[Notice: Elaine, Khaos, undefined, and undefined have exited the Eternal Realm]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashlock barely had time to inform Stella of the news before his vision blurred, and he looked within his Inner World at the exit of the Eternal Realm. His anticipation could barely be contained. Just how strong had she become? How were her children? Did the birth go well? If he had to guess, it did, the two undefined people marked by the system message had to be those children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine was the first to appear out of the celestial fog, having to hunch over so she could be led by two adorable toddlers that couldn’t have been more than a few months old. They grasped Elaine’s finger and walked at her side. Occasionally, she would have to save one of them from tripping and faceplanting, but honestly, it was baffling to see such a clearly young toddler walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The one on Elaine’s left was a boy with jet-black hair and eyes, looking around curiously; meanwhile, his twin sister had light brown hair and eyes. Ashlock also noticed that she had freckles decorating her cheeks and, unlike her attentive brother, was busy testing if her own hand was tasty or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Khaos appeared a second later, looming over Elaine and the children, standing at a height of three meters. Yet neither toddler seemed disturbed by the void Ent’s presence\u2014in fact, the boy glanced back and toothlessly grinned at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Come on, you two,” Elaine said, taking in the sights of Ashlock’s Inner World, “this is going to be your new home.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Welcome back, Elaine,” Ashlock said directly into her mind, as he was too scared to call on Anubis to act as his mouthpiece and terrify the toddlers. “I see you have brought back two new members to the sect. Congratulations.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine beamed, “Thank you, Patriarch.” She then glanced around, “Has Douglas returned yet?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He has not.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Could you bring him back here? He said he was going to focus on getting stronger but wanted to be here when I returned.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Of course, give me a moment,” Ashlock said, and consulted with his system. “Pull Douglas out.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Understood]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was a sudden flash of white flames as Stella appeared out of nowhere. She glanced around until she laid eyes on Elaine and the kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Elaine, welcome back!” she said more excitedly than Ashlock had been expecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hello, Princess,” Elaine replied with amusement as Stella dashed over. “Is everything well with you and the sect?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Er, yeah. Not bad, all things considered,” Stella said as she crouched down and squinted at both of the toddlers. After getting a good look at them, she glanced up at Elaine. “So, how was it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“How was… what?” Elaine said, chuckling. “You’re going to have to be more specific.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You know,” Stella gestured to the toddlers, “creating these things.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, these adorable ‘things,’ as you call them, took around three months to develop before I gave birth, which is about average for a cultivator. All I did during pregnancy was cultivate, carefully micromanage the flow of Qi in my body, and try to nurture their development as much as possible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Interesting. So creating minions takes around three months. Not too bad,” Stella rubbed her chin as she stared into the black-haired boy’s eyes. Surprisingly, the toddler just stared back at her without any fear. “Did it hurt?” Stella asked Elaine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Childbirth? No, not really. It was quick and more effortless than I had expected, no doubt due to my Star Core Realm cultivation.” She lovingly rubbed the tops of her children’s heads. “The harder task was getting them to calm down and try cultivating.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stella’s eyes widened. “You already got them to start cultivating?!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Of course!” Elaine laughed. “The Qi in there was so dense and high-quality that cultivating was a breeze, even for a newborn. Both of them have reached the mid-stages of the Soul Fire Realm already. Though I really have to thank Khaos.” Elaine glanced over her shoulder at the Ent. “Without her help in watching over them while I ascended, it would have been a nightmare.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Ascended?!” Stella yelled in disbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine smirked, clearly enjoying Stella’s utter surprise. “I’m now in the Nascent Soul Realm for my illusion affinity. While the kids were a bit of a handful, I was in there for months and only had to go up a few stages. Surprisingly, my void Qi came in quite helpful during the ascension process in cleanly pulling off a supernova and pulling myself back together.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stella stood up and looked at Elaine with a hint of awe. “I can’t believe it. You, at the Nascent Soul Realm? I never thought…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That I’d be strong one day?” Elaine snorted. “To be honest, me neither. However, don’t be too impressed. I’ve pushed my cultivation quite hard, so I’ll need to spend some time solidifying my foundation and learning new techniques. Though there is a surprise I want to show you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh? What is it?” Stella asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Just you wait and see,” Elaine said playfully as she stole glances at the Eternal Realm behind her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Notice: Douglas has exited the Eternal Realm]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That was fast,” Ashlock mused, but then remembered that with time dilation in play, Douglas was likely given ample time to withdraw from the Eternal Realm while they had their conversation. “I wonder how Douglas is going to react to all of this. He is a tough guy, but he also crumbles when it comes to Elaine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Douglas confirmed Ashlock’s thoughts as he stumbled over himself while running out of the Eternal Realm, and only somewhat calmed down the moment his eyes landed on Elaine. Then, he froze when he noticed the two toddlers staring at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Go on, say hello to your dad,” Elaine said, gently pushing the two toddlers forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surprisingly, the girl took the lead. Taking her hand out of her mouth, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she put one foot forward and wobbled her way over to Douglas. The boy needed a few more gentle pushes of encouragement to finally leave his mother’s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“My children,” Douglas said, getting down on one knee to embrace them with tears welling up in his eyes. As he caressed their heads, he glanced up at Elaine with an indescribable smile. “I’m… a father now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine nodded. “They’ve been excited to meet you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He lovingly looked down at the twins. “Have you named them yet?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“As we agreed, I have already named the boy. His name is Talon,” Elaine replied. “It’s your choice what our adorable daughter’s name will be, as she inherited your affinity.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Douglas looked down and met the toddler’s eyes, which sparkled as if she knew what was happening and was anticipating her name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Phew, this is a lot of pressure,” Douglas chuckled nervously. “Luckily, I had quite a while to think of a suitable one, and now looking into your eyes, I’m certain of the name.” He tapped her nose. “Your name will be Hazel. What do you think? Do ya like it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The girl dumbly nodded and buried her head in his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’m so glad ya love it, my little munchkin,” Douglas said, hugging her tightly. Not forgetting about Talon, he focused on him next. “Your mother picked a manly name for you, son,” he said, patting his head with a grin. “You should carry it with pride.” Talon just mutely nodded in response to his father’s love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standing up, his attention was now entirely on Elaine. “Now, for something I should have done a long time ago.” His expression turned terribly serious as he fished out a small wooden box from his brown suit pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Erm, now isn’t the best time…” Elaine said, seeming conflicted for some reason\u2014yet Douglas pressed on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Elaine, we’ve spoken about this for a while now, and you know there’s nobody else I’d want to spend eternity with.” He got down on one knee and gently opened the box, revealing a beautifully crafted ring encrusted with a perfectly sized diamond. “Elaine Voidmind, will you become my wife\u2014”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine faded into nothingness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashlock felt his mind break at the scene. Douglas just stared forward, unblinking at the sight of Elaine vanishing. Talon and Hazel both began to cry, their howls filling the void left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Huh?!” Stella said, breaking the stunned stillness. “Where did she go?!