
¡°Heh, good,¡± I lie, forcing a cheerful tone.
¡°I bet you¡¯ve made a lot of money, huh?¡± He chuckles, but there¡¯s a hint of concern underneath.
¡°You bet I did, Dad,¡± I say, gritting my teeth. ¡°So, what¡¯s up? Why are you calling me now?¡±
¡°Huh? So I can¡¯t talk to my own son now?¡±
¡°Son?¡± I almost scoff. ¡°We barely even talk.¡±
¡°Heh, yeah, talking and corny stuff aren¡¯t really my thing. But I need a favor.¡±
¡°Dad, if this is about money, the answer¡¯s no.¡±
¡°If I were there, I¡¯d give you a good beating,¡± he mutters, coughing into the phone. ¡°This is serious. Your sister Rika¡¯s headed to the capital.¡±
¡°Oh¡¡±
¡°Oh? What the hell, Daryn?¡±
¡°Sorry. Why¡¯d she leave? Wasn¡¯t she applying for that scholarship?¡±
¡°She was,¡± he says, voice heavy. ¡°But somehow, she got into an argument with her mother. Last night, she just took off. According to Carol, her last words were, ¡®the capital.¡¯¡±
¡°She¡¯s heading to the capital?¡± I laugh, the absurdity of it hitting me like a bad joke.
¡°What a joke. The princess who won¡¯t eat a meal without her fancy yogurt is going to rough it out there? This is just a whim.¡±
¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± Dad sighs. ¡°But can you talk to her? She¡¯s stopped listening to me.¡±
I rub my face in frustration.
¡°Dad... she¡¯s not even my real sister. She¡¯s not going to listen to me.¡±
¡°Listen to me, Daryn. She¡¯s just an innocent girl. You can¡¯t leave her to fend for herself in this crude world. If you¡¯re a real man, you¡¯ll help her. She left yesterday. You might know where to track her.¡±
The weight of his words settles over me, freezing me in place. Before I can protest, he hangs up.
¡°Dad? Wait¡ªhow am I supposed to find her?¡± I mutter into the silent phone.
Track her.
She left yesterday. She¡¯s had all of today to travel¡ That means¡ª
My stomach churns as realization hits me like a brick.
¡°She¡¯ll meet the bandits!¡± I shout, eyes wide with panic.
Bunchy looked up from his plate, confusion etched on his face. ¡°What?¡±
¡°Bunchy, I need to go. My sister¡ªshe¡¯s gonna meet the bandits! They¡¯ll take everything from her if we don¡¯t stop them!¡±
Bunchy¡¯s face shifted, a mixture of concern and understanding.
"Where?" he asks, his voice tense.
"In the valley," I reply, gripping the edge of the car door.
Bunchy''s face freezes. ¡°That¡¯s almost two days by car¡ We¡¯ve got work tomorrow, Daryn.¡±
I can¡¯t afford to think about that. My sister¡ªRika¡ªis in real danger. That¡¯s all that matters now.
"Bunchy, my sister¡¯s in real danger. I have to help her."
Bunchy scratches his head, clearly torn. ¡°Umm¡¡± He fumbles for something in his pocket and hands me the keys. ¡°If you can drive, go. I¡¯ll stay here, Sorey will pick me up. But are you sure about this? It¡¯ll mess up your chances.¡±
I hesitate, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. But can I really ignore my sister¡¯s plea for help?
I think about it for a moment. Would I really regret it? If a random person on the street died, I wouldn¡¯t feel bad. A hobo under the bridge¡ªno one would care. And Rika¡ she isn¡¯t much different, right?
I chuckle darkly to myself. ¡°Good one,¡± I laugh, almost at my own absurd thoughts.
But as I grip the steering wheel, something shifts in my chest. My mind clears.
¡°I might regret this¡¡± I mutter, turning the key in the ignition. The car roars to life, but so does the unease in my gut. Maybe I¡¯m throwing away the only real opportunity I¡¯ve ever had, all for a sister who never even listened to me. But I can¡¯t leave her. Not like this.
I slam my foot on the gas pedal, making a mess of the road.
"Yeah, not really a good driver," I mutter, glancing at the rearview mirror, remembering the countless infractions I racked up in my past life. The courts, the fines, the judgments¡ªnone of it seems to matter now.
But what does matter? Rika. My mind is on her. For once, I plead for her to stop causing trouble for me.
"Rika¡ for once, you can¡¯t keep giving me problems!" I shout into the empty car, my frustration boiling over. It feels so far¡ªso impossible. But I have to get there. I have to save her.
And then, something unthinkable happens.
As I speed down the road, something catches my eye. A figure¡ªslowly walking down the middle of the highway.
I panic. I swerve, slamming my foot onto the brake, but it¡¯s too late. The car barrels toward him at full speed.
Then, instead of the impact I expect, it feels like the world flips upside down. He doesn¡¯t even flinch. The front of the car crumples, metal bending as if it just collided with a solid brick wall. I¡¯m thrown from my seat, my body launching forward with a sickening lurch.
The car doesn¡¯t stop¡ªit¡¯s pierced by the man¡¯s body, as if he were an immovable object. I hit the asphalt hard, pain shooting through my limbs.
For a moment, everything is silent. The car is wrecked, its engine sputtering and smoking, but the man¡ªhe doesn¡¯t even seem phased. He doesn¡¯t react, doesn¡¯t acknowledge the crash. He just keeps walking down the road, earbuds in, his pace steady.
¡°What the hell¡?¡± I groan, struggling to push myself up from the ground. My head spins, but the shock of the situation is only beginning to settle in.
Then, for the first time, he turns. His gaze meets mine. He doesn¡¯t look angry, confused, or even apologetic. He just stares, face completely indifferent, as if nothing happened.
¡°Hey!¡± I shout, frustration and disbelief rising in my voice.
He takes out one earbud and looks at me.
¡°What?¡± His voice is calm. Too calm.
I can¡¯t believe this.
¡°You destroyed my car! What the hell is wrong with you?!¡±
The man glances at the wreckage behind him, his expression unchanged. ¡°I see,¡± he says, not a hint of regret in his tone. ¡°I¡¯m busy. Are you done talking?¡±
He starts putting his earphones back in, completely uninterested in my frustration.
¡°Hold up! I was in a hurry!¡± I snap, trying to hold it together. ¡°Someone might get hurt, okay?¡±
He sighs, clearly irritated. ¡°Fine¡ where did you want to go?¡±
I stare at him, still processing what just happened. Was he even human? Who was this guy?
¡°I was heading to Aetheris Valley. You know, in a hurry?¡± I say, my voice shaking with anger and confusion.
He pulls out his phone like this is just another ordinary day for him. Is he calling a taxi? No¡ªhe¡¯s probably just trying to ignore me again. But when I catch his eyes, he¡¯s staring at me¡ªwaiting.
¡°What?¡± he asks, as if he hasn¡¯t just destroyed my car and acted like nothing was wrong. His indifference is maddening.
¡°Did you¡ªdid you not hear me? You just asked where I was going, and I¡¯m telling you! Are you even paying attention?¡± I shoot back, feeling like I¡¯m talking to a wall.
¡°Oh, yeah, yeah.¡± He waves his hand dismissively, as if my car doesn¡¯t matter. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me.¡±
Before I can process what he said, everything around me blurs. The ground beneath my feet shifts, and in the blink of an eye, I¡¯m no longer standing in the middle of the road. The crash, the pain¡ªeverything is gone.
I stumble, catching myself, my heart pounding.
I¡¯m standing in a place I recognize instantly¡ªthe valley.
I blink hard, my mind scrambling to catch up. How did I get here?
¡°W-what the hell?¡± I stammer, looking around. The landscape of Aetheris Valley stretches out in front of me¡ªthe familiar dusty terrain, the jagged rocks.
¡°How¡?¡± I¡¯m speechless. This isn¡¯t possible. One minute, I was about to argue with that guy, and the next¡ I¡¯m here.
Who the hell was that?
Poker
I push myself forward, each step quicker than the last. The sounds of grunting men reach my ears, and my heart races. If those bastards lay a finger on Rika, they¡¯ll regret it. No one is going to touch her while I¡¯m still breathing.
I reach the clearing just in time to see a surprising sight.
Rika stands confidently, one foot planted firmly on the head of a bandit who lies unconscious beneath her. Around her, the rest of the men are scattered on the ground, groaning in pain. They clearly underestimated her, and now they¡¯re paying the price.
She turns her head toward me, her expression hard and serious. But the moment she recognizes me, her eyes soften, a flicker of relief in her gaze.
¡°Let me guess,¡± she says, stepping off the bandit¡¯s head. ¡°Dad sent you, huh?¡±
I take a deep breath, trying to hide the mixture of disbelief and pride churning inside me. ¡°Yeah, he was worried, but I guess there¡¯s nothing to worry about, huh?¡± I can¡¯t help but smirk.
She defeated ten bandits¡ªby herself¡ªand I¡¯ve barely been here long enough to process what I¡¯m seeing.
I quickly check her stats, wanting to confirm what I¡¯m witnessing.
Name: Rika
Category: Shaman
Level: 3
Mana: 30
Description: A girl struggling with college tuition fees. Expert in voodoo and runes.
Skills:
- Thermal Perception (Passive): Rika can sense heat variations in her surroundings, helping her detect hidden enemies or temperature changes. This effect is noticeable when she is in a state of focus.
- Craft Rune (Active) - Mana Cost: 5: Rika can carve simple runes to imbue objects or the ground with temporary elemental properties, using an element as a catalyst.
- Voodoo Fireflies (Active) - Mana Cost: 10: Rika summons spirits in the form of fireflies, confusing enemies by entering their minds and distorting their senses.
B: 80 / W: 57 / H: 83
¡°Rika, I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re okay. And I know there¡¯s a lot to catch up on, but¡ I have work tomorrow. You can tell me everything on the road.¡±
She looks at me in disbelief. ¡°The capital is like two days from here.¡±
¡°Actually, more like four if we don¡¯t hurry.¡±
I barely manage to catch my breath before my phone buzzes. It¡¯s Josh.
¡°Ey¡ Daryn,¡± comes his familiar, casual tone.
¡°Josh¡¡± I reply, trying to keep my irritation in check.
¡°Bunchy told me about your problem,¡± he says without preamble, ¡°and when you come I¡¯ve got a solution. Near where the hides of the bandits might be, if you walk about two hours west, you¡¯ll find some flags¡ªwhite and red, just a few. That¡¯s your landmark. In that area, there¡¯s a place called Gnome City.¡±
¡°Gnome City?¡± I repeat, eyebrows furrowing. It sounds both absurd and oddly fitting in this strange world.
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s an underground city with sprawling channels and passageways,¡± Josh continues. ¡°If you can explain your situation to them, there¡¯s a good chance they¡¯ll sell you access to an underpassage. You¡¯d be able to make it back in less than twenty-four hours.¡±
That¡¯s a relief¡ªa glimmer of hope in a situation that feels impossibly tangled. ¡°Good to know. Thanks, Josh,¡± I say, ready to hang up.
But his voice stops me. ¡°Wait¡ªone more thing. Be careful, alright?¡±
¡°Careful?¡±
¡°The gnomes aren¡¯t bad people,¡± Josh explains, his tone taking on a rare note of seriousness, ¡°but they¡¯re notorious pranksters. Jokers through and through. If you lose your temper with them, they¡¯ll cancel any deal on the spot. You¡¯ve got to stay patient, no matter what.¡±
¡°Understood,¡± I mutter, already dreading the prospect of dealing with a city full of tricksters.
¡°Good luck on your journey, Daryn.¡±
The call ends, leaving me with mixed feelings¡ªrelief at the possibility of finding a quicker way back, and dread at the thought of navigating a maze of gnome pranks.
¡°I guess we¡¯re heading west for two hours,¡± I say, starting down the path.
¡°Huh? The capital is straight ahead,¡± Rika mutters, clearly annoyed.
¡°Yeah, but I need a shortcut to get to my workplace. Besides, while we¡¯re at it, you can tell me what happened.¡±
She lets out a deep sigh but follows me anyway. Minutes pass in silence, and she still doesn¡¯t say a word.
¡°Well? Are you going to tell me or not?¡± I ask, glancing over my shoulder.
¡°Why are you so pushy? I already told you,¡± she snaps, crossing her arms.
¡°No, you didn''t, isn''t this about your college fee?¡±
¡°Yes. I couldn''t support to stay in that home. Too much to handle when she told me about my future, she told me I was average! Can you believe it? Telling me I am peasant, like you?¡±
¡°Hmmm Thanks? I supposed I am average now¡±
¡° Yes, now I am a free independent woman!¡±
¡°So that¡¯s it? That¡¯s why you ran off from the house?¡± I press.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.
¡°Well... for the most part yes,¡± she mumbles, her cheeks flushing slightly.
¡°Speak, then!¡± I say, giving her a light slap on the back. Her eyes widen in surprise as she straightens up.
¡°I¡ I don¡¯t want to admit it, but I found¡¡± Her voice trails off into a barely audible whisper.
¡°What? I can¡¯t hear you,¡± I say, leaning closer. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re siblings! Speak louder!¡±
She coughs and glances at me with a hint of embarrassment.
¡°I found it admirable when you defeated Dad,¡± she says clearly.
I blink at her, not entirely sure what she means by that. Beating the old man was just something that had to happen. I tilt my head, trying to understand her point.
¡°You didn¡¯t give up challenging him, and now you¡¯re an adventurer. You really fulfilled your dream.¡±
¡°Adventurer?¡± I echo, raising an eyebrow.
¡°Yeah, isn¡¯t your workplace the guild with your party?¡± she asks, her tone matter-of-fact.
I laugh nervously, scratching the back of my head as I search for the right words.
¡°About that¡¡± I start, then explain how I ended up as a miner instead of the adventurer she assumed I was.
¡°So you gave up,¡± she says flatly.
¡°No! Didn¡¯t you hear what I just said?¡±
¡°Sounds to me like you did.¡±
She chuckles, her expression lightening.
¡°Of course, Mr. Miner,¡± she teases, her voice dripping with mockery.
¡°And you? You gave up by just leaving the house,¡± I counter.
¡°Not exactly,¡± she replies with a small huff.¡° I am planning my future already, bigger leagues¡±
¡°Like what?¡±
¡°Council of the mages!¡±
¡°Council of mages? Why?¡±
¡°Because I am not giving up, to enter into the High Society, Daryn!¡±
¡°Oh¡¡±
I am still not sure of her actual dream or goal, is she just a materialistic, person?
¡°I could enter the most famous place in the kingdom. The Council of Mages is still something only prestigious people can join. But I figured I¡¯d start from the bottom and work my way up¡ªjust like you, saving money first.¡±
¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± I ask, raising an eyebrow.
¡°I¡¯m going to start by opening a shop.¡±
I nearly laugh out loud. The idea of this spoiled girl running a shop, dealing with customers? It¡¯s hard to picture.
¡°You? A shop? What kind of shop?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve picked up some skills from Mom. Don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll figure it out. Soon enough, I¡¯ll rise economically, get a degree, or take the special exams from the kingdom. One way or another, I¡¯ll end up in the Council of Mages,¡± she says, trying to sound confident.
Her determination is admirable, but I can¡¯t help sensing the cracks in her plan. It¡¯s not entirely reliable, but hey¡ªit¡¯s something.
¡°I still don¡¯t get it. What¡¯s so great about the Council of Mages? That place sounds stupid,¡±
Rika glares at me, clearly offended.
¡°You and your ignorant brain, as always,¡± she snaps. ¡°Only the most respected magic users can enter the council. Their word is law, their presence commands respect. They stand as one the third highest tier of laws power in this world, Daryn.¡±
She pauses, taking a breath before continuing with a level of passion that makes me think she¡¯s about to gush over her favorite yogurt brand again.
¡°The three pillars are as follows: The kingdom¡ªspecifically the royal family of each kingdom. The Three Heroes¡ªlegendary figures chosen to protect the world. And finally, the Council of Mages¡ªan independent organization, globally recognized for its immense influence. Their words alone can end wars. Each member is revered, their knowledge deeper than any scholar¡¯s. They hold secrets no commoner could ever hope to learn!¡±
I raise an eyebrow, unimpressed. ¡°I still don¡¯t see the point,¡± I mutter, deciding not to push the topic further.
We shift to talking about food. Somehow, yogurt becomes the main subject. She goes on and on¡ªnutritional facts, flavor profiles, ways to make it more delicious. By the time we approach Gnome City, I¡¯ve spent what feels like hours listening to her wax poetic about yogurt.
¡°I see the flags, but no sign of any gnomes,¡± I mutter, scanning the area.
¡°Gnomes? You brought us to a gnome city? Are you out of your mind?¡± Rika hisses, her voice filled with panic.
¡°What? I need to make it to the mines by tomorrow,¡±
¡°Daryn!¡± she grabs me by the collar of my sweater, her eyes wide with urgency. ¡°Gnomes are not something we want to mess with. Trust me on this. Let¡¯s go back before¡ª¡±
Before she can finish her sentence, a rustling noise comes from the bushes nearby. Suddenly, a small figure steps out¡ªa little person with a pointed hat and a mischievous grin.
¡°Welcome,¡± the figure says in a high-pitched, cheerful voice. ¡°I heard someone mention Gnome City. May I ask who¡¯s seeking it?¡±
¡°That would be me,¡± I say confidently, stepping forward. ¡°I¡¯m Daryn, and this is my sister, Rika.¡±
The small figure strokes his wispy beard, his eyes glinting with amusement.
¡°I see¡¡± he says thoughtfully.
Then, without warning, he raises his hand, and both Rika and I are lifted off the ground as if by invisible strings.
¡°I told you!!!¡± Rika screams, flailing in mid-air, while the little figure bursts into laughter.
¡°Is this little human a gnome?¡± I shout, struggling against the unseen force, turning my head to glare at Rika.
¡°Yes, obviously!¡± she yells back, exasperated.
The gnome continues to laugh, his small frame shaking with glee. ¡°Oh, you two are going to be so much fun,¡± he says, his grin widening.
I focus on him, activating my skill to check his stats:
Name: Kurobibi
Category: Psychic
Mana: 40
Level: 3
Skills:
- Basic Telekinesis: Mana cost: 30. The user can lift objects weighing up to 140 kg with their mind. Mana is consumed per target rather than over time. It can control the body of an object but is limited to its extremities.
- Magic Shield: Mana cost: 20. The user can conjure a barrier that blocks incoming magical projectiles.
- Connection with Nature (Passive): While in forested areas, the user can skip enchantments to create a spell.
¡°Rika, do something!¡± I shout, struggling against the invisible force.
Rika glances at me, determination flashing in her eyes.
Suddenly, I notice fireflies circling the gnome, almost as if they¡¯re drawn to his presence.
¡°What the hell is this?¡± the gnome mutters, his voice laced with confusion.
