c33-38 (1/2)

Chapter 33 – Just Conferred (End)

“Rumont, you can be at ease. I’ll employ a group of experienced workers, they’ll quickly clear up the ruins and additionally, construct the enclosure and houses. As for buying a few farm cattles, that’ll be even easier. Give me a month’s time and I’ll get it done!” Banner was direct and to the point in his words: “the complete teaching materials for Druid fundamentals, I can also obtain it via Old Master Sackville at his mage workshop. A Druid after all, is also considered spell caster right!”

“How much would that cost?” Rumont asked.

“Construction, clearing, the cattles, so long as there’s 200 gold coins it’ll be enough. Four Daylight Crystals, would be 1200 Gold coins. As for the entire set of teaching materials for Druid fundamentals, I’m afraid that’s also require 1000 gold coins!” Banner considered it a bit before speaking out a value: “the total would be roughly 2400 gold coins!”

“I only have 1500 gold coins!” Rumont calculated a bit, and thought that it was also reasonable. He himself had roughly 3000 gold coins, but he still spoke with a touch of having difficulties.

Banner was also considered a somewhat influential merchant within the city, he had a bit of connections and channels. Since it’s like this, why not get him to pull the chariot?

Borrowing money from him would on the contrary closen their relations.h.i.+p. If nothing was needed, then it would make it hard for both sides to cooperate. As a result, even if he had the money, he still needed to borrow a bi;, this way their relations would be a matter of course1.

“Be at ease, I’ll loan you 1000 gold coins. Free of interest for a year, so long as you give me the future market rights of the medicines to me.” hearing Rumont speak like this, Banner was all smiles and beaming with joy2.

Rumont was similarly jubilant inside, because this would pull his relations.h.i.+p closer.

Arriving at Mort’s Inn, Commander Howard then welcomed him, using strength to slap him on his shoulder, so much that it hurt: “Rumont, you actually got an Esquire’s state, congratulations hey!”

Rumont promptly spoke with flattery: “Commander Howard, you’re currently a Rank 4 Warrior, if you want an Esquire’s state, it’s also an easy affair eh!”

Theoretically, what Rumont said was correct. Rank 4 Warrior Howard, who had generations of soldiers, would also be able to obtain an Esquire’s state by relying on some Lord. But in practice, it naturally wouldn’t be that easy. If he was a Rank 5, then it would actually be quite simple.

However, when Howard heard this, his heart nevertheless felt refreshed and pulled Rumont in. Once entered, the inside of the inn then bursted out with an ear-deafening cheer.

He then saw a dozen mercenaries come congratulate him, the locals all crowded to a side.

“Commander Howard, I want to invite you guys once to my ruins. Before the enclosure is setup, please help defend it. The forest isn’t safe!” Rumont quickly prompted: “you can consult Mister Banner on how to arrange it!”

“No problems, we just in the midst of recuperating, we’ll take this matter up.” Howard said expansively.

“I’ll still get it through the Adventurers Guild though, this way you can also earn a bit of credit and prestige.” Rumont said: “the Rank of the squad at the guild also needs to get promoted! That’s important.”

Saying this, without waiting for a reply, Rumont then shouted: “today it’s on me, bring the liquors and roasts!”

“Great!” immediately, another ear-deafening cheer sounded out within the inn.

The midday sun shone above the inn, a lot of people inside were drinking alcohol in big mouthfuls and eating meat; the Mort couple were occupied and frantically busy.

“Aiya, the liquor’s almost all finished. Better go to the back and open another one!” Madame Mort said.

“Truly heavy drinkers!” Mort had a bit of a knot as he spoke. Glancing over, not only the mercenaries, the other townsfolk had also ran over for a drink; a scene of total chaos: “and they don’t even have a close relation.”

“They’re happy for Rumont, yet they’re also envious!” said Madame Mort, as she hastily placed new meats onto the fire to roast.

Mort hearing this, looked over and as expected, although a lot of people were happy for Rumont, they still had a trace of envy in their expressions; some were sour. He kept it in and didn’t speak. Going down to the cellar he once again carried another load of alcohol up.

