Chapter 171 – Happenings
“The demons launched an attack on the Nevald Kingdom?”
“Apparently? Honestly, it has been so long since the last one.”
“Usually it happens every ten to fifteen years or so, but it hasn’t been long since the last attack.”
It was the talk of the city and perhaps everywhere nearby, but the redux demon territory had attacked the Nevald Kingdom. The details of what exactly happened were a little vague since Arisea Station was a decent bit away.
Someone overheard the discussion and, after quickly reading through the details, decided to do a little public manipulation.
Syrus asked, “Maybe the church did something to upset them?”
“The Aurora Church?” A man asked with his eyebrow raised.
Syrus nodded. “They are the ones that spearhead the campaign into the demon territory, so if there is blame anywhere, it is likely them.”
Someone asked, “Really?”
“Why do you think demons don’t attack Arisea Station?” Syrus suggested the idea, “The distance isn’t that much further, and many demons wouldn’t have trouble making the distance in less than a day.”
“Hm…”
“I mean, maybe?”
Someone else asked, “Wasn’t there the rumour that demons were behind the previous attack here?”
The air went stale for a moment; the event was still fresh and wasn’t something that brought happy thoughts.
Syrus shook her head. “I don’t buy that one, you see; demons are fighting maniacs.”
“Huh?”
“Look, if you ever have the pleasure or displeasure of meeting the demon, you have two choices. One, convince them you aren’t a good fighter, and they will be bored and won’t bother with you. Two, make them think you are a strong fighter and be ready to back up that claim.”
“Is that based on—”
“Personal experiences, yes.” Syrus sighed. “They are like a local pub brawler, ready to wrestle anyone who wants to challenge them, but whoever beats them gets free drinks for the whole night.”
“That’s… certainly a description.”
“I’m not sure.”
There were some differing opinions, but Anlesa wasn’t there to change all their minds. She just wanted to inject a little dose of ideas.
“You don’t have to take my word for it.” Syrus added, as she waved, “I’ve got places to be; good luck with the rest of your day.”
“You too.”
“Take care, lassy.”
Walking off into the distance, they thought more about what happened. The demon’s counterattack was a surprise for them as well.
[On the positive side, with this going on, the chance the church is going to interrupt daily life here while we take the job is sustainably lower.] (Syrus)
[How wonderful.] Luna said sarcastically.
[You don’t have to worry about the Demons going after innocents at least, so relax and enjoy the good news.] (Syrus)
[It is curious why they would be going forward with that attack...] (Eva)
[The church hasn’t expanded past the line of no return, but they have been messing around in the territory; that was how they got all the mutated creatures they used for the attack.] (Luna)
[It can’t just be because of that.] (Syrus)
[Do you think us talking about the church’s actions did something?] Eva suggested. They had spoken to a few demons about their dilemma since they requested Jerry’s safety if he returned.
The demons were welcoming of such a request, partly because of Anlesa’s performance and partly due to Jerry’s potential, because if the church wanted him that badly, then one day he could be a stronger fighter himself.
Anlesa was a little aware of that situation occurring, as Jerry would likely be forced into a lot of training, but they also knew he figured that would be the case.
They decided to leave the general discussion and went on their way to pick up a deer hunting quest. They wanted to collect two, one for a quest and one for the children to eat.
On their way, they spotted a familiar face that they needed to talk to.
“Hey, Lavender,” Syrus called out.
Lavender turned around. “Oh Syrus, good afternoon.”
The two took a few steps closer until they were at a comfortable talking distance.
Syrus said, “I have made my decision; two weeks from now. If that works for you?”
“That works for me.” Lavender didn’t argue. “We are going to be so rich.”
Anlesa added, “But I am thinking of bringing some extra assistance along.”
Lavender asked cautiously, “Who...?” To her knowledge, Syrus didn’t really interact with anyone. Lavender felt calling her a loner felt a little weird, as Syrus was a social person if you talked to her, but she just didn’t talk to anyone and mostly did her own thing. The number of people Lavender thought Syrus knew could be counted on one hand. Out of that list, one was missing, and the other was a regular apothecary.
“Debating, but I wouldn’t mind bringing a few people I had been tutoring.”
“...”
“What?”
“I just imagined you as a teacher, and that kind of fizzled in my head.”
Syrus scoffed, “You must have heard about me training a boy outside of the city. I’ve been doing that for ages now.”
“Perhaps I’m a little deaf.” She shrugged. “Okay, besides him, anyone else?”
“I didn’t even say it would be him, but he is an option.”
“How many kids do you train...?” Lavender asked worriedly.
Syrus answered, “Fifteen total at the moment.”
“Oh my god... are you getting paid for that?”
“No, most people are just trying to live their lives; they can’t exactly splurge on professional training.”
Lavender raised her eyebrows. “Professional training, huh... putting yourself on a high bar.”
“It's always good to have some pride in things you are good at.”
“Well, I have no problems with that as long as we don’t make this a party; it would be kind of a waste of profits if it is split between half a dozen or more people.” Lavender’s concern sounded greedy, but everyone in the Station liked money, and from the nature of the commission, it wasn’t something that required an army.
“Don’t worry about that; at most it will be three people, though it might not even be that many.”
Lavender questioned, “What is the reason you want to bring a few extras along?”
“It is about allowing them the chance to get some life experience, rather than the money. They will still get the payment because everyone could use the money for their families, but it would be a good opportunity for them to learn more.”
Lavender’s face squirmed as she thought intently. “Hm... I understand where you are coming from, but I can be a bit picky. Can you at least choose people who have some experience under their belts? I don’t want to drag along money snappers.”
Syrus nodded. “That is a reasonable request.” Anlesa had no qualms with Lavender's requirement; this was supposed to be a group effort after all. That did cross off a few people from Anlesa’s list, but they had lower chances of being picked anyway.
Lavender in extreme relief, “Phew, I thought I might need to argue my point.”
“I am not that unreasonable, am I?”
“No, no, it's my bad.” Lavender apologised, “Just some bad memories.... One of my previous ones, actually, a few months before I met you. I had a situation where a coworker wanted to bring their partner on a multiday trip. It was hell for many reasons, least of all when we got attacked and the so-called up-and-coming hunter ran the opposite direction, after what we were escorting got jumped after it fell into a trap.”
“Sounds fun.”
“No doubt about that.” Lavender grimaced. She asked, “If you ever know who you are going to bring, let me know beforehand so I can give my seal of approval.”
“Easy, good luck with today’s work.”
“You too.”
Both people waved goodbye and continued on their day.
[We are really doing this…] (Luna)
[We didn’t have a long debate for nothing.] (Syrus)
[I know, I am just scared.] (Luna)
[The demon's counterattack was surprisingly helpful for us.] (Syrus)
[I’m still not sure on the reasoning…] (Luna)
[We can always ask next time we visit.] Eva suggested, [I still want to see if the redux crystal interacts differently to chemicals when they are still connected to the ground.]
[That will happen… eventually…] (Luna)
Luna wasn’t in a rush for another combat mash pit situation.
[Actually Syrus, you mentioned bringing people along; that was something we hadn’t decided on yet. If we were going to go through with that particular idea.] (Luna)
[I know, but best we inform Lavender when we have the chance, then a few days before when we have decided on our lineup, and her opinion matters as well.] (Syrus)
Their conversation wrapped up as they moved onto some more pressing topics like lunch, but the idea was swirling in their heads: who would they bring with them on this nearly month-long and back trip?