The fireflies seem to weaken his telekinesis, and I feel the pressure around me loosening. Just as the gnome starts regaining control, Rika swiftly scoops up some dust from the floor. She moves with precision, summoning a glowing rune with a wave of her hand, then places the dust inside it.
¡°Sand Burst!¡± she shouts, and a burst of radiant energy explodes from the rune, sending the gnome flying backward.
¡°You didn¡¯t have to go that far,¡± I mutter, watching the gnome tumble across the ground.
¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Rika says, ignoring my protests.
¡°We have to enter the gnome city,¡± I insist, standing my ground.
¡°You¡¯re crazy! Did you not see what just happened to him?¡± she snaps, pointing to the gnome still recovering on the ground.
Before I can respond, the sound of laughter echoes through the air.
¡°Not bad,¡± the gnome says, standing up and dusting himself off.
¡°How?¡± I ask, utterly confused.
¡°I used telekinesis on myself,¡± he explains with a smirk, clearly impressed.
¡°Listen, we don¡¯t want any trouble,¡± I say, trying to calm the situation. ¡°I heard from a friend that you guys offer underground passages, and I need to get to the edges of the capital, near Section 35, Avenue H, by tomorrow.¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit late to avoid trouble now?¡± the gnome replies, amusement dancing in his voice.
Rika steps forward, her posture stiff with defiance. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go flying again, you¡¯ll do what he says.¡±
I shoot her a look, but she stands her ground. The gnome chuckles, clearly entertained by our bickering.
¡°Hmmmm, fine,¡± he says after a pause. ¡°But a fee is required.¡±
I pull out some silver coins from my pouch and hand them over. The gnome glances at the coins, then shakes his head. ¡°Not enough.¡±
With a sigh, I pull out a few more coins and place them in his hand. He studies them for a moment, then finally gives a satisfied nod and opens the entrance to the underground passage.
¡°Enter,¡± he orders.
Rika and I step into the dark tunnel. The air is damp, the walls slick with moisture, and the ground soft beneath our boots. It¡¯s nothing compared to the mines I used to work in, but I can tell Rika is less than thrilled. For her, this place is a nightmare; for me, it¡¯s a walk in the park.
As we make our way down the narrow path, we pass a group of gnomes sitting around a table, playing poker. One of the larger gnomes notices us and calls out.
¡°Kurobibi, why did you bring humans down here?¡±
¡°Sir Parakiki, these two insisted on using the underpass. I told them no, but they wouldn¡¯t listen,¡± Kurobibi explains before darting back outside.
The gnome leader, Parakiki, turns to us with a wide grin. ¡°Hohoho, you over there,¡± he says, his eyes glinting mischievously. He points a stubby finger at Rika. ¡°You single?¡±
Rika stiffens at the question, and I can practically feel the heat rising in her cheeks. I¡¯m not having any of it.
¡°Ey!¡± I shout, stepping between them. ¡°What the hell are you playing at?¡±
The gnomes burst into laughter, clearly amused by the situation. Parakiki raises an eyebrow at me, his grin widening.
¡°What? Afraid I¡¯ll snatch your girl?¡±
¡°She¡¯s not my girl, she¡¯s my sister!¡± I snap, irritation lacing my voice.
The gnomes laugh even harder, clearly enjoying the awkward tension.
¡°And I¡¯m Santa¡¯s assistant!¡±
¡°Can we just use the tunnel already?¡± I demand, my patience wearing thin. ¡°We don¡¯t have time for this.¡±
Parakiki¡¯s grin widens even further. ¡°Sure, sure, but after the wedding.¡±
¡°What wedding?¡± I ask, blinking in confusion.
"Of course your sister and I"
"Huh?"
The gnome leader¡¯s grin doesn¡¯t waver as he gestures toward Rika. ¡°Your sister needs to change into something appropriate for the ceremony, of course. We can¡¯t just let any human stumble through our tunnels without a proper wedding.¡±
¡°How long will that take?¡± I ask, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
¡°If you hurry her along, maybe an hour,¡± Parakiki replies with a mischievous chuckle.
¡°You can¡¯t be serious!¡±
He just laughs, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
Parakiki''s Stats
Name: Parakiki
Title: Chief
Category: Psychic
Mana: 40
Level: 10
Skills:
- Advanced Telekinesis: Manipulates multiple objects weighing up to 200 kg. Drains 5 mana per minute. Can control extremities but not an entire body.
- Magic Shield: Conjures a barrier to block magical projectiles. Mana cost: 10. The shield¡¯s strength depends on mana used and sustains multiple hits before breaking.
- Connection with Earth (Passive): When in contact with soil, bypasses enchantments, casting spells without outside interference. Enhances magical stability in nature-bound environments.
- Magic Control: Activates and controls magic through objects. Each object costs 5 mana to empower. Mana expenditure is per object, not duration.
I glance at Parakiki, weighing my options. There¡¯s no way I can beat this gnome in combat, not even with Rika¡¯s help.
¡°Fine¡ you can marry my sister,¡±
Rika¡¯s eyes widen in shock. ¡°What the hell?!¡±
¡°But only if you defeat me in poker,¡± I add, ignoring her protests.
Parakiki¡¯s grin grows. ¡°Oh¡ testing your luck, are we?¡±
¡°Perhaps. But if I win, you¡¯ll take us wherever I need to go.¡±
The gnome laughs, clapping his hands together. ¡°Sure! A free ride wherever you want.¡±
The other gnomes start gathering around the table, dealing the cards. Rika shakes me like a rag doll.
¡°You bastard! You can¡¯t bet me like I¡¯m some prize!¡±
¡°But you are. Technically, you are,¡±
¡°Go fuck yourself!¡±
¡°Relax,¡± I say, prying her hands off me. ¡°What other options do we have?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know¡ walking to the capital?¡±
¡°And do you think they¡¯ll let us leave now? Not a chance. So chill and let me handle this.¡±
The gnomes surround the table, their tiny hands shuffling the cards with practiced precision. The scent of damp earth and wood fills the air, blending with their raucous laughter. I sit across from Parakiki, my hands resting on the table as I try to steady my nerves. Rika stands behind me, arms crossed, her frown deepening.
Parakiki¡¯s eyes gleam with mischief as he deals the first hand. The cards fall onto the table. I glance at mine: a two of spades, a five of diamonds, and a queen of clubs. Not great.
¡°Well, human?¡± Parakiki says, tapping his tiny fingers on the table. ¡°Ready to lose your sister?¡±
I force a smile. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that, gnome.¡±
The first few rounds fly by, and the weight of the game presses down on me. Parakiki is a seasoned player, his skill evident in every card he plays. My stack of chips dwindles as he outmaneuvers me at every turn.
The gnomes laugh, their high-pitched voices echoing in the cavern. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re out of luck, human,¡± .
Gritting my teeth, I clutch my cards tightly. I can¡¯t give up, not with Rika¡¯s freedom on the line.
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus. The game shifts from one of luck to one of observation. I study Parakiki¡¯s movements¡ªthe twitch of his fingers when he¡¯s confident, the gleam in his eyes when he bluffs.
The next round begins, and as the cards are dealt, clarity washes over me. I start bluffing, reading his tells, and playing the gnomes¡¯ arrogance against them.
Parakiki smirks as he lays down his hand: a full house. My heart pounds in my chest.
I set my chips down, my voice steady. ¡°I¡¯ll raise you.¡±
The gnomes gasp. Parakiki¡¯s grin falters for a moment but quickly returns. ¡°Let¡¯s see your hand, human.¡±
I lay my cards down with a flourish.
The room falls silent.
A royal flush. The perfect hand.
The gnomes stare in disbelief, their laughter replaced by stunned silence. Parakiki¡¯s smug grin vanishes as his tiny hands tremble. For the first time, he looks uncertain.
Rika blinks, her jaw dropping. ¡°Wait¡ how did you¡ª?¡±
I brush off her question, unwilling to explain the countless nights spent gambling just to survive. I learned how to bluff, and outmaneuver opponents. It wasn¡¯t always pretty, but it prepared me for moments like this. Parakiki was not different than some thug in the poker tables in my other life.
¡°It was just luck,¡± I mutter, feigning nonchalance.
Rika narrows her eyes but doesn¡¯t press further.
¡°So, Parakiki, what now?¡± I ask, leaning back in my chair.
The gnome chuckles, shaking his head in admiration. ¡°You¡¯re a shark, human. A deal¡¯s a deal.¡± He gestures toward a dark passageway.
The tunnel stretches ahead, illuminated by faint glowing fungi. A minecart sits on rails, the tracks disappearing into the darkness.
¡°Enjoy the ride,¡± Parakiki says with a wink, stepping aside.
¡°Go on,¡± Parakiki says, motioning toward the cart.
¡°I¡¯m not going into that,¡± Rika says, looking like she might faint just from being in the underground tunnels.
Parakiki raises an eyebrow and teases, ¡°Then you stay with me, my lady!¡±
Without a second thought, Rika jumps in, more eager to leave the gnome city than to argue further. I sigh and reluctantly follow.
"What if I want to use your tunnel again from the other side?"
"Uy, the ride cart automatically will come to me, after you guys leave it, but there should be gnomes city around, but each gnome passage has to be dealt with a gnome boss. So nothing I can''t help."
¡°What¡¯s with the lack of lights? No electricity?¡± I ask as I climb into the cart, my eyes scanning the shadows ahead.
Parakiki''s mischievous grin widens as he gestures to the cart. ¡°This rail system runs on magic. Way easier than messing with electricity and far less likely to fail. The downside, of course¡¡± He trails off, his smirk deepening ominously.
I barely have time to process his words before the minecart jerks forward violently, throwing me back into my seat. Within seconds, we¡¯re hurtling down the track at a breakneck speed. The world around us dissolves into a chaotic blur of shadows and streaks of faint light reflecting off the damp tunnel walls.
Her arms lock around me like a vice, her body pressing against mine with desperate force. I feel her trembling, though whether it¡¯s from fear or adrenaline, I can¡¯t tell. My own heart is pounding, each beat thundering in my ears as I fight to steady myself against the relentless motion.
The tunnel twists and turns with no pattern or mercy. Sharp curves whip us to the side, slamming us against the cart¡¯s walls. Sudden drops pull my stomach into my throat, and narrow stretches bring the tunnel walls so close I swear I can feel the magic humming against my skin.
The wind slams into my face, sharp and biting, as if trying to peel my skin away. My instincts scream to hold on as the cart shakes and wobbles on the rails, rattling like it could fly off at any moment.
The air rushes past like a hurricane, stinging every exposed inch of me. I hastily pull my scarf free and wrap it around Rika¡¯s face, shielding her from the worst of it. Her grip tightens, her silence unnerving in the chaos.
The ride stretches on, an endless, harrowing journey through darkness. The repetitive twists and jolts of the track become almost hypnotic, but the fear doesn¡¯t ease. Every minute feels like teetering on the edge of disaster, the cart always one wrong move away from derailing. I don''t know If can handle this for hours.
The cart begins to slow. The air grows cooler, carrying the faint, damp scent of earth and moss. The deafening roar of wind subsides, leaving behind an almost eerie silence. Only the faint rattle of the cart and the occasional drip of water break the stillness.
The cart lurches to a halt, throwing us forward slightly as it settles onto the tracks with a groan. My heart continues to pound as I glance around, my eyes adjusting to the dim glow.
Rika releases her grip, looking pale but composed, though her trembling hands betray her nerves. "That was the worst thing I''ve ever experienced," she mutters, glaring at the minecart as if it had personally offended her.
I step out of the minecart, my legs shaky from the harrowing ride but relieved we¡¯ve finally reached solid ground. The tunnel¡¯s damp, oppressive air gives way to a faint glimmer of light filtering in from outside. I take a deep breath, forcing a grin to lighten the mood. ¡°Well, we¡¯re alive, so it wasn¡¯t that bad,¡± I say, trying to sound casual despite my pounding heart.
Rika steps out behind me, brushing herself off with an irritated huff. ¡°Speak for yourself,¡± she snaps, smoothing out her wrinkled clothes. Her usual sharp tone is back, a clear sign she¡¯s regained her composure.
I reach into my pocket, pulling out my last few coins. ¡°Come on, Rika. I don¡¯t want to be late for my job,¡± I say, holding the coins out to her. ¡°You can head to the capital and buy yourself something.¡±
She takes the coins, eyeing them with a mix of surprise and disdain. ¡°What am I supposed to do with this?¡± she sneers, turning the coins over in her hand. ¡°I can¡¯t even buy yogurt with this.¡±
¡°Not an organic one, maybe,¡± I reply with a smirk. ¡°But a normal one? Definitely.¡±
She lets out a dismissive hum, pocketing the coins anyway. We start walking toward the tunnel¡¯s exit, the faint light ahead growing brighter with every step. As we emerge, the scene before us takes shape. The air is fresh, carrying a faint breeze, and the path ahead is dusty but clear. In the distance, the towering walls of the kingdom stretch toward the horizon, their imposing presence both reassuring and intimidating.
From here, it looks like the job site is a solid twenty-minute run. I glance at Rika, adjusting the straps of my bag. ¡°Good luck,¡± I say, hesitating for a moment. ¡°You have a phone, right? I¡¯ll give you my number, just in case.¡±
She nods, pulling out her phone and handing it to me. I quickly type in my number and hand it back. ¡°There. Call or text if you need anything.¡±
Rika tucks her phone away, her usual aloofness softening for a brief moment. ¡°Thanks, I guess,¡± she says, her tone less biting than before.
I take off running, the path stretching endlessly before me, but compared to past experiences, this is a breeze. The real worry is the clock¡ªI can¡¯t afford to be late. Judging by the light, it¡¯s probably around 7 a.m., so I might be in the clear. Still, I push myself harder, unwilling to let even a minor delay ruin my first impression.
When I finally reach the job site, I spot Bunchy, Sorey, and Josh waiting near the entrance. Their familiar faces ease some of my nerves.
"What? How did you get here so early, Slimmy?"
"Well, Bunchy, it''s the power of friendship, don''t you think?"
"And my car is fine?"
"Well... the power of friendship might save your car."
Bunchy groans, rubbing his temples. "Great. Just great."
Sorey smirks. "So, how¡¯s the sister, Slimmy?"
I take a deep breath, still recovering from the morning rush. "She¡¯s good. And thanks, Josh, for the tip about the gnomes. That was¡ quite an experience."
Josh lets out a dry chuckle. "Don¡¯t sugarcoat it. They¡¯re a handful, but they¡¯re the fastest way to get anywhere underground. A pain in the neck, but necessary."
"Alright, so what¡¯s today¡¯s job?" I ask, shifting gears.
Bunchy pulls out a worn clipboard, glancing at the assignments. "Well, look at this. We have to pick someone from our group to start training for the bulldozer certification."
Josh frowns. "Wasn¡¯t that for advanced miners?"
"Yeah, but after the disaster the other day¡ some of the advanced miners passed away. They need new talent. So, for each group, someone gets assigned a type of heavy-duty vehicle. The question is, who¡¯s the best option? Me, Slimmy, Sorey, or you, Crack?"
"Don¡¯t count me in, Bunchy. And why can¡¯t Tenque do it?" Sorey asks, leaning against a metal beam.
"Tenque¡¯s still in the hospital. Nothing we can do."
I tilt my head. "And uh¡ what¡¯s a bulldozer?"
"Alright, Slimmy, listen up," Bunchy says, cracking his knuckles like he''s about to drop some ancient wisdom. "A bulldozer is a beast of a machine, a giant metal brute with tracks instead of wheels and a massive blade on the front. It¡¯s used to shove around dirt, rocks, and anything else that gets in its way. Think of it like a giant mechanical rhino, but instead of charging at enemies, it clears paths, levels ground, and makes sure mining sites don¡¯t turn into chaotic death traps. ¡°
¡°Oh, so someone would have to do it, I see.¡±
Josh suddenly speaks up. "I think Daryn should do it."
Bunchy strokes his chin, thinking deeply. Then, with a snap of his fingers, he exclaims, "Yes! You should do it, Slimmy!"
"Me?"
"Yes! Who¡¯s better than you for this?"
I exhale, weighing my options. "Hmmm¡"
Bunchy¡¯s eyes gleam like he¡¯s discovered the ultimate burger recipe. "Listen, they¡¯ll pay you more, Slimmy. And if you get certified, they¡¯ll pay us more too!"
"Huh?"
"Yeah! Even if one of us becomes an advanced miner, the rest of us can use you as a reference. We all win!"
More money¡ Not exactly an incentive for me, but if Rika¡¯s staying for a couple of weeks, I will need the extra cash.
"Fine, I accept."
"Then it¡¯s decided! Good job, team!" Bunchy cheers, raising his fist.
The rest of us follow suit, only to be cut short by a nearby miner yelling, "Oi! Keep it down!"
We laugh it off, but deep inside, I feel the weight of this decision settling in. A bulldozer, huh? Another challenge in this strange world. Well, bring it on.
Chap 18- The Sword of the geology Curse.
As the bus leaves me at a stop near the capital, I decide it''s time to call Rika.
"Hey, where are you?" I ask with some desperation in my tone.
Rika''s voice comes through clearly, directing me to a part of the city I haven¡¯t explored yet.
With news that would let my mouth open, I wonder what it could be.
Navigating through the bustling streets, I spot a commotion ahead. A crowd has gathered, and at the center of it, I recognize familiar faces¡ªthe elf and her party. But something is off. One of their members, a young adventurer with daggers, stands triumphant over an older, bloodied man who is being dragged away by others.
¡°Hahaha! Guess you¡¯re not as tough as me!¡± the dagger-wielder taunts, pocketing a pouch of money handed to him by the opposing party.
The elf¡¯s sharp eyes catch mine through the crowd. Looks like I know her, but I can¡¯t quite catch her name. She recognizes me, it seems. I can tell by the slight narrowing of her gaze. I return the look, which unfortunately makes me noticeable to the rest of her party.
¡°Well, look who it is¡ªthe dirt miner,¡± the dagger guy sneers, his voice dripping with contempt.
I cross my arms, unfazed. ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve gotten stronger.¡±
The dagger-wielder grins, chest puffing up like he¡¯s just conquered the world. ¡°Of course! My level is eight now.¡±
Level eight? I frown and activate my analysis skill.
Sure enough, the elf is level six. The others hover around level seven. Colt, though? He¡¯s made a significant jump. No wonder he has that ego now.
¡°I don¡¯t have time for this,¡± I say, already turning away.
But Colt steps into my path, smirking. ¡°Last time, your attitude really pissed me off. Let¡¯s settle it now, miner.¡±
¡°Colt, stop,¡± the elf says, her voice calm but laced with warning. She doesn¡¯t look much worried, but the slightly fear in her tone is clear. ¡°There¡¯s no need for this.¡±
Colt doesn¡¯t even glance at her. Instead, he pulls out a small pouch, jingling it for the growing crowd. ¡°How about a wager? Or are you scared?¡±
The crowd murmurs with excitement, their curiosity turning to eagerness. They want blood, and Colt knows how to play them.
