"Wake up Yusof.. we've arrived."
"Wake up, we're here."
*GRUNT*
"Ughh. Okay okay I'm waking up"
I- Yusof Harim, has just been woken up by Luno, Mira and Aner the boar who seems to have followed the lead of the 2 girls in waking me up.
It was night already, I changed into a sitting position from lying down and blinked a few times. I observed my surroundings and noticed a great wall stretching to a distance I can't see from left to right. At the center of the wall is a huge gate guarded by two soldiers wearing medieval style armor colored red and black with a longsword in their sheaths on their hips.
They seem to not give any care towards us who are entering the gates of what seems to be a kingdom at nighttime. As we entered the gates, a lot of buildings lined up beautifully to my left and right, leaving a wide road for carts, carriages and people to pass by.
Since it was night, the state of the streets were barren and quiet. Looks like everyone is at their own homes at this time.
I looked in front of me, Mira was a little drowsy as she blinked her eyes to prevent them from closing. Luno on the other hand seems to still be wide awake.
After taking a few turns, viewing the quiet streets and hearing Aner grunt a few times. We finally made a stop.
I looked where we stopped and there was an establishment that was considerably big. On the front of the building, was a sign that is hard to read in the dark but I can make out that it says 'Tavern Mikra'.
"Finally we're here. I really want to take a shower." Mira stretched her arms, she was drowsy just a moment ago is now eager to take a shower.
Luno didn't speak as she climbed off the front of the cart and walked towards Aner.
"Good boy. You've worked hard today. I'll give you some acorns and seeds later. Hehehe." She petted Aner's back as she praised him for his hard work.
After that she took a step back and closed her eyes. Aner started to glow a little.
"Shrink"
As Luno said that word. Aner went back to his original size. One last time, Luno hugged Aner.
"I'll go put Aner back first. You both go in if you want." Luno said to us as she walked away holding Aner.
"Come on. Let's go inside. I'll call Old Man Mikra to heal you thoroughly." Mira said to me as she climbed down from the cart.
Shortly after, as if someone heard the noise all of us were making, someone opened the door of this establishment.
The person who opened the door was a middle aged man who had blue hair like Mira, except it was a little darker. He was taller than me. His skin color was like mine except a little darker and he has a mole on his right cheek close to his mouth. He was wearing a blue shirt and pants but the pants were more on the darker side.
He opened the door to see who was outside. He saw Mira and made a relieved sigh.
"Mira, why have you come home so late at night? Aren't you afraid of anything bad happening to you?"
"Hmph. I don't need to be afraid because I can protect myself. Why do you care anyway."
"Is it wrong for a father to care about his daughter?"
Ouch. The man then made a sullen look on his face after he said that. So this man is her father.
"Hmph". Mira crossed her arms. Mira is in her rebellious phase, that's really cute.
By this time. I already climbed out of the cart and was standing behind Mira.
Mira and her father seem to have noticed me. Her father turned his face from Mira to me. He was observing my figure thoroughly. Mira's father's sullen face instantly turned into a smug look with one eyebrow raised as he placed his finger on his chin. He looks like a journalist who just unraveled a scandal.
"Oh? It seems my little Mira has brought a man home. Hmm. He seems more on the older side though, don't worry. If it's my daughter's wish, I will support you."
As Mira's father said that with a proud expression, Mira's face got extremely red and she started to scream at her father.
"No! That's not it Old Man!"
"Fufu.. He doesn't have a bad face either, you have good taste."
"Are you even listening?"
"Hmm. He's wearing weird clothes, I have never seen them before. Ah, his body isn't in good shape. Don't worry, as my son in law I'll train him to be really strong. However, Mira is only 13 right now so you'll have to wait 5 more years. I apologize."
"Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"
Mira started to hit her father childishly. Needless to say this doesn't seem to have an effect on him. Well I'd be embarrassed if my mother became like this when I brought a girl home. Regardless if I know the girl or not.
So Mira is 13. My guess was higher by one year.
Her father who kept rambling on about how Mira brought home a man and Mira who screamed in denial at her father with her face being completely red, was making a loud scene. Moreover, it was night, which attracted the attention of neighbors nearby. It was embarrassing but these two don't seem to care at all.
During this, Luno came back and saw the situation. We made eye contact and she made a small laugh. She climbed back on the cart.
"Hahaha. I'm joking, I'm joking." This man who had just finished teasing her daughter stood up straight to say he's joking. Completely ignoring the fact her daughter's face is red from embarrassment. She also was teary faced and looked like she would cry any second.