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Douglas was also understandably perplexed. Standing up with a distraught expression, he glanced around in panic. “Elaine? Was it too soon? Did you dislike the ring or the name I picked for Hazel? I’m sorr\u2014”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine suddenly appeared out of the void behind Douglas. She leapt onto his back and wrapped her arms around his wide frame like a koala embracing a tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Elaine said, “I just wanted to show off my new Nascent Soul Realm illusion technique, and the timing was a little awkward.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Relief washed over Douglas’s tense expression. “So…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Do you really need to ask? Of course, my answer is yes, you big oaf!” She fished her arm around him and displayed her ring finger. He absentmindedly took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her finger as if his brain wasn’t catching up to the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine looked at her finger over Douglas’s shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. “I love it, darling. Did you get this gem yourself?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He nodded. “I fought a gemstone drake to the death for it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“How romantic,” she said, kissing his neck. “Thank you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Sorry to ruin the mood,” Stella said, stepping before Elaine, “but can I ask how you did that illusion technique? I didn’t know that was an illusion at all, and I can’t wrap my head around how you did it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Me neither,” Ashlock shamefully admitted. Despite the whole incident occurring inside his own Inner World, he hadn’t seen it coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well,” Elaine said, unlinking herself from Douglas, “we already knew void and illusion Qi are quite a good combo, and it gets even crazier once I have an infant soul that I can use to inhabit the illusions.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Your infant soul, of course,” Stella nodded as if that made sense. “When did you switch?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The moment I left the Eternal Realm. What you were speaking to was an illusion, while I was over there behind that rock,” she gestured a hundred meters away to a random rock jutting out from the mountainside. “By using void Qi, I’m able to mask my presence despite being so nearby.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Wait\u2014darling, you gave birth and made it to the Nascent Soul Realm?!” Douglas said in disbelief and looked down, feigning sadness. “Now I’m not so proud of barely managing to reach the Nascent Soul Realm.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine pinched Douglas’s ear. “Are you trying to suggest that your wife outshining you is something unexpected?! Huh?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“No… I,” Douglas began, trying to find the correct response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Don’t feel bad, Douglas, I outshine you too! As do many others. It’s nothing to be too down about,” Stella added, only making Douglas groan in annoyance. “Anyway, when is the wedding going to be?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Douglas and Elaine exchanged a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s a good question,” Douglas mused, likely glad the conversation topic had changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I want it to be after the war with the Celestial Empire is over and the Ashfallen Sect rules the land,” Elaine insisted, pulling the twins to her side. “Until then, I’ll be planning the wedding on the side. What do you think, husband?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“After the war? Oh yeah, sure,” he nodded, seemingly happy with the idea of not having to immediately think about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Then that’s settled,” Elaine chirped as she inspected her ring. “I really love this, Douglas. It’s so pretty.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Douglas grinned and hugged her again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Well, I’ll leave you two alone now. I’ve got a lot of sleep to catch up on,” Stella said, yawning and turning to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh? What could possibly tire the Princess?” Elaine asked curiously. “I doubt many meetings could have occurred while I was gone…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stella flinched. “Nothing much, I was just watching over your class for a few weeks and um, giving them some guidance.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elaine’s face instantly paled. “Stella… what did you do to my elites?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Nothing much, honest. Just a few weeks in a forest and a training exercise. If any of them mention an execution, just know that was a joke. Anyway, I really must be off. Bye!” Stella vanished in a flash of white flames before Elaine could say another word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I swear if she hurt them…” Elaine narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Jasmine is in the elite class, right? I’m sure you have nothing to worry about with her watching over her Master,” Douglas reminded her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I suppose you’re right,” Elaine relaxed somewhat. “Jasmine has a good head on her shoulders.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You two should leave with the kids,” Ashlock said into Elaine’s mind. “I’m about to receive a lot of Qi, and I don’t know what is going to happen here in my Inner World if I reach the boundary of the Monarch Realm.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening a portal before them, the two nodded at each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Okay, we will go then. But I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me use the Eternal Realm, Patriarch!” Elaine said before ushering a curious Talon and Hazel through the portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You’re welcome.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yeah, me too, Boss!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Douglas, report for work tomorrow. A lot has piled up in your absence.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Douglas winced. “You got it, Boss…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now go, enjoy your rest.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two promptly left, and Ashlock closed the portal behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now, let’s see. Over the last month, by drawing deeply from the World Tree and spending most of my time sleeping under the nine moons, I was able to push my cultivation even further. Will the Qi from the last month in the Eternal Realm be enough to push me to the elusive peak of the 9th stage, so I can become a true Monarch?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Comprehension of void dao has increased]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Comprehension of illusion dao has increased]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Comprehension of earth dao has increased]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Ah, here it is!” Ashlock felt a sudden rush of Qi flood into his soul. His entire Inner World shuddered with power, causing a storm of golden lightning to crackle across Ashlock’s Inner World until another system message eventually appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[You have reached the threshold for the Monarch Realm]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashlock stared at the system message floating in his mind. Despite somewhat expecting it, he was still in disbelief. Him? At the Monarch Realm? Was this a dream?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he was merely at the threshold, and if his ascension to the Nascent Soul Realm was anything to go by, his system would want him to complete a list of tasks. As he expected, the dreaded system message appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Monarch Realm ascension requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Possess an Inner World: 1\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comprehend Desolation Law: 63%<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Devour the souls of nine Monarch Realm beings: 0\/9]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The list was far shorter than he expected, and he already possessed the first of the three. However, comprehending the law of Desolation Qi was no easy feat, as he required intimate knowledge of dozens of different affinities. “Thankfully, the Eternal Realm can help me with that, but I also have to devour nine Monarch Realm souls? Doesn’t that basically set me on a warpath with the Celestial Empire, no matter what? I doubt there are nine other Monarch Realms on this layer of creation… unless I resort to eating my own sect members?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On that morbid thought, the system message changed to one that lifted his mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Rewards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ascend to Monarch Realm<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlock a suitable Monarch Domain<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Initiate the Era of Ascension]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashlock focused on that third reward\u2014the Era of Ascension. The event that was orchestrated by the previous World Trees to link the layers of creation and rise toward the heavens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Except this time, it would be a demonic tree doing the honors. But didn\u2019t the World Tree have to be at the peak of the Monarch Realm to pull that off? How come he could initiate it so soon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The answer was no doubt system fuckery. He had an Inner World as Nascent Soul Realm after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashlock dismissed the system messages and left his Inner World. While looking at the distant horizon, he mused to himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All is going to plan. My roots are rapidly expanding along the leyline toward the Celestial Empire. It won’t be long until they make contact with the outermost territories of the Celestial Empire, and the citizens begin to grow aware of my encroaching presence. While their leaders find their precious golden sap rotten, chaos will ensue, as the Empire faces a threat it cannot understand.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashlock chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“After all, nobody will expect the culprit toppling an Empire to be a tree.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
