The sun was already high in the sky as Hex and Riolu continued their trek across the vast wilderness. Riolu's stomach was growling, and he felt like he couldn't take another step. He asked Hex once again how far they were from the next city.
Hex rolled his eyes. "How many times are you going to ask me that? I'm starting to regret rescuing you in the first place."
"I'm sorry, I'm just really tired," Riolu replied. "We've been walking for a week now, and there's no sign of life anywhere. All we've had to eat are berries and worms."
"Well, it's not my fault that the animals got scared off by that golem and ran away," Hex said.
"But you said we had lots of gold coins," Riolu protested.
"We haven't seen anyone for a week," Hex retorted. "How am I supposed to buy anything? If I knew the next city was going to be this far away, I would have stolen some food from that jerk in the office back there."
Suddenly, Riolu heard a rumbling sound in the distance. "Sir, listen! Do you hear that?"
Hex looked skeptical. "Are you sure it's not just your stomach growling?"
Riolu shook his head. "No, it's definitely something else."
As they approached, they saw a cart coming toward them. "Help!" Riolu shouted.
But Hex slapped his head. "Merchant guide 101, don't act like you're desperate for help. They'll just charge you more money."
As the cart drew closer, Hex and Riolu realized that it was being driven by an orc. "Good day, sir," the orc said. "Do you need something?"
Riolu opened his mouth to answer, but Hex quickly intervened. "We're looking for directions," he said. "We don't have a map at the moment."
The orc looked surprised. "Where are you traveling from?" he asked. "Did you really come all this way without a map?"
"We're from Xiji country," Hex replied. "We were attacked by a monster along the way and barely escaped with our lives. We left with nothing. Kind sir, can you help us?"
The orc's expression softened. "Poor you," he said. "I have a map for this region. You can have it, and here's some leftover bread as well."
Riolu was amazed. "I didn't expect that," he said. "I thought orcs were supposed to be vicious."
Hex smiled. "Orcs are only vicious in war. They're actually a kind race when it comes to helping others."
"But didn't the monster side also have orcs?" Riolu asked.
"A corrupted orc is one who can't control their rage," Hex explained. "That's the one on the monster's side. They're always thinking about war."
"I see," Riolu said.
Hex nodded. "You have to understand the characteristics of different races if you want to be a great merchant like me."
Riolu grinned. "Yes, yes, you're the best."
Hex opened the map. "Let's see where we are..."
"Wait a minute. You said you knew the way! We've been lost this whole time!" Riolu replied.
Hex quickly corrected himself. "Actually, we're in the Dark Wood region, near an orc city. We must have walked past the border. If we head in that direction, we'll get attacked by monsters."
"So where are we going next?" Riolu asked.
"We're going to the orc city," Hex replied. "My merchant token can grant us entry."
Riolu gazed at the glimmering token that Hex held in his hand, his eyes wide with surprise. "Huh, didn't the merchant token can only be used at the human city?" he asked.
Hex chuckled, a sly smile on his lips. "Ah, my dear Riolu, you underestimate the power of the gold token. This baby grants me access to any place I desire, with the exception of war-torn countries and forbidden lands."
Riolu's jaw dropped. "It must be worth a fortune then."
Hex nodded. "Indeed. It costs a pretty penny, but lucky for me, I obtained it for free. If my memory serves me right, it's worth around one hundred thousand gold coins."
Riolu's eyes bulged. "What? You must have stolen it from someone!"
Hex waved a dismissive hand. "Details, details. Let's just focus on our mission at hand, shall we?"
As they approached the city gate, an orc guard stopped them, blocking their path. "State your business," he growled.
Hex handed the guard the token, who examined it skeptically. "What's a rich merchant like you doing in this small village?" he asked suspiciously.
Hex shrugged nonchalantly. "Just doing some small business. Nothing too fancy."
The guard snorted. "Well, be on your way then."
As Hex entered the gate, Riolu tried to follow him, but the guard stopped him in his tracks. "And what exactly are you?" he asked, eyeing Riolu up and down.
Riolu hesitated for a moment before stammering, "I'm his...uh...servant. I carry his items around for him."
The guard raised an eyebrow. "Isn't slavery illegal in the human country?"
Hex intervened, "Oh, no, not in all places. In fact, in some regions, it's perfectly legal, like here."
The guard chuckled. "Ha! I like you. How much for your slave?"
Hex smirked. "Why, do you want to buy him?"
The guard shrugged. "My daughter isn't too popular with male orcs, so maybe having a servant will help her confidence."
Hex turned to Riolu with a sly grin. "What do you say, Riolu? Fancy a date with an orc girl?"
Riolu scowled. "No, just no."
The guard shrugged. "Well, suit yourself. Her name is Karin, by the way. You can ask for her in the village center."
Riolu rolled his eyes. "Great. Just what I need. A date with an orc."
Hex chuckled. "Hey, don't knock it until you try it. Orcs can be beautiful too, you know."
Riolu scoffed. "Yeah, right. Last time I trusted you, we got lost and had to eat worms for a week."
Hex waved a dismissive hand. "Pish posh. This time, it'll be different. All you have to do is restore her confidence. It's not like I'm asking you to make love to her."
Riolu grimaced. "And what's in it for me?"
Hex grinned. "Oh, I'll give you something great if you succeed. Trust me."
Riolu hesitated for a moment before finally conceding. "Deal."