The next day, outside Akara's Tent, Kashya was already sitting there. Perhaps the lazy fellow had slept there last night to avoid being late; thinking about it, it wasn't impossible.
"Yo, Wu, morning! What's wrong? Your face is a bit pale. You haven't recovered yet, don't do anything too strenuous!"
Seeing me approach with shaky steps and a pale face, Kashya "comforted" me with a mischievous smile. Could this gossip girl have heard something? No way!
I weakly waved my hand, indicating I wasn't in the mood to talk. Although her guess was correct – I had indeed gone to that kind of place – the reason for my weakness wasn't because of *that*...
Ladies' Market, this common and direct term, didn't surprise me coming from the mouth of a crude Barbarian like Doug. I guess if it were those Paladins or Sorceresses, they would definitely have a more elegant way of putting it.
As the street's name suggests, this was actually a collection of brothels. Every woman inside was a pitiful soul who had lost her family and had no one to rely on. To support themselves or their family members who also lacked the ability to work, they could only choose this profession. This was worlds apart from the women in my original world who engaged in such work purely because they were corrupted. Therefore, the status of the women here was not low; at least, even noble Classed Adventurers couldn't force them into providing services.
After the monster attack that affected all the Adventurers in the Rogue Encampment ended, business at the Ladies' Market (let's use Doug's term for now) has been booming these past few days. Barbarians, Druids, Assassins, and even Sorceresses and Paladins could be seen, as could Mercenaries, of course. There was one Class that was unlikely to be seen...
Seeing this situation, I couldn't help but feel relieved inwardly. Ha, we're all men, after all.
However, before I could settle down, suddenly a few Idiots in front of me started shouting: "Lord Wu Fan, so you were here too, haha..."
In that instant, I felt as if all eyes were focused on me. I stared blankly at those brain-damaged individuals, my face ashen, unable to say anything for a moment.
You can imagine, if this were in my original world, when you've finally made up your mind to have some fun at a nightclub, suddenly a few people walk past from the opposite direction and greet you with a voice louder than heavy metal music: "XX Municipal Party Secretary, so you're here visiting prostitutes too, haha... What a coincidence, let's all go together!"
Experiencing it firsthand, you can understand my mood at that time.
Doug, that scoundrel who deserves a thousand cuts, seemed afraid that others wouldn't know. Dragging the utterly depressed me, like a parade, he walked around the entire Ladies' Market several times, then irresponsibly shoved me into a Tent and went off to enjoy himself. I never thought my first time would be completed in such a dejected state. Fortunately, the Older Sister who accompanied me had a very delicate appearance and a good figure. It was said she was a very famous woman there. If she had been a dinosaur, I would have literally torn Doug apart, humph humph...
Anyway, if unnecessary in the future, it's better to go to that kind of place less often.
"Anyway, what's the matter this time?"
I lay weakly on the Grassland, a blade of green grass in my mouth.
"Let's wait until Deckard Cain and the others arrive before we talk."
Kashya took out a wine bottle from her waist – I didn't expect Fara could make another one for Kashya in just a few days. That's quite efficient. But based on my understanding of that stingy Old Man, I guess Kashya must have some leverage on him, which is why he had no choice but to do it for her.
Before long, Deckard Cain walked over spiritedly, leaning on his staff. Then came Fara, who arrived almost exactly on time. Tch, acting like he's a busy person while we're just lounging around. The three of us simultaneously gave him a look of contempt.
Fara had just arrived, and Boss Akara, as if she had calculated it precisely, slowly pulled open her Tent. One hand leaning on her staff, the other holding a large bottle from which steam was still rising. Turns out she was just inside preparing the Mind Refreshing Water for guests.
Turning back, Fara, this Old Man, took out a complete set of exquisite conference-style tables and chairs from his Inventory, I don't know when. Then he set up a Sound Isolation Barrier around them.
I say, can't you put something more meaningful in your Inventory?
I murmured, pulling out a chair and sitting down. There were exactly five chairs, no more, no less. It looked like it was premeditated, which made me even more vigilant. The four people sitting before me were all Old Foxes, and in their eyes, I was probably at most a creature of the lambs level.
"So, let's first discuss the report on this combat."
Akara acted as if she didn't see the suspicion on my face, taking out a Parchment Scroll from her bosom. It was densely covered with some writing.
"This was compiled by Deckard Cain, regarding the specific losses from this combat."
She pointed to the Parchment Scroll placed on the table. However, the other three seemed to have no intention of picking it up. I guess this data had long been etched into their hearts.
Only I, who didn't have a comprehensive understanding of this combat yet, picked up that Parchment Scroll tremblingly to forget the current strange atmosphere, and began to read it carefully.