= End of Book 8 =<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Merchant Crab #Chapter 27: Bone-a-Fide Merchant – Read Merchant Crab Chapter 27: Bone-a-Fide Merchant Online – All Page – Novel Bin<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crab sighed as he finished counting up the last of his golden coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey\u2019re all here,\u201d Balthazar whispered. \u201cAll 5888 of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite his riches, he still felt troubled. Throwing the last coin pouch next to his chest, the concerned merchant rubbed his chin with a pointy pincer. The money no longer fit inside the reinforced chest, so it began piling up in small pouches next to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBetween thieves in bushes, thieves in trios, and thieves with feathers, how is a crab supposed to sleep in peace knowing his life savings are just ripe for the taking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grabbing a small oil lantern from the tent\u2019s floor, Balthazar stepped outside, the cool and misty air of the night hitting him as he looked up at the moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He could not recall ever being unable to sleep before the day he found that strange scroll, and yet now, concerns not fit for a crab kept him up at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glancing back at the spot under the coin chest, where the hole containing his belongings was hidden, he wondered if the mysterious piece of parchment was more of a curse than a blessing, given all the chaotic changes that turned his life upside down in less than a couple of months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a moment, the crab did some self-reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then he grabbed a piece of apple pie from a basket and pushed all that aside. Obviously, it had been a benefit, and there was no need to think further about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Circling to the back of the tent, Balthazar sat next to Bouldy, who was quietly observing the fireflies that danced lazily over the pond\u2019s water. The giant rock turned his head to his friend, the same smile as ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, big guy,\u201d Balthazar greeted in a low voice. \u201cEnjoying the sights, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFriend,\u201d the golem said, his smile widening and his eyes closing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYep, sure is nice, even at night. Wish I could do like you. Just skip on sleeping without a care in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFriend?\u201d Bouldy asked, smile dying down slightly as he tilted his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, it\u2019s nothing. Just worries and lots of questions going on in here.\u201d Balthazar tapped the top of his golden shell with a claw. \u201cNothing you would get, sadly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFriend\u2026\u201d his companion gently insisted, a concerned rocky frown forming above his orb eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not like I\u2019m a little crab anymore,\u201d Balthazar said, as he stared down at the lantern\u2019s flame. \u201cTalking about my troubles with a rock feels pretty silly now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The living boulder slumped down and gently gave a comforting pat on the crab\u2019s carapace, who looked up at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, I guess that came out a bit harsh. I\u2019m\u2026 sorry. You\u2019re not just a rock now. And the fact is, you were always there for me. Not that you really had a choice, on account of being an immobile boulder back then and all, but you know\u2026 it\u2019s the thought that counts. Not sure you could think before either, but yeah\u2026 The point I\u2019m trying to make is that you\u2019re\u2026 you\u2019re a good friend, Bouldy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFriend,\u201d the golem repeated, a broad smile returning to his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, yes, I get it. Just don\u2019t let it get\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar cut himself short at the sight of a dim light moving in the distance, across the pond and all the way out on the road past the exit to his trading post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat in the world?\u201d the crab muttered as he stood up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gesturing for Bouldy to follow him, Balthazar picked up his lantern, placed what remained of his slice of pie on a low table in front of the tent, and glanced over to Druma, who was fast asleep on the hay. The goblin was the heaviest of sleepers, and there was no waking him up when he was in such a deep slumber. Figuring it would be best to leave him be for now, the crab headed across the bridge, eyes fixed on the light that swung around in the darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStay close and try not to be too noisy, Bouldy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Balthazar approached the exit to the road, tip-toeing golem in tow, he noticed a strange rattling coming from the light. Fearing the threat of more thieves, he cautiously raised his own light to illuminate the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The source of the faint light on the road was an iron lantern, filled with what seemed to be fireflies, barely bright enough to light the area directly around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lantern was swinging from the tip of a tall wooden stick, held upright by a figure facing away from them, wrapped in a ragged cloak, a huge, bulky pack on its back, and frantically looking for something on the side of the road. Every movement produced an unnerving rattling noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho goes there?\u201d said the crab, attempting to sound unafraid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cloaked figure turned suddenly, a bony face appearing under the light, two dark and empty eye sockets staring at Balthazar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAHHH!\u201d Balthazar screamed as he stumbled back. \u201cA walking skeleton!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The skeleton recoiled and screamed in a fright as well, walking cane held in front of him. \u201cA talking crab!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t let him touch me!\u201d the spooked merchant yelled at the golem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bouldy tilted his head, looking down at the two figures, unsure of what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, woah, hang on!\u201d the skeleton pleaded, looking up at the towering figure behind the crab. \u201cI\u2019m the one who doesn\u2019t want either of you touching me! Shoo, go away, crabby!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Balthazar said. \u201cWait, you\u2019re\u2026 sentient?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBah, ‘course I am!\u201d the other responded. \u201cBut you\u2019re a crab. What in blazes is a crab doing talking? And leading a golem around in the middle of nowhere at night?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat do you mean? You\u2019re right in front of my territory. My trading post is right there!\u201d the exasperated crab said, pointing his lantern at the path leading down to the pond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, fiddlesticks!\u201d said the skeleton. \u201cI got lost again, didn\u2019t I? Wait, did you say trading post? There\u2019s a trader around these parts?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course there is. It\u2019s me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m a trader too!\u201d He pointed a bony fingertip at his own smiling skull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA merchant skeleton?\u201d an incredulous Balthazar asked. \u201cYou can\u2019t be serious?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s rich, coming from a talking crab who also fancies himself a merchant!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar opened his mouth to rebut, but hesitated for a moment. \u201cRight, you got a point there. Fair enough. But I thought skeletons were all supposed to be these spooky and mindless shambling undead trying to kill anything living.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBah, nonsense!\u201d the talking skull said, with a wave of his hand. \u201cThat\u2019s adventurer prejudice. Granted, it probably comes from the fact that most of us do try to kill them on sight, but hey, that\u2019s just business. Speaking of which, if you got a trading post back there, think we could step inside and talk business? I don\u2019t wanna risk being seen out here by some wannabe hero.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar pondered for a moment. He was not one to turn down business opportunities, but a skeleton in the middle of the night sounded dodgy, even for him. Then again, the wanderer seemed amicable enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He glanced at the figure in front of him through his monocle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Level 5 Merchant Skeleton]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confident that if it came to it, Bouldy would be more than capable of smashing a few low level bones, Balthazar answered. \u201cYeah, sure. Let\u2019s get out of the road.