Title: My First Trading Partner is An Awaken
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
_______________________
"Henry, it's good that you received my message!" Tyler exclaimed!
"Yes. What's up, Tyler? What's going on?" Henry asked.
"I'm good but you see, the nobles here are asking why I am purchasing a lot of waste at a premium price. They are curious and you know, you're the only person I could ask this," Tyler explains.
"You're right. As you said, it's good for vegetation so I grow vegetables here in my backyard," Henry said. "Are there still some uses of it?"
"Ah no. It's really for growing plants but how did you get rid of the weeds that grow with your intended plant? That's what they wanted to know. I, in particular, had some curiosity about it." Tyler said.
"I am not sure if you can follow, but I can show it to you," Henry said.
"Alright, if I am satisfied, I will give you 100 good coins!" Tyler promised.
"Tyler. That's too low. Give me 1000 gold coins and I will show it to you step by step and give you video instructions."
At first, Henry was stunned by what his trading partner had said but he knew for a fact that sharing his knowledge about this hydroponic thing will or might change the way the people live in the Galan Kingdom where Tyler was.
'Hmm. It seems he is either becoming smart or greedy. Which is which? However, if we could really get rid of the weeds so that we can use the wastewater, 1000 gold coins might really be a stone in the vast water!' Tyler thought.
"Alright, deal!" Tyler finally decided.
Since the platform has some functions like translation and viewing, Henry had taken advantage of it. He downloaded guides of starting hydroponics with and without proper technology and let the platform do its default functions.
When Tyler silently listen and watched the different videos, he was stunned by how it could really solve the weed's problem.
"Amazing! Although you use different kinds of leafy vegetables, it really reduces any kind of weeds if we follow such a system!"
He never thought that the world of Henry could really think of such an ingenious idea.
"So, is it worth the coin, Tyler?" Henry asked.
"Yes! It's worth it!" Tyler immediately agreed. 'It may be more than what it's worth though!'
'I might need to keep this a secret for now since this can wait and I don't have any obligation whatsoever to the lady of Rocca. Although, I am tempted by the offer of 30 pieces of D-rank crystals,' Tyler thought.
"Good! Then I'll wait for your gold coins." Henry politely said.
Tyler also exited from using the substation platform as he too needed to train and make more bombs to increase his proficiency.
_____________
[Segia Continent, Galan Kingdom, Kailan Region, Blackwood City]
"The Fenrirs have increased their activity along the northern path. They're moving in larger packs and seem more coordinated than before. It won't be long before they reach the outskirts of Blackwood City."
One of the scouts reported in front of Hannah Halley, the commander in charge of the northern Frontline stationed in the Blackwood City, the last City of the Kailan Region.
Hannah's brow furrowed as she processed the information. "What about their behavior? Any changes we need to be aware of?"
Marcus nodded. "Yes, Commander. It appears they're becoming more aggressive towards anything that enters their territory. Our patrols have encountered several skirmishes with them, and casualties are rising."
"How are we faring?" She asked one of his knights in the command post.
"My lord, there are still 145 D-rank, 355 E-rank and 480F-rank awaken ready for combat. There are 39 deaths recorded, and 175 decapitated. We truly need reinforcement." One of her knights presented and even further recommended.
"Knight Marcus, how many are the Fenrir that you managed to scout near the region?" Hannah asked, frowning from the wounded soldier.
"My lord, the Fenrirs are about 4,000. We are truly outnumbered," he reported. "We only managed to kill around a thousand."
Just before they continued their discussions, one of the knights that managed the logistics came, breaking the tension that built up in the war room, "Commander! The supplies arrived!"
"Good timing, we really need good news now." Hannah nodded as the talk was diverted a bit to the good news. It has been days that she is receiving negative news.
"Good timing! Are there new bombs in the supplies?" Hannah asked. The bomb had been out of stock for three days, leaving them vulnerable to the relentless attacks of the Fenrirs.
"Yes, commander. It's the F-rank bomb. We received 4000 pieces in total, more than what we had requested. Additionally, there are 1,300 liters of F-rank healing potion for the wounded," another aide informed her.
Hannah's brow furrowed in suspicion. "What's the catch?" she asked, knowing that such generosity often came with strings attached.
