Chapter 116: 116. Taking Risks (2/2)
”Mr. Lix, this stretch is a more dangerous area than the last. Although we should still be able to handle any monsters that appear here, please be careful all the same.”
”Understood.”
As Tyler nodded, he suddenly thought of something. Since his arrival or awakening in this continent, he had basically been trapped in the Darknar region and had only been focused on the monsters that dwell in the forest and areas around the castle.
Which was why he had no idea on what to expect from the Sentro region and had only gotten information from Z about the cities and their inner working and not the surrounding beasts and monsters which may have been a rookie mistake.
Although he had heard a rumor once that there had been a summoned hero on the human continent that had something that could tell him what sorts of monsters dwelled in a given location. He had nothing on him that could do that and would be unable to prepare an adequate plan for this journey which was a major concern for him.
Although after the various battles he had been through, and even the one against that masked man last night. Tyler was quite confident in his strength against most opponents, however, Tyler still felt that baseless arrogance would someday lead to a humiliating defeat.
He didn't plan on doing anything during this trip as he had only been hired as a merchant and for his ability to transport their goods. Although with his plans for the group he may have to help them once in a while, he was still a little hesitant as he wasn't confident in his ability to serve as a guard for anyone.
This was also one of the reasons he had brought Nadine along as she was more experienced in using magic and could make quick split-second decisions without any incidents.
However, Tyler sighed inwardly in exasperation. This job was more of a pain than he thought and if he wasn't also in desperate need of cash he would have rejected this mission on the spot.
Thinking back to his conversation with Dohel back in the city, his annoyance seems to only grow.
♦♦♦♦
”Now that we're here, would you please enlighten us on the complete details of this so-called high-paying job of yours?”
Even after getting right to the point immediately after meeting the party of five. Dohel didn't seem to be fazed by it and had a wry smile on his face the entire time. He nodded softly at Tyler before moving closer to him and speaking in a very soft tone probably as a way to prevent others from hearing his next words.
”We recently discovered an unexplored Grade 3 Gold mine in the western end of Fabelt's Pass.”
There was a series of emotions that would normally assault anyone that gears those words and Tyler was no exception. However, his expression and demeanor were well hidden with both his hood and coat, and Dohel could not get the satisfaction of seeing the look on his face.
Tyler wasn't well informed on the entirety of the demon continent and therefore had no idea why the on earth was this guy so excited for. Hell, he didn't even know where on Neron this Fabelt pass was neither would he know what a Grade 3 mine fully entails but he naturally knew what the hell a Gold mine was.
While gold was not that much of a valuable commodity as it had been back on earth. It was still plenty valuable and there was no way something like that of a gold mine would not be incredible.
A gold mine would naturally have more than enough gold and even a mix of other metals in it to completely clear Tyler's dept and earn him even more money than he had earned from his trip to the merchant guild.
Although Tyler was sure these five could not manage or defend a mine themselves. He knew that the rules of the demon continent did not allow individuals that did not possess a noble's backing would not be permitted to own any such natural resources in a region that belonged to one of the great five.
Technically, it was a crime to lay claim to anything that could be considered a source of resources and was located within the boundaries of a region that was being governed by any noble family.
However, there was still something called pioneers rights that allowed whosoever discovers an unexplored location in a region, to take the risk and explore the place first before reporting it back to the ruling family. They would also be granted a reward as a form of incentive. Although, such large rewards would only be paid in installments and after several taxes and restrictions, there would be very little money left.
Tyler however, did not think this was a pioneer mission. As far as he knew, a pioneer mission was meant to only take place at the same time as when the place was discovered which was meant to discourage most from actually exploring the dangerous location themselves.
Tyler had seen this group prepare for this mission and now knew why this was such a shady job. After discovering the Grade 3 Gold mine, for reasons that escaped Tyler, these five had decided not to report the mine to the city for a reward. Rather they would take the risk and explore the mine themselves.
A mine was usually a place where monsters regular build their nest and without knowing how many monsters nest was inside a mine. It was very dangerous to explore that mine.
Tyler could now clearly understand why the group had struggled to get any merchant to help them and why they would not tell him the details until now. Death would be mercy if the Zorak family were to find out about this.
Sensing the hesitation in the air, Dohel hurriedly spoke again.
”It's a little too crowded here, why don't we talk about the rest on the way.”