After all, even his own heart was quite glad, but it also had a trace of sourness!

Esquire. In the past they were retainers for n.o.bles and Knights. Currently, they’re already evolved into a proprietary name------a country gentleman.

Becoming a country gentleman, they would then possess a considerable amount of privileges. They could hold a governmental position within the territory. Up to now, any one of the prosperous n.o.ble households, they had all started from this point. This signified joining the ranks of the ruling caste; it was the first step in emerging from the social hierarchy and ascending the heavens.

Of course, Rumont wasn’t currently there. For him to obtain the required recognition, he would have to lead a village. He couldn’t supplant a village that already had a country gentleman.

With Rumont’s capabilities, perhaps in his lifetime, he would then be able to see this village and make it of his own household; solidly climbing upwards.

Thinking of this, who wouldn’t have some sort of sourness feelings eh?

The party eventually ended in the afternoon. The inn then quieted down. Rumont, Fafnir and Nick sat together, eating pies and meats and chatting quietly.

“When does it start?” Nick impatiently asked.

“No need to rush, it currently isn’t safe within the forest. Wait until the enclosure is done, the housings constructed, and the farming cattle transported, then we’ll move over.” Rumont replied.

“Mm, in any case there’s not many days.” Nick drank a cup, explaining to himself. He had already followed along. The ruins were at the base of a mountain, the surroundings were forests; there was also a stream. If the area was cultivated, it ought to be decent. Rumont had promised early on to not take any tax: “our houses and farmlands then?”

“You family only has about 5 mu of land, why not just leave it.” Fafnir said: “the land belongs to the town. Leave it. There’ll be a use for it later.”

“It’s pretty good right now as well, the newly-appointed Tax Officer rarely finds us for any troubles.” Nick said optimistically. With Rumont’s elevated status, he didn’t have to worry about taxation or the law anymore. Nick nominally became the va.s.sal of Rumont. Under general circ.u.mstances, only Rumont could control him.

“Fafnir, you’re also thinking of being a soldier, why not simply be the Guard Captain of our territory. What do you say?” Rumont formally asked.

“Mm, okay!” Fafnir answered straightforwardly. He had thought over this question for quite some time.

Even though the current territory was quite small, Rumont’s development scenario was not at all limited to merely this.

Many mercenaries entrust their hopes to their Commander. In the event that their Commander was able to make a name for themselves, they would also follow along with the overall trend3. This was the practice of this world. Therefore Howard’s squadron members were all exceptionally supportive of their Commander. And a few days prior, Lancas had also similarly received the hopes of his members like this. Of course, in the end their disappointment was also quite high&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;Fafnir was neither an exception!

“What did Banner just say?” Nick asked.

“I entrusted the development of the territory to him.” Rumont drank a mouthful of liquor: “I also request him to purchase a new set of gla.s.s tools for synthesizing medicines. The current ones are no longer enough.”

“This will waste a lot of money though, how about we do the work ourselves?” Nick had already changed his thoughts, rapidly planning as part of the family.

Rumont innerly exclaimed. In the past, granted that they were even better brothers, it was also only a personal friends.h.i.+p between Nick and Fafnir. It wouldn’t have been a relations.h.i.+p as closely linked4 as this, with shared interests. This kind of relations.h.i.+p in this world would last longer than several hundreds of years.

“It’s not important. Nick, we currently have many things we can’t do. It isn’t a problem letting them first earn some money. We need to open our eyes wide and look far.” Rumont explained: “the population is still the big problem. With only our 3 families, we can’t develop much. It’ll be great if we had 10 families.”

“We’ll eventually get that. If you’re not pressed for people, we could also get in contact with defeated Mercenaries.” Fafnir said: “I’ll go ask about at the Mercenary Guild, they’ll always be there.”

“Excellent, you can take care of it!” Rumont loosened his shoulders: “let’s go, it’s getting late.”

Two of them grunted a sound, promptly drank some more liquor and followed him out.

At this moment, Howard and Banner seemed to have already finished their discussion. Banner came over: “Rumont, if there’s nothing else then I’ll return back to the city today. All various kinds of things are quite troublesome in establis.h.i.+ng a village!”