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three of them walked towards the pond, lanterns held forward to light the path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo what\u2019s your name, merchant crab?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m Balthazar. And what\u2019s yours?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m Tom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTom? Not exactly what I would expect from a skeleton, but alright.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat did you expect? \u2018Bones McGee\u2019 or something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arriving at the center of the trading post, Balthazar took some tinder and lit it on fire with the flame from his oil lantern before throwing it into the stone pit, starting a small fire that illuminated the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking a better look at the other merchant, Balthazar noticed he wore tattered pants with no shoes, an open jacket full of moth holes that exposed his rib cage, and a wide brimmed black hat. On his back, he carried an oversized pack made of what appeared to be leather, full of patches of different colors and materials. Despite how full and heavy it looked, the skeleton carried it with great ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat are you staring at?\u201d Tom said. \u201cDon\u2019t let my appearance fool you. I got coin. This is just the work attire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWork attire?\u201d the intrigued crab asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI get it. You don\u2019t go out much. I\u2019ll explain,\u201d the skeleton began. \u201cI come from a small dungeon west from here. It\u2019s the Tudor\u2019s Hall Dungeon. You ever heard of it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar shook his head. \u201cInteresting name. Who’s Tudor, and why does he have a hall?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo idea! Anyway, we\u2019re a modest dungeon, you know, meant for novice adventurers to get their feet wet, get a grasp of combat, get some experience, loot some goodies, all that stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait, wait, wait,\u201d the crab said. \u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018meant\u2019 for those things? I thought monsters in dungeons attacked invaders because they didn\u2019t want them stepping inside and pillaging the place?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, sure, that\u2019s the show we put on for the visiting adventurers, but you know how it is. That\u2019s all part of the business scheme. And really, business is great. You have no idea how many of them manage to fumble even a simple mace swing at a stationary skeleton. Or how many step into a spike trap despite all the obvious lit torches and gaping holes we put in front of them. Most are just hopelessly dense, I tell ya!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar chuckled, both curious and amused at the skeleton\u2019s words. \u201cI bet! You should see some of the ones I get over here sometimes. But how does any of that work as a business?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, ya see, most of those green adventurers go into the dungeon with all their possessions on them, probably because they still haven\u2019t learned to stash things yet. So, when they trip over their own feet and dive into a wall spear, guess who gets to keep all their stuff? That\u2019s right, we do! And then we just have to keep recycling their money and loot as bait for the next ones who come in the next day, looking for riches.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHmm, interesting,\u201d Balthazar said, slowly nodding. \u201cBut if you\u2019re a dungeon for novices, surely there\u2019s still plenty who make it out with their loot often, right? And what happens when they\u2019re not incompetent and actually defeat you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tom let out a hearty laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re skeletons! What are they going to do? Kill us? We\u2019re already dead! And you\u2019re right, some of them do make it all the way and take their loot, but that\u2019s why old Tom here goes out at night to collect loot from adventurers who perish out in the wilds. Can\u2019t let all that loot go to waste now, can we?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight, right\u2026\u201d Balthazar agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust earlier I took some coins from this kid out on the plains. I don\u2019t know what the hell happened there, but he looked like he had crash landed there straight from the heavens, a crater and everything. But hey, nobody was around, so his loss is my gain!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pubfuture Ads<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlright, I think I get it,\u201d the merchant crab said. \u201cWhat I didn\u2019t get yet is, what business do you want with me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, see, it\u2019s not common to find a fellow non-human merchant out here,\u201d the merchant skeleton started. \u201cAnd with all the new adventurers popping up lately, it\u2019s getting tougher to keep up with the supply demand. Looking around, I see you got yourself a nice surplus of junk. I was thinking, maybe we could help each other out. Most of the kids who never make it through our dungeon are usually only carrying their starter gold, which is no fortune, but is still a pretty sum, so we always got plenty of it to go around, it\u2019s actual items that are becoming a bit of a problem, and we always need more random junk for them to loot. Chances are lots of it ends up right here, traded to you. What do you say I start buying some of your trash to fill our dungeon back up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Despite the strangeness of the one offering it, the deal sounded exactly like the thing the crab was looking for, especially if it meant getting rid of all the excess garbage he had pilling up everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know what, Tom? I think we could have a mutually productive deal here,\u201d the shiny crab declared with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGreat!\u201d the skeleton said. \u201cI don\u2019t really got any room left for loose items in my pack anymore tonight, but I\u2019ll be back to these parts next week, and now I know to come here right away, instead of wasting hours looking for scraps on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure, I guess I\u2019ll just have to stay up until a bit later next week,\u201d Balthazar said. \u201cBut if you bring enough coin, we\u2019ll get that dungeon of yours refilled in no time!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the objective. I tell ya, crab, you wouldn\u2019t believe some of the things those nutcases take. They\u2019ll take the torches off the walls, the clothes off your back, even crappy helmets like that one over there.\u201d He pointed towards a horned iron helmet on a nearby shelf. \u201cHell, just a few weeks back a group of them went into a room, looted all the items and then, not satisfied yet, actually hauled the whole damn chest the loot was in with them! And it wasn\u2019t a small chest either, it was a big one, reinforced. Who does that?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, heh, right,\u201d Balthazar said, awkwardly glancing at the tent behind him, on the other side of the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy are you making that face?\u201d Tom inquired. \u201cWait\u2026 don\u2019t tell me this is where they sold it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, look, I don\u2019t ask where the merchandise comes from. If you got a problem, take it up to them. I paid for that chest fair and square!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t get me wrong, mate,\u201d the other merchant said, both bony palms facing out in front of his chest, \u201cI don\u2019t blame ya for buying it, but chests like that are actually pretty valuable to us. You know how hard it would be to get a carpenter to make us new ones? I\u2019d be willing to buy it back from you, for a fair price.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, Tom, as much as I can respect a good business offer, I kind of need that chest for my\u2026 treasury. As a matter of fact, I actually need another one already. I\u2019m guessing you\u2019re not in the market to sell one, though, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy crab, is that what you need the chest for, storing your money?\u201d the skeleton asked with a smile that was missing a few teeth. \u201cHow did you get this far as a merchant without a money bag?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI got plenty of coin pouches already,\u201d Balthazar said, picking up a small empty bag from a crate and shaking it in his pincer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNah, I mean a real money bag.\u201d Tom reached back into one of the pockets of his pack. \u201cLike this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar looked at what seemed to be just another regular coin bag, except darker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Bag of Holding Money]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Can hold up to 100,000 gold coins]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA hundred thousand?!\u201d the incredulous crab exclaimed. \u201cIn that small bag? How?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t ask me.