After finishing my breakfast, I returned to the Smithing Room with Rean. As I entered the room, I saw the Dwarves and Paladins had cleaned the room perfectly until there is no trace black dust remains. Now, they were talking about something related to blacksmith while enjoying their breakfast. Meanwhile, Rean and I sat near them and began maintaining our weapons.
Rean asked whether I have a steel polishing liquid from extracted slime's fluid or not. I nodded and gave him my share of polishing liquid. Suddenly, Julio shouted in surprised tone when I handed the polishing liquid bottle to Rean.
"Oy, oy…calm down! You sound like a dog who found a big bone buried underground."
Rean looked at Igrei, "Hmm? What's the matter, Igrei-dono?"
"This God's lapdog is surprised when I told him there are forty ranks in equipment statistic data. I'm a bit taken back when this idiot didn't know the most basic knowledge for adventurer, warrior, rogue, mage and knight. Wait…don't tell ye also didn't know about this, fox boy?"
"No, no, no! I know about that! Since its common knowledge that had been taught in my dojo when I studied there as an apprentice samurai and blacksmith by my teachers."
"Hear that, ye God's lapdog? Why the famous and prestigious Northlandia Knight Academy hasn't taught this simple matter to their students? Do they want their students to be ripped off by some shitty merchants?!"
"It's no use to be grumpy over this, stone face. We, as knights are only taught about military tactics, survival skills, battle skills, military economy, weapon arts, and other useful skills for combat. The blacksmithing-thing will be taught only to those who are interested to become a blacksmith after all. Moreover, the curriculum for blacksmith subject is one of the hardest curriculums, with the longest and lowest rate of completion. No wonder not a lot of people want to take that subject in the first place."
"Don't forget the instructors are very strict and stingy, they hardly smile or praise their students. Also, there aren't many women there as well. I can say only the most insane, devoted or desperate people take that subject. Am I correct, Hel?"
"Geh, you got me right on there, Razzle, Carl."
Razzle Cailyn and Carl Cailyn were junior classmates of Hel and me in academy. They are Holy Elf commoners who joined my party after winning on the tournament that I held on Northlandia during my party recruitment. Both of them have jolly and sassy nature, although Razzle is a bit sarcastic when he is talking.
Back on the academy, they were famous as troublemakers who often skipped training and studying period because they already have good grades in martial arts, exams, and survivability skills.
Honestly, I envy these kinds of people, who are able to act freely without any kind of chains that are weighing them down. But mother once warned me if I become this kind of people, she will take all of my "freedom" and send me back to the military again, so…I chose to "play safe" in purpose to not to anger her again.
Razzle leans on the chair and puts his hands behind his head, "If this thing bothers you so much…I think, we should ask someone with high social standing to ask The Queen and Guild Master directly, since the Guild won't bother to teach the newbies with this matter since they have many important things to do…eh…"
All people inside the room are suddenly turning their head at me and staring at me. I simply shake my head while shrugging my shoulder to answer their question that clearly written in their gazes.
"No, sorry to disappoint you, but I'm pretty much couldn't do anything. It's true that my father and mother are close to the Queen herself, but it doesn't mean they can ask anything from her. If I ask my father about this, I'm really sure he would turn this matter into something unexpected and silly."
They nodded in agreement upon hearing my explanation. Probably, they were expecting this kind of answer from me since they have known what my father is like. That shota can't do anything father-like except shame his children with his doting character and child-like appearance.
"Nah, enough chit chat, back to work."
As Igrei's order, we returned to our work again. I continue polishing my longswords and daggers while Rean is maintaining his katana and odachi with polishing liquid. The Knights are busy maintaining their armor by smearing something like oil over their armor then they wipe it gently with clean cloth.
Meanwhile, Julio keeps asking something to Igrei, mostly about the equipment ranks and how to obtain it. They talked about that topic for heverra, until they reached the topic of the Human Prophet who found these equipment ranks on the first place.
"Oh, the tale about Human Prophet sent by The Maker? I'd like to hear that." Rean moved his chair next to Julio.
"Is Yamatonese never heard anything about Prophets from main continent, Rean?"
"Well yeah, since The Prophets only appear in main continent and they rarely journey to Yamato Island in the first place. But I often heard the tales about them from the sailors who came from Russian Empire or The Land of Four Dragon Gods who landed in Akiza or Tenkou Empire. If I'm not mistaken, they are overpowered Humans who received order directly from The Maker Himself to spread His mercy, teachings, and benevolence, am I right?"
I nodded and gave him a brief explanation of The Prophets and the name of Prophets who still live in this era. I stopped my explanation when Igrei started to tell Julio about [The 40 Ranks of Equipment] and The Prophet who shared this knowledge to the Elves, Fairies and Dwarves.
