Sitting inside the tent, I began the meticulous preparation for our upcoming scouting expedition. Despite the slim chance of encountering monsters, I adhered to the age-old saying : it's better to be well than sorry .
The metallic clinks echoed within the tent as I donned my chainmail armor, securing it around my form. Additional steel pieces found their places, protecting vital areas like the stomach, chest, elbows, and shoulders. Yet, I couldn't shake the discomfort as the cold steel pressed against my neck and flesh.
Nevertheless, the practicality of the armor in the face of potential danger outweighed the discomfort, so I got it over with and stopped behaving like a baby .
Moving on, I reached for my weapons. The short sword, with its gleaming edge, felt reassuring in my hand. A small buckler shield followed suit, its weight balanced for swift maneuvers and also light enough not to impede things like climbing and running . Finally, the mana gun, a device of both arcane and mechanical design, as much of his construction resembled that of old gun .
Two pouches of mana crystals were attached to my hips , ensuring a ready supply in case I was to shoot with it.
The tent flaps rustled as I emerged, greeted by the cool nightly breeze brushing against my face. A glance to the side revealed Roy, already prepared and seated on a stool, awaiting my lead.
"Young master," he greeted, bowing as our eyes met.
I couldn't help but note his skill in masking any irritation he might be feeling.
"If you're ready, follow me. We will move..." I hesitated for a moment before continuing,
"East," echoed Baalkaroth's voice in my mind.
"East. Let's go. We should be back in a few hours if we find nothing," I announced, securing the sword to my belt as I took the lead.
Roy voiced his concerns, "Should we not at least get more men, young master? If something were to happen to you, we are the ones that will be pun—"
"As I said before, me and you will be more than enough. Quit your yapping and walk," I cut in with an icy tone, emphasizing the authority in my command. Leading the way as guided by Baalkaroth, I set a determined pace into the night, leaving behind the camp and venturing into the unknown darkness.
As Roy and I moved through the forest, the darkness enveloped us, and the only sounds were the rustling leaves beneath our boots.
The leaves rustled in the trees as we walked, the branches hanging low near our height from the ground.
Roy, a silent and stoic presence beside me, kept pace as we ventured deeper into the wilderness. The air was crisp, carrying with it the earthy scent of the forest. Shadows played tricks on the edges of our vision. I could see Roy getting a bit restless watching around in fear of something ambushing us. I instead was as calm as a lake as I had Baalkaroth with me who would pinpoint the position of any monster if there was any.
''You are getting closer human, few kilometers and you will reach the entrance, I don't think I need to tell you not to play the explorer inside as you will get yourself and me killed'' Baalkaroth spoke , I however remained silent . As I watched back I believe I was far away from the camp to go with my plan.
"It's pretty cold, isn't it, Sir Roy?" I remarked, attempting to initiate a conversation.
"It is as you say, young master. The wind certainly doesn't help," he replied, his voice carrying a stoic edge.
"Please, my memory is a bit fuzzy. How long have you served my father?" I asked, prompting both of us to halt. Sir Roy raised an eyebrow, a silent acknowledgment to my query.
"I have served your family for nearly twelve years, young master," he answered with a touch of pride.
"Did you serve in the war?" I inquired, breaking the silence as I opened my canteen filled with wine and took a swig.
"Yes, I served under your father in a few battles and campaigns. Your father was a great strategist," he praised, reminiscing about past glories.
"I'm sure he is," I replied, extending the canteen to Sir Roy.
"Oh, it's not proper to drink whil—"
"I said drink," I insisted, and he complied, locking eyes with me.
"Did you receive anything for your years of service?" I questioned as I reclaimed the canteen, strapping it against my hip.
"It was my honor to serve your father. He has been a kind lord to me. After the war, he gifted me with this sword," Sir Roy explained, his hand playing with the hilt affectionately.
"Seems like a good one. Let me feel it," I said, extending my hand to inspect the weapon, appreciating the weight and craftsmanship in the moonlit shadows of the forest.
The knight promptly handed me the sword, and as I gripped the hilt, I could feel the weight and balance that came with years of service and battles. Swinging it through the air, the blade cut through the silence of the night, and I couldn't help but be impressed.
"This is quite the blade, Sir Roy," I commented, admiring its craftsmanship. "The weight is perfectly balanced, and the edge feels sharp and reliable. My father's gift reflects his appreciation for your years of service."
