[ Time / Location ]: Morning / Road leading to Vale.
[ Pov ]: Theo Mercer.
*Snort*
The same horse from the stable was currently pulling merchant Bikka's cart.
We didn't talk much other than yesterday when the village chief introduced us to each other, I could clearly tell that he was pretty intimidated by me.
Not just him, turns out the respectful bows I thought the villagers were giving me were just a way to not look at me straight in the face.
After having breakfast yesterday morning at Somara's house, I thought it would be a good idea to walk around outside to do some sightseeing.
What I got instead was the occasional whispers from the villagers that stopped the moment they saw me coming their way, doing their best to avoid me.
' I was struggling in the inside to keep myself from puking and these dipshits are making me out to be the problem?. ' I thought at the time.
' Humans are the same no matter the world huh. ' I bitterly thought.
' Did he too give me this money thinking the same things. ' I thought while looking at the small satchel that had a generous amount of money, 6 gold and 20 silver coins to be specific.
I gripped the bag in my left hand tightly, my anger flaring a bit. ' Hmm, no matter. It's not like I'll ever visit that place again. '
' At least Adolf and Tirihi seemed genuine when they gave me this cloak. ' I thought, looking at the black cloak I was wearing.
Apparently, it was a cloak Adolf used to wear when he still was an explorer.
" Uh, sir Theo. Sorry to bother you but I think we have to change our path, there seems to be monsters on the road. " Bikka said, stopping the cart and pointing forward.
Waking up from my thoughts, I looked at the road. There was indeed monsters on the road.
[ Slow rabbit lv 2 ] [ Slow rabbit lv 2 ]
Using analysis, I quickly identified them. " Hmm, just some slow rabbits. Taking a detour will be too long. "
" Uh- I don't think that's a good idea- " I tuned down his voice and focused on the monsters Infront of me.
I didn't know where I got all this confidence from, probably a Side-effect of massacring a a dozen or so bandits.
' I'm curious how it feels like to use the Hero skill overwhelming, well nothing like the present. ' I thought, casually walking up to the monsters.
One finally noticed me after I got about 3 meters close to it. At first it started hopping slowly towards me, the moment it reached half the distance, it exploded in a fast jump aiming for my mid section.
' Overwhelming. ' Mentally activating the skill, I saw as the world slowed down to a crawl around me.
The rabbit was sailing through the air frame by frame. Once it reached 3 inches from me, I casually stepped to the side.
Unlocking Durandal from the character rest, I slashed the still air-born rabbit two times.
' If monsters weren't just a magical manifestation, there would only be four floating cubes of flesh right about now. ' I thought, looking at the small cloud of smoke that's starting to appear from the defeated monster.
Quickly dealing with the other one, I picked up the loot.
[ Rabbits fur ] x2
Walking back to the horse drawn cart, I saw how dumbstruck Bikka looked. " What, first time seeing monsters being defeated? "
I sounded a bit arrogant, failing to sound confidant which was what I was going for at the time. ' Who am I kidding, my heart is still pumping. '
" I- uh yeah, sir was so fast. You defeated them so quickly. " He started out with flattery, a basic tool for every decent merchant out there.
The awkward atmosphere between us from before eventually melted away, apparently all I had to do is defeat some monsters for him to chat with me.
It didn't make any sense, but I just rolled with it and chatted back with him, I needed someone who's knowledgeable about the town that we're going to anyway.
He started talking about the different guilds set in Vale and a bit about his merchandise.
He even offered to buy the rabbit fur I just got from defeating the two slow rabbits, we were building a good report.
Reaching the town's open gate, there were a lot of people bustling around. " Hey Bikka, is it always this full and... Loud here, or is there some festival? "
" Hahaha. " Laughing at my description of the town, he said. " No, I regularly trade between Vale and the village, and I know for a fact that there's no festival scheduled for today. Something else might have happened. "
" And seeing as how all the stores are full, let's first go to the slave trader, is that alright with you Theo? " He asked, directly using my name. Something I specifically told him to do, so we could get closer as friends/acquaintances... And being called by someone older than me sir felt weird.
