Aurora Scroll

“The village is almost out of food. The monsters and animals we hunted will dry up in a few days. The village chief told me they usually stockpile some during the good days for emergencies but the surpluses didn't survive the tidal wave. There’s some good news at least. The fish are starting to return, but there is only so much they can get with poles. They need boats and nets.”

“And?” Viers listened to Croix’s analysis.

“We need to trade, buy foodstuffs and other necessities. The chief already told me about the usual trading partner in a nearby town.”

“Let’s go shopping then.”

Accompanied by two villagers, Croix, Boram, and Viers went traveling. Viers let Croix experience organizing the trip without holding his hand. Armed with salted fishes and some local specialty, the party went to war. It was a three-hour journey at normal people’s walking speed.

The town wasn't big but it was somewhat lively. Not wanting unnecessary attention, Croix hid Falmerion in a leather side bag.

Croix and the two villagers, who had experience selling things to this very town before, met up with the merchant. Viers and Boram were like bodyguards. The merchant inspected the goods and gave an estimate of their payment. Frankly, it wasn't that good of a deal.

“According to them, the price would be even lower with other merchants…” Croix looked at the two villagers who put bags of grain on the cart. “Let alone buying boats or hiring carpenters, there isn't even enough money for chicken eggs.”

“Feeling money problem, Highness?” Viers asked while crossing his arms and leaning on a stone wall. The distinct smell of the food market was a bit too strong.

“I calculated the amount they normally trade before disaster struck and it was still too little. With just this, how am I supposed to make my domain thrive?”

Viers guessed the livelihood of the common people must be quite foreign for a prince who had been living in palaces.

“Your domain, hm?”

“It might be temporary but I'm the viceroy for the time being. I have a responsibility to the land and the people.”

“Admirable sentiment. The reality is that this is the normal state of things. Ordinary villages normally produce just enough to feed themselves. If there’s a bad harvest or harsh winter, it’s not strange for them to be wiped out. Not seeing many thriving villages in your travels, have you?”

“No…” Croix sighed. “I want the people to have plenty and know happiness, how can they, if every day they have to work like beasts of burden and only earn just enough to fill half of their stomachs?”

Living in the Shore and seeing how the people there spent their time was an eye-opening experience for Croix.

“The Shore needs revenue, a source of wealth…” Croix touched his chin. “A lot of them.”

“Very good. The humble Shore or the much greater Latias Kingdom, to thrive, needs revenue. And where do you suppose we can get it?” Viers asked.

Croix was thinking hard but he couldn't come up with an answer. The villagers were finished packing up and the gang made their way to the Shore. The road was long but at least the weather was pleasant.

They passed by a group of Pathseeker hunters, carrying the remains of monsters and other magical products from danger zones. Just monsters and items in the rank of 1 and 2, nothing unusual, but Croix received a realization from the chance meeting.

“The Pathseeker stuff. Resources, knowledge, services and things that are useful to Pathseeker. That’s where the money is!”

Boram was keeping his silence but Viers saw in his eyes he wasn't thoughtless. With the prince stating his answer, Boram got a glint of realization in his eyes.

“Indeed. Correct answer, Highness.”

Viers turned on the magic item so the two villagers who pulled the cart wouldn't hear the conversation then took up a gold coin. “All the things you bought today are less than this.”

Next, Viers took out a mana crystal with his other hand, roughly the size of the coin. “This thing is worth ten times the gold.”

“The revenue you get from selling fish and vegetables won't bring your village to prosperity, viceroy, not in six months. All the wealth in this world is connected to the Path of Power, to Pathseeker needs. Killing monsters, searching for magical herbs, and finding special ores, are just examples. The market for those is far more lucrative and the return is much higher.”

“But there’s a caveat. These are usually found in dangerous areas where savage monsters are prowling about. You can't get them without sufficient strength. This is the crux of the matter, ordinary people can't get them. Without wealth, no prosperity.”

“I see…” Croix looked at the two villagers pulling the cart in front of him with sympathy. “Born with the affinity to be a Pathseeker or not… Those that are not are fated to live with their lot. Seems terribly unfair.”

“Even if you are born ordinary, those who truly struggle against fate can change theirs. But back on topic, the countess sent you, a Pathseeker, still Level 0 but a Pathseeker all the same, to the Shore and make it prosperous. As you grow in power, the more opportunities you’ll have. Surely you know what you have to do next?”

“Yes, Master Avel,” Croix’s dragon extended his neck from the opened bag. “I and Falmerion will become stronger together!”

“Just so. For a place to prosper, it has to have a strong leader. Wealth begets envy. If you are weak, you cannot stop those who want to take it from you. The world is a cruel place.”

The fact that Viers had done so to many others before remained unsaid.

***

“Mmnnhh… Pathseeker training is really tiring,” Croix stretched his arms up.

“Shaaa!” Falmerion landed on his shoulder.

