It has been a few days since our departure from Port Silis. It was a tough decision to depart from Clein and Kara without notifying them of what had occurred, however, we had no opportunity to delay. I often contemplate if Claude de Vusech survived. Even though we were strangers, I still wonder how the people of Silis will respond to the news of the issues at the palace. What steps would need to be taken in the event of the king's death? Would they elect a new ruler? How fast will news travel fast and alert all countries about Claude de Vusech passing? Those are the things that plague my mind.
My mind felt heavy and dull from all the pent-up stress. I decided to take my mind off the depressing bits and glance around. It was nighttime, and we were camping out in a clearing that lies on the border of Silis, the Wyvern Zone, and Aglona. Since I was surrounded by trees and orchids, my mood improved a bit.
The chase for Airon had been tiring. We would spend hours running, which was faster than riding carriages, and rarely take breaks. While it sucks that we do not have the time or resources to access faster transportation, the good thing about this is that my Stats increased significantly.
"Status…"
Name: Laila
Rank: Undecided
Strength:16 Agility:29
Durability:18 Mana:23
Masteries: Marksmanship Lvl 1 Swordsmanship Lvl 2 Mana Weapon Construction Lvl 3 Heat Resistance Lvl 1 Night Vision Lvl 2
My Status has been coming along nicely. I should train [Marksmanship] and [Swordsmanship] a lot more from now on, especially [Swordsmanship]. It's been at a bottleneck for a while.
To my left, Myra was sitting on top of a tree branch, leaning on the rough bark. She was gazing up at the moon while tugging at her bowstring. That simple action reminded me of a musician playing a harp under a full-moon. On my far right, Isaac was in a meditation pose, training with his own mana. He does this every day after completing his training with Solgen. My brother is a hard worker whenever he puts his mind to something he enjoys. As for Zelke, he had been staring straight-faced at me for the past five minutes, not even blinking once. Occasionally, he would sneak a glance at Isaac and would turn his attention back to me. The thing is, he's not even being discreet.
"So, um… You've been eyeballing me for a while. Got something to say?" I asked awkwardly.
"…"
"…?"
"You're not from Bellagros, are you?" The man curtly replied. The way he asked that question annoyed me a little bit, but I brushed it aside.
"No. Me and my brother are not from Bellagros. What made you think so?"
"While we may share some distinct features, you do not have the aura of a warrior from Bellagros."
The aura of a warrior? Yea, that's understandable from his point of view. I only started fighting two months ago. Compared to Zelke, I'm just a novice and he's an expert…
The campfire crackled and popped, sending plumes of black and gray smoke into the air and filling the area with the smoky scent of burnt leaves and wood. Just listening to it was music to my ears…
Soon enough, a passing thought interrupted the tranquil quietness. Why not have Zelke train us in swordsmanship? It was like someone pulled open the curtains in front of my very eyes and showed me the light for the first time. We have a seasoned warrior right in front of us. Why not take advantage of it?
"Hey, Zelke."
"Hm?" He grunted in response.
"What do you think about teaching Isaac and I swordsmanship?"
****
Waking up at the ass crack of dawn for guard duty at the gates of Boring Luxin is a mood killer. I should move to a better location. Maybe somewhere near Tatjun. I heard Cronas is lively at this time of year…
As I contemplated my travel plans, in the distance, four shadows were moving at incredible speeds, and they were heading toward this location.
"Hm? The hell is that? Is it demogres? A pack of dire wolves?!"
Panic was settling in my brain. My heart was on the verge of doing somersaults as I scrambled to ring the bell used to alert for danger. As my hand was on the string, ready to pull it down, a feminine voice rose from the darkness.
"There's no need for that. Why not let us in?"
An elf leisurely walked up to me, no weapon in sight. Behind the elf were her companions. At least it's people and not monsters…
Wait a second. Aren't they-
Before I could pull down the rope, I felt myself drifting into a deep slumber as the last thing I felt was the back of my head being hit by something heavy.
****
"Did you see the look on that poor guy's face? He looked like he was going to shit himself, Hah!" Isaac snickered as he donned a pair of dark robes.
All four of us were perched on top of a guard tower, staring down at the small town, Luxin. It was a quiet place. The wooden houses were nestled in little lots, forming a gentle half-circle. The long dirt road connecting each lot was rutted and potholed. Surrounding the village was a tall wall, probably meant to keep out intruders and monsters.
"Fucking hell. They know that we're chasing Airon and have sent a warning to every city to be on the lookout for us…" said Myra.
Looks like we're public enemy number one in Aglona. Do we seriously have to wear these robes every time we go out? Furthermore, this is also suspicious in its own right. We'll just be stopped every five minutes…
"I know what you're thinking, but don't worry about it," Myra reassured. "Many people hide their identities, be it when they're up to no good or not."
"If you say so," I mumbled. She knows more than I do, so I'll trust her.
"Right now, we need information," Myra continued. "We do not know where Airon may be exactly heading with The Oracle. All of us should split up and look for any clues. Just know that since this is on the outskirts of Aglona, there might not be any promising news. Just remember that. We'll meet up later at the other end of town."
After saying her piece, Myra went her own way, Zelke following along.
Isaac gave me a quick pat on the shoulder and said, "Well, you heard her. I'm outta here. Gonna go do some exploring!"