" Fine with me. " I shrugged, not really minding what place we start with.
I did feel anxious to meet the first female lead of the story. Roxanne, a beastkin from the wolfkin species.
---<>---
[ Time / Location ]: Mid-day / Allen's slave trading firm.
We were currently sitting in a waiting room, a maid served us some tea that actually tasted pretty good.
*Sip*...
" This is pretty good, have you tried this before Bikka? " I asked him, Looking to my side, Bikka was sitting in the same coach as me.
I wasn't a tea guy but this tea was made pretty well.
" Hmm, yes. This is a pretty pricey blend of tea to get, this merchant house must have some Nobel baking... " He said and immediately started mumbling to himself.
' He's already thinking of a future connection to this merchant house huh. ' I thought.
Just yesterday, he was but a character in a fictional story to me. Now, I can see he's no different than any guy who wants to be successful in life... I'd call that a good thing on my part, I'm slowly accepting that I'm living in an entirely new reality.
Knock. Knock.
" Sorry to have kept you waiting, I had some matters to be taken care of. " Said a sharp looking middle aged man, bringing me back from my day dreaming.
' I've got to stop spacing out like that. ' I mentally scolded myself.
" My name is Allen and I'm the owner of this establishment. " He introduced himself.
[ Status ]
Allen
< Male* Age 51 >
Slave Merchant lv 44
Equipment:
- Sacrificial Misanga
We stood up to introduce ourselves, and out of respect too.
" I'm Theo, an explorer. " I added my job so there won't be any confusion.
Bikka introduced himself next. " And I'm Bikka, a merchant of soma Village. I have to say, the city is having a pretty profitable day. "
' Huh, leave it to merchants and their natural way of steering the conversation straight to profits. ' I inwardly said to my self.
Sitting back down, Allen answered Bikka's inquiry. " Indeed, haven't you heard? A new labyrinth has appeared in this territory about two days ago, did you encounter any monsters while traveling here? "
It was like Bikka was waiting for that question, he enthusiastically started recounting the things that happened before and during our journey.
" We did, fortunately I was traveling with sir Theo here. He easily defeated the two slow rabbits that we encountered. Not only that, a day before, my village was attacked by a band of dozen or so bandits, they too were easily dispatched within minutes. " Said Bikka.
' Dude, stop with the glazing already, I don't think I like the stare this guy is giving me. ' Allen the slave trader was looking at me with eyes that suggested I was either a valued customer or a very premium product... I couldn't tell which one though.
" Truly, he did all that by himself? " Allen asked in astonishment, keeping the same calculating look.
Scratching the back of my neck unconsciously, a habit I have when someone compliments me, I said. " Well... They weren't that strong to be honest, especially the bandits. All it took was a slash each... "
" Oh. " Said Allen in intrigue.
Catching myself boasting, I tried to change the subject by giving the slave trader the letter that explained how the guy we brought became a slave. I asked Bikka to let me do the the selling, although I gave him a vague reason like: it won't feel right to let him sell one of his fellow villagers as a slave.
The real reason though was much simpler than that, I just wanted to use the skill that let me negotiate the price to a staggering 35% more than the offered one, [ Purchase negotiation 35% ].
" *Ahem* here is the letter from the Village chief that explains in detail how the guy we brought became a slave. But to keep it simple, he stole from the equipment that I gained from the defeated bandits. " I said, making sure to tell him the simple layout of what had happened.
Taking the letter from my hand, he briefly read it and said " Hmm, it is a you say. We also checked the man you brought in, he's the very picture of health. "
" Let's see... How does thirty five thousand Nars sound? " Allen proposed.
Hearing the price, I raised an eyebrow in question, thinking. ' Am I tripping, I remember he only offered thirty thousand Nars to Michio in the Manga... '
I know it's foolish to expect the same events from the manga to happen, but an addition of a whole five thousand Nars is kind of... Unexpected.
' Is he doing this to garner my favor perhaps? ' I thought in question.