“No problem. But you’re doing it today?”

“Since it’s all sorted, then we’ll immediately get started. This is what I, Banner, have learnt from working!” Banner was a bit proud as he spoke: “Howard and them will also go back with me.”

“I’m also going along. Just in time with Commander Howard.” Fafnir said: “I’ll also conveniently get a few small missions and also toughen a bit.”

The people that struggled in the lower side of society, their livelihoods would always be exceptionally hard pressed and difficult. When mercenaries had big missions, they would need to carry it out together. In normal times when they’re free, if it’s not refining their martial skills, then it would be to accept smaller missions. These missions would include clearing beasts in the vicinity, it would even include chopping firewood, hunting and looking for medicinal ingredient. Abilities, experience and funds would be slowly be acc.u.mulated bit by bit.

Fafnir was originally of a Warrior household background, he was quite understanding of these matters. He was constantly paying attention, not relenting in acc.u.mulations.

Rumont nodded, thinking. Did himself need to find an animal companion?

Via a contract, the animal companion and himself would be able to share their strength respectively. They were of a tremendous help to Mages and Druids.

Theoretically, a Rank 1 Druid could find an animal companion. But naturally they would only be able to find the most commonly seen and most ordinary of animals------for examples, snakes, rats or spiders of sort.

With the Shennong Horn, Rumont’s did not care about a slight increase of Strength or Agility. After all, the Shennong Horn continued to alter him, sooner or later it would make him become a stronger existence.

Yet, there were some powers, no matter how one transformed, would be very difficult to obtain. For example------flight and detection.

For him that had existed on Earth, he would certainly know that being able to scout at a height, and at necessary times even be able to fly away, was more or less a valuable and formidable skill. Hence, Rumont desired to obtain an animal companion of the flying type, especially a medium sized animal that could carry a person during flight.

Perhaps last time when he saw that brightly-coloured, long feathered Cliff Eagle, it was a suitable animal companion. It would generally live at above steep mountain cliffs, and usually in flocks. Adult Cliff Eagles could fly a person into the skies.

This was an extremely outstanding animal companion. It was a pity, allegedly adult Cliff Eagles required Rank 7 and above Druids to be able to obtain and further form a contract with. After all, the stronger an animal companion was, the power the owner would need to pay up would also be greater. If it was an adult dragon of a giant size, then granted that it was the legendary Rank 21 or higher, they also wouldn’t be able to bear it, unless they were a Semi-G.o.d.

Perhaps, he could first contract a young Cliff Eagle? Or at least find a Cliff Eagle egg to incubate himself. Thinking of this, Rumont decided to mention it to Banner, to take note whether the market would have these kinds of eggs.

Chapter 34 – Magic Workshop (End)

“Fletcher, you’re too polite.” Alex laughed: “you’ll spend too much like that, that’s a place for celebrations.”

“Of course, of course.” Fletcher also faintly laughed: “then it’s agreed. I’ll leave first then.”

“I’ll send you off.” Alex followed him.

“No need, no need.” Fletcher waved his arm: “Rumont, you need to learn more from Mage Alex.”

“Brother Fletcher, I will.” Rumont bowed to him.

Once Fletcher left, Alex came back through the doorway.

“Rumont,” he pointed at the several separated youths, saying: “these are also your colleagues, currently they’re still working, so I won’t introduce you, instead, later on you’ll get to know them. I’ll take you to your room.”

Rumont nodded his head silently. Afterwards, Alex brought him to see his room: the room wasn’t big, but the beddings and so on were quite neat. There was a small table with a small lamp on top, which was also a magic item; an everlasting Rank zero Radiance was on it.

“Do you know how to use this thing?” Alex pointed at the magical lamp, asking.

“Yeah.” Rumont replied, he had seen it before inside the Shrine at Ricca. Speaking of the use of this convenient small object, it required a touch of magic power and it would start up in a brief moment.

“As for lunch, it’s delivered from Old Waylon’s place.” Alex smiled at Rumont, his smile had an ambiguous feel to it. “Yvette is a good girl, only her temperament is a bit feisty.”

Rumont lowered his head.