\u201d Tom said with a shrug. \u201cMaybe magic, or whatever. I\u2019m a merchant skeleton, not a wizard skeleton. What I know is that with this you could easily carry all your money everywhere with you, without bothersome heavy chests. I\u2019ll trade ya this for that old chest. You know that\u2019s a more than favorable deal for you, but I like ya, and we just really need that chest back home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing the skeleton\u2019s words to be true, the crab nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou got yourself a deal. You\u2019ll just have to wait while I unload all the money from it, and then the chest is all yours. Although I\u2019m not sure how you plan on taking it with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, don\u2019t worry, these old bones are much stronger than they look.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar spent the next half hour shoveling coins with his pincers into the Bag of Holding Money. No matter how many more he poured into it, the bag continued to not weigh more than if it had just a couple dozen in it. Yet, all he had to do was reach inside with a pincer, and he could feel them all stuffed inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having Bouldy carry the empty chest back to Tom, Balthazar watched as the skeleton dragged the heavy chest behind him with one hand, heading back out to the road, his firefly lantern quickly fading into the night after a mutual agreement to meet again in a week\u2019s time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat an odd fellow. But I like him,\u201d Balthazar said, while tossing his new coin bag up and down with his silver pincer, before a realization hit him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, crap. This shell doesn\u2019t come with any pockets!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoss, boss!\u201d Druma shouted. \u201cFood!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Putting his book down and standing up from his purple cushion, Balthazar hurriedly stepped out of his tent, eager to greet his favorite\u2014and only\u2014baker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But as he crossed the bridge, he realized Madeleine was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the only one who stood by the entrance of the trading post was Rye, the archer boy, handing a basket to the goblin, who happily scampered away with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood morning, Balthazar!\u201d the young adventurer greeted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHello\u2026\u201d the crab reluctantly responded. \u201cWhere\u2019s Madeleine?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe sends her apologies, but she couldn\u2019t make it down here today,\u201d said Rye, with a slightly bothered expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy not? Something happened to her?\u201d Balthazar hurriedly asked. \u201cI better not find out this has something to do with you, boy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey now, wow! Easy! I did nothing!\u201d the other quickly pleaded. \u201cI\u2019m actually kind of worried about it myself. She has been taking on a lot of extra orders lately, that\u2019s why she couldn\u2019t afford to come here today. She\u2019s busy baking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds like business is good. Why is that a reason for concern?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause she\u2019s clearly overworking herself. Apparently, the rent she pays for her stall space at the market has gone up, and she\u2019s having trouble keeping up with the price, so now she\u2019s doing more work to compensate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous!\u201d Balthazar exclaimed. \u201cWhy hasn\u2019t she said anything sooner? She barely even lets me pay for all the food she bakes for us! And what about you? You fancy the girl, but you won\u2019t even offer to help her? What\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou think I didn\u2019t try?!\u201d the archer said, opening both arms in frustration. \u201cBut you know that baker. She\u2019s as sweet as she is also stubborn for some things. She said her mother didn\u2019t raise her to depend on no knight in shining armor to sustain her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the problem, then?\u201d Balthazar asked, genuinely confused. \u201cYou\u2019re an archer, not a knight. And I\u2019ve never even seen you wearing any metal armor!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026 that\u2019s not really the point,\u201d Rye awkwardly said, rubbing his forehead with his fingertips. \u201cThe point is, she won\u2019t just let someone solve her problems for her. And I will not try to give that one any orders. In fact, she\u2019s the one who\u2019s ordering me around. Here\u2019s your delivery, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The boy picked up another wicker basket from the ground and presented it to the crab. \u201cI believe she said today\u2019s specials were strawberry jam scones and custard pie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSmells great,\u201d the crab said, trying to contain his salivation. \u201cBut say, do you have a few moments to talk?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure. I\u2019m not doing anything urgent. What\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two moved next to a low table, where Rye placed the basket before sitting on a wooden bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can tell you\u2019ve been, uh\u2026 improving,\u201d said Balthazar, examining the archer through his monocle and seeing he was now level 12. \u201cYou\u2019ve been growing stronger during your adventures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d the young adventurer said with a proud smile. \u201cI\u2019ve been spending a lot more time in town lately, but I still try to keep up and get out there when I can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure, sure,\u201d Balthazar responded, while nodding in agreement. \u201cIt\u2019s important to keep reaching new levels<\/p>\n\n\n\n
of experience, am I right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crab stood still for a moment, staring at the young man, who awkwardly stared back with a confused frown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou, uh\u2026 you alright there, Balthazar?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, sure. No, never mind that. I was just\u2026 thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlright, if you say so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSay, Rye, I was wondering the other day,\u201d Balthazar started, trying to sound nonchalant, \u201cwhere exactly are you from?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, that\u2019s curious,\u201d Rye said, raising both eyebrows. \u201cNobody usually asks me that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReally? And that\u2019s not odd to you? As far as I understand, you humans are all pretty nosy about each other\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHmm, I don\u2019t know. Not really? I just figured that\u2019s the custom in these parts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo you\u2019re not from around here?\u201d the crab insisted, growing more curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUh, no, not exactly,\u201d the increasingly uncomfortable adventurer responded. \u201cI\u2019m from very far away, a whole different place from this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLike what? A different world?\u201d Balthazar inquired, determined to get a reaction out of the young man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow did you know that?\u201d Rye apprehensively asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m a very resourceful merchant. I got my\u2026 sources. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m just trying to learn more about my baker\u2019s suitor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, alright,\u201d the other conceded, relaxing slightly. \u201cYes, I was from another world, very different from this one. Then one day woke up here, found out there were many others like me, \u2018adventurers\u2019 too, and have been just going along with it, trying to make it out here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd you all got some strange text in your eyes that tells you about levels and stats, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The author’s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cY-yes\u2026 how do you know about that? I was under the impression no one from this world would know or understand any of that. That it was something for just us adventurers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, you know how it is. You spend all day dealing with your kind, and you end up picking up a thing or two. Any idea why you all get those special things? What\u2019s the purpose?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot really.\u201d Rye shrugged. \u201cWe\u2019re basically given the choice to come here, start over, given the task of improving and gaining levels, but beyond that, we\u2019re kind of left in the dark. Many think there\u2019s some kind of reward, riches, power, maybe even divinity at the end of it all. But I don\u2019t really know about any of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho gave you that choice anyway?\u201d the very intrigued crab asked. \u201cHow did you end up in this world in the first place?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m not really sure,\u201d a hesitant Rye said. \u201cI don\u2019t think anyone really knows who that voice was, just that the alternative wasn\u2019t good. I\u2026 I don\u2019t remember well what happened before. It\u2019s all a bit hazy, and feels like a lifetime ago. I was in my world. Then something happened. Something not good. And then\u2026 here I was, on a beach, with a scroll.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The adventurer rubbed his temple with his fingers, like someone straining to think. \u201cSorry, it\u2019s always really hard trying to remember anything from before, for some reason.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI got more questions. You said something about a\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Balthazar, what were we talking about exactly?\u201d Rye said, straining his eyes with discomfort. \u201cEither way, I really need to get going now. I\u2019ve always heard it was better for everyone if we don\u2019t talk about any of this stuff with the locals, so maybe let\u2019s leave it at that. I\u2019ll catch you later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just\u2014\u201d Balthazar started, but the archer was already up and halfway to the exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The golden crab stood alone on his trading post, thoughts ricocheting around in his shell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Someone was definitely behind the arrival of all those adventurers into that world, and they didn\u2019t seem too keen on anyone knowing how or why. Prodding Rye for information did not seem to have gone well, who could say what would happen with other, less receptive adventurers? Everyone else who was originally from that world, like himself or Madeleine, would know even less, apparently by design, so there wasn\u2019t much point in risking that subject, especially given the warning from the enchantress about the consequences of asking too many inconvenient questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what did any of this have to do with a humble crab who just wanted to live a quiet life at his pond?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar did not know the answers to any of that, but at least he found comfort in knowing he had scones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
