Chapter 78
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Desert Ghost
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Desert Ghost
Mogurus vanished before he could even finish what he was saying to me, and Mokagun and I came to our senses in the middle of the desert where the oasis had been.
Hahaha!
Thinking of the desert fox Mogurus, who had been so filled with indignation hed even shed tears at the end, a genuine, hearty laugh burst out of me for the first time in a while.
I wonder what kind of face hell make if I show up the moment the labyrinth opens a year from now.
I was genuinely looking forward to it. The thought of clearing the labyrinth hed spent a year preparing in a single day, just to tease him again, brought an endless, joyful smile to my face.
Vowing to visit him in a year, I put on the robe under my clothes.
Just by wearing this one robe, I could be impervious to sword and spear thrusts, and it could block 5th-circle magic as well as status effects like bleeding, electrocution, or confusion.
On top of that, it had special abilities, making it an item with truly unbelievable stats.
Sir Yuren. Its finally over. Congratulations again on conquering the labyrinth.
Mokagun, who had been dazed behind me, approached with a smile brimming with joy.
Thank you.
I gladly accepted his sincere congratulations.
Sir Mokagun, we should go make our trade now. You know the way to the desert tribe, dont you?
Of course, I do. But Im a little worried about something...
Go on.
The goods we were bringing to them were divided among the merchants, and a significant portion was in the Head Merchants magic pouch. The items I have are only about a tenth of the total trade volume.
Is it this, by any chance?
Huh?
Seeing the magic pouch I was dangling, Mokagun rushed over as if mesmerized and examined it.
Th-this is the pouch. How on earth...
I took it after dealing with the bandit leader.
When I killed Pindolph, I had taken two magic pouches from him. It seemed one was Pindolphs own, and the other belonged to Head Merchant Kendig.
Sir Yuren, you truly are a hero and an angel sent to me by God!
Its dangerous to say things like that so carelessly.
Mokaguns words reminded me of being called a Saint in the Holy Kingdom.
How else could it be? Theres no other way you could handle everything so perfectly! Im at a loss for words! How could you possibly...
It was nothing. We can proceed with the trade now, right?
Of course! It might be a little short, but it will be enough.
We pushed through the desert wind and, over five days, traveled to the settlement of the Torion Tribe.
Weve arrived. That village surrounded by sand is where the Torion Tribe lives.
Its smaller than I thought.
It would seem so. The Torion Tribe is a small tribe of about 50 households and 200 people.
The village was enclosed by a wall of sand, and the entrance was also piled high with it.
It was a sand spell of the desert tribe, designed to automatically close the sand gate if an unauthorized person appeared.
The desert has extreme temperature fluctuations, and sandstorms blow without warning, so the tribespeople wore thin, long clothes that covered their entire bodies.
But they seem a bit busy.
I agree. The atmosphere feels much more subdued than the last time I was here.
Lets go see.
Understood.
As we approached the tribes entrance, a sturdily built, middle-aged man walked out slowly.
Its been a while, Porashu.
You are a little late.
...There were circumstances.
So it seems.
The man named Porashu spoke the common tongue with a heavy accent, carefully observing us.
Where is Kendig?
...He has passed away.
Hmm, my condolences. Follow me for now.
Porashu said no more and began to guide us into the village.
Is there a problem? The village seems busy.
We have injured.
Injured?
Yes.
Porashu seemed to be on decent terms with Mokagun, as he continued to speak in a comfortable, albeit halting, tone.
Some were injured while hunting a Desert Ghost.
A Desert Ghost? Arent Desert Ghosts the main prey of the Torion Tribe? How could you get injured by one of those...
It was a peculiar one, unlike any weve seen before. They said it was a terrifying monster that could poison you just by entering its territory.
The Desert Ghost is a monster that lives in the desert sand, creating sand traps to hunt approaching prey by making them fall in.
For a non-venomous Desert Ghost to turn its sand trap into a toxic mire was more than just peculiar.