Tears start forming in her eyes and small sobs can be heard. He seems to have gone a little too far now and his daughter is about to cry.
"Ahh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Don't cry. What do you want to eat tonight? I'll cook it for you." Mira's father asked in an attempt to cheer her up.
"Eggs and Vegetables." Mira replied with a low cracking voice while looking down.
"On the double. You go on ahead. Shower and change. Wait in the kitchen okay." As Mira's Father said this, he patted the head of her depressed daughter that was about to cry and told her to go in.
Mira, who was still looking down, nodded slightly and went inside quietly. After she went inside, Mira's father looked at me and apologized.
"Sorry you had to see that, I just haven't interacted with her like that in a while."
"It's okay.."
It's not a bad thing that they're getting along. Well I don't know if I can exactly say that but it's always a warm feeling seeing a father and daughter relationship. It's just you don't see a girl's father evaluate the man his daughter brings home everyday.
At the same time, Luno got down from the cart while carrying the black beast on her shoulder. What strength!
"Where should I put this? Boss."
The man made a thinking gesture as he observed the black beast Luno is carrying. Not long after, he said to Luno.
"Ah. I'll deal with that tomorrow. For now, just put it in the freezer at the back, after Mira showers, ask her to cast a cold spell so the carcass won't smell bad when it's morning"
"Okay boss"
"Luno.. don't call me boss.."
"Hahahaha. Okay Old Man." Luno smiled as she replied.
"That's not any better..."
Once again this man makes a face as if he's going to cry. I feel sorry for him being treated like this by girls probably half his age.
"I'm going in and I'm also going to shower." Luno said one last time before entering.
A few seconds after Luno went in. I'm the only one still standing outside while the man who I presume is the owner of the establishment looks at me with a smile. He extended his hand.
"Hello. My name is Mikra. Mikra Hyour Ryser. I'm the owner of this place."
"Good evening sir, my name is Yusof Harim." I extended my own hand and shook his.
"Ah.. I was having so much fun teasing Mira I didn't get to ask why they brought you home." He sighed as he said that. I answered while showing him the scars of my injury.
"Hahaha.. uhhh. It's because I was attacked by that thing Luno carried inside. When Mira did something with me. Some black aura showed itself from the remains of the injury when Mira did something."
"Oh. So it's that. Come in then. I'll prepare Mira's dinner and then I'll treat you"
"Thank you very much. Then I'll come in."
He invited me inside his place and I politely accepted.
____________
As I entered the building it was indeed a tavern. The expanse was spacious. The floors are made of stone and the walls are made of wood. There are numerous tables and chairs surrounding them for people to sit. There is a long counter lined up with chairs for people to sit. There is also a bar with a lot of different bottles lined up nicely on the shelves. There are 2 huge barrels with taps right next to the shelves, the room between the counter and the shelves and the huge barrel was big. There were numerous candle lights that illuminated the place. There are also a few windows visible from inside the tavern. I probably missed them when I was outside because of the darkness. There is also a stairway leading upwards and 3 doors.
"You can sit anywhere you like." As I was fascinated by the interior design of the tavern. Mikra invited me to sit anywhere I am comfortable with.
I of course accepted the offer and sat on a chair in front of the long counter. As I sat down, I glanced at Mikra.
"The toilet is that door over there. That door leads outside and right now it's locked." Mikra said as he pointed to the door behind me and the one to my right which leads to the toilet and outside respectively.
I nodded as a reply. He continued while walking towards the door behind the counter.
"I'm going to cook a meal for Mira as I promised first. Don't do anything troublesome." He gave me a small warning while smiling.
Well it isn't like I have anything to do anyway.
I heard the sound of fire. Shortly after I heard a sound like something being fried and something getting boiled.
My stomach started to rumble. I haven't eaten anything myself ever since I woke up in that forest. I was extremely lucky to have met up with Luno and Mira.
As I was lost in my thoughts. I heard footsteps coming from the staircase behind me. It was Mira wearing a light blue sleeping gown. She was holding a big book that was larger than her forearm, I could vaguely see the title 'Potion Brewing Volume 4'.
"Oh.. Hello." Mira greeted me shyly. It's different from this afternoon. Maybe because she isn't used to having a complete stranger look at her wearing a nightgown.
She took a seat on the chair in front of the long counter 2 seats to the right from me. She placed the huge book on the table and opened it to read. She hasn't spoken to me since.
Well, now is the best time to ask the questions I want to ask.
"Hey, Mira."
"What is it?" She answered without looking at me.
