Chapter 164 (1/2)

The men around us were speaking unintelligible words while pointing their spears at us.

”Let's take them out!”

”Wait, we're the ones who wandered into their territory. If we find a way to explain ourselves, we'll probably get out of here without having to fight.”

”But I don't know how to speak their language.”

”We have the translation scrolls. Let's use it.”

I slowly lowered my backpack to the ground and rummaged through my things.

I don't want to hurt them, so if we can avoid this conflict, it will be good for us.

”Where are they from? I've never seen them around here.”

I stopped when I understood the words one of the men spoke.

”Do you speak our language?”

”If you don't respond to the code, then you're my enemy, and I'm going to kill all of you before you dare tell anyone about this place.”

”Wait a minute. We're not hostile. I don't know what's going on, but I'm not going to tell anyone about this place. Trust me.”

I held up my hands to show that I would not resist.

I have no reason to fight them.

”In that case, answer my questions. And depending on what you say, I will consider accepting you as friends.”

”All right, I will.”

”You sure? If you try anything, we'll kill you.”

”I'm sorry, it's our fault for entering your territory without permission. I think we can settle this by talking, and if it's a misunderstanding, we should avoid any unnecessary fighting.”

Besides, I was very interested in them.

It's not every day that someone asks you for proof to determine whether you live or die.

I figured these men are here for a reason, and whatever it is, it must be dangerous.

And if I can't make peace with them, we'll run away from here as fast as we can. I'm not confident I can persuade them because I'm rather foolish.

”Are you a spy for Rudra?”

”No, but... Do you have something to do with the Demon King?”

”Where do you come from?”

”From the west. We come from Galbaran.”

”So you come from the great nation of the Beasts... You look like an adventurer in that attire.”

I felt the men's guard lower, ever so slightly.

I reached into my pocket, ”I have an adventurer's card.”

”Don't move! I'll have one of my friends check the card.”

”Okay...”

One of the men reached into my pocket and pulled out the card.

He looks at it for a while and then runs to the man who seems to be the leader.

”Look, it says it's the Manyu Brigade.”

”The Manyu Brigade?! Wait, I heard there are some frauds out there posing as them... I need proof. Prove to us that you are the Manyu Brigade.”

The leader pointed at me.

Since you insist...

I already returned the Hero bracelet to King Armand, and I don't think the Birfrell family crest will help.

And the only proof of our identity is the adventurer's card.

When I hesitated, the leader demanded more from me.

”I've heard rumors that the Manyu Brigade is a party of incredibly strong people. The leader, in particular, has monstrous strength and can even bite through metal.”

The men brought an iron plate. I have to bite into this to prove my identity.

I've never done anything like this... But I have no choice.

”Master...”

”It's okay, I can endure this.”

Gachin

I bit into the iron plate and started chewing a piece in my mouth.

The plate, now missing a piece, had my teeth marks on it.

You can imagine the taste, but it feels like chewing a piece of hard bread. I'm a little surprised at my strength, I never imagined I could do something like this.

”Are you satisfied yet?”

”I can't believe it. You really bit it. But this is not enough... I need another test. The leader is said to also be able to break a stone with just their finger. Do you think you can do it?”

One of the men stepped forward and spoke.

Hmm... Breaking a rock with my finger....

I approached one of the rocks on the wall, and with a tap, the stone cracked and fell apart.

”...........”

”Anything else?”

”Okay, okay, all right. We acknowledge that you are the true Manyu Brigade.”

Although they were the ones who asked for proof, their faces showed concern and fear.

Especially the face of the leader who was looking rather pale.

”This doesn't make sense. Is there any meaning in me proving that we're the real deal?”

”Of course there's meaning. There's a story behind this. Come into the village, I want to tell you all the details.”

We were finally able to make peace and engage them in conversation. I was glad to have avoided unnecessary conflict.

But I wonder if I can gargle some water before entering?