"I knew it" Pert quietly sighed.
Who would have thought that after all his planning for years, before negotiating with the fallen knight to execute his idea to freedom from the suffocating shackles of the Mine. And traversing through appalling wilderness where they brush off with death multiple times to finally be freed from slavery. Once again, they're shackled to servitude.
Which made him feel dejected despite the reason behind it. On the other hand, the instigator Zyro was perfectly calm.
That night, Zyro guided both of them to approach the hunters like clueless ducklings walking towards treacherous wolves. Wanting to ask for direction, but as expected, the hunters apprehend them after seeing their dirty appearance by force. Although, Pert and Zyro was capable fighters. They didn't resist and accepted the chains.
Now, they're walking behind the hunters as they head to the nearing Log Wall. Their hands were shackled by old fashioned ropes connected to each other with it's middle attached to another line held by a strong looking man a few steps ahead. Zyro and Pert pitiful packs were confiscated as well, but they're currently carrying heavy loads of equipment and supplies belonging to the hunters.
They didn't speak as they followed, because the three masters didn't seem to like their voice. Instead, they silently listen.
The hunters were arranged in a triangular formation as they stride forward with the silent slave at the back. Talking as they go.
The man on the right side was speaking.
"Man, ain't we lucky today. Or was it yesterday? Anyway, how much do you think those two cost? I hope they're worth enough to buy me some beers, at least." The man glanced at the back, with displeasure and annoyance in his eyes. "We're escorting these magots for free, after all."
The other on the side replied.
"There you go again with that short sighted brain of yours. Beer? Heck, you could even buy a new iron plating by selling these two! Brother thinks so too, right Rogulf?"
Rogulf, the leading hunter smiled, sparing his little brother a proud glance.
"You've grown wiser than that idiot, Baren. I see. And yes, if you consider those two's appearance attentively, you will notice how valuable they are. That Aster kid has golden hair, so his Aster lineage are superior. You two know how valuable those talented guys are right? Fortunately, the one we got was still an immature kid. I wouldn't want to face a full grown Aster with that much purity in their blood. As for that one..." Rogulf looked back, frowning a little at the sight of Zyro.
"Although, he obviously has no tints of racial talents. I don't think he even have a race anymore. His still a useful young man in his prime, and pure black hair are really rare. Some rich pervert might like to add him to their collection of freaky slaves."
Their idle conversation went on, straying to whatever topic they could think of as the two wolves in sheep's clothing silently observed and listen.
'We're getting close'
Zyro thought.
Indeed, the gates of Log Wall was approaching. And the greedy hunters were guiding them towards it for free. The two were new to this place, they barely knew anything about Log Wall, fortunately, the hunters was here. Subconsciously informing them that there's only one entrance to Log Wall internals for safety reasons, which required them to walk around to reach. If not for this kind men's, Zyro and Pert would have been wandering aimlessly near it's massive walls, not knowing where the gate are positioned while risking themselves. However, by being captured by these mens ensure a straight path and reasonable excuse to enter Log Wall.
Although, becoming shackled again was a disadvantage. If it means entrance to their destination, Zyro was willing to take the risk. Furthermore, adaptability was his strong suit. Pert was capable of carrying himself as well in any troublesome circumstances.
Additionally, Zyro wasn't the human he once before. This world eerie nature change him, to the point he surpassed human limits. The soul core had completed syncing within his soul, evolving his body to accommodate the gift it had bestow. Earning him the Burst skill and partial improvement of his body structure, allowing him to release astonishing physical power at will. Of course, his still reluctant at the idea of using it's full capacity due to the burden it may bring. Nonetheless, Zyro wasn't powerless anymore. This skill coupled with his elite attributes and decisiveness in battle, Zyro was confident surviving within Log Wall now.
He could feel the soul core enhancement to his body even more now that his endurance was put into the test of bearing heavy loads of the hunters luggage on his back. An average human would fall to their knees after half an hour under this challenge, while a trained soldier would last an hour.