“Heeey, getting pretty good with those wings of yours, aren't you, buddy?”

“Sha!” The reply was immediate.

Croix went out of his house to get some fresh air. His dwelling was the best-constructed hut in the village, courtesy of the villagers. The villagers insisted even though Croix said it wasn't necessary. Viers and Boram stayed together in another house.

“Is it just me, or are you getting bigger?”

A man was standing in front of the house, smiling at him.

“My Prince, I’m glad to see you well,” the man with white hair bowed.

“Alfred!” Croix was happy to see his loyal attendant. He didn't hesitate to take a divine sword strike to protect him.

“How’s your injury? Are you well?”

“Countess Grace is most benevolent. I’m as well as I can be.”

Besides the white hair, the man in his thirties looked normal. His outfit was that of a simple traveler but he was a Level 4 darkness Pathseeker.

“I’ve heard of your task. Your humble servant will assist you in all of my capability.”

“I am beyond grateful. Come in, I’ll brew you some tea.”

“My Prince, that is not necessary.”

“Just this once let me be a good host. I’ll tell you what I’ve been doing since our return trip from Archion Volcano.”

Alfred smiled wryly and stepped inside.

***

“Congratulations on your recovery,” Viers said to Alfred after the two met. He had sensed the Level 4 approaching the Shore and didn't interfere with his meeting with Croix.

“Thank you. I also want to thank you for your assistance at the volcano.”

“I’m Croix’s vassal. It is my role.”

“The village is… nice. Only a couple weeks since your arrival and it has come along nicely. I’m told your disciple has been invaluable.”

“Well, lightning doesn't make houses after all.” Viers didn't forget that he was posing as a Level 3 lightning user, Avel.

“Neither does darkness,” the older man smiled.

There was a comfortable pause among them before Viers spoke again.

“How are you truly holding up? Your power seems… unstable.”

“So you realized.”

“You took a strike above that of Level 5 head-on. It should have cut you in two and disintegrated both of your halves.”

Alfred let out a chuckle from Viers’ graphic description.

“My Intio cracked because I overextended myself. Countess Grace patched it up but it isn't permanent. My powers will diminish in time but I don't regret my actions. With what time I have left I’ll support the Prince.”

“Your loyalty is of the highest standard, Knight Alfred.”

Viers poured wine in a cup and slid it towards him.

Alfred took the post of Croix’s majordomo. Just like Viers and Boram, he didn't wildly use his Level 4 strength to help Croix bulldoze his viceroy trial. Perhaps he got told by the countess. His presence lessened Croix’s workload, freeing up time so the newly minted Pathseeker could train. As a Level 0, this period of time was very important.

***

Mualammu Kingdom.

Arsène was experiencing a whole new world as he lived among the Merfolk. The kingdom had a very diverse populace. Beside the humanoids with fish anatomy under the torso, there were Sahagins, squid-man, jellyfish lady, walking starfish, and other sorts of marine intelligent species.

The degree of diversity reminded Arsène of the surface’s beastfolk. They could have traits from every member of the animal kingdom.

The underwater kingdom produced magic lights so there was illumination even in this deep seabed. When Arsène arrived here, he was gawked at like a rare aquarium animal. The merman that was Arsène’s ‘master’ had got a long nose because of all the praises they heaped upon him.

As a tourist, Arsène wasn't disappointed; there were many great sights to see. Soon enough, it was clear that this kingdom, which was more like a metropolis, was not the only one. There were multiple others in the other part of the vast seas. Arsène wondered if they also had funny names like this one.

He maintained his orca form all the time, there wasn't any time limit on how long he could stay a monster anyway.

At first, Arsène wondered if Uraj’s superior would try to take him for themselves but that didn't seem to be the case. Arsène was like a legendary weapon that was found by this lucky bastard. Quite a few sent Uraj envious stares but Arsène doubted the mer realized that, drunk on happiness he was.

One thing that caught his eye was how many tamed monsters there were. Almost every power user had one, sometimes even several. Clearly they had advanced techniques centered around using pet monsters. The binding technique that was cast on him was so-so good, Arsène admitted. Emphasis on the so-so.

Arsène was eager to find out more but there was no rush. For now, he obediently stayed at his ‘master’s’ place.

“Dom, meal time.” Uraj came with big prey.

Arsène swallowed the offering of monster meat. Monsters grew stronger by feasting. That was also true for him but he was an impermanent clone! It was useless even if he ate them. The real Viers had to be the one to eat to improve the monster forms.

Arsène made a show that he ate them while actually putting the meal inside his pocket space so he could send them to Viers later. He didn't know the secret yet but the prey that Uraj gave him was a pretty good exp, which was why he didn't want to waste it.

Another mystery to solve.

“Hehehe, eat up a lot, Dom,” Uraj smiled. “The Hunting Game is close. We’re going to dominate the event.”

Yeah, yeah. How about you stop smirking and give me more food?