Death, injuries – this was the data Akara had told me about. Also the specific food consumption, Gold Coin expenditure, the current reserves of Rogue Encampment, and even the damage this combat caused to this year's harvest, how many families completely lost their ability to work because of this combat, etc., all had relatively detailed data. Truly worthy of Deckard Cain, simply comprehensive.
After I finished reading this Parchment Scroll carefully, the four people had already started discussing.
"Requesting donations from Classed Adventurers or..." Akara.
"After this combat, the price of food will definitely increase, but the income of Civilians..." Deckard Cain.
"Strengthening the village's defense, and the research work on Magic Alarm, leave it to me..." Fara.
"When necessary, we can also negotiate with Lut Gholein..." Akara.
Their dialogue felt exactly like the topics high officials would discuss, sitting around a round table with bellies sticking out and crossing their legs. I, who knew nothing about these things, stood by blankly, spacing out, completely unable to get a word in, feeling more like an outsider than an outsider.
Ah, perhaps there was another fellow suffering the same fate as me, poor Kashya. She also didn't seem to say much, but her mindset was much better than mine. Or perhaps it could be said she was thick-skinned; at this moment, she was taking a gulp of ale, then a gulp of Mind Refreshing Water, drinking happily. Hey hey, aren't you afraid of getting diarrhea?
And the two main figures of this discussion meeting, Akara and Deckard Cain, finally let me witness their power. Those problems that seemed almost impossible for me to solve, but under their careful negotiation, made me start to feel that these problems didn't seem very difficult after all.
Being a Guardian is indeed not something everyone can do. Although Akara and Deckard Cain don't have the power of Fara and the others, relative to the entire Rogue Encampment, they two are the truly indispensable figures.
The discussion lasted for over two hours. The difficult problems on the Parchment Scroll seemed to have been mostly resolved. The only thing I heard from the side was that Rogue Encampment might be a bit tight on funds this year. As long as they get through this year, next year they can return to pre-combat levels.
"Alright, let's end this topic here." Akara smiled faintly, putting away the Parchment Scroll on the table.
"My dear Wu, I'm embarrassed to have made you wait so long. I'm afraid you're also suspicious about why we Old Geezers specifically called you here."
"Mm-hmm."
My head nodded like a chick pecking rice. I had been completely ignored for almost 3 hours; at this moment, I truly felt like tears were welling up.
"Heh heh..."
The four of them exchanged glances, then lightly laughed, as if four Old Foxes were surrounding a Little One, discussing how to bite down. This immediately gave me a creepy feeling, like needles pricking my back.
Finally, it was Akara who spoke up.
"Although it's a bit formulaic, I still have a few questions to ask you."
"Mm." I nodded.
"Do you like Rogue Encampment?"
Akara's first question made me a bit confused, but I still nodded.
"Do you want to protect the people important to you?"
I continued to nod. Isn't that nonsense?
"Can you contribute something for the people in Rogue Encampment?"
"That depends on who it is and what the contribution is," I replied without missing a beat.
"Then, the last question." Akara gave me a look of appreciation, then took a deep breath, which immediately made me nervous.
"Are you very idle?"
"Huh? Ah! Yes." A completely unexpected question made me subconsciously nod.
"That's great."
Akara said with a smile, as if a fish had taken the bait.
"Welcome to join us."
She took out another Parchment Scroll from her bosom and unfolded it. Then Kashya, while I was spacing out, pricked my finger with lightning speed and pressed it on top.
"Wait, wait, what are you doing..." Why do I feel like I'm being forced into a slave contract?
"Welcome, welcome, a warm welcome."
Kashya, the culprit, at this moment completely lacking self-awareness, held my hand, shaking it desperately. Her happy appearance was as if she was saying, "Ah! Finally found a scapegoat!"
"Heh heh, don't mind Kashya's words. Here, see for yourself." Akara's smile today was particularly horror-inducing.
I tremblingly picked up that Parchment Scroll. For a moment, I only saw four large, bright red characters on it – Honorary Elder.
"Honorary Elder?"
"That's how it is." Fara patted my shoulder with a look of condolence.
"You want me to be one?"
The four of them nodded in unison.
"What kind of joke is this? I can't do this."
I shook my head like crazy. If it weren't for these two old troublemakers, Kashya and Fara, I guarantee I would have run away.
"It's alright, we will take your ability into consideration."
"What is the responsibility of an Honorary Elder?" I wasn't foolish enough to first fantasize about what power I would have.
"It's nothing much. Some urgent quests, just like this monster attack. What's most important for you now is to improve your power. Other quests can be discussed later."
As if seeing the worry/anxiety in my heart, Akara continued with a smile.
"Don't worry, we won't force you to do anything difficult. Moreover, if you agree, everyone will have equal status from now on. No one can force anyone. If you have any doubts about a quest, if you don't want to do it, you can absolutely refuse. What we give you is not an order, but a request."