Alex thought he was being shy, laughing out heartily.

Finally, Alex brought him to a sectioned off room within the workplace. “This will be your workplace area from now on, do you require me to demonstrate to you once on how to compound the medicine?”

“Sure, I’ll be troubling you” Rumont took a deep breath, striving on concentrating his own mind up.

“Wait a bit.” said Alex as he left. Not long after, he brought back a small gla.s.s bottle and a case.

Alex sat at the experiment table. “Watch now, Rumont, because the activity index of the compound is short after mixing, therefore, the compound is split into two parts by my Master,” he said to Rumont while opening the small case; exposing the medicinal pills inside. “The mixing section is very simple; take the medicinal pill and place it in the solution within the gla.s.s bottle, wait until the medicinal pill is completely dissolved, and it’ll be the time when the activity index of the compound is at it’s highest point, did you hear all that?”

“I heard it clearly.” Rumont replied while feeling a touch of awe. He had listened to Jeff and Anson lecture about the methods of determining the compound’s activity level; amongst the several methods, the word with the highest occurring frequency was “experience”. At the present, from what Alex said, so long as one saw with the naked eye, observing the time when the medicinal pill fully dissolved, you could then be certain of the compound’s activity index. This kind of simple design evidently showed Sackville’s accomplishments in synthesizing elixirs.

“In that case, Mage Alex, how long would it roughly take for the medicinal pill to fully dissolve then.” Rumont asked.

Hearing this question, Alex knitted his brows: “Master once did a measuring test, the results at that time was 56 magic seconds. However, knowing this result is useless, because you don’t possess the means to accurately measure time with.”

“Who said that I, your daddy doesn’t have?” Rumont hissed towards the heavens in his mind: “I, your daddy’s Shennong Horn spatial regions has a stopwatch!”

However, his expression showed an extremely curious smile: “a device to measure time, is it expensive?”

“Very. I also wish to have one. It would make experiments more convenient.” Alex displayed a longing smile.

“Myself also wouldn’t gift you one.” Rumont said in his mind.

“Okay then, can I begin to demonstrate now?” Alex asked.

“Could you please wait a bit sir.” Rumont closed his eyes, breathing deeply. Afterwards, his spirit entered the Shennong Horn spatial region, finding that stopwatch device.

Rumont opened his eyes, at the same time, within his s.p.a.cious sleeves of Druid clothings, his right hand was already grasping onto the stopwatch. “Luckily, for today’s meeting I wore formal wear.“ He thought thusly.

“Please begin then.”

Alex laughed as he opened the bottle lid, taking the small medicinal pill and throwing it into the colourless solution, Rumont secretly pushed on the b.u.t.ton to measure time.

The small medicinal pill gradually dissolved, the medical compound began to change into a red hue. Alex’s expression was serene, amidst the process he began to study it, while also forming his hands into the corresponding seals.

Rumont also concentrated his entire mental energies on watching Alex’s processing.

Waiting until the instant the medicinal pill within the small bottle was gone, the final syllable of Alex’s incantation exactly matched Rumont’s prompt pressing. Simultaneously, within Rumont’s spiritual vision, he could obviously see, a divine light gradually beginning to flash within the bottle; the spell was currently stored within the compound.

This kind of scene persisted for roughly a short while, afterwards, within his naked eyes, Rumont saw the medicinal compound suddenly have a brief flash of golden light.

“Finished.” Alex relaxed a brief, “afterwards, I ought to sign my name on it,” he pointed at the empty label on top of the small bottle and said, “and following that, give it to me for inspection, to give the appraisal result of compound quality, at the time of creation. Finally, I’ll in accordance to its results, pay your remuneration.”

“I understand.”

“Okay then. Once the compound is successful, ring the bell on your table and I’ll come fetch it. There’s two sets of the compoundings, take one to first test it out.” Alex took out two sets and placed it on the table, leaving afterwards.

Rumont watched him leave, walking into the part.i.tioning gap and closed the door. He took out the stopwatch concealed within his sleeve, it displayed a time of 55.4 seconds on it. It seemed like magic seconds and the seconds back on Earth, just so happens to be identical.