"I bet for the miner!"
"I bet for Colt!" The crowd speak louder than speakers
I sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t have any weapons.¡±
Colt laughs and tosses me a sword. I catch it, blinking at the unexpected gesture.
¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡±
¡°No catch. You¡¯ll need it. Unless, of course, you¡¯re scared now.¡± His smirk widens, the crowd erupting into taunts and jeers.
The sword is heavier than I expected, but I give it a test swing. Awkward, clumsy¡ªthis isn¡¯t my style.
¡°Good,¡± Colt says, grinning like a predator. ¡°Remember my name: Captain Colt.¡±
¡°Okay¡¡± I reply, unimpressed.
The crowd begins counting down, their voices buzzing with excitement.
Three¡ two¡ one¡
Colt launches forward the instant the count ends. His knees bend low, his body coiling like a spring before exploding into a rapid, upward slash with his dagger aimed at my face.
I sidestep it¡ªbarely.
But before I can counter, Colt twists mid-motion, his body spinning like a top. In the blink of an eye, he¡¯s behind me.
Pain shoots across my back.
¡°Haha!¡± Colt laughs, his voice mocking. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Too slow?¡±
His smirks widens as I see his dagger with my blood in it. That bastard become more agile.
I grit my teeth and swing the sword, but it¡¯s useless. He darts around like a monkey, agile and unpredictable. Every move I make feels sluggish, every swing a wasted effort.
The gap between us is painfully obvious. While he fights monsters daily and gains experience, I spend my time digging holes and swinging a pickaxe.
Frustrated, I drop the sword and summon my pickaxe.
The crowd bursts into laughter.
¡°What are you gonna do, miner? Dig me a grave?¡± Colt sneers, holding his dagger loosely at his side.
I don¡¯t bother responding. Instead, I swing the pickaxe with all my strength.
CRACK!
The blow strikes his dagger, sending it flying from his hand.
¡°AUCH!¡± Colt yelps, stumbling back. His face twists in pain and shock, his free hand clutching his wrist.
Gasps erupt from his party, their expressions a mix of disbelief and disgust directed at me.
Colt¡¯s eyes burn with rage. ¡°You¡¯re dead now.¡±
He reaches for the sword on his hip, and the crowd loses their minds. Some are shouting, others fainting from sheer excitement. Even I have to admit¡ªit¡¯s a beautiful weapon, though barely longer than his dagger.
Without hesitation, Colt charges again.
I dodge¡ªor at least I think I do.
¡°What¡ª?¡± Blood trickles down my shoulder.
I¡¯ve moved out of his sword¡¯s range¡ªor so I thought. But the blade still connects.
Every swing is the same. Even when I¡¯m sure his sword will miss, it hits. No matter how much space I leave, it¡¯s like the blade ignores logic entirely.
Blood pours from my wounds, my vision starting to blur.
¡°What¡¯s wrong, miner?¡± Colt mocks, his smirk wide and triumphant. ¡°Giving up already?¡±
I clench my teeth, using my pickaxe for support as I struggle to stand. ¡°Not yet.¡±
The crowd roars at my defiance, their excitement fueling Colt¡¯s ego.
¡°Get ready.¡± I swing my pickaxe, but he easily reflects and counters me with a swing, and I see something weird in this new hit he¡¯s giving, different than the other hits. This hit is more loose and more like without shape or stance, but it still hits. It¡¯s like his cuts can hit as long as he swings his sword, like a whip.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
A whip?
¡°Damn, it hurts!¡± The pain surges through my body, sharp and relentless, making it harder to focus.
I sidestep in a wide arc, trying to create some distance. But something is off. Colt isn¡¯t rushing in like before. He stands there, his expression guarded, almost calculating.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I taunt, keeping my pickaxe at the ready. ¡°Afraid you let me see too much?¡±
He doesn¡¯t answer. Instead, he swings his sword in a quick arc, testing me. I barely dodge, but this time I see it¡ªclearly.
The blade stretches.
It shouldn¡¯t have reached me, but it does. As soon as the strike is over, the sword snaps back to its original length, as if nothing had happened.
Colt smirks, noticing my realization. ¡°I have to admit, you¡¯ve got sharp reflexes. Impressive for a dirt miner.¡±
¡°What the hell is that sword?¡± I demand, my grip tightening on the handle of my pickaxe.
¡°The cursed sword of Geology.¡±
¡°So, you actually found a sword like that?¡±
The crowd erupts into murmurs, their excitement palpable. Apparently, this sword isn¡¯t just some random enchanted weapon¡ªit¡¯s a big deal. A legendary relic, maybe? But Colt¡¯s made a rookie mistake, saying its name out loud. Even I know better than to advertise rare loot.
I snort, ignoring the pain radiating from my wounds. ¡°So, that¡¯s it? Your precious sword just stretches? What a letdown.¡±
Colt¡¯s smirk widens, and his voice takes on an edge of mockery. ¡°Stretch? You think this is about stretching? Dumb miner. This sword isn¡¯t about something so simple. It represents the world, but instead of being just a simple divine sword, it bends the meaning of concepts of the world!¡±
¡°Bending the world?¡± I frown, trying to make sense of his words. Concepts? What is he even talking about?
Before I can ask, a sharp, piercing pain shoots through my ear.
¡°Stop wasting time, Daryn!¡± a familiar voice yells, loud enough to rattle my brain.
¡°Ow! My eardrums!¡± I shout, clutching my head in pain. ¡°You mother¡ª¡±
Before I can finish, Rika storms into view, grabs me by the ear, and starts dragging me like an unruly child.
¡°What the hell are you doing, Rika?!¡± I shout, trying to pry her iron grip off my ear.
¡°Saving your sorry hide!¡± she snaps. ¡°You think you can just stand here trading insults like a comedian? You¡¯re bleeding all over the place!¡±
¡°I had him right where I wanted him!¡±
She shoots me a glare that could¡¯ve melted stone. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, by the way.¡±
The crowd falls silent. Rika¡¯s fiery temperament seems to cast a shadow over the lively atmosphere. Nobody dares to challenge her presence.
As we walk away, I glance back. The elf is still watching me, her gaze unreadable. For a moment, I think I see something flicker in her expression¡ªcuriosity? Interest? Whatever it is, I have no time to dwell on it.
Rika releases me once we¡¯re clear of the crowd, crossing her arms with an exasperated huff. ¡°Honestly, picking fights in the middle of the city? You¡¯re unbelievable.¡±
I open my mouth to respond, but the pain surges again, overtaking my senses. My vision blurs, and I stumble forward, collapsing into her arms.
When I come to, the first thing I see is Colt''s party.
I groan, trying to sit up, only to feel a sharp sting in my shoulder. The healer¡ªher expression calm and composed¡ªis channeling a soft, golden glow from her palms, healing my wounds.
¡°What¡ª¡±
¡°Please, forgive Colt, he is kind of a troublemaker.¡±
Colt¡¯s grating voice cuts me off. ¡°Forgive? For what? I was just tying the score with my sworn enemy! Next time, we¡¯ll see who¡¯s better for real, dirt miner.¡±
I blink, too disoriented to muster a proper response. ¡°Hmmm... okay...¡± I turn my attention to Cantheris.
¡°Cantheris,¡± I mutter, her name slipping out instinctively.
Her eyes shift to me, brows furrowing slightly. ¡°Excuse me?¡±
Realizing I¡¯ve spoken out loud, I scramble to clarify. ¡°Ah¡ I just wanted to say I¡¯m sorry. About last time. I might¡¯ve said... some weird things.¡±
Cantheris regards me for a moment, her gaze sharp, as if scanning my soul. After an excruciating pause, she sighs, her expression softening just a fraction.
¡°I understand. Misunderstandings, perhaps.¡±
But her tone betrays her words. It¡¯s obvious she still thinks I¡¯m a creep.
I rub the back of my neck, wincing as her healing magic tingles. ¡°Well... thanks. To you guys for healing me, I mean.¡±
The healer winks at me in response while the rest just looks at me with a smile.
Cantheris smiles faintly, but before she can say something, Colt chimes in, his arms crossed and a smug grin plastered across his face. ¡°It wasn¡¯t free. Stuff like this isn¡¯t cheap, you know. But the spirit of your sister changed our minds.¡±
I raise a brow, suppressing a groan as I shift uncomfortably. Funny for him to talk about ¡°cheap¡± while they¡¯re healing me with skills. Still, I can¡¯t help but wonder where Rika got the money to cover this.
Standing quietly in the corner, Rika rolls her eyes. ¡°You gave me some, remember? Since it wasn¡¯t even enough to buy something cheap like gum, I saved it.¡±
¡°Oh...¡± I vaguely recall handing her a few coins this morning, not thinking much of it at the time. ¡°But then... you guys¡ª¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Cantheris cuts in with a grin, her voice light yet firm. ¡°That amount was enough.¡±
The healer finishes tending to me and steps back, inspecting his work. "You can move now, but don¡¯t overdo it," he instructs. I nod in acknowledgment, flexing my hand experimentally.
Cantheris, meanwhile, is looking at me strangely. Her gaze lingers, and it¡¯s starting to feel awkward. Do I have something on my face? Is it my teeth?
"So¡ why are you staring at me?" I ask, breaking the silence.
She hums, her expression shifting to one of mild annoyance. "Nothing. I just thought you remind me of someone."
"Oh yeah? Like who?"
She clicks her tongue, her eyes narrowing slightly. "None of your business."
Ouch. That¡¯s blunt. I wince at her upfront tone, feeling a sting of disappointment. All I wanted was to get along with her.
Seeing my face fall, Cantheris sighs dramatically. "Fine, don¡¯t put an expression like that." Her tone turns playful. "But you must really take showers, though."
Before I can respond, Rika suddenly jumps in. "That¡¯s what I was going to tell him!"
The two girls burst into laughter, glancing at me as though I were some kind of joke. They start exchanging quips about my odor, completely ignoring the fact that I¡¯m right there. Though it¡¯s not fair; my work makes me deal with dirt and mines. Obviously, I would produce odor. But at least it¡¯s a manly odor.
Before I can defend myself further, Colt calls out sharply. "Cantheris, time to go!"
She starts walking away but pauses, without turning to see me. She starts speaking in a low tone. "Take a shower at least once a day, and you might be better."
The comment is bad enough, but then she adds, almost as an afterthought, "Though compared to the first time, you don¡¯t smell like a hobo anymore. Now it¡¯s more like... dirt and soil."
Without waiting for a response, she strides away, her steps confident and unhurried.
I sit there, stunned and vaguely insulted. Rika smirks at me, clearly amused.
"Dirt and soil," she repeats, suppressing a laugh. "She really has a way with words."
I grumble, glaring at her. "Next time, remind me to save my coins for soap instead of you."
Letting that topic aside, I decide to keep forward.
I sigh. "So, what¡¯s this thing you were talking to me about over the phone?"
With a wave of her hand, she motions for me to follow. We walk through a few streets before stopping in front of a modest shop with a "For Sale" sign hanging over its door.
"I want to run my shop here," Rika declares.
I blink in disbelief before letting out a laugh. "Hahaha, you¡¯re kidding, right?"
Her deadpan stare silences me. "No."
Rika has definitely changed. At least in some ways, she¡¯s becoming more... realistic? Economically practical, even. This place looks cheap and dusty as hell, like a room for two people at least. Dust in every corner of this old place, I hope it comes with a discount since technically this is a junk place.
"It seems we can rent it for 250 silver coins a month or buy it outright for 15,000 golden coins," she explains, her tone matter-of-fact.
I scratch my head. "Holy cow, you can¡¯t be serious. I don¡¯t have enough for this."
"Hehehe," she chuckles, a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I don¡¯t really have much money either."
Her face lights up as if she¡¯s already imagining herself running the shop.
For a moment, I consider saying something cheesy, like, I¡¯d buy this for you, my cute little sister. But then I remember¡ªRika isn¡¯t the type to melt at sweet words. She¡¯d probably smack me instead.
Still, if she could manage this shop and get some portion of it, maybe I could save some money for myself¡ªa proper apartment and a shiny new pair of magnetic boots didn¡¯t sound too bad.
"So," I say, crossing my arms. "Maybe I can help you. But you¡¯ll have to wait until I get my payment. And tell me¡ªno games¡ªwhat are you planning to sell here?"
She straightens up proudly. "Beautiful gems and handcrafted pendants! Protection against bad spirits, good luck charms... stuff like that!"
I raise an eyebrow. "Sounds like a ton of crap."
Her smile falters. "In my mom¡¯s store, people used to buy a lot of this stuff."
"Yeah, but this is the capital. We¡¯ve got real crafts here¡ªswords, bows, armor. Who¡¯s going to buy cheap jewelry?"
I can see the frustration on her face, like I¡¯ve pressed all the wrong buttons.
"But... maybe," I add, softening my tone, "over time, we can improve it."
She perks up slightly. "So, are you going to buy it or not?"
"Not even a ¡®please¡¯? Or a ¡®please, older brother¡¯?" I tease.
"Don¡¯t even dream about it," she shoots back.
I chuckle. "Fine. We¡¯ll rent it. But if we do this, it¡¯s our shop. Though I¡¯ll still be busy with mining, so you¡¯re managing it. Deal?"
"Deal."
We shake hands, sealing the agreement. Despite her fiery personality, I can¡¯t help but feel a sense of pride. Rika is determined, and maybe, just maybe, this shop could actually work.
The adventurer quest can wait; first, I need to get well established.
Chap 19 -The rotten city
Getting to Bunchy¡¯s house is a nightmare, mainly because Rika spends two whole hours talking about herself. The worst part? She makes sure I hear every single word.
¡°Finally,¡± I mutter as we reach the door.
¡°Is this your apartment?¡± she asks, glancing around like the place offends her.
¡°A friend¡¯s apartment,¡± I say, knocking on the door.
She raises an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t actually expect me to sleep in a stranger¡¯s house, do you?¡±
¡°Well, you can always go back home. In fact, it is still not too late,¡± I shoot back.
¡°No, my future is written in stone. I am destined for the big leagues. I am not retracting, not even you will stop me, Daryn.¡±
She points her finger at me with an exaggerated pose.
I knock again, harder this time, but there is still no answer.
¡°So your friend isn¡¯t here,¡± she says, arms crossed. ¡°Great. Why don¡¯t we talk about salmon now?¡±
¡°What?¡± I blink, too tired to process her nonsense.
Before things can spiral any further, the door opens.
¡°Bunchy!¡± I say, relieved. ¡°Hey, man, what happened?¡±
He sighs like the weight of the world is on his shoulders, stepping aside to let us in without much of a greeting. That¡¯s when I notice¡ªhe isn¡¯t eating a hamburger. Weird.
¡°So,¡± I start as he grabs a beer, ¡°what¡¯s going on?¡±
I think it¡¯s his first for the night, but I can see a few cans on the floor, while Rika is trying not to change her sweet expression because I know inside she is thinking this place is junk.
He starts drinking the beer really fast. My mind is hoping this is not going where I think it is.
¡°I had time, so I went and paid for the mess you made with my car, and to pay the knights for the disaster on the road,¡± he says, popping the can open.
My stomach sinks. ¡°Ah¡ yeah, about that¡ª¡±
¡°And now,¡± he interrupts, taking a long sip, ¡°it¡¯s almost the end of the month. The car repair cleaned me out. I don¡¯t have enough for rent, and food¡¯s looking pretty tight.¡±
I watch him finish the beer in one go and reach for the third.
¡°Even if we get paid, the money won¡¯t come in time, Slimmy,¡± he says, cracking open another can.
I don¡¯t know how to respond. His words are more real than anything¡ªnot even the monsters I face can compare to the fear of not paying the rent.
I rub the back of my neck, thinking. ¡°Hmmm¡¡±
¡°How many days until the month¡¯s pay?¡± Rika asks.
¡°Like four days.¡±
¡°Hmm, and Daryn, you work tomorrow?¡±
¡°No, in fact, no.¡±
¡°And you are a miner?¡±
¡°Yes, I think that is obvious, Rika. What are you trying to say?¡±
¡°Huhu, I have an idea!¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Going to the caves to collect rocks!¡±
Bunchy snaps his fingers.
¡°That is a good idea, but to find quartz, actually, will be in special caverns to get money fast, and time is not on our side.¡±
Rika thinks deeply and raises her hand again.
¡°Your betting skills.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think betting is a skill¡ besides, I don¡¯t have money to bet.¡±
¡°What about this?¡± Rika suddenly pulls a pendant from her pocket, holding it up for me to see.
¡°What is that?¡± I ask, raising an eyebrow.
¡°It¡¯s from my mom. What if we bet on it?¡±
I stare at the small trinket. ¡°That looks like a piece of¡ª¡±
¡°Thanks, Rika, right?¡± Bunchy interrupts with a sigh. ¡°But I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll accept anything that isn¡¯t cash.¡±
¡°But we have to try! We don¡¯t have any other choice!¡± Rika insists, her voice filled with determination.
She keeps pressing, nagging us until we have no choice but to give in.
¡°Fine, Rika. We¡¯re going. You coming, Bunchy?¡±
¡°Hmm¡ I¡¯m good. I don¡¯t think I can handle going outside again.¡± He leans back with a weary look.
¡°Alright, suit yourself.¡±
The moment we step outside, the cold hits us like a wave. Every breath we take is visible in the air, and each step makes the chill sink deeper into our bones.
¡°We better hurry,¡± I mutter, pulling my coat tighter.
Rika simply nods, her body trembling as she shivers.
We move quickly, making our way to the heart of the city where shops and market stalls line the streets. The warmth of the crowded space is a stark contrast to the bitter cold outside, but our goal isn¡¯t comfort¡ªwe¡¯re looking for a casino.
Rika, using her ever-effective puppy eyes, sweet-talks an adult into giving us the information we need.
Didn¡¯t think it would work, but it does. She¡¯s telling us that we are nearby the casino.
¡°Don¡¯t mention this to anyone.¡±
¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯t, hehe.¡±
Just as we turn away, the commotion around us grows louder. A sudden outcry ripples through the crowd.
¡°A thief! Stop him!¡±
From the corner of my eye, I see a figure darting through the streets at a ridiculous speed, clutching a pouch tightly in his hands. Someone lunges at him, trying to tackle him, but the thief spins past with the agility of a seasoned running back.
He¡¯s heading straight for us.
¡°Move!¡± the boy shouts, his voice sharp and urgent. He sounds close to my age.
Before I can react, Rika is already in motion. Her fireflies zip through the air, dazzling the thief and making him lose his footing. He stumbles, his ankle twisting awkwardly before he crashes to the ground.