The aide handed her a letter, and as Hannah read the words penned by the Lady of Rocca, her heart sank. The reinforcements she had hoped for would be delayed, as the Rocca Region's forces were stretched thin, particularly on the other front where Dale City faced increasing pressure from both the goblins and other threats.
"So the reason for the surplus in supplies is due to this," Hannah muttered, her mind racing with the implications of the news.
The burden on the count of Rocca and his forces weighed heavily on her, knowing that their struggles would impact the safety of Blackwood City and the entire region.
Almost a hundred percent of the magical beasts they encounter so far are the giant wolves, which they usually called Fenrirs.
They are at least twice the size of an average wolf. These are savage wolves and have intelligence that made them survive that long not only depended on their sheer number but also on such intelligence.
Despite their size, Fenrir's move with a grace and agility that belies their bulk, capable of darting through the densest forests with silent ease.
In battle, Fenrir's fight with a primal savagery, tearing into their foes with unmatched ferocity. Their jaws are lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, capable of crushing bone with ease.
Despite their bestial nature, there is an undeniable sense of power and majesty to these creatures, a reminder of the untamed wilderness from which they hail.
"However, as compared to Dale City, we are more lucky…" Hannah commented.
Amidst the dire circumstances plaguing the northern region of Kailan, a silver lining emerged amidst the relentless onslaught of the Fenrirs.
While the majority of these magical beasts were classified as F-rank and E-rank, their individual strength proved to be a formidable challenge.
Despite their lower ranks, their power rivaled that of mid-level E-rank to peak D-rank awakened individuals, presenting a formidable obstacle for the defenders of the region.
"According to the scout, the Fenrirs besieging the Blackwood City has only reached the D-rank power…" She continued her thought.
On the other front, besieging Dale City, the last City of Kailan region, about a three day trip to the Wadas City is also a front, commandeer by one of her seniors.
"Though the magical beasts assaulting the city possessed less individual power and ferocity compared to the Fenrirs, their overwhelming numbers posed a daunting challenge," Hannay thought as she recalled what was in the letter from the count.
[The defenders of Dale City found themselves locked in a desperate struggle against an enemy whose sheer numerical superiority threatened to overwhelm even the most stalwart of defenses.]
[You know how ferocious Goblins are, Hannah.]
With this information alone, she pretty well knew why no reinforcement came for them.
The most awesome part of the goblin is their fast development from baby to adulthood and after reaching adulthood, the growth slows down.
So a two years old goblin can have the strength of an adult
Human beings. Their peak might only reach the D-rank magical beast but this reproductive advantage made them kings in the vast land of the forest beyond the Kailan region that the Galan Kingdom wanted to conquer.
"Hold on, the Lady of Rocca also sent a group of experts that makes bombs and healing potions!" Hannah Halley nodded as she recalled what was in the letter.
"Yes, commander, there are 12 people in total. They are waiting in the hall for your instruction." Her aide said.
"Alright. Let's meet them." Without delay, the commander and her aides move to the hall to meet the experts sent by the Lady of Rocca.
_____________
"We've met the commander!" Tyler Pierce and his companions greeted the highest-ranking officer, who also held the position of a viscount, Hannah Halley, with respect and admiration evident in their voices.
Rumors swirled about Hannah Halley, one of the Rocca region's most decisive generals. At just 25 years old, she had reached the peak of B-rank power and had proven herself time and again in the war between the Galan Kingdom and its neighboring Hora Dynasty.
"Greetings to all of you. Who is Tyler Pierce?" the commander asked, her tone firm yet welcoming.
"I am Tyler Pierce, commander," Tyler replied respectfully, recognizing the formidable ability of the young commander before him.
"It's good to have you here. I've been briefed by the Lady of Rocca about your purpose. We need all the help we can get from Rocca, and your presence here should boost the morale of my weary troops," Hannah Halley expressed, her gaze unwavering.
"Commander, we are at your disposal. However, we can only manufacture bombs, while my fellow colleagues here have been tasked with creating other potions such as strength potions, healing potions and anti-fatigue potions," Tyler introduced, eager to lend their expertise to the cause.
"Excellent!" Hannah exclaimed, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. She hadn't expected to receive a team that could provide such valuable support.
Though the reinforcements were limited, if these potion makers could meet the demand, they would surely give them a fighting chance to defend and even advance further into the Kailan region to clear out the Blackwood City and go further inside the Kailan Region.