V54C1P1 – Southern Desert
Weed arrived at the desert city Chakmark through Yurin’s Painting Transportation technique. Instead of a town square, an emerald oasis spread across the heart of the city.
“Hookah for sale. For adults only!”
“Looking for someone who will buy a large volume of spices! Those with city contribution points can buy a lot!”
“Buying and selling leather. Feel free for a consultation if you have something in mind.”
“Scimitar-specialized shop. We only deal with scimitars.”
Roughly a hundred users were roaming about in the town square. Merchants that set up their shops in the hot sunlight all huddled under a large parasol.
“Hmm. It should be around here somewhere.”
Weed turned towards the back alley of the town square corner and moved quickly. Kaybern was destroying a city every week and monsters were multiplying rapidly.
“That old bat? He would be at the tallest sand hill in the east.”
“That’s the place where you can see the sunrise from the east. He should be tending sheep nearby. They’re very chubby.”
He acquired information about Olson from the townsfolk and exited the city, finding the sandhill. An old man was smoking hookah, gazing at the sun from the mountain-like sand hill! Weed changed his adventurer attire into armor and equipped the Loa sword on his waist. In order to quickly build friendship, it was best to take an appearance which the other party favored. Seoyoon had informed Weed that Olson was extremely selective of the people he converses with.
“I have come to hear about the story of the strongest warrior.”
“Kehehe. They all think that my stories are gibberish.”
Olson’s body was covered with scars. There was even a large bite mark that spanned from his shoulder to his stomach.
“I do not think so. You seem to be a desert warrior with a spectacular past.”
“Keul-keul-keul. Throwing around such flattery won’t make me talk to an outsider who is not a man of the desert.”
“The burns and scars on your body. Aren’t they from battling against the fire lizard?”
In the desert, it was often easy to open a conversation with topics like weapons, monsters, and battles.
“I never thought someone could think of the fire lizard just by looking at the scars.”
“I am quite fond of fire lizards as well. They’re not easy to cook but once you roast them so that the outside is crisp, it is very delicious. Especially amazing when you bite away at the chewy meat with all the oil dripping.”
“Fire lizards aren’t sold in the market… H, have you caught a fire lizard before?”
“I roasted a lot of them. I also love the clear boiled soup. It would have been nice to make wine out of them… But I never got to try, due to lack of time. As disappointing as it is, please try a sip of this.”
Weed handed Wilson some of his alcohol brewed from camel breastmilk.
“Keeuh… That is a spectacular taste. I’ve never tasted anything like it. Alright, young one. What do you think a warrior needs to survive in this world?”
Olson’s gaze was sharp as though he was preparing for an upcoming battle. They were engaged in conversation, but it was also a form of a test! If Weed’s response were to be displeasing, it would mean an end to the conversation.
“A sword. Just a sword is enough”
“Same goes for me. When I was young, I roamed everywhere with my trusty sword.”
Olson spoke about his past of roaming the deserts. He mentioned several cities, dungeons, and famous tribes.
“They say it’s a barren desert, but there is unbelievably rich land to the south.”
“Are you referring to the rainy region?”
“Hah. You are aware in the history of the desert.”
“Not so much the history… Well, I certainly remember it.”
In his days as the Great King of the desert. He remembered passing through the desert of silence and bringing rain over the area.
“People who have been to Metafeia are rare.”
“Oh-ho… Do you know of the shortcut to finding the mirage?”
“You have to penetrate through the sandstorm.”
Weed smoothly passed the test through the exchange of conversation and built additional friendship. He was able to get along in a short time based on his experiences of battles in the desert and his adventures. These folks were far easier to interact with when compared to treacherous mages always in desire of compensation. Olson emptied all the drinks and spoke solemnly.
“My blazing days of youth in my life had passed long ago. The sword technique that lit up the hearts of warriors have been buried away in the rough sands, a past long forgotten.”
“Young warriors try to restore the memories of the Pallos empire once again… But warriors are not powerful as they used to be. The desert’s history is meant to be written by warriors.”
“It is easier said than done. The sword techniques wielded by past warriors were truly powerful. Can you obtain such a sword technique and show it to me?”
Bard Ray was mentally preparing for the inevitable battle.
“Get in line. Do not forget the pride of the Arpen Empire and do not cut in line!”
The users that were wildly scrambling around him began to form an extensive line in an orderly manner.