My silence was apparently taken for denial as Allen did another unexpected move. " ... I see that you don't like the price, unfortunately all I can do is bump it to Thirty eight thousand Nars. Any more than that and I'd be making losses. "
Now, both of my eyebrows were up. The whole situation felt comical. Sparing the man any more silence, I accepted the offer. " That would be perfect. And if you could, I want the payment to be split between me and Bikka. "
' Huh, who knew. Silence is a great tactic for negotiating. ' I thought in delight.
" Understood... By the way sir Theo, and forgive me for my rudeness in asking this. Is this perhaps your first time in an establishment like this? " Asked Allen.
Seeing no reason to deny it, I answered. " Correct, how could you tell? "
" I've been in this business for quite some time, so I have a nack for these things. " He said.
" Knowing this, are you interested in buying a slave Sir Theo. We have quite the line up of female slaves that'll definitely please you... We do also have combat slaves. " Like a devil whispering secrets of greatness and wealth, Allen started with his sales pitch.
I'd be a complete hypocrite to say that I didn't support slavery, I literally watched and read a manga about a guy buying girls so easily and I liked it. And now I literally just sold a guy I only saw once.
Sure the slave system here is imbedded in the rules of reality itself, that doesn't mean there aren't ways to exploit that system, which is 100% happening.
Like forcing someone to steal and fabricating it as their fault, or like in Roxanne's case where her family couldn't pay taxes and were forced to make the difficult decision of selling her into slavery.
Although there might be people back on earth who will judge me for choosing to buy a slave, I could care less for their opinions.
I already lived once where I was judged for everything that I did so I won't let that mindset hold me back in this new life that I've got.
All that I have to do was to keep to mine and my parents principles and I'll be just fine.
Having had my mind set, there was a new sharpness in my eyes otherwise was missing before, a testament to my resolve. " Yes, I'm interested. But we'll have to holdout on that conversation for now, I still need to sell the bandits equipment before the stalls close up. "
Seeing the change in my eyes, Allen gave me a smirk and said. " I see, that is a good proposition. I'll be waiting for you after you finish with your affairs. "
" If you'll excuse me, I'll be out briefly to prepare your payment. " Said Allen, getting up from the coach and promptly exiting the the room.
Both me and Bikka gave him a nod.
Once he exited, Bikka turned to me and said in astonishment. " That was a wonderful negotiation Theo, if you ever think of changing jobs, merchant would suit you pretty well. "
' *Sigh*... Not you too Bikka, does my face really look intimidating. I mean, people did say that I always looked annoyed and focused at the same time. But for you to think it's a negotiation tactic...*Sigh* ' I thought in bewilderment.
---<>---
" Thank you for your patronage and I'll be waiting for you Sir Theo. " Said Allen after leading us outside.
' Oh I'll be there man, you don't have to remind me. ' Is what I thought while outwardly giving him a nod. " Hmm. "
After splitting the payment form the slave between us, my 35% skill worked and instead of getting 18 thousand Nars like Bikka's cut, I got 25650 Nars.
2 gold, 56 silver and 50 copper coins to be specific.
" Now, what place do you like to go to first? The knights order, or the weapon and armor shops? " Bikka asked me, still holding his friendly and easygoing looking smile.
" It'd be great if we went to the weapons and armor shops. As for the knights order, I'll manage on my own, I can imagine you have a plethora of goods you need selling/buying in the market before it closes. " I said.
Bikka seemed like a real nice guy from our interactions till now, So I didn't want to take up too much of his time, a little kindness goes a long way as my mom used to say.
" ... That would be okay with me, thank you in advance than sir Theo. " Lifting his eyebrows in surprise, he bowed and thanked me.
" No need for all of that, you're the one who's doing me a favor by showing me around the market, hahaha. " I said, shaking my hand in dismissal.
After that back and forth of gratitude, we went to the weapon and armor shops. Along the way I looked at everything that could be observed.
There were all kinds of races in the market, from the smallest dwarves to the absurdly beautiful elves, there were all kinds of beast-kin as well.
Passing by a store that sold everyday appliances and products, I stored it's location in memory so I could visit it at a latter time.