Rumont had a complacent smiling expression on his face; having this, synthesizing the medical mixture would be so much easier.

A week’s worth of time pa.s.sed by quite quickly. Within this week, Rumont was acquainted with his fellow work apprentices, 3 Mages, a Druid, and including himself, a total of 5 people. Everyone’s age wasn’t too far apart, their life experiences were nearly the same, basically all without a set teacher, or perhaps they did have a teacher, but wasn’t able to obtain the teacher’s favour. Similarly, everyone all directly and indirectly had some kind of relations.h.i.+p to Sackville; all connected via recommendations from others to work at this place.

“The whole society structure is a.n.a.logous to the European middle ages. Apprentices studied under a Master, learning their skills via the vouching of others. The modern age frequently seen public recruitments doesn’t seem to exist, it also lacked the rarely seen so-called volunteering services. A society that still relies on close acquaintances to establish a social network. Even though the so grasped power of the few were not at all like the modern ages, however, Magic spells and Divine spells, were a privilege that the few always enjoyed.”

Having the experience of the explosive information era, Rumont’s insight was unusual when concerning society.

However, even Archimedes had to find a fulcrum before he could lever the Earth. Rumont, as a Rank 1 Druid, currently still placed the absolute majority of his attention on compounding methods of medications. In the remaining time, he paid attention to the progressing plants within the Shennong Horn. In addition, he also compared martial skills with the frequently lunch delivering Yvette.

Rumont’s current days pa.s.sed by in extreme satisfaction. So much so that in regards to the repaying of the debt, after not seeing the ugly faced b.a.s.t.a.r.d of a Tax Officer Barcas from Ricca, Rumont also had a plan; which was to wait for a suitable opportunity. As for this opportune chance, he concentrated his attention on Yvette, intentionally getting intimate.

As for the impression that other people saw of Rumont, it was also different.

Within this week, Rumont would entirely use up his daily quota of his 3 Rank 1 spells, Mending, everyday. This was completely different to the blockhead Jacobs who, for the purpose of showing off, had squandered away his selected Rank 1 spell, Blazing Palm.

Proceeding on, within everyone’s eyes, Rumont displayed an astonis.h.i.+ng gift on the task of elixir synthesizing; his manufacturing success rate of the treatment, Mending, vulneraries, was only second to Alex. Roughly 9 times of out of every 3 days of manufacturing, would their be one slip up. Furthermore, the results of the slip ups were incomplete secondary medicines, and not fully reported as worthless; these types of incomplete secondaries had effects equivalent to the Rank 0 spell “Cauterize”, which could be put up for sale at the front of the store. Therefore, Rumont was not at all required, for these reasons, to pay the compensations of the mixing compound------this, without a doubt, was the results of Rumont’s careful control.

Facing his colleagues’ envious stares, Mage Alex’s praises, as well as Yvette’s obvious change of att.i.tude, Rumont’s response was utterly simple: “in regards to the pa.s.sage of time, I’m extremely sensitive to it.”

Relying on the mighty ability of the stopwatch, Alex even said to him once in admiration: “Rumont, if you had chosen the way of a Mage, I believe we could have collaborated, working on some research together.”

In regards to everything, Rumont bore it with equanimity, what was the point of being envious? n.o.body dared to do any kind of sabotage within the workplace, as for outside of work, Rumont’s lifestyle was also utterly disciplined. At most, he would venture out to practice swordsmans.h.i.+p together with Yvette; shortly though, in spite of everything, their feelings were increasingly harmonious.

Furthermore, the most important thing was that his colleagues, due to the reason of the skill studying was difficult enough and being experienced enough, were therefore conducting themselves especially more prudent. In this world, ordinary people were the most numerous in the end, they didn’t dare to raise a ruckus1.

It was Sunday, midday. After Rumont finished attending Sackville’s lecture, he aimlessly loitered outside of the store; today he had half a day of resting. In general, apprentices wouldn’t be able to enjoy this, Rumont in the end however, had the status of a spell caster, their treatments were naturally completely different in comparison to the general workshop store apprentices.

After that, he saw Yvette standing lively outside of the door.