It was practically a new species, different from the Desert Ghost. I had planned to just help Mokagun with his trade and leave, but now my interest was piqued.
I-I see.
We couldnt even catch it, and after many warriors, even the chieftain was poisoned.
How many days has it been?
Its been over five days. The only ones still well are the Vice-Chieftain and the Elder. You should speak with them.
Thank you.
Porashu led us to a building at the very edge of the village and then returned to the entrance.
Come in.
It seemed our arrival had already been announced, as a voice came from inside.
Entering the building, we saw a sharp-featured, middle-aged man and a benevolent-looking old man with neatly tied gray hair and a gray beard sitting there.
I apologize for the delay. There were circums
Doesnt everyone have their circumstances?
Youre right. My apologies.
The one we were conducting business with was Head Merchant Kendig, not you. Where is he?
...He has passed away.
At the news of Kendigs death, the Vice-Chieftain and the Elders eyes shot up. It seemed they hadnt expected him to be dead either.
Hes dead? What happened?
We were attacked by bandits.
Dont tell me you mean the Sakpung Bandits?
Thats right.
Then you...
The Vice-Chieftain looked at Mokagun with eyes that asked how he had survived.
This gentleman saved me.
Hmm...
The eyes of the Vice-Chieftain and the Elder turned to me for the first time. The Vice-Chieftain looked at me with a questioning gaze before turning his head away.
It is a pity that Head Merchant Kendig has passed. However, it will be difficult to trade with you.
What? What do you mean...
The person we intended to trade with was Kendig. Not you.
But, Vice-Chieftain!
Go back. A trade is not very important to us right now.
The Vice-Chieftain stood up as if there was nothing more to say.
In my opinion, the Vice-Chieftain hadnt looked favorably upon the trade from the start. He was ignoring Mokaguns attempts to speak and trying to leave.
Cant we just proceed with the trade again?
Hmm?
Huh?
As I, who had been quiet all this time, spoke with force, everyones attention in the room gathered on me.
What did you say?
I said, we can just proceed with the trade again.
That is not so easily done. Even Head Merchant Kendig had to come here more than ten times before...
I heard your people have been poisoned.
And where did you hear that...
The Vice-Chieftain frowned, and a glint appeared in the eyes of the previously uninterested Elder.
Whatever the case, it is none of your concern.
They say it was the poison of a Desert Ghost. I will detoxify it for you.
Ha! No one knows more about Desert Ghosts than we do!
You may know them well, but you cant detoxify the Desert Ghosts poison right now, can you?
Th-this is the first time weve encountered a poisonous Desert Ghost...
Their conditions will only worsen. It wont be long before someone dies. I can detoxify their poison.
As I stood, I unleashed my internal energy, amplifying my presence.
Can you really do it?
The Elder, breaking into a cold sweat under my presence, spoke up.
Elder!
Be quiet. The man is right. Our spells and our antidotes are not working. If we dont do something by tonight, someone might really die. This is a time to grasp at straws if we must.
At the Elders words, the Vice-Chieftain grimaced and shut his mouth.
I will ask again. Can you truly do it?
Of course. Ill solve it as refreshingly as oasis water.
I was told the poisoned patients were gathered in one place, so I followed the Elder and the Vice-Chieftain to the edge of the village.
Hmm...
You feel it?
Yes. Its vile.
I could feel the poison rising from the entrance of the building where the patients were.
Once you pass that point, even the cold desert wind seems to carry poison. Only powerful warriors can even enter, so they are the ones nursing the patients.
Lets go in. Sir Mokagun, please wait here.
Understood. I believe in you!
I gave him a smile and entered the place where the poisoned were. Perhaps because so many people were poisoned, I could feel the poison in the air despite the outer windows being open.
Do you think you can do it?
The Elder looked at me with eyes full of expectation.
Elder. What expectations can you possibly have for this stranger! Its just a trick to make money.
I was about to speak to the Elder, but I closed my mouth at the Vice-Chieftains words and turned to look at him.