I suddenly remembered [The 40 Ranks of Equipment] explanation from the book that my father read for me when I was a child. If I'm not wrong, that book mainly described about [The Description and Birth of 40 Ranks of Equipment] that was discovered during A.E.V I Era.
Meanwhile, the book itself was written by The Scholars from Elf, Fairy, Human and Dwarf Race who found, created or witnessed the birth of equipment's system during the beginning of A.E.V I or around Jetavien, 463.217 A.E.V I until El Ilevvatr, 311.002 A.E.V I.
This discovery are found after four skills with names [Appraisal], [Item Creation], [Item Construction], and [Value Identification] bestowed by The Maker to His Prophet, named Sameirlynn (Sameir) that appeared around 463.217 A.E.V I.
The story began when The Maker ordered Prophet Sameir to travel to a commercial city named Lobreigen in Syrvinn Land. He was ordered to spread The Maker's teachings there, as well as to ask people on there to serve, return and follow The Maker. Then, in order to fulfill his Lord's orders, he traveled in a wikliviash long travel from Freighernia to Lobreign City.
After he found a place to sleep, he went to a market to buy foods and other necessities along with spreading The Maker's teaching to every people he met. During his stay, he worked at construction site and on the evening, he opened a humble pharmacist shop along with a small school to treat injured people and to teach the kids on the city. He kept doing this every day and his followers increased little by little every wikliviash.
One daesh, his students and followers fall into unknown sickness. They kept vomiting and defecating for unknown reason, and their body slowly grew thin and weak every daesh. The family members of his followers begged him to treat their sick family members and he promised them to treat their sick family members.
He ran back and forth to mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and grasslands to find the cure but unfortunately, he can't find the cure for his sick followers. He can only maintain the life of his followers that look like a living skeleton daesh after daesh until one daesh, one of his follower's wife came and retorted at him when he was sitting near the fountain in the central market plaza.
"YOU!"
She rushed to him and slapped his cheek. Sameir hasn't said anything because he knew this moment will come naturally.
"YOU SAID YOU ARE A PROPHET SENT BY THE TRUE GOD! BUT WHAT KIND OF PROPHET CAN'T CURE A SICK PERSON?! ARE YOU LYING TO MY HUSBAND?!"
Sameir sits still in silent. He doesn't have any courage to look at the lady's face. Meanwhile, every people around the plaza stand still around them and watch the quarrel.
"YOU MAY BE DIVINE AND SINLESS BECAUSE OF YOUR GOD'S MERCY AND BENEVOLENCE…BUT YOU CAN'T JUST GIVE FALSE HOPE TO US! I KNOW WE ARE ONLY A POOR FAMILY, BUT—"
"Stop it right here, old lady!" A young man with brown hair ran out from the crowd and approached them.
"Why are you starting ruckus here?! Do you want to bring shame to my mentor?!"
"YES! BECAUSE HE CAN'T EVEN CURE MY SICK HUSBAND AND HE KEEPS SPOUTING THOSE NONSENSE! BECAUSE OF HIM WE CAN'T EAT PROPERLY FOR THE PAST TWO DAYS! BECAUSE OF HIM, MY CHILDREN ARE SICK RIGHT NOW! WHY WE MUST KEEP FOLLOWING A LIAR AND IDIOT HUMAN LIKE HIM?!"
"Old Lady, have you forgotten the one who cured your father's blindness?! Have you forgotten the one who cured your daughter's deafness?! HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THE ONE WHO KEEPS YOUR HUSBAND ALIVE UNTIL NOW?!"
The young man grabbed her shoulders and shook her body. The lady is startled and smacked his hands away. She paused and contemplating what the man said for a moment while lowering her head. But suddenly she glared back at the young man with teary eyes.
"BUT HE CAN'T HEAL MY HUSBAND. WHAT KIND OF PROPHET FROM TRUE GOD WHO CAN'T EVEN KEEP HIS OWN PROMISE?! IT'S BETTER THAT I WORSHIP THE OLD GODS—"
"IF WORSHIPPING A BUNCH OF FALSE IDOLS CAN MAKE YOU PROSPER IN THE WORLD OR CAN EVEN CURE YOUR HUSBAND, THEN DO IT! BUT DID YOU FORGET THE ONE WHO CREATED THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE?! DON'T TELL ME THE DEMON GODS HAVE POISONED YOUR MIND?!" The man snapped back at the woman.
"Stopped it you two. You don't need to fight." Sameir stands up while put a stop to the young man's words.
"You don't need to defend me, my disciple. From the beginning, it was my fault that I promised her about her husband's recovery. You also don't need to snap at her. She is older than you are and you must pay respect to the elders, even when they aren't your family members. Now, apologize to her."
"But Mentor! I just—" The young man tried to protest but he was cut off by Sameir.
"Apologize to her." Sameir said that with stern voice and expression. The man can't help but lowered his head while saying his apology to her. Sameir smiled at him and then he looked at the lady with stern expression.
