Following their release, the first group, previously encountered in the forest, extended an apology to Orion for their earlier behavior. "We're sorry for our attitude back in the forest," one of them said. "We're from the Silver Fang clan." Their tone was one of genuine regret, a stark contrast to their previous hostility.
The second group, members of The Mystic Shadows, also expressed their gratitude. "Thank you for your help," their leader said. "You have our thanks, and we owe you one." Their acknowledgment of Orion's intervention was sincere, adding a layer of respect to their interaction.
Both groups decided to set up camp near the village, suggesting a newfound appreciation for the safety and proximity it offered. They invited Orion to visit them anytime, extending a hand of friendship and cooperation.
Meanwhile, Mira chose to stay near the village entrance, intending to help prevent any further misunderstandings between the villagers and the outsiders. Understanding the importance of her role, Orion summoned Auf once again, instructing him to protect Mira.
With Mira and Auf stationed at the entrance, Orion set out to explore the village further. He was particularly interested in the local commerce and headed towards the village's main shop. It appeared to be the hub of trade in the village, a central point where beastmen conducted their business transactions. While private trading between the beastmen was common, Orion was looking for something that catered more to his and Mira's needs as explorers from another world.
Approaching the shop, Orion prepared himself for another round of cultural exchange and negotiation, curious about what goods and information he might find in this unique marketplace.
As Orion entered the beastmen's shop, he was greeted by the shopkeeper, a canine beastman who bore a resemblance to the leader of the guards. It was apparent that word about outsiders had already spread through the village, as the shopkeeper didn't show any surprise at seeing Orion.
"Welcome, outsider," the shopkeeper said, his voice friendly yet measured. "I am Rokar. What brings you to my humble store?"
Orion introduced himself and got straight to business. He pulled out a few items to gauge what might interest Rokar – gold coins, spirit stones, mana stones, and he mentioned having the corpses of deers, boars, and wolves.
Rokar examined the items with a practiced eye. He showed little interest in the gold coins and spirit stones, but his expression changed when he saw the mana stones. "Ah, blood purification stones, you have more of these?" Rokar's eyes gleamed with interest.
Orion was momentarily taken aback by the term. "Blood purification stones? Is that what you call mana stones?"
"Yes," Rokar nodded. "They are rare and highly valued here. They help cleanse and purify one's bloodline. Very useful."
Orion understood the value these stones held for the beastmen. "I have a decent supply of them. I'm interested in trading for materials or information that could aid our exploration."
Rokar's expression turned thoughtful. "I believe we can make a fair trade. Your 'blood purification stones' for some of our local goods and information. We have herbs, tools, and other resources that might interest you."
Orion, intrigued by the prospect of a local map, inquired, "Do you have a map of the area for sale?"
Rokar rummaged through a stack of items and produced a detailed map. "This is a map of the surrounding area, about 10,000 square kilometers, with our village, named Lyrathorn, at the center." He unrolled it to show Orion, revealing intricately drawn details. "I can part with this for 25 blood purification stones."
Orion examined the map, noting its extensive coverage of the region. Recognizing its value for their exploration, he agreed to the trade, handing over the required mana stones.
As he looked around the shop, Orion realized that while there were various items, tools, and herbs, most were not immediately useful for their needs or unfamiliar in terms of their potential value back on Earth. Nevertheless, he decided to catalog them. Using his Basic Inspection skill, he meticulously noted down the names, system descriptions, and prices of each item. The task was thorough, taking him over two hours, but it provided valuable data for potential future trades.
Orion, with the acquired map and a comprehensive inventory list, shifted the conversation to gather information, an aspect he deemed crucial for their expedition.
"Could you tell me more about the forest near this village?" Orion asked, interested in understanding the immediate environment around Lyrathorn.
Rokar nodded, "The forest here is mostly safe. The beasts you'll find are normal, nothing extraordinarily dangerous. As for plants, we have a variety of medicinal herbs and some unique flora."
Satisfied with the response, Orion's next query was about other settlements. "Are there any other villages or towns nearby?"
Rokar asked for the map back and pointed to two other villages and a larger town within the mapped region. "Here and here are two other villages, and this is the nearest town. Each has its own specialties."
The main question on Orion's mind was about bloodlines. "Can you explain the concept of bloodlines among beastmen?"
Rokar leaned back, his expression turning reflective. "Every beastman has a bloodline. It's inherited from our ancestors before they evolved into beastmen. The strength and purity of one's bloodline determine their potential and power. I, for instance, have a common leopard bloodline. Through trade and the use of blood purification stones, my bloodline's purity has increased."
Orion listened intently, absorbing this new information.
Rokar continued, "There are rumors about our Great Chief having a bloodline of a celestial-level beast. But whether that's true or just a legend, I can't say for certain."
Orion pondered for a moment before asking one final question, "Why have you been so open in answering my questions? Aren't you concerned that we might use this information against you beastmen?"
Rokar laughed heartily, a sound that resonated with confidence. "The answer is simple – you are just too weak. You don't possess any beastman bloodline, and divine restrictions in this world cap your level significantly. Even if you harbored ill intentions, you wouldn't pose a serious threat to us."
He continued, his tone shifting to one of business acumen. "Besides, as a businessman, I see more value in trading than in conflict. Look at this – I've already earned fifteen blood purification stones just by having this conversation with you. Trading and sharing information benefit us both more than fighting ever could."
Orion nodded, understanding Rokar's perspective. The shopkeeper's straightforwardness and shrewd business sense painted a clear picture of how beastmen society operated, especially in terms of trade and information exchange. This interaction not only provided Orion with valuable insights but also highlighted the potential for peaceful and mutually beneficial relationships between his people and the beastmen.
With all his questions answered and a better understanding of the small world's dynamics, Orion thanked Rokar for his time and information. As he left the shop, his mind was abuzz with thoughts on how to utilize this new knowledge in their ongoing exploration and interactions within the Trial of Mortals.