Rika flashes me a mischievous grin, making a subtle gesture that practically screams: We just caught a thief¡ªthere¡¯s definitely a reward, tie him now. Don¡¯t screw this up.
¡°¡Fine.¡±
I grab the boy by the collar and snatch the pouch from his grip. The crowd surges around us, furious murmurs echoing in every direction. Their anger is almost tangible¡ªthey despise thieves.
But as I hold the boy, hesitation creeps into my thoughts. Does he really deserve to be thrown to this mob?
Then, the crowd parts as someone steps forward.
A girl.
She has long blonde hair, and her expression is unreadable as her piercing gaze settles on me.
I blink. ¡°Cantheris?¡±
She doesn¡¯t respond. Her hollow eyes widen slightly, but there¡¯s no confirmation. Just silence. She has the kind of presence that makes everything around her feel muted, like the world has momentarily paused just for her arrival. Her golden eyes, sharp and unyielding, lock onto me with a gaze that sends a chill down my spine. Those aren''t the eyes of someone easily swayed¡ªthey carry weight, wisdom, and something unreadable, like a page from an old book I¡¯m not allowed to open.
She wears a black cloak, its fabric flowing around her with subtle grace, trimmed with silver patterns that hint at a noble lineage¡ªor at least someone with a sense of power. Even her stance speaks of discipline, an unwavering posture that tells me she isn¡¯t just some ordinary elf wandering through the streets.
Don¡¯t tell me I just mistook Cantheris for some random elf. But it¡¯s so hard to identify them when both of them are blonde.
Rika sighs beside me, arms crossed. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s her, Daryn.¡± Her tone drips with disappointment. Like, seriously?
I stand next to the elf, realizing she¡¯s slightly shorter than me. ¡°So this must be yours.¡± Before I can pass the pouch to her, Rika snatches it from my hands.
¡°Let me handle this, Daryn.¡± She turns to the elf, skepticism etched into her face. ¡°How can we be sure this is actually yours?¡±
The elf looks at us but says nothing.
¡°Hello?¡± I ask, waving a hand slightly.
Rika, usually so blunt in situations like this, just silently hands the pouch over without another word.
¡°Thanks,¡± the elf says softly, offering a faint smile. She feels like someone reserved.
The crowd around us murmurs, wondering if she plans to punish the boy who stole from her. But her expression is unreadable¡ªno anger, no malice.
¡°In fact, this guy steals from me,¡± she finally says, ¡°I will show him the true way. I will make him my apprentice.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t¡ª¡±
Before I can even react, Rika grabs my arm and pulls me out of the crowd.
¡°What¡ª You¡¯re acting weird.¡±
¡°Daryn, I don¡¯t know, but that elf is not normal.¡±
¡°She¡¯s a little off, but that doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s dangerous. You shouldn¡¯t be so rude.¡±
¡°No, I mean... How do I say this? It¡¯s a woman¡¯s sense.¡±
¡°Woman¡¯s sense?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
I roll my eyes. No way I¡¯m buying into whatever vague intuition she¡¯s talking about. But as we walk away, I hear the boy growl in protest as the elf drags him off against his will. Yeah, she¡¯s strange, but that doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s special.
Curious, I activate my skill¡ªEye of the Intern¡ªto analyze her. But the moment I try to focus, my vision blurs.
Then she turns her head. Right at me. Like she felt my skill probing her.
Now I¡¯m feeling something is off.
¡°Well, you know what? You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s go a different path.¡± I try to shake off the weird feeling
We¡¯re walking in an alley that leads to beautiful channels of water, or more like rivers.
Nobody is around here, and is a nice shortcut, until it isn''t.
As we walk by the edges, we can hear the steps behind us.
¡°Is she following us?¡± I ask.
¡°I think so¡¡± Rika mutters.
The footsteps grow louder, closing the distance. I turn back.
¡°What?!¡±
¡°You helped me, so willing to offer a reward,¡± Lars says.
¡°Then why didn¡¯t you say anything earlier?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t speak much of the language.¡±
¡°Huh?¡± Rika and I say in unison.
¡°I¡¯m from an old town. Elf¡¯s old language.¡±
¡°Okaaay... Let¡¯s start simple. Your name?¡±
¡°Lars.¡±
Rika grips my arm, whispering, ¡°Isn¡¯t Lars a male name?¡±
¡°Shhh. Don¡¯t criticize their culture.¡±
I turn back to the elf. ¡°Alright, back to the main topic. We don¡¯t really want any reward.¡± I try to sound polite, but this whole situation is getting weirder by the second.
¡°You¡ say Cantheris.¡±
¡°Yes. You know her?¡±
¡°Yes. She is my sister.¡±
I blink. ¡°I don¡¯t remember her mentioning a sister.¡±
Rika pats my shoulder. ¡°You barely know her, Romeo. Don¡¯t expect her to spill her life story overnight.¡±
¡°Shut up, Rika.¡±
¡°So, Cantheris¡¯s sister,¡± I mumble. It still feels awkward, even with Rika here. Lars stares at me, then shifts her gaze between us.
¡°Reward.¡±
¡°No, no. We don¡¯t want money, we¡¯re fine.¡±
¡°No. Reward is not money.¡±
¡°Then what is it?¡±
She starts speaking in a thick accent, but I catch the worst part.
¡°Bewer.¡±
¡°Be where?¡±
¡°Bewer.¡±
¡°I think she means ¡®beware,¡¯ Daryn,¡± Rika says, frowning.
¡°Oh. Beware of what?¡±
¡°Your life is full of suffering. Pain. You.¡±
I laugh. ¡°My life is fine, thanks. Pain doesn¡¯t bother me as much as you think. You know, I almost bled out yesterday, and I¡¯m still standing.¡±
She just looks at me with those same unreadable eyes, like she doesn¡¯t fully understand what I just said.
¡°Well, and where is the boy?¡±
The boy appears from a corner since he might hear us, with a collar around his neck.
¡°And does being an apprentice come with a collar?¡±
¡°No, but he must be trained.¡±
It¡¯s like she¡¯s talking about that boy like he¡¯s a dog.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
The boy starts speaking, or should I say barking? He¡¯s actually barking.
I¡¯m afraid to ask, so I just look into her eyes to see if she can understand me by looking.
She seems even more confused than I am because of my staring.
¡°I hate to be the one to ask, but why is he barking?¡±
¡°He talk much, a lot of.¡±
He¡¯s still barking. His expression is like begging and wanting some compassion, but I¡¯m not sure if he deserves it. But stealing is a crime, and this boy committed it. Doesn¡¯t matter why he did it; at least for the authorities, it doesn¡¯t care why he did it.
Now, focusing on Lars, it seems she¡¯s a magic user, and might be an average or advanced one. Though, because she got robbed, she might be average.
Without much to say, I notice something on the boy¡¯s arm¡ªlike a bracelet.
¡°Oh, beautiful bracelet, futuristic with LEDs and such. Is this to make him like your property?¡±
¡°No, it already came with the boy.¡±
¡°Hehehe, wow, a boy with a bracelet that looks like a GPS¡ª¡±
As soon as my words leave my mouth, the chill comes to my body like I just realized what I was saying.
"Rika..."
"Yes... Daryn..."
"Did I just say that thing is a GPS?"
"Something like that¡ª"
"Then why is it beeping red now...?"
From all corners, men in dark glasses, smoking cigars, emerge. Tall, robust, and exuding an air of authority. One of them steps forward, his gaze locked onto the boy.
"That boy is ours."
Lars doesn¡¯t seem to comprehend what¡¯s happening. In fact, I don¡¯t think her brain is even in this world right now. I just hope she chooses her next words carefully.
"No, he is my apprentice."
The robust man shoves her aside, sending her tumbling into the river.
"Wait¡ª"
Before I can react, a sharp jolt of electricity courses through my body. A taser. My vision blurs, and everything fades to black.
When I wake up, I find myself in a casino. But not just any casino¡ªthis place oozes wealth, extravagance beyond my imagination. I have no idea where Rika is. The fear that something might¡¯ve happened to her grips me, and I quickly rise to my feet.
Around me, players are engrossed in poker and various other games, the clatter of chips and murmurs filling the air. A bodyguard approaches and gestures for me to follow. Fighting here, without knowing my surroundings, could cost me my life. I grit my teeth and comply.
As we reach the center of the casino, I see the boy from earlier. Sitting across from him is another man, slightly older, but clearly distressed. Standing beside them is a man who seems to be the boss of this place. He wears a cowboy hat, a pistol resting casually on the table beside him. His attire resembles a dandy from old times¡ªonly drenched in gold.
"Come on, Tim. Your brother¡¯s life depends on you. Are you betting or not?"
Tim stares at his cards, hands trembling. Fear grips him.
Then¡ªhe bolts. Cards scatter through the air as he dashes toward the exit, screaming.
The dandy exhales, as if he expected this. Without hesitation, he raises his gun and fires. Repeatedly.
Tim¡¯s body crumples, riddled with holes.
The man sighs. "I was willing to forgive the debt, you know. You just had to win. But not only did you run, you left your brother behind. Disappointing." He flicks his nose in mild irritation.
I don¡¯t know the initial debt but judging by the chips on the table, there must¡¯ve been an extra 50,000 gold coins in debt.
The dandy turns to me. "I have to thank you two for bringing the boy back. And sorry about the elf, but you know¡ªcasino policy. Gotta kill at least one per day. Nothing personal." He takes a slow drag from his tobacco pipe, as if this were just another Tuesday.
One of the bodyguards tosses a pouch of gold coins at me. My hands catch it on instinct, and put it in my pocket, but my mind is elsewhere.
"Reward for bringing the boy"
I take it the reward a pouch bag with golden coins, but that doesn''t matter.
"Where is my sister?"
The dandy smirks. "Who?"
"The girl who came with me."
"Oh, her? Heh. She had more balls than anyone I¡¯ve talked to in a while. Nice girl. I almost forgave her... but then she spat in my face. Na-ah."
A chill runs down my spine. "Just tell me she''s fine..."
His smirk widens. He¡¯s enjoying this. He wants me to ask. He wants to drag out the punchline.
"So where is she?"
He finally leans in, grinning. "Your sister is entertaining our clients."
His face is no longer human in my eyes. He¡¯s a pig. Filth. A carcass waiting to be gutted.
I summon my pickaxe, ready to turn his skull into tomato juice.
The weapon swings¡ª
¡ªBut one of the bodyguards takes the full impact to the chest.
Before I can react again, more men rush in, at least three put their weight on me, slamming me onto the floor, restraining my arms.
One of them sneers. "Don¡¯t you know who he is?"
"NO¡ªRIKA, WHERE ARE YOU?!"
The dandy chuckles. "Daryn, let me tell you a little story about this boy..."
He knows my name.
He notices my reaction and grins. "Oh, you realized? Don¡¯t worry. When you have contacts like mine, information flows easily. This capital is rotten, you see¡ªworks in my favor. But back to the story."
He presses the gun to the young boy¡¯s head.
"The older brother on the floor? He borrowed money from me. Naturally, I accepted. He was a damn good shooter, one of my best. But then¡ªhe failed to pay up. So, as the generous man I am, I told him, ''If you don¡¯t pay, your brother¡¯s brains will decorate your ceiling.'' "
He chuckles, pulling the boy¡¯s cheek.
"And this little guy? Last night, he ran away. Cold. Calculated. But he didn''t know who he was dealing with¡ªme. Big Bruno Bambino. You don¡¯t run from me. Sooner or later, I always collect."
I grit my teeth. "Idiot¡ªhe was stealing others to free his brother!"
Big Bruno shrugs. "Oh, he was? Well, I didn¡¯t find a single coin on him."
The boy thrashes against his captors, muffled screams filling the room.
Without hesitation, Big Bruno pulls the trigger.
A final muffled cry.
Silence.
Big Bruno exhales, his massive chest rising and falling like a war drum. ¡°A promise is a promise,¡± he mutters, as if reminding himself. ¡°My old man always said, ¡®Fulfill your word, and you¡¯ll earn respect.¡¯ Looking at me now, I¡¯d say he was right.¡±
I have no time to care about his damn principles.
¡°Rika!¡± I roar, my voice raw with desperation.
A sleazy voice cuts through the air.
¡°Can you shut up already? Your sister¡¯s fine. Just making sure our client¡¯s sons have their first time, too.¡±
A surge of blind fury courses through me. Strength I didn¡¯t know I had ignites in my limbs as I throw off the three men pinning me down. Their bodies hit the floor like discarded sacks of meat. But there are more of them. Too many.
Rika is my only priority.
I bolt forward. Gunfire erupts¡ªBig Bruno¡¯s pistol barks behind me¡ªbut I weave through the chaos, moving in an erratic zigzag, survival and rage guiding my steps.
Doors. Hallways. The sickly stench of alcohol and sweat. The realization strikes me¡ªI¡¯m in the casino¡¯s underground levels. A subterranean hell where monsters parade in human skin.
Then I hear her through the corridors. It¡¯s low, but the voice I¡¯d recognize from miles away.
¡°Daryn!¡± Rika¡¯s voice. Terrified. Screaming.
I sprint toward the sound, my grip tightening around the pickaxe in my hand.
Time to work.
Steel clashes against wood as I demolish the doors one by one, my blows echoing through the corridors. The noise draws attention. Heavy footsteps. More guards. Let them come. Let them all come.
The walls vibrate with muffled cries, moans, and the revolting sounds of suffering. I hear Rika¡¯s voice, but it¡¯s buried under obscene noises. The closer I get, the harder it is to find her.
Then¡ªlaughter.
A young man¡¯s voice, filled with amusement and cruelty.
¡°Who the hell is Daryn? You only need to think about me.¡±
A muffled scream follows.
My blood runs cold.
I swing the pickaxe with everything I have, shattering the door like my life depends on it.
A sickening crack. The scene before me sends my stomach into freefall.
Rika lies chained to the bed, her clothes torn¡ªnot by blades, but by hands that treated her like property. Syringes litter the floor, along with obscene ¡°toys¡± on a table. The air reeks of chemicals and sweat. He¡¯s been taking his time with her.
But she¡¯s still awake. Still alive. Her eyes tell me it¡¯s not too late, but the sight makes my blood boil.
The bastard standing over her turns, annoyance flashing across his face before recognition sets in.
¡°Who the hell are you?!¡± he sneers, wiping his mouth like I interrupted his meal. ¡°I already paid half a million for the night with the virgin. If you¡¯re here for more money, I am not paying a single more coin because you know. I¡¯m Smitch Mac Junior¡ªyou don¡¯t shake me down, you serve me.¡±
I don¡¯t reply.
I swing the pickaxe.
His skull caves in like a rotten fruit. A spray of red paints the walls, and his body collapses before he can utter another sound.
My breathing is ragged. My hands tremble.
Did I just kill someone?
No, I¡¯ve killed before. The rats. The bodyguard.
But this is different.
It¡¯s like I wanted to.
The weight of it presses against my mind. But as I look at Rika¡ªher body still shackled, her eyes wide and barely processing what¡¯s happening¡ªI know it¡¯s worth it.
I shatter the chains with a few more swings, then strip off my shirt and hand it to her.
¡°Put this on,¡± I say, voice hoarse.
She nods weakly. No words. Just silent obedience.
We have to move.
But the moment we step out, the bodyguards are already waiting.
Rika¡¯s legs tremble. She¡¯s not going to make it far.
And it¡¯s all my fault.
I should have taken her back to the city, no matter how much she resisted. But no¡ªnow we¡¯re here, drowning in someone else¡¯s debt.
Kill or be killed.
That¡¯s the only law now.
I fight like a demon. The pickaxe swings, crushing bones, shattering skulls. My hands drip with blood, but my heart beats with only one purpose¡ª
Protect my family.
No matter the sin. No matter the cost.
For the first time, I have something to protect. Something to fight for.
And I will never let anyone take that from me.
Swing.
Swing.
CRASH.
The guards are relentless, but pain fuels them more than fear. I¡¯m not fighting warriors. I¡¯m fighting desperate men, clinging to life like rats in a sewer.
Then¡ªelectricity surges through my body.
A Taser.
My vision goes black.
When I wake up, the stench of blood and sweat fills my nose.
I am chained to a chair.
Big Bruno stands before me, a hulking shadow of inevitability. Beside him, a well-dressed man¡ªolder, refined, but with the same cruelty in his eyes.
¡°The father of the boy you killed, this is Mr Smitch¡± Bruno says, voice even. ¡°He wants revenge.¡±
The man¡ªthe ¡°father¡±¡ªis crying.
But there is no grief in his face. Only rage.
¡°A son for a sister.¡± Big Bruno smirks.
The bastard grabs Rika by the hair and drags her forward.
¡°You killed my son,¡± he hisses, his voice breaking. ¡°For this cheap slut?¡±
I thrash against my chains, my arms burning with fury.
Big Bruno passes the man a gun.
¡°Feel what it¡¯s like,¡± Smitch exclaimed. ¡°To lose family.¡±
The father raises the pistol, his hand shaking. Tears fall, but his eyes burn with hatred.
And yet¡ª
All I can think about is how much I want to rip his eyes out and make his suffering last for eternity.
¡°Dandy Smitch and BBB,¡± a voice calls out.
It¡¯s Lars. Her tone is as hollow as ever, her words floating without weight.
The bodyguards tense up at her presence.
¡°Boss, she was the one who we threw in the river.¡±
Big Bruno takes a slow drag from his tobacco pipe, his thick fingers tapping against the wood as he mulls over the situation.
¡°There¡¯s no way,¡± he mutters. ¡°We¡¯ve got cameras, security¡ªno one gets in unnoticed.¡±
Lars steps forward, her expression unreadable. ¡°Big Bruno, I am Lars, an agent of the kingdom. You are the prime suspect in the disappearance of a noble¡¯s daughter.¡±
Bruno exhales a thick cloud of smoke. ¡°Relax. I find bodies where no one¡¯s looking. That mistress or whatever? If she¡¯s missing, she¡¯s not with us. My people don¡¯t mess with nobles¡ªwe help them.¡±
Lars doesn¡¯t flinch. ¡°So you won¡¯t cooperate? According to our detectives, she was last seen near this very district, close to where rumors say your operations take place. That means I¡¯m obligated to inspect your rooms myself.¡±
Bruno chuckles. His laughter grows, deep and guttural. A nod from him, and the guards spring into action. One of them slams Lars¡¯ head against the table.
¡°Do you really think coming here alone was a good idea?¡± Bruno sneers. ¡°But hey, not my problem. Fresh meat is always in high demand, especially noble blood. It¡¯s just business, keeping our clients happy.¡± He leans back, a cruel grin spreading across his face. ¡°Imagine their delight when they hear tonight¡¯s special¡ªan agent of the kingdom, stripped down, putting on a show with a happy ending.¡±
The guards laugh as they press a taser against Lars¡¯ side. Her body jolts violently before she collapses to the ground.
