28 Chapter 28- Payment and Rewards (1/2)

Drodus continued walking along the dark path, staring at his hands.

”Did I really do that?”

Tirian and Enferia looked a bit saddened that they were unable to assist Drodus when he was in need, but since nobody got hurt they weren't too concerned, and shortly perked back up.

Samuel, on the other hand had a look of disdain. ”Not only was I too late, but I even let that dwarf steal the show from me! I never imagined that the dwarf would have grown so much in these few days of training!”, he remarked.

Of course, everyone was under the impression that Drodus had improved the amount of magical energy he could control to a very high level, high enough to scorch a group of bandits in a few seconds.

This was not the case, because Alt was actually the one who enhanced Drodus' spell.

Dubs began to think quietly. ”This works out quite well for me. I would prefer that everyone is under the impression that I am weak until I become strong enough not to even concern myself with hiding my strength.”

The party walked for another hour or so, and eventually made it to the city of Ariola.

Upon arrival, they once more had to present identification to the city guards, which was not an issue. The city resembled Lardis almost exactly. Stone buildings laid across the streets, and the only light sources were the lanterns.

Aria hobbled over to the drivers seat and tapped on Tirian's shoulder. ”I can take things from here. I will guide us to my son's shop.”, she told him.

Swapping out, the party traveled down a series of twists and turns in the streets, finally arriving at a small shop with an item bag as a crest, in a thin alleyway.

It seemed like an odd location, as the alleyway seemed to be a tightly packed residential area, however this would also mean there was less competition for the shopkeeper, and more customers.

An ideal spot for business.

The cart stopped and Aria got down. ”I'm sorry that you all had to deal with those thieves on the way here. I expected it to be a simple travel, but it appears I was wrong, however it is fortunate that I took the caution to hire you all in the first place!”

Samuel put a smug look on his face and stated ”Of course! It is our job to protect our client and their cargo. If you need anything in the future, leave it to us.”

Aria thanked the party once more, and they all began to unload the supplies on the wagon into the shop.

Upon entering the shop, a man who appeared to be in his 30's with short black hair was haggling with a customer, an older man with a long grey beard.

The shopkeeper wore a green sweater vest, and tan pants. The old man wore a white button up shirt and black tuxedo pants.

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”No, good sir! I cannot sell that product for any less than 3 silvers!”, the shopkeeper exclaimed.

The old man frowned. ”I wouldn't even pay 2 silvers for that used piece of junk. Good day to you!”

The man stormed off, clearly disappointed that he didn't obtain the deal he wanted.

Dubs considered this. ”It seems people in this world are willing to argue over the simplest matters such as the price of an item.”. Dubs had kept his distance from people during his time in the resistance, and Alt was basically his only ”friend”, if you could call him that.

Dubs didn't trust anyone but himself, particularly because the only people he encountered before coming to the resistance were all selfishly lusting for power.

Even Ivan and Isabelle, Dubs had no trust for. He was merely cooperating with the resistance because he could gain from it.

However, after seeing this scene Dubs continued to lose his trust for people. ”It seems like everywhere I turn, people are always trying to benefit themselves, even at the expense of others. There are a few exceptions, perhaps. My squadmates do not seem to have taken advantage of others yet, Samuel aside.”, Dubs pondered.

”However, it is possible they are simply hiding that side of themselves.”

Dubs decided not to think too much on it, and simply to continue doing his job here.

After finishing the unloading, Aria introduced the shopkeeper to the squad of mercenaries.