"Old Lady…first, I'd like to say my apology that I still couldn't cure your husband. Please, forgive me."
The Prophet bowed down his head in front of the lady, which shocked everyone around them. It was because he bowed down his head to ask for an apology from a commoner even though he is a sacred person. This never happened before in history, even the Kings wouldn't bow down their head so easily in front of their people.
"However, I will not run or hide. I'll find the cure for your husband before night comes. If I can't cure your husband, as well as other people who have similar disease like your husband, you may behead me with your own hands and I will not run from it."
Sameir still bowing down while putting his hand on his chest. He is looking the lady with calm expression and gentle smile, which made everyone's heart around him who see this scene and heard his words shaken a lot.
Then, The Prophet lifted up his head and he says, "If you still don't believe me, you may come with me, and you may bring your weapon with you. I don't mind if that can erase your doubt to me, and to The Maker."
His words made everyone surprised again. They had no idea why a sacred individual with supernatural power and close to the [True God] allowed a mere commoner to follow him in his pilgrimage to find a cure and kill him if he is going to run or can't keep his promise.
The woman stood there speechless after hearing The Prophet. Then, The Prophet gave her a small sack full of bread, bowed down his head again and left her. The young man followed him quickly after that.
The Prophet asked the young man to wait on the apothecary to treat the sick people but he refused and willing to go with him. The Prophet calmed him down and gave him a gentle explanation. The young man can't help but obey The Prophet's words. Then, The Prophet went to a great forest of Ivrilleinoir on far north from the city after received a revelation from The Maker suddenly after he left the old lady.
Once he arrived at the entrance of forest, he says, "Greiveroin Ontr El Equailloitre Alfraihilm Afreilla" (I'm coming here by The Maker's Will)
They are sacred words that are often used by The Prophets when they are walking to a new place in wilderness. If the host of the place is showing a warm welcome, they will receive The Maker's blessing as soon as possible. However, if the host shows a cold welcome or hostile intent, they will receive The Maker's wrath immediately.
After The Prophet greeted the forest, a woman appeared in front of him and kneeled before him.
"I welcome thee as a human that has chosen by our [True God]. I, Mifalkhia as The Dryad who protects His forest will serve you as your limbs and I swear I will protect you with my life. O, The Great Prophet Sameir."
The Prophet thanked The Dryad and asked her to raise her head. Then, The Dryad stands up with polite stance in front of him and she asked him about the business that brought him here. Sameir began to tell her about the unknown disease that falls to his followers and students. Mifalkhia who listened his story with great focus asked him about the symptoms of the disease. After Sameir told her about the symptoms, she invited him to the forest.
They walked together until they reached a part with high mana density. On there, Sameir saw many fruits, herbs and plants that he had never seen in his life. Mifalkhia asked him to sit and meditate in front of an old tree. Sameir nodded and meditated on there.
During his meditation, he got a revelation from The Maker. He saw the merchants from the city cheating by reducing the scales and they also doing another illegal thing like secretly bought almost spoiled or even spoiled fruits and meat from shady merchants. Then, they mixed it with "Daeiverol", a drug to preserve the cloth's color and dyed it with "Racveriol", a substance that has been used to deepen the original color of cloth. Moreover, they also put a magic to conceal and preserve the food.
The magic will be cancelled off automatically if the food has digested by the stomach. Even the latest detection magic can't detect this magic. Sameir saw the merchants got this magic after they tricked a wandering magician that stayed a movanth on the city.
But not long after that, the magician knew his magic misused for gaining individuals profit and he sent a protest to them. The merchants asked the magician to prove it in front of the crowd, but because his magic is too potent, he can't prove it and he became a laughing stock in the city.
At night, the corrupt merchants discussed this event and they decided to kill the magician by hiring assassins. The assassins successfully killed him and buried his body on the forest far east from the city. The merchants not only doing this cruel crime, but they also love to reduce the scales of an item. They were doing this because the mayor is a greedy man who doesn't care about anything and often overlooked a serious matter if there is no money on it.
He also knew the merchants have been doing this but because the leader of merchant association bribed him with a lot of money, he overlooked it. Instead, he requested the merchants periodically donating their goods to slums or refugee camps inside the city with his name.
He wanted to "clean" the city from them because he has been "fed up" by their appearance. He hates Demi-Humans who came to the city and took a refuge inside. He often threatens their family to send their daughters to "serve" him while giving their family members a poison in disguise of "charity".
In the end of the revelation, he saw the plants that can be used to cure his followers but The Maker didn't show him the ways to process it. After that, he opened his eyes and turned his head left to right. He saw the plants that he needed had grown in around him. The Dryad told him that these plants had grown long before he came to the forest naturally. But when The Prophet stands up, The Dryad told him something.
"Your Holiness, I suggest that you create the cure right now, please remember you don't have more time left."