¡°It¡¯s over for her,¡± Bruno sighs. ¡°Strip her and send her to the special chamber¡ªmake sure she¡¯s properly tied up. Erase any evidence.¡±
The guards move without hesitation.
¡°You bastards¡ª¡±
¡°Oh yeah, Smitch,¡± Bruno interrupts, glancing at the old man. ¡°Keep going. Sorry for the distraction.¡±
Without a word, Smitch tosses his revolver aside.
¡°What?¡± Bruno raises a brow.
But it¡¯s a trick. Smitch suddenly lunges at Rika, fists flying. His knuckles crash into her face, again and again, his laughter growing with every hit.
¡°STOP!¡±
My scream tears through the room, but it only fuels their cruelty.
A new voice cuts through the tension. ¡°Boss, the authorities are here.¡±
Bruno clicks his tongue. ¡°Those money-hungry leeches? Fine. Give them this¡ªshould be enough to keep their mouths shut.¡± He tosses a hefty pouch of gold to one of his men before turning back to me.
He throws me the floor, breaking the adjusting ties of my arms, but the men got on the floor with their weights.
He plants his boot on my head, pressing me into the cold floor.
¡°Can you believe it? Being a knight in the Gray District doesn¡¯t pay well. Even if I lived there, I¡¯d go broke in a week.¡± His smirk widens as he looks me directly in the eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t take it personally. Life is a cycle. What¡¯s happening to you will happen to me eventually. The difference is¡ªI¡¯ll make sure it only happens when it¡¯s my last day as an old man.¡±
"Ahhh!!!"
A roar of war I free from my throat, pushing all the three guards in top of me, like rag dolls.
Electricity courses through my body as they try to tase me again. But this time, the shock barely fazes me.
The guards close in. I swing, fists meeting flesh, but knives slice into my arms in return. I keep fighting. I have to.
Then¡ªclick.
The familiar sound of a gun being cocked freezes me in place.
Bang!
Pain explodes in my leg.
¡°FUCK!¡±
Bruno lowers his smoking pistol. ¡°Sorry, but I can¡¯t let you go breaking my men. They¡¯re expensive to replace.¡± He glances at Smitch. ¡°You done yet?¡±
Smitch chuckles. ¡°Not satisfied¡ where¡¯s your recipe?¡±
¡°That¡¯ll cost extra. Five grand.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t care. Give it to me.¡±
A syringe appears¡ªits contents swirling with a deep purple hue.
My blood runs cold.
¡°What the hell is that?¡±
Bruno grins. ¡°A little something special. A poison, a drug. Let¡¯s just say¡it¡¯s one of my best sellers.¡±
¡°You can¡¯t¡ª¡±
Bang!
Another shot rips through my other leg.
¡°Stay on the ground and enjoy the show.¡±
Smitch forces the syringe into Rika¡¯s arm.
¡°It¡¯s hard to watch, believe me,¡± he says with mock sympathy. ¡°But hey, it¡¯s your own fault for killing his son. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself¡ªand this rotten city.¡±
I watch in horror as parts of Rika¡¯s skin begin turning purple.
¡°She¡¯s not your sister anymore,¡± Big Bruno chuckles. ¡°This drug is my masterpiece.¡±
Before the syringe can fully inject, an explosion shakes the entire building. A deafening boom sends a group of bodyguards flying through the walls, their bodies crashing like ragdolls. The sheer force sends Smitch stumbling, and the syringe slips from his grip, clattering onto the ground.
A familiar voice cuts through the chaos.
¡°Finally, I have permission to destroy this place.¡±
Lars.
Beside her stands a terrified young woman, barely covered by a tattered towel. From the way Bruno¡¯s expression darkens, I know¡ªthis must be the noble¡¯s missing daughter.
Gunfire erupts.
Lars raises a hand, and an invisible force flickers into existence. Bullets stop mid-air, harmlessly dropping to the ground. But she is not moving, soon she will run out of mana, and she will get shot. It¡¯s over for her.
Amid the chaos, I see it¡ª The syringe.
Smitch lunges for it. So do I.
We hit the floor, struggling for control. He has the advantage¡ªI feel it in the weight pressing down on me, in the hands clawing at my throat, squeezing, choking the air from my lungs. But I refuse to let go. I shift my weight, using all my strength to turn our position.
"You don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to lose someone!" Smitch snarls, his grip tightening.
"No," I rasp, fingers searching, desperate. "And I¡¯m not here to find out!"
With a surge of will, I jab my fingers into his eyes. He screams¡ªa guttural, wrenching sound¡ªas I push harder, feeling the sickening pop beneath my fingertips. He thrashes, rolling away. I gasp for air, scrambling to destroy the syringe before he can reclaim it.
¡°This is what your son saw in his last moments!¡±
Gunfire rattles in the distance, the grunts and screams of bodies hitting the floor echoing through the space. But the bullets aren''t stopping.
I feel it¡ªfear.
Big Bruno¡¯s fear.
He¡¯s retreating, slipping through the back exit. I push myself up, trying to go after him, but I¡¯m bleeding too much. My body sways, my vision blurs.
"I won¡¯t let that bastard escape," I growl.
I force myself up, ignoring the pain. I can chase him down¡ªno, I will chase him down. But then¡ª
Rika¡¯s cry of pain roots me to the spot.
She writhes, her body trembling, purple veins creeping across her skin. Her lips part, but no sound comes¡ªonly a silent plea.
I move to her side, gripping her shoulders. "Rika, stay with me. Talk to me!"
But she can¡¯t. She can¡¯t.
Her fingers twitch, weakly grasping at my arm. If she had the strength, she¡¯d be squeezing tighter. Too tight.
The drug¡ªshe wants more.
My eyes flicker to the gun lying near Smitch¡¯s limp body. My hands move on their own, picking it up, pressing it against her forehead.
This isn¡¯t her anymore.
And more importantly¡ªshe is in pain.
Her lips move again, forming a single word.
"More."
My hands shake. My mind screams at me to stop. But the rest of me¡ªnumb. Cold. The sounds of the battlefield fade into a distant hum.
"Rest in peace," I whisper.
But before I can pull the trigger¡ª
A force slams my head to the ground.
Like gravity itself has decided to pass judgment.
"Adrenaline can be a double-edged sword," Lars murmurs.
I blink through the haze, lifting my head. Around me¡ªbodies. Every guard, every soldier¡ªgone. Their heads driven through the walls.
"You¡¯re losing perspective," Lars says, stepping forward. "Too much trauma¡ªyou¡¯re seeing things differently. The bruises will heal, but the main problem is the drug."
I don¡¯t respond. I can¡¯t.
She continues, voice steady, almost clinical. "People who take underground drugs like this never fully recover. Even if their bodies are cleansed, the trauma stays. Some never leave the hospital. But¡ª"
"But¡ª?"
"There¡¯s a chance." Lars¡¯ eyes lock onto mine. "The best healer in this kingdom might be able to cure her. But only if she accepts the treatment."
I swallow hard. "And if she doesn¡¯t?"
"Then she¡¯ll be lost forever."
Lars kneels beside me. "Give her to us. Our scientists and doctors need more cases like hers¡ªmost of our patients are already clean, but we need more. If you do that, I will find the healer."
I grip Rika¡¯s trembling body, the weight of the decision pressing into my chest.
I don¡¯t have time to process it. I carefully lift Rika. My expression is answer enough for Lars.
"Can you walk? because I¡¯m detonating this place."
"I think I can, but more importantly, Big Bruno escaped," I mutter, still reeling.
Lars shakes her head. "No, he didn¡¯t. The knights outside have already captured him."
She help me to press pression on my legs
"Do you have a skill of pain killers or something, you are bleeding alot"
"Something like that"
With pression and some foldings from wood clothes
"Try to walk slowly and lets go"
The girls from the rooms, still wrapped in towels, make their way toward the upper floors. The wealthy elites, once untouchable, are now being escorted out in chains. Along the walls, intricate symbols glow with an eerie light¡ªa spell, most likely a timed detonation.
"How do we get out? These walls are solid metal." The thick, reinforced structure separates the underground casino from the upper levels.
Without hesitation, the metal bends and twists on its own, creating an open path. Lars controls it effortlessly.
We rush through, climbing three flights of stairs before finally reaching the surface. Fresh air floods my lungs, but the weight in my chest remains.
Lars turns to me. "From here on, it¡¯s best if your sister comes with us."
I nod, exhausted. "Thank you..."
She presses a heavy pouch into my hand. Gold coins. A lot of them. But before I can take it, she tightens her grip.
"Consider this a reward from the kingdom¡ªfor your silence, you did not seem anything but." Her eyes darken slightly. "If we ever need a witness, if we ever require information about what happened here, you will answer our call. Do you understand?"
I hesitate, then nod. "When will she be back?"
Lars exhales. "I won¡¯t lie to you. If she doesn¡¯t recover, she could be in the hospital for years. But if the High Priest accepts her case... she might be back in a few weeks."
I watch as the knights escort the nobles away. Rika is carefully lifted into a carriage, bound for one of the most advanced hospitals in the kingdom.
I can¡¯t move.
I don¡¯t know where home is.
Lars touches my shoulder.
"Is no body''s fault"
"How can you say that?"
"Big bruno never had plants to let you go, his hobby is torture naive guys making them think they will go out of the casino with money and even some of his employees and whoever who steps in his territories that not have connections with the kingdom, so It could have happen to anyone."
"Then its his fault"
She sighs, ignoring my last words
"Reward?"
The sudden changing topics makes more angry but right now I don''t think yelling is the answer for everything.
"Forget that, I am more curious, Is this what you mean by the pain I will feel?"
She doesn¡¯t respond immediately. Her silence is painfully long.
She is not like he is thinking, but is more like the answer is so obvious she does not want to say it.
Is like she would like to save her saliva instead of answering random questions.
"I don¡¯t know. To me, it doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯ve experienced a lot of pain or sadness."
Her voice is so cold, detached from reality.
She hands me a book.
"Hmm?"
"Reward."
"But¡ª"
"I never said the prediction was the reward. This book isn¡¯t a big thing, but it might entertain your mind."
"Prediction?"
"Reward"
I ignore her last words, she is so simple and so robotic, that is unlogical to argue with her so I look at the book.
It¡¯s empty.
I don¡¯t even feel disappointed. It¡¯s not like this night can get any worse.
"This book can copy any book once. So if you like a book, this can copy it. Means free book."
I don¡¯t know how she can talk about books when this night has been nothing but trauma.
She walks away. My mind sharpens, and I realize¡ªI should have noticed earlier.
She is not Cantheris¡¯ sister.
I don¡¯t know who she is.
But finding her means problems.
Chap 20- memories
A few weeks have passed since that night.
My life went back to normal but I still haven¡¯t seen Rika.
The authorities have completed their investigation of the mine and declared there¡¯s nothing to worry about anymore about the rats. We¡¯re almost ready to return to the earth mine.
¡°My back¡ª¡±
¡°Bunchy, are you all right?¡±
¡°Yeah, I¡¯m just tired.¡±
¡°You? Tired? No wonder, with that bag of grease on your back,¡± Sorey chimes in with a smirk.
¡°Slimmy, I heard the news¡ªyou¡¯re leaving Bunchy¡¯s house.¡±
¡°Yeah, I finally earned enough.¡±
Josh and Sorey throw their arms around me, swinging me back and forth in excitement, though I don¡¯t share their enthusiasm.
¡°See, Slimmy? This job is finally paying off! For the rocks! Tonight, drinks are on me!¡± Sorey shouts, and the other miners eagerly chime in.
¡°Me too?¡±
¡°Thanks, man!¡±
¡°Guys, the barabbas is inviting!¡±
The group teases Sorey¡ªprobably the first time he actually deserves it.
¡°You¡¯re still thinking about her, huh?¡± Bunchy asks.
¡°Yeah. I¡¯m still worried.¡±
¡°Well, at least she¡¯s alive. And hey, forget about the car. You already paid all the rent this month with that money.¡±
¡°No, that doesn¡¯t sit right with me. I¡¯ll pay when we get back home.¡±
¡°Fine, if you insist. Now help me with this¡ªit¡¯s getting too heavy for me.¡±
I lift the coil bag with ease and place it on the conveyor belt.
As we finish moving the bags, Bunchy claps his hands together. ¡°Good news! We¡¯ve got TNT.¡±
¡°You call that TNT?¡± Sorey scoffs at the small packs in front of us.
¡°Well, yes, Sorey. These will help us make more openings in Section D. Looks like we can extract more coil by blasting new paths¡ªbut we need to be careful.¡±
I pick up one of the small TNT packs. Compared to the explosives I used for the rats, these are tiny, looking more like old-fashioned dynamite sticks¡ªthree red cylinders tied together.
Bunchy gives out orders, and as I listen, I hear these couples of weeks that things often go missing in the mines and is normal. There have been plenty of complaints, but since they¡¯re too frequent, the company doesn¡¯t take them seriously¡ªunless something major messes with their calculations.
When no one¡¯s watching, I slip a small pack into my backpack. I don¡¯t know why, but I have a feeling it¡¯ll come in handy.
¡° A pickaxe is not enough¡± I mutter
The explosions go off without a hitch, marking the end of the workday.
¡°Whew, okay. All marked walls in Section D are down,¡± Bunchy announces.
¡°Wait¡ªweren¡¯t there supposed to be one extra?¡± Josh asks, making me a little nervous.
¡°No, I counted. I don¡¯t think we missed any,¡± I say quickly.
Josh frowns, thinking for a moment, but then lets it go.
Sorey and Bunchy don¡¯t seem to care¡ªlosing one or two sticks of TNT isn¡¯t exactly the end of the world.
The tavern feels suffocating and dull. The others are enjoying themselves, but I can¡¯t.
¡°Guys, I hate to be the one to say this, but I need some fresh air. I¡¯m going to check out some apartments.¡±
Sorey suddenly grabs my arm¡ªprobably already drunk¡ªbut before I can react, Bunchy silently pries his grip loose.
I step outside, the cool night air a relief against my skin. It¡¯s still early¡ªonly 7 PM.
I would usually be happy, and extra because my birthday is in a few days.
But for some reason this is not fun.
¡°Eighteen, huh¡ I thought I¡¯d feel more excited.¡±
But money¡¯s tight. I have just enough for rent and food, but nothing extra.
¡°Speaking of rent¡ I have the money, but I still don¡¯t know where to live. Should I get a room or an apartment?¡±
I think it over. The further I go from the city center, the cheaper the places get¡ªespecially near the capital¡¯s walls.
I can afford an apartment, but should I? It would leave me with almost nothing saved after a month of work. A single room would be safer financially, but if Rika comes back¡ a small space might not be enough for both of us.
¡°But will she come back?¡± I sigh, staring up at the night sky.
As I walk through the crowd, I spot her¡ªLars. Despite the different clothes, I recognize her instantly.
Before she disappears into the sea of people, I move fast. She slips through the crowd effortlessly, but my eyes stay locked on her. My instincts sharpen like a wolf tracking prey¡ªshe can¡¯t escape me. I weave through the bustling street with agility, my focus never wavering.
A glimpse of her clothing is all I need. I reach out and touch her shoulder.
She turns slowly, completely unbothered. And no wonder¡ªif I¡¯m the wolf, she¡¯s not prey. She¡¯s a bear. No, perhaps a dragon. I can¡¯t measure her strength, which only makes her more dangerous. She proved that night she¡¯s on another level. But she¡¯s with the kingdom, meaning she isn¡¯t my enemy.
¡°Lars.¡±
She looks surprised.
¡°Lars?¡± I repeat
Her confused expression makes me pause.
¡°That¡¯s your real name, right?¡±
¡°Yes.¡± Her face remains unreadable. It¡¯s impossible to tell if she¡¯s lying, but in the end, it doesn¡¯t matter.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°It¡¯s almost impossible to find you. In fact¡ I forgot to ask how to contact you.¡±
She only nods. That indifference stokes a flicker of frustration in me, but I push forward.
¡°I need to know the truth. What happened to Rika?¡±
¡°Too many people. Hard to hear.¡±
I grab her arm, leading us to a bench just off the main path.
¡°Please, tell me about Rika.¡±
She exhales slightly before answering.
¡°That girl¡ She didn¡¯t recover. She¡¯s in treatment, but she will never recover.¡±
My knees tremble. Memories of her flood my mind.
Rika never smiled much, but when she did, it was real. And now¡ she¡¯ll never smile again?
¡°Wait¡ªbut the healer. You told me about her. Did Rika reject her? Why?¡±
¡°She refused. She¡¯s independent. I can¡¯t force her.¡±
¡°Tell me where she is. I¡¯ll find her myself¡ªI¡¯ll convince her.¡±
¡°I can¡¯t.¡±
¡°Why?¡±
¡°She doesn¡¯t want to be found.¡±
¡°Please.¡±
Tears well in my eyes. I can feel them threatening to spill over.
Lars studies me. ¡°What is she to you?¡±
¡°¡My younger sister.¡±
¡°You two didn¡¯t act like siblings.¡±
I let out a small chuckle despite myself. ¡°I know. We fought a lot. She yelled at me. Treated me like an idiot.¡±
I shake my head, smiling bitterly. ¡°But¡ I don¡¯t know how to explain it. Time, the moments we shared¡ Even the bad ones¡ªI miss them.¡±
She sighs
¡°You don''t seem like a bad person, I hope to not regret this. Lets go¡±
¡°Where?¡±
¡°I will guide you to the high-priest. Good?¡±
¡°Thanks¡±
Maybe, just maybe those hollow eyes is just a decoration and she is like the rest of us.
After walking for hours, we finally reached the outer walls of the city. Lars points toward a small, rundown building¡ªits second floor lined with rooms that seem to be rented out.
"You''re telling me the best healer in this kingdom lives in that junky place?" I ask, incredulous.
"Junky places don¡¯t attract attention. Now, bye."
"Wait¡ªyou¡¯re not coming?"
"No. Me busy."
And just like that, she leaves. No farewell, no see-you-later. Her departure is as dry as a desert.
"Wait¡ªwhere can I find you after I convince her?"
She gives me a soft smile as she continues walking away. But there¡¯s something in that smile¡ªa knowing look that says I¡¯m gullible for thinking I can change the mind of this priest without understanding her reasons for refusing.
"Well¡ doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m not leaving until she says yes."
I step up to the door Lars pointed out and knock¡ªlightly, reminding myself that if I hit too hard, I might break the flimsy wooden frame because of my nervousness.
"Who is it?"
"The rent." I say playfully, hoping to lower their guard.
The door opens, and I freeze.
Not a priest. A priestess.
And not just any priestess¡ªTsukihana.
The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.
The shy high priestess I met before¡ she¡¯s the kingdom¡¯s most powerful healer?
Thinking back, she was sought after by the Boxers, but that was because she was a high priestess. I never imagined she was this significant.