***<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Holding a slice of custard pie in his silver pincer, Balthazar rejoiced at its flavor from behind a large crate. The day had been busy with adventurers going back and forth, not giving him a break to enjoy a snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, sweet Madeleine, you did it again,\u201d he said, eyes closed into a dreamlike state. \u201cSimply delicious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnybody home?\u201d a young voice said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar rolled his eyes open, and his smile turned into a frown. Just one moment of solitude was apparently too much to ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, here I am,\u201d the crab said after quickly swallowing and tossing the rest of his slice into the hidden basket behind the crate. He was willing to sell almost anything standing on that platform, except for the contents of that basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey there, Balthazar!\u201d a young adventurer greeted, with a smile and a wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, hey there\u2026\u201d The merchant hesitated. He was sure he knew the boy standing in front of him wearing average armor, with a generic face, common brown eyes, and a typical haircut. He just couldn\u2019t recall where from. Being a level 6 wasn\u2019t exactly a distinctive detail either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s Cletus,\u201d the client said, readjusting the huge sack he was carrying over his shoulder. \u201cRemember me? I\u2019ve been here to trade with you probably a dozen times by now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, right, right, of course! Come in, come in,\u201d Balthazar hurriedly said, both of them stepping closer to each other. \u201cOf course I remember you. You\u2019re the one who sold me that nice ingot of silver that one time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crab still had no recollection of ever asking for his name, despite being confident the kid had probably told it to him before. Unfortunately, Balthazar tended to not get too attached to his clients, on account of them having the bad habit of dying all the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, I did,\u201d Cletus responded with a proud smile, letting the heavy sack drop from his shoulder and onto the ground. \u201cI still remember the day I got that. One of my first bandit ambushes. There were four of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlright, kid, no need to reminisce, we remember,\u201d Balthazar said, despite not remembering the story in the slightest. \u201cLet\u2019s talk about today instead, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, sure,\u201d the other said, perking up. \u201cI came across a whole bandit hideout. The place was crawling with them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEh, you sure bump into a lot of bandits in your travels, don\u2019t you? Are you sure that\u2019s not intentional?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had to take out the lookouts on the watchtowers with my bow first,\u201d the boy continued, apparently not hearing a word of what the crab said. \u201cThen I made it inside the outer walls and dispatched another four, at least. But once I made it inside the building, damn, I went through at least a dozen more. It was rough! I had to slowly sneak my way through, taking them all down one by one. By the end, I took out at least sixteen!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery impressive, son,\u201d Balthazar said, making little effort to hide his boredom. \u201cI\u2019m sure so many bandits mean a whole lot of loot. You got anything good for me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh yes,\u201d Cletus responded with growing excitement. \u201cThere was so much gear I couldn\u2019t really carry it all, so most of it I had to leave on them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The adventurer untied the large sack and let it unfold, revealing its contents. A pile of assorted shoes, boots, sandals, and other footwear crumbled in front of them. \u201cI\u2019m open to selling them all to you. I don\u2019t have time to go up to Ardville.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar stared at the pile of shoes in front of him, slack-jawed, slowly counting them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKid\u2026 there are sixteen pairs of shoes here. Did you only loot their shoes? Nothing else?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cErr\u2026 yes?\u201d Cletus answered sheepishly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust\u2026 why?\u201d the incredulous crab asked. \u201cI\u2019m sure there was lots of other loot around the place, and even on the bandits themselves. Hell, there would have probably been lighter parts of their gear you could have taken that would be worth more than their damn boots!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUh\u2026 Yes, I guess you\u2019re right,\u201d the young man said, glancing to the side while grasping his elbow. \u201cBut, I don\u2019t know, I guess I just\u2026 took their shoes instead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar’s face scrunched up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou didn\u2019t take a single necklace, or even ring, but somehow you found the time to strip each and every one of those bandits of their shoes? You do realize that\u2019s very weird, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2026 can I just please get some money for those and go?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crab stared at the boy for a moment, unsure if he wanted to think any further on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c64 gold for the lot,\u201d Balthazar finally said, deciding it was probably for the best to not delve any deeper into it. \u201cI will not haggle, just take it, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, that\u2019s fine. I\u2019ll take that, please. Thank you,\u201d Cletus quickly said, still avoiding eye contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The merchant grabbed his new money bag that was tightly tied to the side of his shell and retrieved the money to pay the embarrassed boy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With two quick and clumsy bows of his head, the adventurer rapidly made his way back out, avoiding the crab\u2019s gaze the entire time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot sure if I even want to know what kind of strange world are all these weirdos coming from,\u201d he said, shaking his shell as he walked back and forth, throwing the shoes into a sorting crate one by one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Balthazar picked up a shoe and a sandal, a quiet cough came from the road entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A short man in a long green gown stepped into the trading post, two guards in tow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes? Looking for something?\u201d the merchant asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, I am looking for Mr. Balthazar,\u201d the man said in a slow and monotone voice. \u201cPlease let him know the local tax inspector would like to speak to him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar\u2019s eyes went wide, as his right claw snapped the sandal in two, and the other shoe dropped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar had spent a great deal of time reading books. Some were about geography, some about history, and some were even bestiaries. But out of all his readings, all the many creatures of myth, horrifying legends and stories, one creature always stood out to him as the most terrifying: the taxman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Half man, half tax collector, the despicable being now stood mere steps away from the crab, and he felt his blood run cold. Which was fairly normal, considering crustaceans are cold-blooded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wore a long green gown that reached down to his ankles, a hat with square edges, and a thin chain around his neck from which a thick badge of solid gold hung. His face was old and his cheeks saggy, like two droopy bags jiggling at every turn of his head. A pair of tiny round glasses sat precariously on the tip of his nose, far lower than his eye level, leading to him constantly having to tilt his head up to look through the lenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two Ardville guards stood straight behind him, their spears firmly held vertically against the sides of their yellow dyed leather armor, as the much shorter man leisurely perused the titles of the books on a nearby shelf, hands behind his back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar slowly peered through his monocle at the abominable creature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Level 15 Tax Inspector]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell?\u201d the tax inspector said, glancing at Balthazar. \u201cI\u2019d like to speak with the merchant responsible for this establishment. Go fetch him, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2026 I\u2019m him. The merchant is me. I\u2019m Balthazar,\u201d the crab said, hesitation taking hold of him, faced with his greatest of foes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re Balthazar?\u201d The short man asked, taking a few steps closer and giving the merchant a better look through his glasses. \u201cGoodness! You\u2019re a giant crab! That is certainly\u2026 irregular. But ultimately meaningless, I suppose. Laws are laws. For everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUh\u2026 you came looking for me but you didn\u2019t know I was a crab, Mr\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbernathy,\u201d the other answered. \u201cAnd no, I\u2019m afraid the report made on your activities did not include that fact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar perked one eye stalk up in curiosity. \u201cA report? On me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes. It would seem another citizen, Mr. Antoine, has filed a report on your unlicensed mercantile activities here, concerned you were dodging our fair tax on any business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course it had to be him,\u201d the crab muttered with spite, before returning to a normal voice. \u201cI\u2019m surprised the accuser didn\u2019t come along after reporting me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, do not misunderstand my words. The report was not filed today.\u201d Abernathy pulled a small notebook out of his waist pouch and began paging through it. \u201cIn fact, it was made a little over a month ago. But, as is the nature of this hard work, sometimes bureaucracy means there is a waiting list.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man lazily waved a hand up, making Balthazar doubt hard work was something he was ever familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRegardless,\u201d the man said, lifting his face from the book, his eyes slowly accompanying the movement a second later, \u201cwe are here to talk about you, Mr. Balthazar. It has come to my attention that you have been running a business operation out of this roadside pond. Buying, selling, and trading goods to adventurers. All of this without a permit, a license, proper regulation, and most importantly, without paying your due taxes. What do you have to say for yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar considered whether it would be too late to feign ignorance and revert to speaking crab only. He quickly concluded that would not help him much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI, uh\u2026 wasn\u2019t aware there were taxes on what I\u2019m doing here,\u201d the crab said, his mind racing for a way out of his predicament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease, Mr. Balthazar, that excuse won\u2019t work, not even for a crab. You seem to have no trouble grasping the concepts of trade and marketing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, what is supposed to happen here?\u201d the apprehensive merchant asked, eyeing the two guards behind the inspector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBefore we can proceed any further, an inspection of your establishment must be conducted. To evaluate the dimension of your business, your profits, as well as anything that might be out of order.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar did not like the idea of some inspector going through his place and his things. Not one bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A thought occurred to him. It was a long shot, given what he had learned about his Charisma and the inspector being five levels higher than him, with who knew what level of Intelligence, but he had to at least try it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puffing up his chest, his golden carapace shining brightly under the sunlight, Balthazar spoke to the tax inspector in his best attempt at sounding confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome now, Mr. Abernathy, look around. You can tell this is an honest business I run, nothing out of order here. Also, what I provide to all our dear adventurers every day should count as a public service, and should be exempt from taxes. Just ask any member of the Adventurers Guild. They\u2019ll tell you about my excellent reputation with them. To say nothing of my pristine record with the very guardsmen that stand behind you.\u201d The two guards exchanged brief glances at each other while keeping their formation. \u201cThey will tell you how I even helped them catch some thieves recently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inspector gazed down at the golden crab from behind his glasses for a moment, seemingly unfazed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery impressive, Mr. Balthazar, but\u2026 no, I don\u2019t believe any of that relinquishes you from the requirement of this inspection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The deflated merchant slumped down. It would appear his opponent was much too powerful for his crabby charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow, let us not waste any more precious time, shall we?\u201d Abernathy said. \u201cI have many other important appointments to get to today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI guess,\u201d Balthazar begrudgingly agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was little sense in arguing at that point, and he saw no outcome of the situation that wouldn\u2019t be negative if he resisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inspector looked at a nearby wood table with multiple trinkets spread over it, waiting to be sorted. With one wrinkly finger outstretched, he slid it across the wooden surface before bringing it up in front of his precariously placed glasses to check for dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nerve of the villainous fiend, to be checking the crab\u2019s immaculate establishment like it was some unkempt low category shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar stepped around the pile of old worn-out shoes that was still strewn about on the floor and followed Abernathy as he looked around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you see anything you like,\u201d the anxious crab said, \u201cI\u2019m sure we could arrange a good price for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo,\u201d the wrinkly man said, squinting his eyes at some small pieces of jewelry on a display, \u201cI\u2019m afraid that would go against the code of conduct for an inspector doing his job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was a stingy one, it would seem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTell me, Mr. Balthazar,\u201d Abernathy started, continuing his browsing, \u201cwhat is your average daily profit here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar gulped silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, heh, you see, uh\u2026 that\u2019s hard to say. I don\u2019t really keep an exact count. You know, very hard to count money with pincers for hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo you don\u2019t keep a ledger,\u201d the taxman said, giving him a brief glance from the corner of his saggy eyes. \u201cVery irregular indeed. Certainly does not bode well for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the small man moved around the platform with the crab accompanying at a close distance, a giant boulder with eyes slowly approached from the side of the pond\u2019s shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a smile, the golem waved one of his huge stone hands at the two of them. The two guards who were standing by the entrance quickly rushed in, spears pointed forward, ready for a fight, despite their clearly uncertain expressions and glances at each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, hey, hey! Easy!\u201d Balthazar hurriedly said, both pincers up in the air. \u201cHe\u2019s my guard! He\u2019s harmless to you. Not a threat!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFriend?\u201d Bouldy said, with a slight frown, as he stared down at the crab standing in front of the two pointy spears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar looked at Abernathy, who was staring straight up over his lenses at the massive towering being standing a few steps away from him outside the wooden platform. Even if barely noticeable, his expression had the first sign of surprise he had given since arriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without breaking eye contact, the inspector signaled back with his hand for the guards to put away their spears. They tucked their weapons upright between their arms and chests again and returned to their previous positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, a golem too,\u201d Abernathy said, slowly lowering his gaze from the creature. \u201cDo you have a permit for that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar frantically signaled with his claws for Bouldy to go back to his usual spot. He knew that as tempting as it was, starting a fight with a town inspector and two guards would do nothing but bring a world of problems to his doorstep. Despite him not even having a door at his pond to begin with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA\u2026 permit? For him?\u201d said the incredulous crab. \u201cYou people require permits to have golems?