Chapter 83 - Assimilation (Patreon)

“Move it,” the guy said. It had the natural commanding tone of people with higher standing to those lower than him. Understandable, since he was a Level 3 and Viers was a Level 2.

Viers didn't do anything suspicious, giving nothing that could be seen as a recognition. He simply took a step back and made way for the man.

He had to be satisfied by simply imagining the guy’s head flying for now.

The Level 3 only gave him a cursory glance as he went out and walked away, only then Viers went in.

“Good morning Avel. The weather is good today, isn't it? Oooh, you’re wearing my gear. How are the enchantments? Any complaints?” Viers turned to the one who greeted him, the source of his troubles yesterday.

“Do you know the guy that just left? Who was that?”

So Viers said, as natural as possible.

“Hmn? His name is Alan, a Level 3 and a Bronze rank adventurer. His nickname is the Prince of Thieves. Why do you ask?” Izabella had a slight worry in her heart.

“Nothing. It’s just unlike you, his ‘presence’ is very strong. I haven't seen many Level 3 before so I got curious.”

“Hey, hey, hey. Big sis Iz doesn't like the sound of that. Are you implying I’m weaker than him?” Izabella had her hands on her waist as she pouted.

Although she was a few years older than Viers, she was more childish than Viers thought. She was a great red-haired beauty and had the impression of a mature woman at the first look, just like when Viers first met her in Mokash town but that impression turned 180 degrees after she started speaking.

“In terms of presence, yes,” he said straightly.

“That miiiiiight be the case but I’ll have you know that my specialties lie elsewhere. Unlike him, battle is not my forte but my enchantments are so, so much more versatile.”

“If you say so. Now excuse me,” Viers walked past her.

“Good morning, miss Izabella,” Boram said his greeting then trotted behind Viers.

“Hey, that’s cold! You won't get any girls to like you by acting like that you know,” Viers heard Izabella’s protest from behind but acted as if he didn't hear anything.

Viers was channeling the spirit of MCs with zero observational skills, like those guys in Japanese manga who had a childhood friend that lived next door that always woke them in the morning for years but never had the tiniest bit of an inkling that the girl might have feelings for them.

Viers certainly didn't know that Alan was the one who attacked him yesterday and Izabella definitely was not involved in any manner.

He is blind and dumb. All is good in the world, time to do some quest.

He went to the guild today because he remembered seeing a quest about some trouble in the graveyard. He thought he might as well investigate since he was going there anyway. Sure enough, he found the quest still available on the quest board. Viers wanted to confirm with the receptionist but this morning was busier than usual, he waited his turn in a line.

“Morning kid. How’s it going?”

“Yo. Going on a quest? Be sure to check your equipment and supplies before going out, yeah?”

“Friendly advice, don't underestimate the Glass quests even though you’re a Level 2. A guy I know lost his life because of that.”

Many adventurers were there on the guild, coming and going. Some people greeted him and some even gave adventuring tips. Viers guessed it must be because his geography lecture had elevated his standings among the adventurers.

Viers observed the adventurers while waiting. The majority were at Level 2, some were in their teens like him while some were nearing forty. The level 0s and 1s were there but not too many. The reason was that the quests in the city were a tad harder. The younglings were urged to spread to the surrounding towns and villages since more quests fitting for their strength kept sprouting like mushrooms there. The Level 3s were rare; he had only met about half a dozen in the guild, including Izabella and Alan. It was because reaching Level 3 from Level 2 was harder and stricter. It was a well-known cultivation bottleneck.

As for Level 4s and 5s, Viers had yet to see any adventurers of that stage. Viers was sure they exist in a city as big as Marakkus though.

“Next...”

The lazy voice of the receptionist was Viers’ cue.

“I’ll take this quest,” Viers gave the quest paper to her.