Her eyes widen slightly, showing a flicker of recognition. She¡¯s confused, unsure of why I¡¯m here.
"Can I come in?"
She shakes her head, clearly saying no.
But no isn¡¯t an option. I step inside anyway.
Looking around for a chair, I don¡¯t find one¡ªso I sit on the bed instead.
"My bad. But you know Lars, don¡¯t you? She told me about you."
Tsukihana looks at me with her usual timid expression. It frustrates me. I want to yell at her¡ªto tell her to drop the shy act.
I inhale deeply, forcing myself to stay calm.
I don¡¯t know where to begin. Should I just spill everything? That seems reasonable¡ but am I in the right mental state for this?
I exhale.
"Tsukihana, sorry to interrupt¡ªI mean, break in. I know it¡¯s wrong, but please, please. I need to talk to you."
"Okay¡."
She looks hesitating but perhaps she is thinking is already too late to denied the talking.
"Lars probably told you about a patient you could treat. You refused. But you healed me when I was in far worse shape in the hopistal¡ªso why not her?"
She hesitates. "Ah¡ sorry. It¡¯s just¡ Physical wounds are easier. But curing something caused by a drug so powerful¡ª" She stops to clear her throat, trying to sound serious.
"It¡¯s like performing a miracle, and¡ª"
"But if Lars says you perhaps can, then that means you''ve done something like this before, right? You can do it."
Her fragile attempt at being serious crumbles under my words. She¡¯s too timid. I almost feel guilty for being so pushy.
"Yes, but¡ This drug¡ Some of the kingdom¡¯s high priestesses have already tried, and they couldn¡¯t cure it."
"I don¡¯t get it. But if you can, that would make you famous. You wouldn¡¯t have to live in a place like this." I cough. "No offense, though."
"I¡ I¡ I¡"
"Say it!"
"I don¡¯t want the kingdom behind my back! I don¡¯t want anything to do with them!"
It¡¯s the first time she raises her voice, but it¡¯s less of a yell and more of a cute, flustered outburst. My dumbfounded expression must be obvious.
"So you¡¯re¡ afraid of paparazzi and attention?"
"No! I just¡ªNo. Sorry."
I grab her shoulders.
"People are dying, perhaps now are even dying at this moment. Many already have. Without someone like you¡ Rika will never leave that hospital. Please, don¡¯t turn your back on her."
She looks directly into my eyes, her cheeks flushing.
And now my face feels warm too. Am I¡ blushing?
I quickly let go of her shoulders, my anger softening.
God, why does she have to be this cute?
¡°There has to be something¡¡± I murmur. ¡°Please.¡±
She hesitates. ¡°You helped me before¡¡±
¡°Yes!¡± I exclaim, jumping at the chance. Using the ¡®you owe me¡¯ card might be low, but right now, I don¡¯t care.
She lowers her gaze, deep in thought. I can see the doubts flickering in her mind. She¡¯s considering it.
¡°Yes, you would¡¯ve been prey to those men without me,¡± I remind her.
She sighs, then, in the softest voice, she whispers, ¡°I will¡¡±
It¡¯s so quiet I almost don¡¯t catch it. I lean in.
¡°Can you say that louder?¡±
¡°I will help you.¡± She pauses, fidgeting. ¡°But¡ª¡±
¡°But?¡±
¡°If I ever need help again¡ would you help me?¡±
Her request stuns me. It makes no sense. The most powerful healer in the kingdom, asking me for help? But then again, maybe she only has healing skills and no strength. Maybe that¡¯s it.
¡°Fine!¡± I grab her hands in excitement. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it!¡±
¡°But¡ you have to bring Rika here,¡± she adds softly.
My smile fades slightly. Getting Rika out of that place won¡¯t be easy. They won¡¯t just let her go¡ªshe¡¯s basically their guinea pig. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
¡°Fine. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±
She blushes even more.
¡°W-what?¡±
¡°Can you¡ let go of my hands, please?¡±
¡°Oh! My bad.¡±
I release her hands, feeling a bit awkward. But for the first time in days, hope sparks inside me.
¡°Hmm do you know how to contact Lars?¡±
¡°No.¡±
¡°Fine, I will find her, no matter what.¡±
Leaving Tsukihana place, I started walking again to Bunchy''s place to sleep. He is a good friend, but soon I will have my own place.
As I walk I see a place renting a room with a cheap price.
My instincts tell me to buy it, but I decline those thoughts.
¡°That was an offer of a lifetime¡± I say with some regret in my voice
As I walk by I can see more sign of renting of different prices
¡°Damn there is a lot to choose here¡±
Until I see it, the perfect place, with the perfect measurements.
My eyes cried, knowing that place I will play my video games.
¡°Wait-my video games¡¡±
I remember dad once told me he will take care of them
I sigh, knowing that would have been an impossible task for him.
¡°Still, it looks like is a good place¡±
In section D near the walls, I found a place to live.
Chap 21 - Patient is key.
The atmosphere is tense, even though it''s my room and we''re just sitting in silence, exchanging glances.
Even Bunchy isn''t eating¡ªa rare sight. Sorey, usually unkempt, has trimmed his beard, making him look like a completely different person. Josh, on the other hand, sits with his mouth agape, utterly astonished.
"So, what do you guys think of the plan?" I ask, breaking the silence.
Bunchy leans forward, eyes narrowing. "Let me get this straight, Slimmy. You want us to help you infiltrate one of the kingdom¡¯s research facilities, and you don¡¯t even know for sure if your sister is there?"
I nod. "According to Tsukihana, one of their most well-known facilities is near the edge of the Gray Area."
Bunchy wipes sweat from his brow, his voice shaky. "Good..."
Josh slams his hand on the table, his disbelief palpable. "Good?! Are you guys out of your minds? That place is near the rich districts! There are tons of guards¡ªwhat makes you think you can even get inside, let alone make it out alive?"
"No. Even though it''s close to the Gray Area, the high-ups don¡¯t care about anything outside of their pristine world. Their arrogance blinds them. But still, we¡¯d be taking a huge risk¡ª" Sorey suddenly stops, taking a deep breath before shaking his head. "You know what? I haven¡¯t even agreed to this yet. Even if it''s not in the Gray Area, that facility isn¡¯t some run-down outpost¡ªit¡¯s heavily guarded. They¡¯d chew us up and spit us out. Hell, dealing with the rats would be a walk in the park compared to this. Sorry, but count me out. I can¡¯t go with you guys."
¡°Hmmm, he''s right, Slimmy. What you¡¯re saying is suicidal. Sorry.¡± Bunchy lowers his head.
Josh sighs heavily. "Look, I understand. One of your family members might be lost, but there has to be a better way."
"No problem, Josh. And you guys, I understand. I will go alone."
¡°Can¡¯t you just find that Lars again?¡± Bunchy asks.
¡°I tried to, but it¡¯s already been 12 days, and I just can¡¯t wait any longer. Its¡ eating me alive, this wonder."
¡°Can you just be at peace? Look, you have a nice apartment now, and you know soon your sister will be fine, relax.¡±
¡°Relax? What I did these days, I only remember walking all day looking for Lars.¡±
"Fine, Daryn. If you want to do this, I¡¯ll help you.¡± Josh says but then he suddenly changes his tone ¡°But wait¡ªI won¡¯t go with you. However, near Section A, through the taverns, you can ask for the river. Near there, there¡¯s a gnome city.¡±
¡°And?¡±
¡°Gnomes, especially the ones inside the capitol, know specific points of entry. Walking to the facility will take too long, but they know how to get in secretly.¡±
"Yeah, but I¡¯m not sure¡ I kind of hate them¡ Last time I had a bad experience."
¡°Well, it¡¯s them, or you lose days of work. The best we can do is tell Tenque you got sick.¡±
"Yeah¡ Tenque. He just came back. Now he¡¯ll be even stricter with me."
I sigh, knowing what I have to do. "Well, okay. I¡¯ll go tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Dude, you need to hurry," Sorey chimes in.
Before Everybody made up their mind bunchy again speaks and this time more calm.
Looks like Bunchy without a hamburger makes all the blood rush to his brain.
¡°Wait. I know you guys want to help, but Slimmy, this is not just risky¡ªit¡¯s outright stupid. You¡¯re illegally entering a research facility. Think about the consequences.¡±
Good for him. Not good for me. Because his words are true, and I kind of hate that.
"I can¡¯t just walk up and say hi, can I?" I ask incredulously.
"Well, no, but¡ª"
"This is my choice, Bunchy. Don¡¯t worry, guys. I¡¯ve survived worse. Well, it¡¯s good that you came here, but I¡¯m leaving and coming back tomorrow."
Everyone leaves, and I know where to go first¡ªthe store I¡¯ve been waiting for.
Taking a taxi costs more than I expect, but now I¡¯m at the store near Section G.
"Engineering for Fun?"
I see the sign glowing with big, bright lights.
I step inside. The place is huge, filled with futuristic gadgets. Robots, swords, and high-tech gear line the shelves. Though everything looks interesting, the store feels like second-rate quality¡ªthe dust covering the displays makes that clear.
The atmosphere in the store is smelly, like cheap junk¡ªgood visuals, bad environment. But that also adds the flavor of cheap prices.
As I look around, I approach one of the shopkeepers, mentioning that I was recommended by Iwa. The shopkeeper calls for the manager, who apparently knew Iwa.
¡°So, you knew Iwa?¡± He asks.
¡°Yes, he and I worked in the coal mines together¡ You know what happened to him, right?¡±
The manager shakes his head, brushing away the sadness. ¡°It¡¯s so tragic. He was an old customer¡ªa top-notch buyer.¡±
¡°Yeah he was smart and actually that was a little pain for me, but at the end I think some of his words resonate in me¡±
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Yes¡±
Of course, I couldn¡¯t speak ill of him, especially considering he was friends with the manager. Honestly, I don¡¯t remember much about Iwa, other than that he was always talking about the importance of leadership and something about carbon being everywhere. Those two words, "leadership" and "carbon," are the only things that really stuck in my mind.
¡°And well, I heard you guys have a good deal on magnetic boots,¡± I say.
¡°Yeah, sure,¡± he replies, pulling out a pair. They¡¯re a little dirty, and compared to the ones I¡¯ve used before, the difference in quality is clear.
¡°I don¡¯t mind paying a little more. Do you have anything better?¡±
¡°Yeah, we have an exclusive deal. Come with me.¡±
He leads me through a backdoor into a storage area where workers are sorting through unopened packages. The manager signals to an employee to bring the magnetic boots.
While I wait, I can¡¯t help but feel amazed at the operation here.
Packages everywheres and a lot of heavy lift work, by seeing some of them stretching their tongues reminds me of my old days.
¡°Alright, they¡¯re bringing them out,¡± the manager says. ¡°But why invest in something this expensive? These things aren¡¯t cheap.¡±
¡°It¡¯ll make the job easier, and they work as reliable transportation,¡±
¡°Yes, but due to their speed, no one really uses them for that. Too many accidents.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind when I speed burst with them,¡± I chuckle.
The worker returns with the boots, and they look incredible¡ªsimilar to the ones I¡¯ve seen before, but something about them feels different.
¡°Ah, yes, this is the latest model for mining work,¡± the manager says. ¡°Their flexibility allows you to move as if you¡¯re in zero gravity, letting you pivot 180 degrees with ease. But wait¡ªthere¡¯s more.¡±
He plays a video demonstration on a screen. The boots cling effortlessly to the ceiling, making it seem like the floor and ceiling have swapped places.
¡°Wow,¡± I say, genuinely impressed. ¡°I want these. How much?¡±
¡°150 gold coins,¡± he replies with a smile.
The price makes me wince¡ªthat¡¯s a lot of money. But I can¡¯t deny the boots¡¯ utility. My old pair has been invaluable, even helping me in combat. Upgrading seems like a worthwhile investment.
¡°But for you, a good discount¡ª140 gold coins.¡±
After some hesitation, I hand over the coins. I barely have 50 golden coins left¡ªI¡¯m practically in debt with them. Looks like I¡¯ll be eating air and water for the next two weeks.
¡°Thanks for the discount¡ and I hope your business goes well.¡±
¡°Call me Steve. And I hope to see you around, Daryn.¡±
One thing¡¯s for sure¡ªI won¡¯t be coming back here for a while.
I slip on the boots, and they automatically adjust to my size, wrapping snugly around my feet like they actually care about me. The warmth seeps in, and suddenly, I feel it¡ªI''m floating again.
A grin spreads across my face. The sensation is incredible, like skating in the air.
Without wasting any more time, I take off, racing straight for the forest. It¡¯s time to find a gnome city.
Is already night and I don¡¯t find the gnome city though I find small footprints on the floor.
Meaning they are really in the capital. I wonder why the capital did not do something about them.
The easy thing is done, found their area, hard thing to do now is to actually make them contact with me.
¡°GNOMES!¡± I scream with all my might, though it will be risky since there might be other creatures around. I don¡¯t care. I have all the weapons I need in my backpack.
In all my whimps and lurking around I can see the flag and without much thinking I start kicking the trees around trying to catch the attention around
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
A gnome emerges from behind a tree, his small face scrunching up in curiosity.
¡°Hello, stranger!¡± he says, eyeing me warily.
¡°I need your passage,¡± I reply, impatience growing.
The gnome raises an eyebrow. ¡°So abrupt.¡±
¡°I already took a passage from another gnome. Parakiki doesn¡¯t sound familiar?¡±
¡°Parakiki? He¡¯s from the west side. But we¡¯re not in the west, are we?¡± the gnome says, shaking his head.
I smirk. ¡°No, but maybe we can be friends?¡±
The gnome laughs in disbelief. ¡°Friends? You¡¯re human.¡±
¡°I¡¯m a human, and you¡¯re a gnome. Am I saying anything that doesn¡¯t make sense?¡±
The gnome hesitates before responding. ¡°I can take you to my boss, but there¡¯s a fee.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t have any money,¡± I reply flatly.
¡°Well, then goodbye.¡±
Before he can react, I kick him, sending him flying back.
Without wasting any more time, I use my pickaxe to carve into the floor, digging my way through the underground city gates.
I am not sure if this is the right spot, but until the gnome comes back, I am pretty I will be inside by then.
A door
Swing
Swing
The door falls.
Inside, a group of gnomes sits around a table, playing a card game. They stop mid-game and stare at me as I enter, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief.
¡°Hello,¡± I say, trying to sound casual despite my heart racing.
Before I can take another step, my body freezes¡ªtelekinesis. The gnomes don¡¯t even need to touch me.
A large gnome approaches, his arms crossed.
¡°Well, well, looks like we have someone with enough guts to get this far,¡± he says, teasing me. ¡°But not enough guts to make it through tomorrow.¡±
¡°You must be the leader,¡± I say, sizing him up. ¡°I can tell by your size.¡±
The gnome chuckles, but his tone grows serious. ¡°I¡¯m not the leader here. He is.¡±
He points to a much smaller gnome sitting at the table, who has a childlike appearance but sharp, wise eyes.
I blink in surprise. ¡°He¡¯s the leader?¡±
¡°Yep,¡± the large gnome confirms.
I shake my head. ¡°I was just kidding earlier. Of course, I knew he was the leader.¡±
The small gnome doesn¡¯t seem fazed by my sudden confidence. ¡°So, you¡¯re here to make deals?¡±
¡°I just want to use the passages to go to the capital section. Do you know that one near the center is a place like a hospital¡± I say, hoping they¡¯ll understand.
The gnomes begin talking among themselves, muttering things I can hear and glancing at me every few seconds.
The bigger gnome snorts. ¡°This guy¡¯s funny! Let¡¯s make him our pet!¡± The other gnomes chuckle and nod in agreement.
¡°Pet?¡± I sneer, my fists clenched. ¡°I can kick your ass.¡±
The big gnome, who¡¯s almost two-thirds of my size, steps forward with an arrogant grin.
¡°I want him as my pet,¡± he says.
The small gnome leader nods, his expression unreadable.
¡°How did we change the topic from going to the facility to being a pet?¡±
¡°Human, we have a passage to go there, but no gnome ever return from that place¡±
¡°But I am no gnome¡±
¡°Good. If you win, you can use our passage anytime you want,¡± the big gnome says. ¡°But if you lose, you stay here forever as our pet. I think is a good deal¡±
¡°Yes I want a human pet, mine is already broken¡± says another gnome smaller and younger than the rest.
¡°Yes, son, but you have to be careful. Human pets are fragile,¡± the big gnome¡¯s voice is calm, almost clinical, as he speaks those chilling words.
My eyes dart to the little gnome''s hand. A collar, the metal gleaming coldly in the dim light. I follow his gaze, and what I see makes my blood run cold. On the floor, crawling painfully, is a figure¡ªhuman, but barely recognizable.
The man¡¯s head is shaved clean, his hair discarded like it never mattered. What really horrifies me, though, are the severed limbs¡ªhis forearms are gone from the elbows down, and his legs, from the knees to his toes, have been brutally removed. He drags his ruined body along the floor with pitiful, strained movements, the skin of his limbs raw and bloody where they used to be.
The sight strikes me like a physical blow. The man¡¯s face, distorted with both pain and hopelessness, meets my gaze. His eyes¡ªwide with terror¡ªplead for mercy that will never come. His body is a broken shell of what it once was, reduced to crawling like an animal, a horrific reminder of what happens when you lose favor in this twisted place.
I checked his status¡ªlevel 5, just like mine. It was risky, but I wasn¡¯t backing down. It was free rides or being a pet. I¡¯d made up my mind.
¡°Fine. What are the rules?¡± I asked, bracing myself.
The gnome leader waved his hand lazily, and suddenly, the biggest gnome slammed me into the wall with a force that left me gasping. He laughed, enjoying my pain as I struggled to get back on my feet.
¡°There are no rules,¡± the biggest gnome taunted, his telekinesis throwing me from one wall to another, as if I were nothing more than a ragdoll.
Each impact made my body feel heavier. My head spun from the constant force, but I wasn¡¯t about to let him win. My mind raced, searching for an opening.
I can¡¯t move my arms, and If I don¡¯t do something I might break my back or worse bleed out internally.
I still can move my arms but Swinging my pickaxe will be useless, and throwing it away, I don¡¯t think it will do anything besides giving him my weapon.
Then I saw it. A chance.
I had a single TNT stick from my mining shift, tucked in my backpack. Now How can I turn it on?
Think Fast
¡°Ah..¡±
Lamp
Lamp with tablecloth equals fire, and fire with tnt equal explosion
¡°Bingooooo¡±
The chances are low so even though the telekinesis is holding me up floating, I am trying to focus. If I fail this throw I will be a pet forever.
Focus.
Focus
I think I got the pattern, this gnome is thinking that skill only matters in a fight.
Also luck is important.
I swing my arm
¡°Huh?¡± The gnome realizes something is off with my movement
I have to hurry, now or never. The moment my momentum goes to the nearest to the table I will do it.