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, of course. They are powerful and potentially dangerous creatures. If someone owns one, it needs to be vetted by the town\u2019s authorities to ensure they will not be a threat to the citizens. Were you not informed of the protocol by the one who provided it to you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell,\u201d Balthazar quietly said as he scratched the side of his face with a pincer, \u201che was a slightly deranged old wizard who vanished into thin air after we made the trade, so\u2026 no, he didn\u2019t exactly mention any of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abernathy slowly shook his head as he pursed his lips. Reaching for his waist pouch once again, he retrieved his notebook and a quill. With raised eyebrows and looking down at the pages through his distant lenses, he took several lengthy notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crab kept nervously tapping on the wooden floorboards, his anxiety growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLook, Mr. Abernathy,\u201d he finally said once the other finished his notes, \u201cfor the purpose of full disclosure, I think you should know that the one who filed the report that sent you here, Antoine, has a grudge against me. He is also the owner of his own general store in town, and sees me as competition to his business, so he has been trying to put me out of mine for a while now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know Mr. Antoine,\u201d the man said, back to leisurely strolling around the trading post. \u201cI remember well how he got to where he is today. And the rumors about his\u2026 methods. He has quite the reputation for being very conniving. I\u2019m well aware of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are?\u201d Balthazar said, growing hopeful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI certainly am.\u201d Abernathy stopped and faced the crab. \u201cHowever, rumors are just that, rumors. There has never been proof of any misdoings on his part, not even from his former associates. So, unless you have some kind of concrete evidence to present, Mr. Antoine\u2019s report is still perfectly valid and worthy of being looked into.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar exhaled quietly as the inspector gazed at the contents of a crate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There had to be something, a weakness to his foe, anything that would help him, but the crab could not figure out what.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou clearly have a lot of supply,\u201d the man said. \u201cFrom my experience, I can safely say you must be doing fairly well for yourself, Mr. Balthazar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMe?\u201d the gilded crab said, pointing a silver pincer at himself. \u201cNot really. Business is alright, but I\u2019m not rich or anything. Just\u2026 getting by.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease, Mr. Balthazar. I have been doing this job for a long time. And I certainly know a Bag of Holding Money when I see one.\u201d Abernathy gave a nod towards the bag tied to the side of the crab\u2019s shell. \u201cJust as I can tell when they\u2019re not too empty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foiled again, Balthazar chose not to respond. Despite all his speech, all his charisma, all his intelligence, the old taxman had him beat at every corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI believe I\u2019ve seen enough,\u201d the inspector announced, coming to a stop in front of the crab. \u201cThis is a most unusual case, and only made more difficult by the fact you do not keep a proper ledger of business. Given the circumstances, I believe we will have to settle for an estimation of the taxes you owe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar felt his throat go dry before opening his mouth to speak. \u201cAnd\u2026 and how much would we be talking about here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cConsidering the estimation of trades, the time you\u2019ve been here, the unlicensed golem, late fees, and so on\u2026 I believe a sum of 3000 gold is owed to our town\u2019s coffers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA sum of what now?!\u201d Balthazar exclaimed. \u201cThat\u2019s almost half\u2026 I mean, that\u2019s a lot of money. You can\u2019t possibly expect me to pay that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crab felt lightheaded. All his precious gold coins, all the time and effort to gather them all. And now they were coming for them. Not lowly thieves, or even birds. No, it was the man. The taxman, to be more precise. It\u2019s always the ones you should expect the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regretting his choice of not keeping all his money tucked away off-shore\u2014in his islet\u2019s hole\u2014Balthazar tried thinking what his next move should be, but he felt difficulty thinking. All the turmoil of that situation was likely dropping his blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking a stumbling step to the side, the crab reached for a basket and flipped it open while the tax inspector observed him, hands behind his back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMr. Balthazar, I\u2019d recommend against any attempts to stall the process of…\u201d Abernathy’s words trailed off as he took a long sniff, nearly making his glasses fall off the tip of his nose. \u201cIs that custard pie I smell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cW-what?\u201d Balthazar said, his mouth stuffed with a generous chunk of pie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy, that certainly is a divine smell,\u201d the old man said, some of his former composure shedding away. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to excuse me. It\u2019s been quite some time since I\u2019ve felt that smell. I\u2019ve sworn off sweets by my wife\u2019s demand. Health reasons, she says.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Realization slowly crept up the crab\u2019s shell, and he glanced at the half custard pie resting in the basket. As much as it pained him, desperate times called for desperate measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s as delicious as it smells, I can tell you,\u201d Balthazar said, as he swallowed and put on his best smile. \u201cYou\u2026 would like a slice?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The words cut him on the inside as he said them, but he endured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, no, no, I shouldn\u2019t,\u201d Abernathy replied, with a clear lack of conviction. \u201cMy wife would be furious with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, now, Mr. Abernathy, your wife is all the way up in town. We\u2019re here. It\u2019s just us. Nobody would tell a soul. Right, boys?\u201d Balthazar leaned to the side, looking at the two guards who, once again, awkwardly glanced at each other without a word. \u201cIs a life without pie even enjoyable? Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crab grabbed a plate and offered a slice to the inspector, who looked at it with gluttony in his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, alright, fine, just a slice can\u2019t hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With an eagerness and joy that resembled the crab, the small man tore into the slice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a few minutes of pure delight, the man handed the plate back to Balthazar. The glasses had come off, and his eyes looked almost on the verge of tears with joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was delightful. Simply wonderful! I have to thank you for it, truly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGreat! Glad you enjoyed it,\u201d Balthazar said, trying to sound cheerful about the pie he had just given away. \u201cSay, given your agreeable mood, there wouldn\u2019t be any chance we could discuss the previous matter a little better?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow, now, Mr. Balthazar,\u201d Abernathy said, wiping his eyes and putting his glasses back on. \u201cThat might have been a delicious experience, but I still haven\u2019t lost my senses. I take my work very seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crab felt his shell deflating once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHowever,\u201d the man continued, \u201cI think, given the special circumstances, that we could arrange for at least some\u2026 leeway. I will give you one week to set your affairs in order, and then I shall return here to discuss matters further.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balthazar looked suspiciously at the inspector before slowly nodding. \u201cRight, I see. That\u2019s very\u2026 kind of you. I\u2019ll make sure I will be better prepared next time. And that we can more properly discuss the situation, perhaps over some more pie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSee that you do,\u201d Abernathy said, turning to the guards. \u201cNow I must get going. I feel incredibly sluggish after that, and cannot wait to get back to my office and\u2026 rest my eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watching the three figures leave, Balthazar sighed. That was a close battle, and it was not over yet. But at least now he knew what must be done. It was time to retaliate and deploy his secret weapon: pastries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
[Notice: Elaine, Khaos, undefined, and undefined have exited the Eternal Realm] Ashlock barely had time to inform Stella of the news before his vision blurred, and he looked within his Inner World at the exit of the Eternal Realm. His anticipation could barely be contained. Just how strong had she become? How were her children? […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4124","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tak-berkategori"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4124"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4124\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4125,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4124\/revisions\/4125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4124"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}