"Then why do you insist on giving me this Honorary Elder status? Even if you don't give it, if you have any quests, as long as the difficulty isn't high, I would also be very willing to accept," I calmly analyzed the suspicion within it.
"Wu, perhaps you are not a genius, but without a doubt, you are a practical person. That's what I appreciate about you." Akara nodded with satisfaction.
"We don't have any other meaning. We just hope that you, possessing this status, can consider things more for Rogue Encampment... No, but for the entire Dark Continent." She sighed, looking at me deeply.
"..."
Is that what you call bond? My mind involuntarily recalled that blood-red fiend bear, thinking blankly.
"Then, can you tell me, Honorary Elder, what power do I have?" I was stunned for a long time, finally smiling brightly.
Akara and the other three immediately let out a sigh of relief. This was truly the best outcome; if I didn't agree, they couldn't really do anything to me.
"You can mobilize the soldiers of the entire Rogue Encampment, even Mercenaries. At key moments, even Classed Adventurers must obey," Kashya tempted from the side. Seeing my uninterested expression, she couldn't help but be greatly disappointed.
"You can freely enter and exit the Mage Guild, and even get priority to experience the latest Magic Tools," Fara said proudly from the side. No, this is absolutely out of the question.
"You can freely browse information, including the most secret documents," Deckard Cain smiled and stroked his white beard. If I have this time, I'd rather spend more time with Shara.
"You possess the power to use Teleportation." Akara's words were concise and to the point, but were what moved my heart the most.
"Teleportation? You mean I can even Teleport directly from Rogue Encampment to Harrogath, and also return from there?" I said with shining eyes.
"You're only half right," Akara said to me mysteriously.
"You can Teleport from Rogue Encampment to any Place, including Harrogath. But returning from there is not within my power. You must get the consent of the Leader there."
"Eh? In other words, only one-way Teleportation?" I sighed, disappointed.
"Don't be discouraged. At that time, this old woman will personally write a letter. I believe they will still give some face. However, there might also be some small trials for you. These shouldn't be a problem for you, right?"
"No, absolutely not." I said, overjoyed. Teleportation! Isn't this just like the game, where you can run around anywhere?
"Don't get too happy," Fara glared at me from the side.
"Teleportation cost is very high, don't casually cause us trouble."
"At most I'll compensate..."
In my happiness, I started squandering. Just finished speaking, I discovered I was digging my own grave.
"Yo, you talk big. However, I heard this kid's drop rate is indeed quite good," Kashya looked at me with shining eyes.
"Kid, the Mage Guild will rely on you from now on."
Fara patted my shoulder, with an appearance that said it's no problem how many times you want to Teleport, leave it to me.
"Alas..." This is probably the result of getting carried away.
However, this small loss is nothing to me. After thinking about it, I had a decision regarding the few questions they just discussed.
Clatter...
A crisp sound of metal colliding. A continuous stream of Gold Coins poured out from my Inventory. Before long, it piled up to the height of the table.
"Elder Akara said she would request donations or loans from Classed Adventurers, right? Then, I'll be the first."
"Oh my, this is truly spectacular."
Akara said with a smile. Actually, this money isn't that much. Think about it, just a Scroll of Identify costs 50 Gold Coins. It's just that tens of thousands of Gold Coins and Silver Coins piled together, the dazzling light was just a bit exaggerated.
"How annoying! I heard this kid was rich a long time ago, didn't expect you were so rich," Kashya said with an unwilling expression, seeming to regret not extorting more when they were in Vitas Village.
Ha, absolutely cannot let them know I still have a huge pile in my Stash. Seeing Kashya and Fara's greedy appearance, I thought silently to myself.
But honestly, I don't really have a concept of Gold Coins anymore. If it weren't for the Lazy Crow being tireless in collecting these, I might have been too lazy to even pick them up.
"A total of 18,432 Gold Coins, 13,508 Silver Coins. I will shamelessly accept them."
Akara's words startled me. How many minutes had passed? Already calculated? Is this the so-called Stereo Scan + Human Computer Function? Looking at Akara's pair of pale, blind eyes, the ability of the Great Eye immediately seemed mysterious and unfathomable to me.
Then, Fara used Magic Engraving on 2 Parchment Scrolls. One copy to be kept by Akara, one copy given to me.
"Just because you are an Elder doesn't mean we'll take your Gold Coins for free. Everything is done according to the rules," Akara said.
Next...
"Kid, I manage six Training Camps by myself (the Training Camps for Sorceresses and Necromancers are together). It's quite tough. How about it? Help me share some of the burden," Kashya said, pretending to be friendly, while patting my shoulder.