A girl letting out her long wavy golden locks, s.h.i.+ning underneath the sparkling sunlight. Her nose seemed like it was carved by a skilled craftsman using the most beautiful of jade; a small exquisite nose, slightly tilted up. Her chest, a pair of doves, peacefully concealed, displaying the maiden’s graceful curves.

Rumont all of a sudden thought of an old poetry verse recited back on Earth:

A gentle beauty, awaited me from the corner. Hidden love unseen, I left scratching my head. A refined beauty, gifted me a red flute. Beautiful red glow, a beauty to my liking. Gifted white weeds, strange yet also truly novel. Not the gift, but because of the girl.2

He felt an agitation in his heart. After last time’s dimly revealed information, she returned only after a wait of three days.

Although he was talking rather too much to someone he didn’t know well, yet it couldn’t be helped.

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Note from author:

The book was 4th in the list of new works, everyone supporting Heaven’s Intention, friends that liked this book, please continue in supporting me, bookmark and recommend, if, and I’m saying if, I’m able to enter into the weekly 15, it would be the biggest recognition and encouragement of everyone. Heartful thanks to you all.

Chapter 35 – Channels (Start)

Rumont and Yvette exited the city together.

Appleseed city’s eastern direction’s Pastor Field1 gulf, was an exceptionally delightful scenery------of course, only the Earthling Rumont saw it this way. As for the large majority of the city dwellers, Pastor Field bay was way too shallow. So much that comparatively larger boats wouldn’t be able to enter it. Also, when the climate was once again the summer period with the excessive rains, the moist sea winds would supply Appleseed city great copious amounts of rainwater. To the residents of Appleseed city, it was at this time when the seafood on the dining table would cause them to think of the beach.

Currently, Rumont and Yvette followed along the small road between the groves. After pa.s.sing through some up and down hills, the pair arrived at Pastor Field gulf.

Rumont was quite fond of this place. An exquisite white sandy beach, the light blue skies and deep blue ocean waters enhancing each other’s beauty. The ocean waves crashed along the coastal reefs, producing a huahua2 cras.h.i.+ng sound. As for the often calling seagulls, it fitted in with harmony; at the extreme end of one’s vision, the horizon had white specks of fis.h.i.+ng sails.

“I almost thought that I had returned back to Earth.“ Rumont deeply breathed in, as his mind thought. The air had a salty taste brought by the ocean winds, causing people’s spirits to lift.

Yvette did not at all understand the whatever reason Rumont was so fond of this place, however, from the several years of entertaining the crowds, she really did have a favourable impression of Rumont. She enjoyed watching Rumont’s figure standing by the beach. She always thought: this youth in front of me isn’t that old of a man, but acts like a matured man with a past.

Furthermore, there was still a very strong potential.

“Rumont,” Yvette opened her mouth, “the affairs of the Black Market, I’ve asked daddy about it. However, you need to tell me. Why did you inquire about all of this?” her voice was a touch nervous. If Rumont didn’t speak out a satisfying reason; then she wouldn’t speak about the obtained information out.

The Black Market matter, in fact, a majority of Adventurers would make contact with it. Just think about it, two squadrons of Adventurers encountered each other in the jungle, because of some reason they fought. Eventually, one of the squads attains victory. The winners would obviously obtain the advantage of spending the belongings of the defeated; as to make use of these belongings. It would then be absolutely necessary to request the help of a Black Market.

However, speaking of Rumont, because his belongings had came from some group of Thieves, in that case, those channels that were generally presided by the Thieves in the Black Market, couldn’t be trusted in anyway.

Therefore, a Rank 5 Warrior and a former Adventurer, the current boss of a pub should be able to access some other different channel. Even if they couldn’t, Rumont could still go ask Mage Alex, or perhaps converse about with another caravan; it would eventually be possible to find a way. Certainly though, being able to obtain the information from the mouth of the current loveable Yvette would be the best possible outcome.

“Yvette, it’s cause you’re concerned for me right?” a smiling intent floated within Rumont’s eyes.

Yvette beautifully blushed, she brushed off Rumont’s hand, turning her body away: “others are concerned.”