Isaac, exhibiting enthusiasm, was walking towards a fruit stand owner, who had just opened for business. Looking around my surroundings, I spotted a red-bricked tavern to my left. The early birds were already heading in for breakfast.
"There goes my first stop…"
After slinking along the edge of Luxin and avoiding everyone's gazes, it took me a good three minutes to reach the tavern safely. The place wasn't all that big, maybe around two stories. Green shrubs invaded the exterior, resembling a botanic garden. A trickle of customers poured inside. Taking a deep breath, I walked to the front and counted to three.
Pushing the wooden doors open, I immediately felt the burning glares of the patrons. Ignoring them to the best of my abilities, I cruised through the tables and sat in the far corner. The tavern was neat and clean, as if it was just scrubbed yesterday. Lanterns were hung onto the wooden beams, the flames flickering to the low chatter of hushed voices. There was a counter up front, and behind it was a shelf with an assortment of bottles. Maybe wine. On the walls were shelves of pots, vases, and even armaments such as swords or shields. A muscular man had a little notepad in his calloused hands, waiting for my order.
"What can I get ya, little missy?"
"I'll just have a glass of water, please."
After taking my order, the man went to the next table, jotting down the other's orders. The glares from the patrons had not let up, and only seem to get worse. Are they aware of who I am?
A group of people slid off their wooden chairs and marched where I was silently minding my own business.
"I've never seen you around here before," one man growled. He seems to be in his thirties, a small scar running down his left cheek. I could tell from a glance that they were hoodlums.
"Do you need anything from me?" I asked politely. Getting into a fight right now wouldn't be wise. Don't want my cover to be blown.
The man in front thought otherwise.
"Oh, I want something from you alright." He placed his hand on the dagger strapped to his hip. "Newcomers have to pay a small fee. Fifty Krindos."
What the hell is a Krindo? Is it this country's currency?
"…And if I don't pay this fee in… Krindos, was it?"
The man looked back at his entourage and gave a small cackle.
"Then you'll have to pay us in a different manner," he cruelly smiled, licking his lips. He hovered his hand over my head, intent on pulling my hood down. I sighed under my breath and abruptly got up.
"Yep. Can't take this anymore."
I gave the weirdo a quick punch in the face, sending him flying to the wall. A lantern stationed on top broke from its chain and toppled on top if his head. A sickening crunch followed soon after.
"Eugh. I got blood on my hand…"
"How dare you!" A young man screeched.
He took out a short blade and rushed at me. His friends followed along with him, screaming in harmony. I lifted my leg into the air and cast it downward at the edge of a wooden table, causing it to flip sideways. Using it as a shield, the hoodlum's weapons pierced through the surface. I kicked the table as hard as I could. The hoodlums were caught in its trajectory and were knocked away, yelling curses as the table toppled on top of them. That was when I thought to myself: They must have a boss or a head honcho in these parts. They would probably have more information than these guys. I heard that mobsters usually have access to secret information in the underworld.
I walked over to the scarred man, bleeding profusely from his mouth and head.
"Hey, you."
At the sound of my voice, he tried to crawl away.
"G-get away from me," he whimpered. I squatted down in front of his face and shot him a question.
"Show me where your boss is, or else."
To reinforce my threat, I pulled out my rapier and poked him in his arm, drawing a little blood.
The man nodded his head frantically, on the verge of tears. "O-Okay! Just don't kill me!"
I gave him a small smile and stood up. "Well? What are we waiting for?"
****
"This is it?"
"Y-Yes, this is our hideout. I swear it!"
Wow. This guy is scared out of his wits. I'm feeling kinda of bad now…
The hoodlums led me to a dark alleyway filled with rats and all manners of disgusting creatures. The sight made me want to dip the hell out of here and never come back.
"F-Follow me… it's up ahead."
The man guided me through the alleyway, stepping over garbage bags and bottles of liquor. At the end was a door with a circular peephole. The hoodlum knocked three times, and a gruff voice instantly spoke.
"Password?"
"M-May we prosper in life and death…"
"…"
A lock was opened, and the door slowly opened. We were suddenly confronted by a short, balding man, his heavy breathing loud in the silence.
"Tepo, who the hell is this?" the shorty snarled.
"She wants to meet the boss…" the man hesitantly answered. "She's not related to the guards… I c-checked."
The bald had a look of disbelief on his face and looked like he was about to shut the door until another voice rang out.
"Let 'em in," the voice boomed.
"Yes boss! Get in here already!"
He ushered us inside, made sure we weren't followed, and shut the door from behind. The place was dimly lit, and the only light source was in the middle of the room- a tiny candle. A small table with two chairs on each side was stashed, one of them was occupied.
"Welcome! What do I owe the pleasure of having a pretty lady like you here?"
Who I presume is the boss was a pudgy man wearing a brown cap. He had a peach fuzz of hair on his cheeks and a tiny patch of hair on the chin. In his mouth was a cigar. The man was puffing out circles of smoke as he watched me with curiosity. The fumes made me want to cough, but I held it in. Without an ounce of fear, I strolled through the room and forced myself onto an available chair, staring the man down.
"I want information."
He whistled at my boldness.
"You for sure aren't a normal lass. What kind of information are you looking for? It's not free. I'll tell you that!"
I have nothing substantial to give such as money, possessions, or information. Selling my body to labor or anything nefarious is an obvious no. There's only one thing that I can think of…
"Hey. I got a question for you," I whispered, tapping my fingers on the table. "How do you feel about getting replaced?"