"As I said, it was my hon—"
"Tell me, Sir, do you have children or a wife?" I interrupted, steering the conversation in a different direction.
Roy looked a bit surprised but answered with a smile , "Yes, young master, I have two beautiful brats and a loving wife who await me at home."
"I'm going to tell you a few things, sir. Follow me here, all right?" I continued, my tone serious. "I am the only son of my father, which means I am the only one who is going to inherit this land, am I right?"
"When the time comes for the lord to be claimed by the goddess, let's hope it's far away in time. Yes, young master," Roy replied.
"So basically, one day I will rule over all this land," I said with a smile, extending my hand. "Making an enemy out of me means making an enemy out of the future count."
Roy said nothing, but I could see him gulp.
"Let's say if someone with a family were not to heed my orders, then he would basically cripple himself and his family's future, right?" I added, studying his reaction. Roy seemed taken aback, and a hint of nervousness crept into his eyes as he immediately understood he was disarmed and alone, far away from the safety of the camp.
''Young master I apologise for an-''
''It's alright Roy, you still are in the clear with me ...for now'' I said with a calming voice
"Now, I'm sure your family would be devastated if you were not to return home. So, listen carefully to what I'm about to say. I'm going to share a secret with you, one that not even my parents know. The reason I insisted on just you and me going was to have the chance to reveal this secret.
Understand, what I'm about to say must stay with you even in your grave. If my father hears of it, I know it will be you, and no matter how far you go, it will not be far enough for my hand to reach you in the future."
"Young master—"
"I said not to fucking interrupt me. I hate people who do that... and there won't be a third time. Now, what I'm about to say is a secret. I already know where the dungeon is, and, with the goddess as my witness, the county is in great peril."
Roy said nothing, his eyes filled with fear, however I think that it was fear against me as he probably do not believe my secret .
"I have an ability, sir. I won't tell you about it, but it allows me basically to sense the presence of a dungeon and know the number of monsters inside. Do you want to know how many?"
The knight nodded cautiously.
"Thousands and thousands. I believe this very place we stand is nothing but a future battleground. You know what this means?"
"The Demon King is preparing armies inside our country," the knight spoke, a hint of fear in his voice, having faced demons and their armies before and understanding their strength.
"Now, I can't tell anyone about this ability of mine, so I'll need you to cover up for me saying we entered the dungeon and saw some ugly shit inside. But let's be realistic; you don't believe me. So, I've come here to show you the entrance of this dungeon, to let you know that what I say is the truth. Obviously, we won't get inside, and you'll have to trust me about the number of monsters inside, if we try and get captured I fear what they will do to us.... Shall we begin then?"
"Why won't you tell anyone about this ability?" Roy asked, genuine curiosity furrowing his brow.
I held his inquisitive gaze for a moment before responding, "Do you know what will happen if I let people know about this ability?" I asked, throwing his sword toward the knight, as even with it, he was no danger to me.
The knight pondered, weighing the question in his mind, before finally replying, "Great honor will come to your family. Such an ability is a rare and powerful gif-."
Interrupting him abruptly, I clarified, "I will become a breeding animal.''
Roy looked at me not understanding
''As you know abilities have a great chance of being passed down among one's generation , it does not always happen.... but it does have a great chance for sure....
This ability is too strong not to be had . If the royal family desires this ability for themselves, they will demand that I marry one of their members, now I am sure that would be a fucking honor for some fuck without balls , but not for me. Sir, I am no fucking animal to be used as a breeding tool. I prefer death to that fate, as I will decide with whom I lay. Not you, not father, and no fucking goddess can decide that, I alone am in control of my life and I will not let anyone dictate that .I can not think of anything most pitiful than not being in control fo your own life...''
Roy looked at me, his expression a mix of fear and worry. Closing the distance between us, I leaned in, my face inches from his, and delivered a stern message, "If I find out you opened your fucking mouth, I will cut off your tongue and the tongues of your entire family. Do you understand?"
His gaze shifted down to the ground, and after a moment, he nodded in acknowledgment.
I stepped back, relaxing my posture, and patted his shoulder. "If you do as I tell you, great rewards will come to you and your family. Who knows, you may even be landed in the future. All of this, just to shut your fucking trap. Good deal, right?"
''Yes, young master''
It seems like the plan worked, if it did not then the fact that we were away from camp would have definitely come in handy.Now it's time to show him the entrance to the dungeon