"Why did you bring me all the way here to heal me?"
"Because I can't really heal you." She replied instantly. I was a little confused.
"Eh? What do you mean."
"Old Man is the one that can heal you, I can't because I don't know how." Although she replied instantly with a clear tone in her voice but a hint of disappointment and sadness could be felt.
"I see, thank you for being so considerate towards a stranger like me." I replied while smiling to myself.
"We also helped you for another reason." Mira continued what she said. I was not expecting this and I looked at her by reflex, she is still reading the book. She didn't look back at me. "You now owe us a favor. I know that you are feeling indebted towards us for saving you."
She told me again as she flipped the page she was reading.
"Hahaha.. that's true, I am very indebted to you. You're a clever girl." I replied as I turned my head back to the front. She is completely true, although it was a bit manipulative. I would've been dead if they didn't help me. Naturally help like that deserves compensation.
"Hmph." Although she replied to me like that. I can see a grin forming on her face when I glanced at her. She likes getting praised, that's cute.
I want to ask some more questions, but she seems to be focusing on her studies. She's also radiating an aura that says 'don't bother me'.
Shortly after, The kitchen door was opened by a cheerful Mikra holding two plates. One of them is fried eggs and celery sticks. The other one is boiled tofu. He placed the dish with the eggs and vegetables in front of Mira as he smiled.
"Here Mira, your request. Cheer up okay."
"T-Thank you. Old Man" She said with the smile still formed on her face.
"Hahahaha. You're welcome. Although it hurts me a bit, you keep calling me an old man."
He laughed with his reply as he placed the spoon on Mira's dish. He then noticed she was grinning.
"Oya? You're smiling? hehehe.. Yusof, did you do anything to her?"
"I did not!" "He did not!"
Me and Mira replied in unison.
I just praised her. Why is she like that after being praised by a complete stranger?
In embarrassment, Mira took the spoon that came along with the dish and started to eat while reading her book, ignoring me and Mikra.
Mikra smiled at her then walked to my direction and placed the tofu on my table.
"Here. I thought you would be hungry."
Yes. Yes I am. I woke up in the middle of the forest and hadn't eaten anything this whole day. In excitement I put my hands together and prayed to God.
'Thank you for this food.'
I never actually was a religious person. However, some words from religious texts were engraved into me from my childhood. Saying grace before eating was one of them.
"Thanks for the food Mr. Mikra."
"Haha. No problem. Oh, I don't feel comfortable being called 'mister'. You can call me Mikra or whatever you want."
"Okay. How about Old Man?"
"Ack! Not you too!"
"Kumphu!"
Mira let out a small laugh when there was food in her mouth and turned away from us as if to hide herself. Mikra also noticed it and made a joyous smile.
After confirming that Mira is okay, he looked at me straight in the eye.
"You may call me Mikra. Not Old Man. I'm just 40 years old, you know."
So he's just a decade above me. That's surprising, having a daughter her age means he started taking care of her in his late twenties. I must commend him for raising her well! She saved me after all. If not for her, I wouldn't have been able to move my left hand at all.
I ate the tofu quickly because I was hungry. I wanted to ask for seconds but that might come out as rude. Until he offered me more to eat. Apparently he boiled too much Tofu and was worried it would go to waste. I am not someone to reject kindness, which led me to eat 5 servings of boiled Tofu. I'm stuffed.
"Thanks for the food Mikra." I thanked him while petting my stomach which felt bloated due to fullness.
"No problem. It makes me really happy that people enjoy my food." He replied. There was a short silence before he took a wooden mug from under the counter. He wiped the mug he was holding with a white cloth.
Mira next to me just finished her food and closed the book she was reading while eating. She stood up and went into the kitchen, which was the door behind the counter. I heard something like ice forming. Is she freezing the black beast Luno brought in? If it was me, I'd probably forget about it as soon as I enter the shower. She on the other hand, remembers her task and did it, what a diligent girl.
Shortly after the sounds disappeared, Mira came out of the kitchen and spoke in a monotone voice.
"I'll be going upstairs. Good night."
"Good night."
Mikra replied to Mira while I just waved my hand.
Mika then climbed up the stairs, leaving only me and Mikra downstairs.
____________
It has been a few minutes since Mira went upstairs. Mikra cleaned another mug and took out a bottle of what I assume was ale. Both of the cleaned mugs are now on the table as he poured the drinks inside them. A sudden fear shook me because I thought I'll have to pay for this.
"Don't worry. It's grape juice and It's on the house." It was as if he read my mind.
