474 The Compensation, Into The Dungeons of the Stone Fortress (1/2)

Day ▋▋ - ▋▋:▋▋ ▋▋ - Stone Fortress, Eastern Mountain, Spirit Dimension

The celebration was remarkably successful.

With most of the races being nocturnal, the celebration outside the fortress had yet to end. It was even though it was already past midnight. They did not party like how humans did. Most of then just gathered around, listening to stories told by the chiefs of their tribes. Sometimes, others would step up in the limelight to boast about their achievements. Although most of them were boisterous, it just made things livelier.

The smell of roasted animals glazed with their tribe's mix of spices spread everywhere. Some tribes even brought out the liquor exclusive to their tribes.

And to see those happy expressions that they had not seen for a while, Diwata Danaya was satisfied.

Everyone had been living on the edge these past days. And the appearance of that Giant could have pushed many to their limits. If that condition continued, the unity in this place would fall soon, even if the Giant was defeated.

Danaya could not let that happen. Fortunately, the leaders of the races had the same thought. The threat outside was already overwhelming. If a problem rose from inside, it would be much worse as everyone had nowhere to go.

Fortunately, the sudden interference of Bathala made this celebration possible. His appearance back then made everyone feel that at a pinch, someone might step out to save them. Although the possibility was very low, it would give everyone the hope they desperately needed.

While Diwata Danaya hovered above the fortress as she watched everyone, two figures appeared before her.

It was Mark and Mei, who were taking a midnight stroll. Because of the ongoing celebration, the Trade Area was still open. Thus, Mark and Mei decided to look around if there would be something that would catch their eye.

Mark and Mei had changed into a more discreet type of clothing compared to what they wore in the celebration. They even more masks. This way, most of the races that attended the speech this morning would not recognize them.

And sure enough, Mark had found some good things, especially materials for crafting and some magical weapons. Furthermore, since he traded with the small crystals with the attribute that the owner of the item could absorb, he got more than what he needed. Many traders there were honest ones, and Mark was glad to trade with them. As for the ones that wanted to take advantage after seeing what he used for trading, he did not bat an eyelid to their call.

”Good evening.” Danaya greeted the two. ”Are the two of you going back already?”

”We are.”

Mark replied.

”Then, before you get back, I would like to thank you once more for being the center of the celebration.”

Danaya said.

”Well, I can tell you that I will not do it again.”

”I also wish that I would not happen again. Because if it did, it just meant that we met another disaster that we would not be able to handle while your group is staying here.”

Danaya sighed. She did not want to give them any more trouble, mainly because they did not belong to this place at all. They were just guests that were checking on the state of the Stone fortress because of Felenia. Furthermore, after their unfinished business here, they would leave. It was not new to her that they had two more destinations.

”Have you prepared the compensation?” Mark asked. ”Because I want to receive that as soon as possible. The most that we can stay here should be another day or two.”

”That fast?”

Danaya asked.

”Don't forget. We came from the Mortal World. The more time we spend there, even more time passed there. By the few days that we stayed here, we don't even know how many days or weeks we already spent there.”

Hearing that, Danaya could only agree. Both worlds were approaching the end of times. It was better if everyone could spend their time in the places they wanted to be.

”Then please, wait till tomorrow afternoon.”

Danaya said with a bit of disappointment.

”What is with that expression?”

Mark asked as it was clear that the disappointment was not with his group leaving but something else he could not read.

”Actually, it was better if you could tell us what you wanted. We are having an absolutely hard time trying to think of what would satisfy you. As for the Brigands, we have some Tikbalang Slaves, but we doubt that they would be able to fetch the same value. There was also the reward for dealing with the situation in the Kingdom of Sylphs. You wanted the Giant's body, but with what happened, that deal was a total void.”

Danaya complained earnestly. They would not be able to give him a satisfying reward if he did not tell want he wanted. Furthermore, with the gifts he received in the gathering this afternoon, it became harder for the representatives to think of what he would need.

Because of her earnest request, Mark decided to compromise a bit.

***