Zyro had withstanded more than that, one hour and fourty five minutes to be exact in Aizra's counting. However, he would be lying if he said his still not feeling it. The growing discomfort crushing his back.
"Hey, how much longer do you think before we can rest?"
Whispered Pert with enough volume to be heard by his companion. Zyro studied the young Aster face for a moment. Pert was still fine, but clearly burdened despite being an Alpha with strong Aster lineage. That's also why he received more weight than Zyro. However, the fact remains that Pert was just a kid, so his mental fortitude was immature. He can't withstand the crushing pain of weights much longer.
His exhausted too, perhaps more than Pert. But he can stand longer with sheer willpower, professional posture for lifting while moving and controlled breathing to lessen the burden and prolong his stalwartness. Still, the same doesn't go for the kid. Pert needs rest from the weighing torment.
The hunters who decided when to rest were not loaded at all as they move, so he can't expect respite to come soon.
Fortunately.
Zyro look skyward, the high land of gricks was visible here. Raised by dozens of roots like a tower of gods that watch the land. However, Zero's focus was on the reddish sky behind it, as the sun fell away from view.
It was dusk.
After a momentary pause, Zyro said in an even voice.
"Soon"
Then, his knees collapse. Making the loads on his back produce noise. But he caught himself amidst the fall, restoring his broken posture midway with serious difficulty. He gritted his teeth and groaned, struggling. Before returning to his former stand, telling out labored breaths.
The sudden noise of Zyro's stunt stopped the hunters conversation, bringing them at full alert. But seeing what produce the sound, they relaxed.
One of the hunters heave a sighed of relief.
"Damn! that scared me. I thought it's one of those abnormally strong monsters that wander near the wall, I wouldn't want to fight those."
"Quite" quickly commanded Rogulf as he look around cautiously. After a few moments of tense silence, nothing happened. Confirming that no beast nearby.
Then, he analize the situation of his cohort. His two companions were fine, but the two luggage carriers look tired. The night is approaching soon, anyway, so he decided to end the day earlier than usual. Besides, he did not want the slave fainting before being sold. It might damage the product, lowering their value.
Pert and Zyro carefully lowered the loads on their backs. Finally relieved from the crushing burden. Pert expressed his thanks to Zyro with a grateful smile, but they later received order to set up camp from the retarded hunters.
Of course, as harmless servants instead of lethal fighters. They did their job obediently while promising to kill this bastard someday in their mind.
They raise three tents and ignited campfire before darkness come. And food was prepared by the hunters themselves, not wanting dirty slaves to touch their meal.
The early night progress like normal - the hunters chitchat on random topics as they wait for their grilled meat, then eat before the slave as if they're masters in charge.
'I guess Pert wasn't when he say hunters are scam bags.'
Staring at the plate with leftover food Infront of him, Zyro commented dejectedly.
It was supposed to be their food for the day.
"Make sure you clean it real smooth after your done, and don't you dare lick it. Use your hands!! We are being kind enough to let you use our plates dirty magots. Now, eat!"
Zyro secretly took a deep breath to restrain himself from stabbing the man Infront of him, who turn around to leave. He glanced at Pert, the kid was doing the same.
Of course, none of them planned eating the leftovers. They prepared themselves before being shackled by the hunters, which included securing food for themselves by hiding it in secret pockets.
Just then, the man turned around. The servant pick up their plate to avoid suspicion, and hopefully shake off the hunter interest. However, the hunter remains observing. His probably bored, and search for amusement in watching lowlifes do embarrassing things. Or he just found joy in shaming others.
Nevertheless...
'We're having trouble'
Zyro thought, but at that moment. The man suddenly look someplace else.
Zyro trace his gaze...
And saw someone approaching with unconcealed steps. Soon, an individual emerge from the dark shadow of trees. Revealing herself to the campers sight.
Taking their breaths away.
She gracefully bow as introduction.
"Good evening gentlemen's, I hope I'm not much of a bother."