I throw it.
It threw the lamp and as planned occurred.
The gnome¡¯s eyes widened as the TNT exploded, sending him into a coughing fit. I quickly reached for my mask, pulling it over my face just in time to avoid the toxic fumes. In the confusion, I move swiftly through the dust-filled air, locating the big gnome by the sound of his ragged breaths. I find him, weak and disoriented, and without hesitation, I rush forward, throwing punches with all my strength. His laughter falters, replaced by the sound of him gasping in pain as I pummel him. The fight isn¡¯t clean, but it doesn¡¯t need to be.
¡°Please... no more,¡± he begs, his voice strained.
I stop, my knuckles still throbbing from the blows. ¡°So, you give up?¡± I ask, my voice low.
¡°Yes... but no more...¡± he whimpers, his pride shattered.
I stand above him, victorious but breathing heavily. The small gnome leader watches with a mix of surprise and grudging respect. ¡°You won,¡± he says flatly. ¡°You¡¯ve earned the right to use our passage.¡±
¡°Wow, that was easy,¡± I mutter.
The leader approaches
¡°But human, if that place is of the same kind as yours, why can''t you just go and roam free?¡±
¡°Because¡¡±
I don¡¯t know how to answer.
Things must be kept secret for a reason¡ªwhether the reason is good or bad, I don¡¯t know. The facility is experimenting to cure people, and that¡¯s good, but experimenting with Rika¡ªthat¡¯s bad. But at the same time, they are helping her, and that¡¯s good.
¡°Auch... damn my brain,¡± I mutter under my breath.
Suddenly, a notification flashes before my eyes.
From Caveman to Underground Man
Title Evolution: The Underground Man
Effect: You are now attuned to the primal instincts of creatures that thrive in underground passages. Skills inspired by earth-dwellers are now accessible. Grants a passive bonus of +10% stamina and +10% health points recovery when underground.
I blink as two skills materialize before me.
Basic Telekinesis: Mana 20.
The user can lift objects weighing up to 140 kg with their mind. Mana is consumed per target rather than over time. The user can control the body of an object, but the manipulation is limited to its extremities.
Command of Rodents: Passive
You can control underground rodents within your vicinity with your voice. This ability affects a maximum of 10 rodents at level 8 or lower. The control extends over an area of 6 meters in diameter and can influence their actions to scout, retrieve, or even attack.
I stare at the abilities in awe. These aren¡¯t just useful¡ªthey¡¯re game-changing. My mind races as I contemplate my next move. Telekinesis could give me an edge in physical tasks and combat, lifting heavy rocks, or even using the environment to my advantage. But Command of Rodents... that skill feels like something straight out of an underground fantasy. The ability to control creatures perfectly adapted to this world could give me a massive tactical advantage, whether for scouting, distraction, or gathering materials.
I hesitate. Both skills would serve me well, but the decision isn¡¯t easy. The power of telekinesis could make me a force to be reckoned with in combat, but the rodent command feels like it taps directly into the underground environment where I work.
Which one should I choose?
Command of Rodents¡ªit¡¯s not glamorous, but it¡¯s effective. Besides level 8 is beyond my level it would be good if I find rodents of that level to help me gain more experience. With this ability, even a cave filled with pests perhaps can become my domain. Rodents scurry to my bidding, their keen senses making navigation and resource-gathering easy.
The gnomes guide me to the rails.
¡°So the rails¡¡±
¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry you will get used to ¡°
Taking the rail again in the dark
¡°I don¡¯t think I will ever get-¡±
Before I finish my sentence the only thing I heard is that there is a shaft that I can press to come back and they will know. Besides that, I only feel the rush of air in my face again.
As I step outside, the trees and the looming facility come into view. I¡¯m right next to the fences and wire walls.
"Damn¡ I thought I would be inside," I mutter under my breath.
I start humming, trying to think of what to do next.
"If I use my pickaxe to make a hole, I¡¯ll probably make too much noise and get caught. But if I use my boots, they¡¯ll obviously notice me," I grumble, frustration bubbling up inside.
I pace in circles, trying to calm myself. But the look of this place is giving me chills. It feels like a prison, with bright lights surrounding the area to spot any potential escapees. From the small towers, I can see gattling guns trained on the perimeter. My heart skips a beat, and I swallow hard, realizing this might be a really bad idea. A bullet in the leg is one thing, but getting riddled with holes in the chest? Not an option.
"What are you doing here?"
I jump, startled by the voice.
"What? Lars? What are you doing here?" I stammer.
"Working. Trying to keep people like you from doing something rash," Lars replies, her tone flat.
"You can¡¯t stop me."
"I thought I told you that no one can save your sister."
"I convinced the priestess," I respond with a grin.
For the first time, her expression falters. Her eyes widen for a brief moment, as though the news hit her harder than expected.
"There¡¯s no way," she says, disbelief creeping into her voice.
"Huh!? Yes, I did!" I shoot back, growing defensive.
"I couldn¡¯t convince her, so how could you?" she mutters.
"Hmmm, have you ever seen your face in the mirror?"
"Sometimes,"
"Exactly."
Is like she doesn¡¯t care about filling words, she is actually being focus on the important topics, making this conversation boring.
She is only looking at me, I don¡¯t know if she is confused or waiting for me to say something.
"If you¡¯re actually telling the truth, don¡¯t tell me you came here to rescue your sister."
"Well, isn''t it obvious."
¡°Don¡¯t do anything reckless," she warns, letting out a small sigh. "I¡¯ll get the paperwork for you, but it won¡¯t be easy. It might take a couple of weeks. And I¡¯ll personally send her to where you live."
¡° And what if you can¡¯t get the permit to take her out!¡± I say in a rush
¡°First, do not raise your voice to me. Second the facility 100% will listen my demands, so do not worry about anything, you trust me do you?¡±
¡°Ah¡ yes?¡±
¡°Good enough¡±
"So¡ I just wasted my time coming here?" I ask, feeling a little deflated.
"No, now I know you¡¯re resilience"
"Resilient"
"That," she says simply.
I sigh. "Fine¡"
I give her my address, hoping for the best.
So far she seems to fulfill her word, but I still that part of her presence is so unknown
" But know this¡ªif she gets out and isn¡¯t treated by the priestess, she¡¯ll perish."
"I know," I reply, a little more at ease.
My curiosity started peaking in my head.
"And how do you know I was here? The guards didn¡¯t even catch a glimpse of me."
"You¡¯re inside a bound field I created. I can sense movements and sound. And I can see 360 degrees in that field. So anything you did, I¡¯d know before you even tried."
I gulp, realizing just how much she knows.
¡°You are lucky I found you, else you would be dead as soon as you enter the place.¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°The towers are things that unfocus the people but on the floor there are mines, one of them could make half of your body blow in pieces.¡±
¡°Thanks¡ ¡°
¡°You did one thing good at least, never lose hope, but you must think cold in moments of desperation, else could be your last day on earth. ¡°
¡°I know¡±
¡°Based on what I saw you from your, doesn¡¯t looks like¡±
¡°I know, I know¡ but it was hard days¡± I sigh in defeat
"You know what? It¡¯s late. It¡¯s better if I go. But please don¡¯t forget our deal."
She raises an eyebrow.
"Don¡¯t call it a deal. I¡¯m not promising anything. If I want to, I can help you, but don¡¯t think for a second that I owe you anything," she says coldly.
I¡¯m more surprised by her change in expression than her words.
"Fine. Thanks anyway."
I turn to leave the area, slipping on my magnetic boots.
I increase my speed, making my way out as quickly and quietly as I can.
The speed is on my face and I take with fun with it.
¡°Damn it¡±
I fall because of a tree.
¡°Damn¡ I am good with these boots, but I need more practice in closed places..¡± I mutter
I stand and keep floating with a rush forward.
Few times getting punch by the threes but the ease after the news of Lars make the pain go away easily.
¡°Damn this is fun.¡± I chuckle and I then laugh louder.
I arrive at my apartment, exhaustion weighing down on me. Dropping onto the sofa, I pull out my phone, idly scrolling¡ªuntil a message from Tenque catches my eye.
My skin goes cold.
¡°Damn¡ the exam for the bulldozer.¡±
I had been so caught up in searching for Rika, drowning in stress and frustration, that I completely forgot about it.
The kingdom treats this exam like a special event, held only once every few months. And the next one? It¡¯s almost two months away. If I miss this, I¡¯ll have to wait even longer.
I sigh, shaking my head. No point in dwelling on what I¡¯ve lost¡ªI need to focus.
Grabbing my review book, I flip it open.
¡°Oh well¡ I guess reading it is.¡±
With that, I settle in, determined to prepare.
Now that I am really all the words getting into my head.
If I was hot head before maybe right now I wouldn''t be here sleeping in my floor.
It bothers me, maybe I am too emotional.
"Well I have to stop thinking for now, I need to focus on the book"
After few minutes a threw the book away.
"I am so tired..."
I sigh knowing that I only have a towel to sleep as a bed, but at the same time happy to be alive.
Chap 22 - The old routine/The book
As the heat rises, I start to wonder aloud, ¡°Everyone¡¯s feeling nervous, right?¡±
¡°Well, yeah,¡± Josh replies. ¡°After the last accident, a heat wave inside the mines feels like a bad omen.¡±
¡°But they do weekly checkups,¡± Bunchy adds, trying to sound hopeful.
¡°Ha! Do you really believe that, Chunky?¡± Sorey scoffs. ¡°There¡¯s no way they¡¯re spending a single extra coin to fix the air system properly. If anything, they probably check it once every few months.¡±
¡°Damn¡ I can feel the difference today. It¡¯s definitely hotter than usual,¡± I mutter.
¡°I know, but let¡¯s focus on something else before we lose our minds. We still have a lot of work to do,¡± Sorey says, wiping sweat from his forehead.
¡°Ugh, this week is extra rough.¡±
Though I do not feel much tired, It feels like the job is heavier or perhaps I¡¯m getting weaker. I''ve been so busy thinking about the situation of Rika that I forgot to do my routine of exercises, now I just do training by being at work.
¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Bunchy corrects. ¡°It just feels that way because Tenque¡¯s back. We¡¯re back to the normal routine.¡±
I chuckle, knowing he¡¯s right. ¡°You said it, Bunchy.¡±
¡°These days, I go home dirtier than ever. It¡¯s sad when even the shower runs black,¡± I say with a sigh.
¡°Well, at least you''re still alive, dirty but alive, that stunt of yours was dumb, Slimmy. I¡¯m glad you snapped out of it before something worse happened.¡±
¡°Yeah¡ what happened two weeks ago was just me caught up in the moment,¡± I admit. ¡°But I know soon I¡¯ll¡ª¡±
¡°You lazy asses, quit chatting and get back to work!¡± Tenque¡¯s sharp voice cuts through the conversation.
He looks at us with a mix of authority and caution, clearly remembering what we pulled with the rats.
Sorey groans, exhausted. ¡°Tenque, why are we still stuck in the coal mine? Weren¡¯t we supposed to return to the earth mine by now?¡±
Tenque yawns, barely acknowledging the question. He scratches his nose, looking entirely unbothered. The way he does it makes my stomach turn.
¡°Oh¡ huh? Ah¡ simply put, some people came back, and we just happened to be part of the teams that weren¡¯t reassigned. Remember, some old folks even died down here. The mine needs more manpower.¡± He finally looks at us, his expression lazy but firm. ¡°Now, less talking, more working, Sorey!¡±
I plant my boots firmly into the loose gravel beneath me, raising my pickaxe over my shoulder and swinging it forward. The sharp clang of metal against rock echoes through the shaft as black chunks break free, tumbling to the ground. Sorey, a few feet away, is using a hand drill¡ªgrinding it into the coal face to create a borehole for the next round of blasting. His arms shake from the effort, but he doesn¡¯t stop.
Behind us, Bunchy and Josh are shoveling loose coal into the carts, their boots crunching over scattered debris. With each heavy scoop, the wooden cart groans under the weight. The rails beneath it are slick with coal dust and sweat, making it harder to push.
"Hey, Slimmy, stop spacing out!" Bunchy calls, tossing me a canteen. "Hydrate before you drop."
I catch it, unscrewing the lid with dirty hands. The water is warm, but it helps clear the grit from my throat. I barely get a sip before a deep rumbling shakes the tunnel.
Sorey jerks back from his drilling. "Did you hear that?"
We all go still. The walls creak. A few pebbles rain down from above.
"Keep working," Tenque says, but even he looks up, eyes scanning the support beams.
After we end with the first section of the day, Tenque gathers us all together.
"Good work, guys. The job pace is solid, but this section¡¯s going to need more support beams. Looks like the years have loosened it up." He taps one of the wooden beams with his knuckles, listening to the dull sound.
A low groan rumbles through the tunnel, making my gut tighten.
"We¡¯ll reinforce now before we keep advancing, hurry up! "
We move quickly. The creaking hasn''t stopped, and every sound makes my skin crawl.
"Get those beams in place, now!" Tenque barks, his voice sharp.
I stand there for a second, unsure of what to do. I know how to dig, how to haul coal, but reinforcing a tunnel? That''s way out of my depth.
"Slimmy, grab that beam and bring it here fast!" Tenque shouts at me.
¡°Where?¡±
¡°Just go straight and you will find piles of materials, is easy to follow¡±
I snap out of it and rush over to the place and return with a thick wooden beam toward the spot he''s pointing at. It¡¯s heavier than I expected, my arms burning as I struggle to lift it.
"Not like that¡ªtilt it! Yeah, now wedge it against the support frame," he instructs. Sorey and Bunchy help me push it to the exact position, their movements quick and practiced.
Tenque hammers the beam into place, his strikes echoing through the tunnel. "We need cross-bracing! Get the planks!"
The others move like they¡¯ve done this a hundred times. I watch and copy, handing over nails, steadying beams, trying not to look at the ceiling that groans above us.
After what feels like forever, Tenque steps back, wiping sweat from his forehead. He taps the beam with his knuckles again, nodding.
"That should hold¡ªfor now."
I exhale, realizing I¡¯ve been holding my breath. The tunnel¡¯s still standing, but the weight of the earth above feels heavier than ever. I glance up at the beams we just placed. They stand firm, for now. But the mine doesn''t care about our efforts.
At least now I understand how to reinforce a tunnel, I just hope to not forget what we did today.
¡°Now why are you guys breathing like this is done? We are not paying you for breathing! Hurry, we just wasted time on this extra chore. Come on, come on!¡± Tenque¡¯s voice cuts through the stale air like a whip.
I tighten my grip on my pickaxe, my hands still aching from hauling the beam into place. There¡¯s no time to rest¡ªnot unless I want Tenque breathing down my neck. I swing, the impact of metal against rock reverberating through my arms. Dust kicks up with every strike, clinging to my skin and filling my lungs with the taste of earth.
Around me, the others fall back into rhythm, the steady clinking of tools against stone echoing through the tunnel. But even as I work, my ears stay sharp, tuned for anything worse than the sound of labor¡ªthe groan of shifting earth, the splinter of weakening wood.
¡°Uff ¡° One hundred bags of coal into the carts. I am more exhausted than other days.
Meanwhile, Tenque is overseeing the coal carts. He stands by the rail track, watchingas us load cart after cart with freshly mined coal. He yells instructions, making sure the carts don¡¯t get overloaded. ¡°Keep ¡®em balanced! If one tips, it¡¯s your head on the line!¡± He kicks a wheel that looks loose, shaking his head. ¡°Damn thing¡¯s gonna come off one of these days.¡±
¡°Damn¡ How many have I done?¡± I ask, wiping the sweat from my forehead.
¡°Since morning? You alone must¡¯ve finished around 120 bags,¡± Sorey replies.
¡°Uff¡ I¡¯m falling behind.¡±
Bunchy shoots me an incredulous look, his soot-streaked face twisting between amazement and annoyance. ¡°Slimmy, me and Sorey barely got to 70. And frankly, I don¡¯t get it¡ªyou hauled a damn support beam earlier. You should be dead tired.¡±
¡°But it was wood,¡± I say, shrugging.
¡°Yeah, and those things usually take two people,¡± he counters, folding his arms.
¡°Oh¡¡± I mutter, finally realizing the gap. Maybe I was running on sheer adrenaline, or maybe I just hadn¡¯t stopped to feel the weight yet. Either way, I roll my shoulders and grip my pickaxe again. The day isn¡¯t over.
Tenque¡¯s voice cuts through the clatter of work. ¡°Slimmy!¡±
I snap to attention and hurry over.
¡°How¡¯s it going with the bulldozer readings?¡± he asks.
¡°Good¡¡± I answer, though in truth, I barely understand half of what¡¯s in that practice book.
Tenque sighs. ¡°Look, I know reading all that technical crap is important, but the best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty.¡±
¡°Oh¡ so what are you suggesting?¡±
He pulls a card from his pocket and hands it to me. ¡°Take this. Go to this address and tell them you¡¯re me. They¡¯ll let you in.¡±
I gulp, gripping the card. Since when does Tenque worry about things like this? It feels¡ out of character.
¡°But, Tenque¡ª¡±
He suddenly presses a finger against my lips, grinning. ¡°Here, we¡¯re boss and worker. Don¡¯t bring personal feelings into the job. Got it?¡±
¡°Ah¡ yeah.¡±
He smirks, then glances at his watch. ¡°Damn, look at the time. We wasted enough already. It¡¯s lunch break. Come on, slowpokes¡ªgo enjoy your food before you pass out.¡±
With that, the tension eases, and we all make our way toward the break area, the weight of the morning¡¯s work still heavy on our shoulders.
"What¡¯s that?" I ask, eyeing Bunchy¡¯s lunch.
"A veggie burger," he replies casually, taking a bite.
I raise an eyebrow. "Since when do you eat veggie burgers?"
"Since I started saving money. These last couple of months have been rough, so I decided to cut back."
Sorey snickers. "But isn¡¯t veggie stuff more expensive, Bunchy? Don¡¯t tell me skipping meat has made you more of a knucklehead."
Bunchy glares at him but smirks. "For your information, Sorey, it¡¯s homemade. I save a lot this way."
I nod approvingly. "That¡¯s pretty cool. Making your own burgers is a useful skill."
As they continue chatting, my phone buzzes. A message from Lars. Today¡¯s the day.
My excitement when I read the message makes me yelp like a boy in christmas.
I try to cover my face just In case the guys hear me.
In response to my emotion I Immediately I message Tsukihana about it.
All the set up was complete before the night. I can¡¯t believe it, it is like watching a movie and from beginning to end the movie was a masterpiece.
But then the smell in my hands made me wake up from my own thoughts.
A grin tugs at my lips. "Damn¡ I¡¯m definitely taking a double shower today!"
Sorey squints at me. "What are you talking about, Slimmy? Why so energetic all of a sudden?"