Nonsense. When have you ever seriously managed the Training Camp matters? I gave him a contemptuous look.
"Wu, there's a bit of trouble with the record-keeping work on my side. Do you think you could...?" Deckard Cain's words put me in a difficult position. Don't you know I'm practically illiterate?
"The Guild is still missing an Elder. I think this position is perfect for you," Fara whispered mysteriously in my ear.
Tch, if I became an Elder of the Mage Guild, I guarantee I'd be infamous within half a day. Moreover, I think your expression doesn't look like you're missing an Elder; it's more likely you're short of a guinea pig for research.
I saw through Fara's thought with a single glance.
"Alright, alright. What's most important for Wu now is training, to improve his own power. None of you should think of any crooked ideas," Leader Akara spoke, immediately making the other three obediently shut their mouths.
"By the way, if I can use Teleportation freely, can I go to Lut Gholein right now? Even if I don't kill Andariel?" I asked consultatively.
"With the status of an Elder, of course you can," Akara gave me a positive answer.
"However, are you really sure you want to go to Lut Gholein now? If so, then I need to prepare a letter."
"No, I was just saying."
Once the excitement passed, I immediately sobered up. Why be so anxious? Does my heart truly want to be a Savior that much? I mocked myself fiercely.
"That's good too. With your current level, I think there's still room for improvement in Rogue Encampment. If the existing pattern can remain unbroken, it's best not to break it," Akara suggested.
"Mm, I will seriously consider it."
Actually, I had already made up my mind inwardly – at least I have to take down Andariel before going to Lut Gholein. After all, I was once a Diablo fan. With my current power, if I haven't even seen Andariel, how can I leave with a clear conscience? Even taking a step back, the items Andariel drops are also quite tempting.
"So, alright, this meeting ends here. Finally, let us once again welcome Wu's joining..." Akara concluded. Then the four of them simultaneously clapped for me.
"Heh heh..." No need for others to remind me, I also know my expression is a bit flushed now. From now on, I am also a member of the Leader's group.
"So, Wu, I have one last proposal. While you are recuperating during this period, have a good exchange with Fara and Kashya. As for the problems that arose during your combat with Belial last time, the three of you can discuss and resolve them yourselves. This old woman is not skilled in this area of knowledge. Alright, I need to attend to the guests..."
A few Adventurers walked over from a distance. Fara immediately removed the Sound Isolation Barrier. Akara also instantly packed away the bottles and cups, turned around and slipped into her Small Tent.
"Ah, by the way, Wu." Just as a few of us were about to disperse, Kashya suddenly called out to me.
"This is the item Belial dropped last time. I almost forgot."
Then, she took out a perfect Diamond, a cracked Sapphire, a Rune, Leather Gloves emitting a green glow, Heavy Boots with a faint golden glow, a Scale Mail with a blue glow, and a blue... Wolf Head???
OMG...
"Ha, don't worry, I didn't help you identify it. Your own item must be identified by yourself to have value."
Kashya is indeed an old hand; her words immediately hit upon the exciting point of equipment. I didn't expect she could be so understanding sometimes.
"However, that Set Item Leather Gloves is obvious. There's no value in being excited or having anticipation for it. For the sake of saving, you should still let Old Man Deckard Cain help you identify it."
"Lord Cain, could I trouble you with this?"
I sobered up from my excitement, nodding happily. Kashya is right, the attributes of Set Item equipment are generally fixed. With Deckard Cain here, there is indeed no need to waste precious Scroll of Identify.
"Heh heh, Wu, you are also an Elder now. If you still call me Lord, I'll feel uncomfortable all over," Deckard Cain smiled and politely took my Leather Gloves.
"That's right, from now on, just call him Old Man Deckard Cain," Kashya immediately chimed in.
I glared at Kashya. Respecting elders and cherishing the young is a traditional virtue of my homeland. Besides, whether it's Deckard Cain's knowledge or demeanor, they are absolutely worth learning from and respecting.
"Then, I'll call you Grandpa Cain from now on. You won't mind, right?"
"Mm, ah, is that alright? Of course I won't mind..."
Deckard Cain didn't expect me to say that. He was stunned for a while before revealing a joyful smile.
"Humph, you certainly have a sweet tongue," Kashya kept humming from the side.
"Grandma Kashya..." I turned my head, looking at Kashya expressionlessly.
"You scoundrel kid..." Kashya was so angry her teeth ground together.
"Both siblings are the same, what sin did I commit in my past life?"
"By the way, besides this equipment and Gems, there should be quite a bit of Gold Coins too, right?"
I originally wanted to let her off, but seeing her exaggerated appearance, I couldn't help but say, putting her on the spot.
"Ah, I suddenly remembered there are still matters at the Training Camp. Then I'll leave it at that for now..."
(end of chapter)