Reaching the weapon shop, I promptly sold the equipment except for the bandit leader's iron sword, one leather armor and one pair of leather boots. The armour shop was closed, but thankfully the weapon shop owner offered to buy them from me.
The sword was for when I bought Roxanne, the other two protective gear were for me.
Saying our final goodbyes, Bikka gave me the letter that needed to be delivered to the knights order to explain what happened.
Finally alone, I looked up and took a deep breath. " *Inhale*... *Exhale*... The air feels so fresh, wonder if this world will ever enter the energy revolution. " I said out loud, a random thought that popped up in my head.
" Nevermind that, I need to get the bandit's bounty money from the knights order. " Jolting myself from any other stray thoughts, I proceeded to my destination.
After a couple of twists and turns, and asking some shop owners who could speak Brahim the way to the knights order building, I reached my destination. " I kinda regret telling Bikka I could do it on my own, that took way longer than I thought it would. "
It did feel great to walk through the streets though, I felt like a tourist in a new foreign country.
Taking a deep breath, I put on my serious face and knocked on the building's door.
A couple of seconds of waiting went by, when the door opened. A plain looking guy exited, looking at me in question, he asked. " How can i help you. "
Not wanting to drag this longer than it should, I gave him the letter and promptly and briefly explained what had happened.
Bringing out the bandit's intelligence cards, I said. " I'd also like to see if any of them had any bounties. "
" ... I see, it's unfortunate that happened outside of our orders reach. As for the bounties, I'll need to check your intelligence card first. " Quickly understanding the circumstances, he beckoned for me to lift my right hand for the check.
Nodding in understanding, I did a quick check to make sure I didn't have the thief job in the first slot.
' Let's see, Job settings. ' Mentally calling out to my Bonus skill, a screen for job settings appeared.
< Job Settings >
[ Equipped jobs ]
• Villager lv 11
• Thief lv 11
• Hero lv 1
• Vacant
• Vacant
• Vacant
[ Available jobs ]
< Confirm >
It was convenient that only the first job appeared on the intelligence card.
Done with my own check, I held out my hand for the knight.
Hovering his hand over mine he started chanting. " Will of thy turbulent soul, breath of thy endless knowledge, intelligence card open.
Just like the cards I got from killing the bandits, a card slid out from the back of my hand.
In it was my basic information and a profile picture of me from the chest up without any clothes, there was also this big ancestry looking tree in the middle. Unlike when I use the skill Analysis on my self, an intelligence card doesn't show the level/amount of jobs I have, it also doesn't show my equipment.
[ Status ]
Theo Mercer
< Male* Age 17 >
Free citizen
Villager
" ... You have a last name? Strange... You're a free citizen, that's fine I guess. Please wait here a moment while I check these cards. " He said, looking confused. Shrugging it of the next second, he went inside.
' Wonder if that rude girl that was shown in the manga will be the one that hands me the bounty money. ' I off-handedly thought.
After a couple minutes of waiting, the door opened again. And unlike what I had thought, the same guy returned. This, for the second time, showed me that I shouldn't expect for the same exact things to happen as the original story.
" Here, there was a bounty for two people from the whole group. If you're going to stay in this town, I suggest that you stay away from the slums... Have a nice day. " He said, giving me a sack filled with money. And he also cautioned me just Incase.
Going down the steps of the building, I absent-mindedly looked at my growing pile of money and equipment.
' It'd be weird and suspicious to go to Allen's establishment with these things after I told him I was an explorer. ' I thought.
It was because an explorer had the itembox skill, and just saying I didn't have space would be seen through immediately. Someone who could easily defeat a band of bandits and two level two monsters on his own is definitely a high level explorer.
That means I would have a lot of space in my item box, which I don't because I'm not an explorer yet.
Thinking of a quick fix, I remembered something from the manga. The first place the MC lived in for a while was called the vale in, and it was located close to the building of the order of knights. ' Right, I almost forgot about that. I should really write down everything I know about the story before I end-up forgetting all of it. '
To be continued...
***
Thanks for reading.