Outskirts of E-Ravael, Re-Estize Kingdom (POV Amanomahitotsu) This pce was beautiful...

  In Neo Tokyo, only the wealthiest corpos would have a tree or two in their homes or be able to visit one of the few uncontaminated areas dotting the world. Of course, these were extraordinarily exclusive pces, and even the workers would have to come from "purebred" households- sellouts who abandoned their fellow man to kiss a corpo's feet. These guys had it much better than most of us down in the slums.

  I remember that Blue Pnet and Punitto Moe could discuss nature and the pre-corpo world for hours. I found it hard to believe that the world was once so green. I guess that was when there was hope for the Everyday Joe.

  As I was passing through a small vilge, it was just about dawn, I noticed that it was . . . dead. I couldn't hear anyone. No kids were pying in the streets, no fathers were leaving their homes for a day of work, no mothers were tending to their babies.

  It felt so wrong. I could only assume the worst had happened from the blood that coated the ground. I guess this Sorcerer King is relentless in dealing with his enemies-something that I could respect.

  According to that Count, the war started because some Re-Estize nobles attacked and stole supplies that were being sent to the Holy Kingdom. I find it ironic that a pce with the word "Holy" in its name would accept aid from an undead.

  Aren't they supposed to be sworn enemies? But then again, that's not my specialty. Momonga, Bellriver, and Punitto Moe were the thinkers of the guild. What would they do?

  Gather information-CheckSet up a home base- Check(Sorta?) I'm not sure if E-Naeurl can be considered my home, but at least Count Nauera wasn't hostile to me!Create a persona to gain the trust of the local people - I'm not sure about that one, but I could definitely see Moe doing something like that.- I've gotta work on a proper long-term pn or I'll be stuck being a nomad.

  After another half day of walking, I finally noticed signs of civilization again.

  Civilization with living people. I could see hundreds—maybe even thousands—all lined up, trying to get into the city. Given the many makeshift campsites lined the roadside, some looked like they'd been camping there for days.

  There were a few guards clustered around a poorly built guard post.

  Naturally, people were afraid of me as I passed by. Moms would protectively hug their kids, and Dads were protective of their families, standing in front of them as I strolled past.

  As I approached, the guards manning the post noticed the commotion and almost looked afraid. One of them, an older man, kept a calm face and approached me like any other traveler.

  "Afternoon, good... sir? You wouldn't happen to be a part of the Sorcerer Kingdom - would you?" He questioned.

  I was surprised by this; I didn't expect anyone to approach me so casually, given my appearance, of course.

  I let out a chuckle, which must've sounded like a gutural growl to them, as many of the guards leveled their spears at me.

  I could sense the unease around me growing.

  Weirdly enough, the guard who had asked me that question stood there, unmoving. He seemed too calm for a man going up against a 7-meter-tall crab.

  "Afternoon to you friend." I nodded, trying to be friendly, "Yes, I am a male of my species! You were right in your guess. And no. I am not affiliated with this Sorcerer Kingdom."

  My attempt at being friendly to the guard and my confirmation that I was not part of the nation currently invading theirs seemed to put some of the refugees at ease; they seemed less tense, ready to run the second the situation turned sour.

  The guard let out a light ugh and replied, "I just follow my gut! It hasn't failed me yet."

  We both chuckled at his comment, "But in all seriousness - what is a creature like you doing in Re-Estize? - No offense!" He quickly added the st part.

  "None taken friend! I'm just a simple merchant who happened to find myself here. As a matter of fact, I just came from E-Naueru, and they gave me directions to this city."

  The guard looked surprised. "You don't seem like any merchant I've seen! How do you carry your wares? Why do you not have a caravan?" He asked curiously.

  "Because I can do this." I pulled a sword out of my inventory, which apparently looked like a bcksmith's tool kit - If Azuth was to be believed.

  The old guard nodded, seemingly content with accepting what had just happened. "Magic bag. I could've guessed that on my own- Never seen one like that before..."

  The conversation had dumbfounded some of the people around us, while others seemed more rexed at the prospect of me not being a homicidal maniac. The guardsmen who had previously leveled their dinky spears at me had unleveled them; they looked at each other with relief.

  But before I could continue my conversation with the friendly old man, several knights, all wearing pte armor and riding on warhorses, pulled up near the guard post from the direction of the city. The man on the leading horse, probably their leader, dismounted and walked towards me.

  The knight sauntered over to me, "Are you the merchant Amanomahitotsu?"

  He was weirdly direct about it, not in a smug way. There wasn't any emotion to it, almost like one of those automated responses from management when someone requested a day off.

  I was suspicious of the man; did he want to harm me? "Who's asking?" I countered.

  "I am Captain Charles Darwin, Marqui Raeven's guard. I have been instructed to bring you to his mansion," Momo replied in a monotone voice.

  "Why should I come with you?" I ask, feigning curiosity.

  "Well, that isn't my pce to say. The Marquis merely wants to meet the merchant from a far nd who sells weapons of unparalleled quality."

  I was about to agree to the request, but I thought like Momonga for a second: "How did the Marquis learn of my existence?" There shouldn't be a pusible way that he knew I existed unless Count Nauera or one of the "adventurers" who were there managed to beat me here. I was told that it took a caravan 3 days to get to E-Raveal; I made it here in 2.

  If what he's saying is true, then I could get connections with a Marquis! It's better to stay cautious, but I'd rather not turn these guys against me.

  Sighing, I replied: "Sure. Let's go then."

  .

  .

  .

  As I walked through the decadent gates of the Marquis's estate, I finally realized how much wealth this guy had compared to a Count. Everything was perfect—intricately carved statues, perfectly paved stone paths, and a manicured garden—and it brought just a hint of anger at those who lived in the slums, those who never had enough to go around, those who barely made it through the week while guys like the Marquis lived a life of comfort.

  Maybe it's something that I can change?

  The Captain led me into an immacute office. One wall was lined with tall windows draped in heavy green curtains that would've muted the room in a somber glow. The office smelled of polished wood, sealing wax, and old paper. At the heart of the room stood a wooden desk. A quick [Quality Check] determined that the wood was ancient, something rare even for YGGDRASIL pyers to own. A quick [Analyze] using the [Sage's Eye Pendant] that wrapped around my wrist confirmed my guess: this guy wasn't a [Pyer], he was only level 12 and had most of his levels in [Diplomat].

  I realized that I had been awkwardly staring at him for the st minute. Deciding to break the ice, I said, "Hello, Marquis Ravaen. I am the merchant Amanomahitotsu!" and held out one of my frontal arms for a handshake.

  Now that I mention it, he also didn't bother to say anything over the awkward minute. Was this some sort of power py?

  He nervously grabbed my hand and shook it. Was he afraid? Only then did I realize that the Captain never introduced the Marquis. Wasn't that his job?

  I turned and saw that instead of the Captain, it was a [Dopellganger]! I only knew that they specialized in changing their bodies to infiltrate pces and that they were creepy as hell, with their mask-like faces and dead stares.

  To my surprise, it bowed, almost reverently, to me.

  "Looks like you're just as awkward as ever!" A familiar voice sounded from behind me.

  As I froze, the Marquis wrenched his hand out of mine. Absent mindedly, I turned around to see a very familiar [Flesh Abomination].

  "Bellriver?!"

  Announcement Sorry for not updating the fic in a while, college has been kicking my ass and I finally got time (and motivation) to continue.

  The next one(s) to be introduced are a ninja, a Samurai, and a Pnt Monster.

  I think I'll be able to work faster with them as I had their stories pnned out already.