"So, you're telling me that you want to buy a large number of magic crystals to concoct fireworks?" Confirmed the guys, actually amazed at how Invictus was putting effort into his lies.
"That is correct. It's my daughter's 7th birthday today, and I want to make it special for her."
Everyone understands Invictus and his desire to give his daughter a memorable birthday present. They were delighted, even the miners, about his plan for a grand fireworks display.
"Will we be seeing the fireworks display happen even if we are in the mountain?" asked a dirty miner, wearing only a raggedy tank top and pants.
From where Invictus was standing, peering over their shoulders, he could see the opening of the cave, its pathway lit with the same source of light, Ruddy Fireflies.
"For you to buy a large number of raw magic crystals just to produce
handmade fireworks, you're a great father."
"Thank you. So, uh, how much would a cart of raw magic crystals be?"
"Usually, we don't really sell raw magic crystals just to anyone coming directly to the cave since it's not our job, but just for you and your
daughter, we will sell you some and even give you a discount!"
One of the miners had already prepared the cart overfilled with raw magic crystals, pushing it up to Invictus's direction.
They genuinely seemed happy, selling Invictus the material he needed for his plan without any idea of what Invictus will actually need the raw magic crystals for.
Last night, Invictus dug countless spots around the forest, traveling back and forth to make sure that no tiny area would be spared.
It took a lot of effort to finish almost half of the job, but since Invictus was willing to do so, it became a walk in the park.
No matter how hard or grueling the job is, for the sole purpose of
exacting vengeance, Invictus must do anything. And in order to do so, he had sacrificed his emotions, leaving them behind in the Oubliette.
Empathy, pity, and mercy are just three of the several emotions Invictus has to suppress or completely shut off to be able to include innocent lives in his plan. He was blinded by rage, but his humanity was still there, causing his decisions to waver.
"These people are working hard. They have family they are protecting and feeding. I know... I know all of that, and yet here I am about to continue the wicked plan I have in mind. This is wrong! My mind is telling me to stop, and I want to! But... But then how will I fill the void in my heart?! I can't think of any other way! This is the only solution I can come up with! I must— no, I will exact vengeance on Estaria!"
His breathing became deep and heavy, and droplets of sweat began to drip down his face, quarterly visible on the part where the mask could not cover.
"Hey, are you okay?"
They pulled Invictus out of his dilemma.
He nodded his head, "yeah. I'm just suddenly worried that my daughter won't like my surprise." He lied, bringing out his pouch where he keeps his money.
"Oh, you're just overthinking things. All of us here are pretty sure that your daughter would be hella surprised once the fireworks display happens!"
"I guess you're right. Thanks again."
Invictus began counting the remaining Plata he has with him and asked for the price:
"How much will it be?"
One guard put out his hand, his hand opened, and fingers were apart from each other, indicating a five.
"F-Five hundred?"
Invictus almost choked on his words, surprised at the large amount the guard wanted for the raw magic crystals when it was abundant in sources.
"Uh, no, no, no," denied the guard chucklingly. "I mean this much."
Now the guard was showing a "five" in his right hand and a "zero" in his left hand. He did it so Invictus would easily get that he meant 50, not 05 by using his right hand to indicate zero and his left hand a five.
"Oh, 50 Plata. I have that much, but isn't that, you know, kinda
inexpensive? Won't the miners make less money this way?"
Virval Highlands does not own the mining cave. Everyone is free to excavate in the cave and mine magic crystals if they have been living for more than a month in the town. However, mining comes with great risk, and the tally of people that died and got buried alive in many sections of the cave is about twenty-eight. One must be extremely careful when they are responsible for their lives and actions. No third party or other people will be held liable in an instance of an accident.
"You don't need to worry about it, Meliora. Everybody here gets paid just enough, even if we sell the resources for a cheap price."
"And it's because we also admire your dedication in trying to make your daughter's birthday party a day to remember!"
"Yes, yes! So, just do what you need to do because we know you have a lot of workloads to do!"
Gratefully, Invictus paid 50 Plata for the cart of raw magic crystals and proceeded onwards.
Before he goes back, Invictus bids his farewell to the guards and miners, then begins pushing the cart overfilled with the materials.
"Now all I need are enough quantities of Natrium, and the fireworks display will be read."
Just the thought of enjoying a bottle of rice wine whilst he watches the mountain launch cinders of Natrium from the bottom made him grin unstoppably.
Natrium is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. It occurs abundantly in nature in compounds, especially common salt.
"I can't pass on this opportunity."
When Invictus arrived back at the slippery path of the falls, he took the time to take his clothes off but not his mask. He neatly folded them and placed them in a dry spot, then went to the splashing of water coming from above the rainforest.