NOVEL NEXT Volume 1 Chapter 76: The Marketplace
Often, one can gauge a civilization’s level of development from its clothing, culture, and architecture.
Dirty, chaotic, disorganized!
This was the first impression the operators from Rhine Lab had of the Lizardman city.
Fortunately, they had been forewarned, so the operators held back their physiological discomfort.
In fact, those who had served as mercenaries and traveled widely were quite used to such scenes.
Not all cities are mobile cities, and not all towns care about civility and hygiene.
And speaking of cities, this was really just a collection of earthen forts built on the Gobi Desert.
Massive camel-like beasts were stationed outside, with a few people left behind to guard them, while the rest brought their goods into the market.
Garde had asked Raya’s brother to help gather information about the route leading to the depths of the Hotlands, while he stayed outside.
Since the people from Rhine Lab didn’t understand the Lizardman language, they wouldn’t even be able to explain themselves if trouble arose.
Life is not just about fighting and killing; it’s about human relationships and maintaining harmony, isn’t it?
Soon, Garde received a new map from Muccaka and learned about some recent events in the deeper regions of the Hotlands.
“You said there were loud booming sounds coming from the depths of the Hotlands, and the daytime temperatures once dropped to freezing?”
Garde glanced at Surtr.
He might have some idea why the rainy season in the Hotlands had arrived early.
Some speculate that Surtr’s numerous fragmented memories are actually a self-protection mechanism of her body.
After releasing the full power of the greatsword, her body may be unable to withstand the force and could collapse, with memory loss serving to protect her from the impact of a Feranmut soul .
Changing the climate of an entire region through sheer force seems impossible, yet Garde knew of several gods or beasts capable of doing such things.
Being able to achieve this doesn’t necessarily mean they are powerful, just as a physicist who understands E=mc² could, given enough time and resources, create a terrifyingly destructive weapon.
But that same scientist could still be taken down by a random street thug.
However, the god or beast residing in Surtr’s sword was likely the kind that excelled in combat.
Having entrusted Muccaka with procuring the necessary supplies, Garde prepared to rest for a day outside the marketplace before venturing deeper into the Hotlands.
The region did not have a standard currency, relying more on bartering goods.
Despite moving beyond the outskirts of the Hotlands and reaching the central area, the temperature had dropped rather than risen.
Compared to the extreme heat of sixty to seventy degrees in the outer regions, the temperature near the Lizardman marketplace was refreshingly cool.
Surtr, with Laevatain strapped to her back, stood staring into the distance outside the marketplace.
“What’s wrong?” Garde’s voice came from the side.
He was helping the Lizardman caravan unload their goods, since there wasn’t much else to do.
“I feel like I’ve been here before.”
Surtr frowned as she gazed at the earthen forts, but she couldn’t recall when she might have been here.
It could have been before she lost her memory, or even further back.
“Judging by the scale, this marketplace can’t be more than ten years old. The Hotlands aren’t a place you just visit casually. Even the you before you lost your memory wouldn’t have come here twice in a short span of time.”
Garde glanced at Surtr, suspecting that she was much older than she appeared, though he had no evidence.
“I want to take a look inside.”
“Just don’t cause any trouble.”
“You’re coming with me.”
“I have to look after the people outside.”
“I’m your slave.”
“Tch, the way you say that makes it sound like I’m the one who’s your slave.”
Garde clicked his tongue but didn’t refuse.
With the people from Muccaka’s caravan nearby, and Saria’s steady nature, there shouldn’t be any issues.
Mostly, he was curious about the level of development of the Lizardman civilization and how long it might take before they explore the world outside the Hotlands.
Could they adapt to the Originium-polluted environment of the outside world?
Would they come into conflict with the Sargon people outside?
Would the Savra recognize these people living in the Hotlands as their kin?
Garde wasn’t a sociologist, but he found these questions intriguing.
The Lizardmen had a geographical advantage, backed by the Hotlands, giving them enough leverage to negotiate with the outside world.
Perhaps, many years later, it would be thanks to these Lizardmen that the people of Terra would begin exploring the Hotlands.
Before heading in, Garde consulted with Saria.
Upon hearing his plan, she instinctively wanted to refuse.
As the team’s translator and guide, Garde shouldn’t leave them, especially not with a woman who had joined halfway.
However, they’d already relied on Garde countless times along the journey, and Saria couldn’t find a valid reason to reject this relatively harmless request.
“I’ll be back before sunset. In the meantime, you can communicate with Raya. Her Sargonese may not be fluent, but she can handle basic conversations.”
Saria hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn’t voice her thoughts—like wanting to go along as well.
The team still needed her, and with Garde gone, she would have to take charge of the team’s safety and coordination.
Seeing Garde and Surtr walking together made Saria uneasy.
She hadn’t felt this way even when Garde and Carnelian had been close.
But now, because of this Sarkaz woman who joined halfway…
“Haaa~” Saria’s chest rose and fell as she tried to calm the agitation in her heart.
She trusted that Garde wasn’t the type to act recklessly.
He must have his reasons for getting close to Surtr—it couldn’t just be because Surtr was a pretty girl.
If that were the case, Saria didn’t think she was any less attractive.
Her thoughts grew chaotic once more, and Saria didn’t understand why she was feeling this way, why her emotions were clouding her judgment again and again.
Since Garde had temporarily left, what she should focus on now was taking good care of her team!
Finally calming down, Saria clenched her fist.
“Saria, don’t forget why you’re here!”