I became hesitant. Mikra must've sensed my suspicion. He laughed it off though, and spoke words in a sincere tone. "Hahaha. This is just how I normally treat my guests. Also Mira asked me to heal you, I can't reject her. It's also thanks to you, I got to talk with my daughter. She rarely talks to me. This is the most I've talked with her since last month."
Although I felt it was more teasing than an actual conversation, he really is happy that he got to talk with his daughter. All because some stranger became a subject for their conversation. This must be his way of giving thanks.
"I see.." I made myself look stupid for worrying.
"Now then. Lets see your injury". He extended his right hand to my left arm, signifying that he is about to start.
I showed him my injury. He then placed his right hand on top of the scar. His hand glowed and I felt the same sensation on my injury as when Mira was doing the spell
"Reveal Weakness"
Mikra twitched a little. Did something happen? Or am I already hallucinating at this young age
My scars turned black and a black aura seeped out of it. It was exactly as when Mira did it. Mikra stared at the injury, observing it thinking what action can be done.
"Hmmm.. This is a direct attack from a Dark Beast, if we don't get this healed soon, it will suck all the life out of your body." Mikra explained while maintaining his right hand while observing my injury.
"So I would die.." I was making a worried face again.
"Hahaha. Don't worry, it would take it 5 years for it to kill you because the spread is very slow. Still, it's better to have it removed immediately, Mira sure did you a favor bringing you here." Mikra replied to me.
"Yes she has. She's a good girl."
"She sure is."
After his reply, he cancelled the spell and stood up, he turned around to take something from the shelves.
*ting* cling* *ting* *cling*
Sounds of glass bottles being moved around while hitting each other can be heard. Shortly after, the sounds stopped and Mikra turned around holding something.
It was a small bottle that I'm unfamiliar with.
"Leave your arm like that." Mikra told me. I left my left arm lying on the counter with my injury facing upwards.
Mikra opened the bottle and poured it's contents onto my injury. Shortly after the liquid touches my injury. Black flames ignited and raged.
"Woah!"
This was a first for me, I have never seen anything like this. Although the flames looked intense, I didn't feel anything, it was painless. After a while, the flames died out and Mikra spoke the last time.
"That should do it, you don't need to worry about anything about that anymore."
"Thank you."
I thanked Mikra for his generosity and stood up and stretched my left arm, it felt good. I sat down again to ask him about this since I was curious.
"What exactly was that?"
"That was Dark Beast Residue. It's a curse implanted on people who get a direct hit from a Dark Beast. It drains your life energy steadily until you no longer have any to live on. If you are able to reach that state, you will die soon even if you remove the curse because it has already eaten 90 percent of your lifespan. The liquid I used a property known as a Curse Lifter , these liquids are a common remedy for this." Mikra Explained.
So that tiger shaped black beast is called a Dark Beast. A direct attack from that thing causes the injury to have a curse in a form of black remains that will slowly kill me.
"I really owe Mira and Luno one for saving me." I told him. As I smiled to myself.
"Yeah, they're good girls. Always trying to help." Mikra also smiled as he replied. He was making a relieved face.
However, his face quickly became sullen as if a he was sad about something.
"I'm just worried about them. They're helping me in a way that's so dangerous."
Mikra's voice was low and had a sad tone.
Indeed. Judging by their looks when they first brought that scary thing home. They are too used to this. It's not a lifestyle 2 girls their age are supposed to get used to.
In curiosity and concern, I ask Mikra. "Why are they working dangerous jobs like that?"
Mikra hesitated for a moment before he replied. "Because they're magic users. Magic users in this world are forced to be those who fight. In the eyes of society, those with magic are not allowed to be normal people who become merchants or housewives. They are forced to become people who carry out dangerous tasks for the people who can't fight, mainly the magicless."
What? Aren't there other types of fighting? I saw Luno hold a sword earlier, that means there is some form of fighting styles other than using magic.
"Can't the magicless fight with other tactics?" I asked Mikra.
Mikra made a slight nod and replied.
"They can, there is swordsmanship and archery and many more types of battling. Hell, there is even hand-to-hand combat." Mikra answered my question. His face became even more sullen. "They're just using those who are blessed with magic as scapegoats for their own incompetence and lack of diligence."
"That's just cruel."
"That's the truth"
What kind of truth is that? Forcing young girls fight monsters because the people who actually have the physical strength, experience and intelligence don't want to?
This is no different than the old world. Making others do their work because they're lazy, even when they can do it better themselves.