“Mmm… Investigate the cause of graves being dug up and solve it,” the receptionist read it out. “As you can see, the last adventurer group had investigated it and found it was a rank 1 corpse-eating ghoul monster that only came out at night. From a group of three people, only one came back and reported the failure of the quest. The reward is high because the potential danger involved might be higher than Glass rank quests. Are you sure you want to take this quest?”

“Yes.”

“Suit yourself. If you die too, the quest difficulty will be raised to Obsidian,” the receptionist stamped the quest paper before giving it back to Viers. “Pick a nice grave before you fight the monster, just in case. At least it is close.”

Towards the receptionist's rude remark, Viers made a chuckle. He didn't find offense in her but found her to be amusing.

“Thank you for the advice, I’ll make sure to do that.” Viers turned around and saw Boram’s face was a white as a sheet.

“What? Afraid?”

Boram nodded rigidly.

“Good. Now you have the opportunity to find courage. Let’s go and prepare.”

Boram let out a whimper but still chased after his master.

***

Another day has ended and night is coming.

How strange, shouldn't it be just moments ago that the sun rises?

Oh yeah, It wasn't. There was that guy that was walking around for some time today. He was looking at me earlier like examining an antique… Was it? I forget so much lately.

Normally he wouldn't remember but today was a bit different than the usual.

By the way, what was I doing?

How long have I been here?

What is my purpose?

The confusion only lasted for a moment before it scattered like morning mists. Time was a blur and his mind felt like drifting away.

He walked around a little bit.

Wait a second, am I floating? I am, aren't I? ...Oh well, it doesn't matter.

He found it was easier to think and move when night had fallen. Strange, since when he thought so?

He saw there were mounds all around him. Some with nicer stone steles than the others. He couldn’t put a finger on what it was called. As if his thought was blocked by something. He knew there were dead people under that mounds but the very term eluded him.

By mere coincidence, his eyes caught the writing on the closest stone stele.

Turfon… Wait, isn't that my name? … Maybe? … I guess?

While Turfon was thinking, the strange man came near the vicinity again along with a smaller kid.

“Alright Boram, I’ve given you time since this morning to prepare. What have you been doing?”

Turfon heard the man’s voice quite clearly. It felt like it had been a hundred years since he’d heard a voice.

The smaller kid spoke but unlike the strange man, his voice was only murmurs. Turfon couldn't make heads or tails about any of it. His lips were certainly moving so it is certain he was saying something. Just like every other person that he had seen, their voice couldn't be heard by him. But the strange man’s voice was conveyed to him flawlessly.

“...Good, at least you didn't come here blank. You brought a smelly animal carcass as a lure and sprinkled it with poison. Might work, might not. The bit about you went to the church and asked for a blessing on your hammer is a nice touch though, I didn't expect that. What I want you to learn is that you must use your head. Don't expect me to tell you what to do all the time. Knowing your enemy and making the right preparations can be the difference between life and death. You- it’s coming. This will be your toughest battle thus far. Have fun~”

Something jumped and landed near Turfon, only a meter to the side. It had a humanoid shape, adult man’s size, rotting flesh with blackish blood, a tail made of bones, and teeth like spikes.

Turfon only gave the monster a passing glance. It was of no concern to him. Nothing does. It also didn't seem to realize his presence. It was normal, after all, everyone that had come to this place didn't know he was there.

The smaller kid and the monster started to battle but Turfon didn't care. It wasn't important. Ah, he felt it again.

The pull.

There was a tug, an invitation to go somewhere else rather than staying here but Turfon refused. He didn't even remember why he refused. A reluctance? Unfinished business? He didn't remember, his mind was getting hazier by the day.

He must have dozed off because when he came to, the fight was already over.

Good. Turfon hoped they would leave soon. He needed the peace and quiet to think.

“Before we go, remember to stay quiet no matter what happens, alright? Good.”

Turfon felt a hand on his shoulder and he instinctively turned.

“Turfon the array master I presume? Your retirement by death has been canceled. I have a need for your expertise. Welcome to the Collective. Resistance is futile.”

There was a green flash then everything went dark.