[3 new individuals have been added to the Host's Interface]
When he saw the notification, Derrick was ecstatic. This was an investment worth every penny.
He then threw a quick glance at his newly bought slaves.
"Why are they all on the floor? Is that normal?"
Yankov looked at them before giving him a smirk.
"Don't worry, they're perfectly fine. Give them a few minutes, and they'll be back on their feet"
Once he made sure they were all alright, Derrick paid, and the group left the premises aboard the spacious carriage.
He didn't ask them their identities, as he was still more interested in his book than anything else. Brigand also sensed his hasty mood, making the atmosphere a bit awkward.
Derrick then realized that his conduct was rude, and he thanked him profoundly for everything he had done.
This also allowed him to ask the question still lingering on his mind.
"I've been under surveillance in your establishment. Was it ordered by you?"
He bluntly asked and paid close attention to Brigand's expression, as that'd determine whether he would proceed forward with their possible collaboration.
His ambitions were limitless, and he couldn't ally himself with anyone who didn't have his best interests at heart.
Surprise flashed across the merchant's face, followed by his hoarse laughter.
"Hahahaha! I knew you weren't simple! So you've already found out?"
What Derrick didn't see was that the big man was scared witless inwardly. Not for his life, but for his relationship with the weapon creator.
"Yes. I have to say that your personnel is top class"
When he saw that nothing hinted towards any type of maliciousness, it was Derrick's turn to break into smiles.
"I was simply curious as to whom would bring such fine weapons into our city all of a sudden"
Indeed, Derrick had made a bigger splash than he expected, but that was fine as he had made important encounters due to it.
As long as he stayed anonymous, it was worth it.
"Would it be possible to meet the person who watched me?"
The necromancer wanted to know who could tail him without him being able to detect it sooner. He had only realized it when they were both moving, making him feel immense respect.
"Sure thing"
"Great. Also, I'd like to discuss further business as well. Are you interested?"
Derrick knew it was a formality, as the burly man had practically drooled in front of his craftsmanship. And just like he had thought, Brigand's eyes lit up like two suns in the night.
This was it. The chance he had waited for and the catalyst for his revenge against his family. His wrath would be merciless.
"Of course! How about tomorrow at noon?"
Derrick nodded, and they stayed silent for the rest of the ride.
***
After placing the slaves in different rooms, he finally went back to his own, giggling like a kid who had just received new toys.
It was finally time to absorb the knowledge present in that damn book!
After calming down, he sat at the desk and opened the volume. He was, once again, welcomed by characters he couldn't understand.
"System, is there any way to decipher this?"
[Looking through the
Derrick's heart skipped a bit, with his expectations skyrocketing.
All the unknown glyphs suddenly transformed into letters, and he started a reading marathon that extended through the entire night.
***
The sun started shining through his window, and Derrick still looked as energetic as ever.
In a loud thump, he closed the book before unceremoniously burning it.
He had already memorized it in its entirety, and he had pledged to not possess anything that could bring him trouble.
"System, list all the spells I've uncovered"
Derrick's smile was infectious.
The book had been a real treasure trove that spoke about spells in length. The thing that had really thrilled the necromancer was that these were his first true offensive and defensive spells, which would, at long last, lower his reliance on weapons.
[The Host has learned three spells. A new section has been added to the Host's Interface]
[Banshee's Cry]
[Grade : Uncommon]
[Attack Power : 5]
[Nature : Ranged & Zone Attack]
[Description : Summon a banshee from the underworld that unleashes a primal cry]
[Reaper's Blade]
[Grade : Uncommon]
[Attack Power : 7]
[Nature : Melee & Zone Attack]
[Description : Summon a large foe made of black energy that can cut down its enemies]
[Veil of Darkness]
[Grade : Uncommon]
[Defense Power : 4]
[Nature : Complete Barrier]
[Description : Summon a barrier that covers the caster's entire body]
Although quite weak, these spells were invaluable to Derrick, which relied on Drako, Io and armaments too heavily. He could finally call himself a true necromancer.
With his thirst for knowledge now satisfied, he saw he still had time before his meeting with Brigand, thus deciding it was time to properly introduce himself to his three subordinates.
After sending them mind missives, the three of them arrived in his room before sitting on the bed while facing him.
He hadn't paid attention to them since leaving the market, which was something he had to rectify.
"You probably already know this, but I'm Derrick Tarlin, your new Master. From now on, you'll be working under me and even though I own you, I do not intend on taking advantage of you nor harm you. The only reason I bought you is for your skills"
When they heard his speech, all of them frowned with expressions of anger appearing on their faces.
What the fuck was this guy talking about? Were they supposed to believe that a slaver buyer wouldn't mistreat them?
After seeing their reactions, Derrick remained mute.
Even if they were slaves, they hadn't been brainwashed, keeping their ideals and core beliefs. The only thing they had to do was obey and not hurt him.
"I know, I know... Who'd believe a slave buyer? Well, you do have a point, but I swear it was only because I needed personnel quickly. If it wasn't the case, I'd have recruited directly from the city and not bothered with the lot of you. Tell you what, if you serve me wholeheartedly for one year, I'll set you free. How does that sound?"
He knew he had to entice them to bring out their utmost potential, and he was confident that in one year, the construction of his empire would be well underway.
He also bet on the fact they'd have paid for themselves multiple times over, with the high chance that they'd also not want to leave.
When they heard the offer, they collectively gasped and had incredulous expressions.
They had all been defeated and captured, meaning they had resolved themselves to lives of abuse and torment. Why was such an offer coming along?
After a moment, the general decided to speak.
"Are you ready to swear a magical oath to that effect?"
Derrick was surprised by her mellow voice, since her appearance didn't match it at all.
"Yes. If that can gain your trust, I'll do it"
The dwarf, the man and the woman all looked at each other, bewildered. Was this person an idiot!? He had just spent 750 gold coins, and he would just let his investment... go?
"Of course, I'll only do the oath after 6 months of probation. I'd hate to be scammed... And before I forget, you'll be paid, fed and lodged. The pay won't be extraordinary at the beginning, but it'll scale afterward"
Their minds were blank at this point. What was going on?
Derrick enjoyed seeing them reel like simpletons, but he suddenly gasped.
"How could I forget... What are your names?"
The three individuals, now more comfortable, stood up and took turns.
First was the scholar, then the dwarf and finally, the general.
"William Enceworth"
"Fomamli Trollfall"
"Eloise Tornomi"
After their slight bows, the necromancer felt better. He knew their potential wouldn't go to waste.
"When you learn about our project, you won't be disappointed"
With an enigmatic smile, he left them on that note.