As I was loathing the truth of the world and magic users. Mikra, who was also making a sullen face, quickly snapped out of it and stood up. He took my empty mug and placed it under the counter and spoke to me.
"Anyway, it's getting late. You should stay here for tonight, there is an empty room upstairs. Sleep there. You can go back to your place tomorrow."
Oh.. right.. I need a place to stay. For tonight, it's okay since he's letting me, but what about the nights in the future? I'll have to do something about that.
All of a sudden, a crazy idea comes to mind.
"Uh Sir." I asked Mikra in a little shy matter
"I told you not to call me sir. What is it?" Mikra was slightly annoyed but he was listening.
"Can I… work here?"
Yes, working here would give me a place to generate income, and since it's a tavern, I might learn some other skills that I can use in the future.
"Work here? Why?" Mikra was making a confused face this time. It was a face I haven't seen since I got here.
"You see, I actually have nowhere to go and I don't have any money and I only know basic skills." I answered, I was honest, I see no reason to lie about my condition. If anything, lying would get me in more trouble.
A silence filled the room, I want to think that he's seriously considering it. After a while, Mikra's face changed into a serious expression as he looked at me.
"Are you an outcast?" Mikra asked me seriously.
...…..
I don't know how and why you came to that conclusion Mikra-san but for some reason this answer is better than all of the other possible answers I thought.
"You can say that." I replied with a wry smile.
"I also owe you guys a lot, since I didn't know I could die faster from Dark Beast Residue. This is my way of showing gratitude." I added as I gave a sincere smile.
"Well, I actually don't mind helping with your injury. But after hearing about your condition, it must be hard for you since you don't have anything. Get some rest first. We'll talk about this tomorrow." Mikra said in a professional manner, like a real boss in a job interview.
I was relieved, the gamble I took succeeded. I have a chance at getting a job in this world. This is my stepping stone.
I- Yusof Harim has now achieved a small goal in my new life.
As I was celebrating myself. Mikra patted my back and spoke to me while yawning.
"Well, it's time to sleep. You should get some rest too."
"Yes yes"
Mikra blew all the candles in the tavern while I waited. He then led me upstairs to a room on the far left. It was a bedroom which seemed like it was reserved for guests.
I surveyed the room and it was just that. A candle light, A bed, A window, A table and a chair. It is really all you need to sleep.
"Well, this is where you're sleeping tonight."
"Thanks again."
"No problem. Wake up early tomorrow, we'll talk before the tavern opens." That was the last thing Mikra said as he closed the door. I couldn't reply before he did.
After the door is closed all that is left is my room illuminated with the moonlight. I went to bed and stared at the ceiling. I summarized the day.
"First day. I almost died, which was a scary experience, but two young girls saved me. They healed me and they brought me back to this place. The owner is really nice, he considered taking me in for work and even gave me a place to sleep."
"I hope my life goes smooth this time"
I told myself one last time before sleeping.
____________
"Are you really going to take him?"
"I don't see any reason not to. He also feels like he owes us, we could use some more help around here since you're always gone."
"Tsk. Just so you know, his Magic Aura is seeping. It's pressure is intense."
"Yes, when I revealed the Dark Beast's injury, I was almost overwhelmed by the pressure. I don't know how Mira was able to handle that. His name is also one I've never heard the ring of."
"Neither have I, you know what that means. He's one of them"
"No, don't jump into conclusions. His Magic Flow is one of a kind, I think that's also why they brought him here."
"...So you think he's alive?"
"No. That entity went silent long ago"
"So how can you explain that special Magic Flow of his?"
"....."
"Should I dispose of him?"
"No. We should look further into him, we don't know what he is intending to do."
"You never change Mikra, you are too merciful."
"Same for you Jeyson. You are too rash. You should really learn how to think carefully about what you're going to do."
"I'm just being careful. We both know what is the only way for someone to get that Magic Flow."
"Which is why we'll investigate his actions starting tomorrow. Who knows, he might probably be strong. You know, he held off against a Dark Beast alone. That's not something just some guy can do."
"He was lucky, that is all."
"If we could make him stronger, he'll be able to defeat many more. Under us, he'll be a valuable comrade for us against those monsters."
"I highly doubt it, for all we know. He might be affiliated with them."
"We don't know that. You should really learn how to trust and work with others, Jeyson."
"Tch, I don't want to work with one of them. And besides, I fight alone, I have always been fighting alone and I will continue to."
"Even after all this time. You still couldn't let go of it huh?"'
"I will never forgive those monsters that destroyed my village.. and killed my parents. I will have my revenge."