I shake my head. "Nothing. Let¡¯s just eat and finish our tasks on time."
The rest of the day flies by. By the time we wrap up, I¡¯m covered in grime¡ªdirtier than usual, like someone went wild with a chunk of black chalk all over me. But when I glance at the others, I don¡¯t feel so bad.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
I burst out laughing. "Hahaha! You guys look like you lost a fight with a pile of coal!"
Sorey crosses his arms. "Slimmy, before you start talking, maybe check your own damn face. You look worse than all of us combined."
I grin. "Well, since I gotta leave early anyway, I might as well show you guys this."
I pull out a sleek pair of magnetic boots.
Josh blinks. "Wait¡ where did you get those?"
"It¡¯s a skill," I say, dodging the real question. "But forget that¡ªthese babies are my brand-new magnetic boots."
Bunchy¡¯s jaw drops. "No way."
Sorey whistles. "Those things cost a fortune, Slimmy. How the hell did you afford them?"
I shrug. "Quotas¡ and connections. But yeah, I still owe money."
I strap them on and give a quick demonstration, letting the boots adjust to my movements. Their reactions? Worth every second.
"Damn, that¡¯s insane." Josh mutters.
Bunchy shakes his head. "Man, I¡¯d love to try those out."
"Maybe another time," I chuckle. "Right now, I¡¯ve got places to be."
With all the speed I can muster, I take off from the job place, crossing the rocky paths and hitting the road. Cars zoom past, but these boots are flexible¡ªI can twist, pivot, and react at the last second. Not only do they sync with my movements, but they also adjust to my reflexes, making the purchase even more worth it.
The book
As I reach my house, I see Tsukihana and Lars waiting outside. I never expect them to be on time, but I don¡¯t see Rika.
¡°Good evening, girls. Thanks for coming.¡±
Tsukihana bows respectfully, while Lars only stares at me blankly.
I meet her gaze.
¡°Where is she?¡±
¡°We can¡¯t just drag her to your home with everyone watching. You will come with us¡±
¡°Fine, let¡¯s go.¡±
¡°You¡¯re covered in dust and sweat. You¡¯ll draw attention. Take a shower¡ªwe¡¯ll wait.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think-¡±
I remember that I actually look like a human coal.
Thinking then I don¡¯t want to wake up Rika seeing my like I am some kind of black board or like a hobo, she might get a heart attack knowing how picky she is.
¡°Well, if you insist. You can come inside while I clean myself up.¡±
I secretly hope they refuse. My apartment is bare¡ªI don¡¯t even have a sofa. But for some reason, I still offer.
Tsukihana flushes red, an obvious reaction, while Lars looks at me with mild disgust.
¡°I don¡¯t enter anyone¡¯s domain. Just hurry up and get out when you¡¯re ready.¡±
I nod and take the fastest shower I can.
Afterward, we head straight to the meeting point. Lars leads the way in silence, and Tsukihana follows without a word. We enter an abandoned building and descend into its underground basement.
Inside, I see a specialized medical bed surrounded by strange apparatus. Rika is lying there, asleep. The purple blotches on her skin, which I thought were from a combination of the beating and the drugs, turn out to be purely from the drugs. A purifier rests over her face, and tubes are inserted into her arms.
¡° Priestess, do your thing,¡± Lars says. ¡°Daryn, let¡¯s wait outside while she works.¡±
I nod and follow her out. As we goin out I am feeling so grateful and decide to keep expressing my gratitude.
¡°I don¡¯t have the words to thank you,¡± I say.
¡°No problem. If there was a chance to save the poor girl, I made sure it happened.¡±
¡°But how did you pull it off? Didn¡¯t anyone ask questions?¡±
¡°Why do you care? It¡¯s none of your business.¡±
¡°I¡¯m just curious.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve worked with the kingdom for many years, and I outrank most people. Leave it at that.¡±
As I realize this, I compare it to last time¡ªher accent is noticeably more fluent. Was she faking it before?
¡°I¡¯ve noticed you¡¯re speaking more fluently,¡± I say, narrowing my eyes slightly.
¡°Thanks.¡±
Her response is hollow and quick, like a programmed answer rather than genuine gratitude.
Minutes pass, stretching into hours. The silence between us feels heavy. Lars simply stares at the wall in front of her, lost in thought¡ªor maybe just uninterested in conversation.
I break the silence. ¡°It¡¯s kind of weird, but¡ are you really Cantheris¡¯s sister?¡±
My question seems to be pulling her out from her thoughts. Though she take it good and with a calm and sharp response.
¡°Yes.¡±
Her response is immediate and absolute. If it were anyone else, I¡¯d believe it without question. But after the past few days, I¡¯m not so sure she¡¯s telling me the whole truth.
All adds up to the conclusion that she doesn¡¯t trust me completely.
She quickly looks away. Maybe I¡¯m trying too hard to talk to her. What¡¯s the point? What good will come from pushing her?
Two hours pass, and doubt starts creeping in. Is Rika¡¯s condition beyond healing? Or is this normal? I remember my own injuries took a full day to heal with Tsukihana¡¯s help. I try to relax. She can do this. She¡¯s the most reliable healer in the kingdom.
I take a deep breath, but it does little to steady me. I can¡¯t stay still¡ªmy legs twitch in rhythm with the faint ticking of the wall, each second stretching longer than the last.
¡°How do you know Tsukihana?¡± I ask. ¡°If she was really trying to stay hidden, how did you find her?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve known her for a long time.¡±
She completely dodges the question, which only makes me more curious.
¡°And what makes you so sure she¡¯s the most powerful healer in the kingdom?¡±
¡°Her actions speak louder than words. Don¡¯t you think?¡±
¡°Yes, but she works as a hospital nurse. If she¡¯s that powerful, how hasn¡¯t the hospital found out¡ªbut you did?¡±
¡°You should ask her that, not me. Simple as that.¡±
Maybe working for the kingdom doesn¡¯t let her spill the information, though I am not a threat or feel like it, but I understand her.
The night falls, and finally, Tsukihana steps out.
¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± she says softly.
Excitement surges through me, and I almost shout, but Lars quickly clamps a hand over my mouth.
I pull away. ¡°What?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t let your emotions explode.¡±
¡°Huh?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t draw attention.¡±
¡°Okay¡¡± then I turned to Tsukihana. ¡°Can I see her?¡±
¡°She¡¯ll be asleep until tomorrow. I¡¯ve cured all the physical symptoms and cleansed her body completely. But¡¡± Tsukihana hesitates, her soft voice forcing me to lean in to hear.
¡°Her mental scars won¡¯t heal so easily. Even though she¡¯s physically fine, there''s a chance that the trauma will remain. Daryn¡ it¡¯s up to you to help her through that.¡±
I nod, determination settling in.
¡°Good. Thanks for everything, both of you!¡±
Lars calls for private cars to take us back to my apartment. They bring Rika inside, but as soon as they set her down, they are ready to leave.
¡°Wait, can¡¯t she keep the bed, please? I don¡¯t have much space in mine.¡±
¡°Nothing we can do,¡± Lars replies. ¡°We have to erase any trace. Hope you understand.¡±
I sigh. ¡°Well, thanks, Lars.¡± I turn to Tsukihana. ¡°And thank you. Really. You gave me another chance to smile again.¡± I grin.
¡°No problem,¡± she says softly.
I want to invite them out for a meal, to show my gratitude, but I can¡¯t leave Rika alone and unconscious.
¡°This is the last time we¡¯ll see each other,¡± Lars states.
¡°I hope so.¡± And I mean it. I don¡¯t want to get tangled in Lars¡¯ business. For my good and Rika¡¯s good.
They both leave, and I carry Rika inside to my room. I made a small resting spot for her with a towel, some empty boxes, and my lamp. Looking at it, I feel like a failure as a brother.
¡°I really hope you wake up tomorrow before I leave for work.¡±
Needing to distract myself, I decided to study for the Bulldozer exam. I searched for the book I threw earlier. It should be easy to find in this nearly empty apartment, but it¡¯s nowhere. As I rummage through the boxes, I find something else¡ªthe book Lars gave me.
¡°The book that can copy other books'' text, huh?¡±
I wonder what I should use it for.
¡°Knowledge is power, after all huh? But what do I want to learn?¡±
Thinking many ideas in my head, from police to fire man and to perhaps an engineer. But those sound like complex disciplines.
¡°Hmm... maybe economics?¡±
That would also mean a long-term commitment. I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m ready for that. Plus, I¡¯d have to quit my current job to become a businessman.
¡°Detective?¡±
As a Category of Researcher, it would make sense. Since that would be in my area of expertise, maybe I have a future in that. It could even bring in extra money.
¡°Hello, Daryn boy.¡±
¡°Hello¡ª¡± I freeze.
Wait, the door is locked. The windows are closed.
A jumpscare like no other¡ªPachesko stands before me, his bouncing form grinning.
¡°Damn! Pachesko, What the hell!¡±
¡°Long time no see, right?¡± He chuckles. ¡°I had to come right away. Your lifestyle changes have been... interesting. I couldn¡¯t believe it, so here I am. And, I have to admit, I¡¯m impressed.¡±
¡°Do you know what happened to me?¡±
¡°Of course. I know all the records of the players.¡±
¡°What do you mean by that?¡±
¡°Forget it. I¡¯m here to congratulate you, dude. I can¡¯t believe someone as useless as you is doing more than I expected. But Is such a disappointment that you¡¯ve already given up on defeating the Demon Lord.¡±
¡°Why do you care?¡±
¡°Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have any reason to visit. I only check in on players who still aim to defeat the Demon Lord.¡±
¡°Right now, I can¡¯t.¡±
¡°You can, but you don¡¯t want to. You¡¯ve gone soft.¡±
¡°Soft?¡±
¡°You¡¯ve gotten too attached to your fake family. You could¡¯ve just left this girl on the street to die. You could¡¯ve quit your job and become an adventurer. Simple. But instead, you make excuses. You¡¯ve changed. You¡¯re nothing more than another NPC now.¡±
¡°You talk too much, Pachesko.¡±
¡°You just can¡¯t tolerate the truth, If I keep talking I bet I will release the real Daryn inside of you.¡±
¡°Get out dude¡±
¡°If you want to be a detective and live like a commoner, I won¡¯t stop you. But don¡¯t forget the wish still on, anyone can get it if they work enough¡±
And just like that, he leaves through the window into the stars.
Since arriving in this world, my goal was to kill the Demon Lord. But now that I think about it, why did I want to? The wish? If I remember correctly, that was the reason. But what would I have even wished for?
Looking at my life now¡ªmy friends, my family¡ªI realize I already have everything I could have wished for.
¡°But that only settles the Demon Lord issue,¡± I mutter.
I still want to be an adventurer¡ªfor the thrill, for the excitement. To be part of a party with beautiful girls, without the weight of some grand mission hanging over me.
I sigh in defeat.
¡°Well, it¡¯ll only ever be a dream.¡±
With that thought, I drift off to sleep, wondering what the next day will bring.
Something soft brushes against my face, stirring me from sleep. It¡¯s gentle at first¡ªalmost comforting¡ªuntil a sudden tug on my cheek jolts me awake.
¡°Ow¡¡± I groan, squinting against the dim light.
My alarm hasn¡¯t gone off yet. That means it¡¯s before 6:30 AM. I rub my eyes and blink rapidly, trying to focus.
And then¡ªI see her.
Rika.
She¡¯s right in front of me, wearing that familiar soft smile.
I freeze. Am I dreaming?
No. I knew this would happen. I believed in it so strongly that it almost felt inevitable. And yet, now that she¡¯s here, I can¡¯t move. My mouth is open, but no words come out. It¡¯s as if all the moisture in my throat evaporated in an instant.
She watches me, tilting her head slightly.
¡°You really did it again,¡±
Her voice carried that same ungrateful tone she always had. I don¡¯t mind.
If anything, it makes me happy. It means she hasn¡¯t changed.
¡°Did what?¡± I ask.
¡°The thing you always do.¡±
I frown. ¡°What thing?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not going to say it.¡± Then, in a barely audible whisper, she adds, ¡°Thanks.¡±
A flicker of concern crosses my mind. ¡°Are you really okay?¡±
¡°To be honest¡¡± She exhales, looking away. ¡°I feel better than ever. And that scares me.¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡±
She hesitates, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I don¡¯t want to think about it. That day¡ I thought I was going to die. And now, feeling this good¡ªit¡¯s just¡ weird, you know?¡±
Step.
¡°Daryn, why are you looking at me like that?¡±
Step.
Step.
Step.
¡°Hey¡ Daryn, you¡¯re scaring me.¡±
Before she can move, I throw my arms around her, holding her as tightly as I can.
¡°Daryn-don¡¯t. Wait-Give me a break¡ please. Personal space¡ Don¡¯t touch me¡ HEY-I said give me space!¡±
¡°Yes, keep pushing me away!¡±
She struggles, her breath hitching. ¡°You¡¯re even weirder than before, Daryn!¡±
I tone down my enthusiasm as the low growl of her stomach reaches my ears.
¡°Sorry,¡± I say, rubbing the back of my neck. ¡°I wish I had something for you, but I don¡¯t have anything to eat right now.¡±
Her cheeks become redden in embarrassment but soon she shakes her head to control herself.
¡°Don¡¯t tell me. I can see with my own eyes that you¡¯re barely holding it together. Besides, I should consider myself lucky you at least gave me a towel to sleep on. But we can improve this place. Have you bought the shop yet?¡±
¡°No. How was I supposed to if I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d recover?¡±
¡°That¡¯s no excuse, Daryn! I want that shop!¡±
¡°You¡¯re not making any sense!¡±
She grunts, and I let out a frustrated sigh in return.
¡°And look at this place¡ªcompletely disorganized. You barely have anything, yet you still act like a kid with no sense of order.¡±
¡°I pay for this place with my own money, Rika. If I want to leave my boxers on the floor, I will.¡±
¡°No, no, no! Not anymore. We¡¯re in the capital now, and we actually have a place. That means we¡¯re more than we were before, Daryn. We can¡¯t live like pigs.¡±
¡°I am not living like a pig.¡±
She picks up a book from the floor and waves it at me.
¡°Nice shelter¡ªpractically invisible.¡±
Then she sees surprise, her eyes widened.
¡°What?¡±
¡°Daryn who gave you this book, I can sense something in it¡±
¡°Lars gave me¡±
Rika ready to swing the book out of the apartment
I hold her arm with my arms.
¡°Wow wow what are you doing¡±
¡°You must be crazy keeping something from her in our apartment. Now let me throw it this devil book¡±
¡°Ours??¡±
¡°You know what I mean!¡±
¡°Wait is an interesting book, I will use to be a detective¡±
She stops.
"Detective? Tell me more."
After I explain the book to her, she looks at me thoughtfully.
"Daryn."
"What?"
"It¡¯s a good plan for the long term. But you already have a well-paying job."
"I don¡¯t know if I¡¯d call it ¡®well-paying¡¯..."
"You have an apartment in the capital. You¡¯re actually earning very well¡ªyou just need a better savings plan. Spending your money to become a detective sounds interesting, but it¡¯s like switching from electrician to mechanic."
"I don¡¯t think it¡¯s the same..."
"Both are good-paying jobs! The point is, if you have one, you just need to stick with it and keep advancing."
"So you¡¯re suggesting I stay as miner?"
"Well, it suits your peasant style."
I frown. "Very funny. Look how I¡¯m LAUGHING."
She grins. "Instead, tell me now, Daryn."
"What?"
"Your skills. I bet you¡¯ve gained some."
"So, if I do, will you tell me yours?"
Of course, I already knew her skills, but I wanted to test her trust.
"No way!"
"Wait¡ªwhat? You want me to tell you mine, but you won¡¯t tell me yours?"
"I have to keep something secret, you know? It adds to my mystery."
I pinch her cheek.
"Now you¡¯re just acting childish."
I pull her cheek with all my might.
"Fine! Fine! Stop! I¡¯ll tell you!"
We both share our skills. Of course, I have to act surprised without overdoing it.
She wasn¡¯t much surprised but at least this was one of the few situations where she listened to me.
"Daryn."
"What?"
"Now I know what to do with your book."
"What?"
"We can make even more money!"
"You don¡¯t waste time, huh?"
"No, listen. The skill Command of Rodents sounds pretty convenient."
"Yeah, having level 8 rats is like having a tank with me."
"Forget the tank¡ªyou can gather resources!"
"I was thinking the same, might help me cover more ground for coal, but I don¡¯t see many rats in the mines."
"No, idiot! You can use them to find actual valuable resources¡ªlike those quartz we talked about before."
"But aren¡¯t those in specific places? I won¡¯t have time for my job."
She thinks deeply.
"It doesn¡¯t have to be quartz. Any valuable rocks."
"Any rocks?"
"What I mean is, we can go near caves, find rare stones, and sell them in a shop!"
"Sounds dangerous."
"Well, if you don¡¯t want to, that¡¯s fine..."
Her expression shifts¡ªsad eyes, the kind that makes me feel guilty for no reason. She just woke up an hour ago, and she¡¯s already this pushy. It¡¯s annoying, but damn it, those puppy eyes are working on me.
¡°But I don¡¯t know anything about rocks, and I bet you don¡¯t either.¡±
¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Rika admitted, ¡°but I have experience selling in my mom¡¯s shop. She used to sell rocks too¡ªlike sea rocks. And besides, we can learn together! Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a good idea?¡±
¡°How are we supposed to learn without money for lecturing or time to spare?¡±
She sighed dramatically. ¡°Daryn, you really need to use your brain.¡±
She pointed at the blank book.
¡°You can copy the content from a premium book.¡±
I hesitated. That sounded like stealing. But given our situation, I couldn¡¯t argue much. I could sustain myself and my apartment, but with Rika in the equation, my finances were bound to take a hit.
¡°Ah¡ I guess that makes sense.¡±
¡°Exactly! Think about it¡ªa book you can study anytime, for free!¡±
¡°But then shouldn¡¯t I get a detective book instead? You know, so we both become detectives?¡±
¡°Oh sure, Daryn, great plan,¡± she said sarcastically. ¡°Get a detective book, then we¡¯ll apply for jobs that require official certifications. Yes, yes, brilliant! We¡¯ll be hired on the spot!¡±
¡°Hmmm¡ fine, I get it. It¡¯s more practical to start something where we can be our own bosses, right?¡±
¡°Close enough! I was thinking more like¡ªthis path is hands-on. We can start right away instead of wasting years preparing.¡±
I met her gaze and smirked.
¡°Rika, it seems we have a deal.¡±
I held out my hand. She took it, shaking firmly.
¡°But first,¡± I added with a smirk, ¡°we need to rent a shop. And don¡¯t forget¡ª50% commission for me.¡±
"40%."
"60%."
"50% is fine."
"Good."
Just like that I knew that I have to work twice as hard than all the days before.