You continue to disbelieve me. What will you do if I detoxify everyone?
Wh-what are you talking about? A bet...
Its not a bet. You keep undermining me from behind before I even start. How can I be motivated to do this, even if I can? Vice-Chieftain, are you wishing for all of them to die right now?
I looked at the Elder, seeking his agreement. Seeing me standing perfectly fine in this poison-filled room, the Elder seemed to have found a sliver of hope.
Elder, to this stranger...
Silence!
E-Elder!
Get him out of here.
Elder, are you trusting a pale-faced man like him? Ugh. Let go!
After the Vice-Chieftain was dragged out by the warriors, the Elder quietly looked at me again.
My apologies. He is new to tribal affairs and is immature. Please, detoxify them. If you do, I will give you the goods we originally agreed to trade, for free.
I will perform the detoxification. However, it would be best to proceed with the trade as originally planned. I cannot conduct business with peoples lives.
Ah...
At my words, the Elders eyes reddened slightly.
I had no intention of making a bet from the start. Saving lives through a bet would only earn me ill will. My goal was to gain their favor and get rid of the annoying Vice-Chieftain.
Please detoxify the chieftain first. He was the first to be poisoned while trying to save my grandson.
Understood.
The chieftain resembled the Vice-Chieftain I had just seen. His complexion was deathly pale as he groaned in pain.
Poison Absorption Power is absorbing the poison (Ruto Desert Ghost) from the target.
Poison Absorption Power assists the operation of Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi.
The proficiency of Poison Absorption Power has increased.
The attainment level of Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi has increased.
Chungwieunso is unlocked.
As I absorbed all the poison from the chieftains body, his deathly black face slowly began to regain its coppery hue.
Huh?
Good heavens!
E-Elder! The Chieftains color is returning!
The Elder and the village warriors who were watching were so surprised they fell backward.
It seems the detoxification was successful. Hes breathing comfortably!
Oh! To actually detoxify him, you are truly amazing!
Pl-please, the others as well.
Understood.
I absorbed the poison from all sixteen people in the room. Color returned to everyones faces, and the tribespeople waiting outside let out cheers.
This is a stronger poison than I thought.
The Ruto Desert Ghosts poison was quite potent. I heard they were poisoned the moment they fell into its sand trap, which meant this was no ordinary creature.
Ill do one more thing for you.
I wasn't a priest, but I had one more way to restore their health.
Bbaekbbaegi.
Bbaek.
Fill this with some water.
Bbaek?
Bbaekbbaegi possessed the power of an ancient water spirit. Ancient water spirits were powerful in their own right, but they had one special ability.
Make some water imbued with the holy attribute.
Bbaekbbaegi could infuse the water attribute with the holy attribute. In other words, this little guy could create Holy Water.
You like Durak, right? If you give these people water, youll be able to eat Durak until you burst.
Bbaek!
Bbaekbbaegi immediately moved and generated water in the basin on the table.
Holy Water
Water containing divine power. Applying it to wounds will heal them, and drinking it will restore vitality. It has a fatal effect when sprinkled on the undead or demons.
Please give everyone a little of this water to drink.
Ah, understood.
After drinking a little of Bbaekbbaegis Holy Water, the peoples breathing became even more stable. Now, with a little time, they would all wake up.
Bbaek.
Oh, whats this? You feel good for saving people?
Bbaek.
Bbaekbbaegi flapped its wings with a solemn expression.
Then I guess you dont need any Durak?
BBAEK!
Bbaekbbaegi flapped its wings frantically as if that was the most absurd thing it had ever heard.
With my detoxification and Bbaekbbaegis Holy Water, all the patients regained consciousness in less than half a day. Thanks to that, Mokagun and I were being treated like kings.
Squeak.
Bbaekbbaegi, especially praised for creating the Holy Water, was sleeping using a mountain of Durak as its pillow.
Benefactor, are you in?
Please, come in.
The chieftain had come to visit. Life had returned to his face, which had been on the verge of death.
I am truly sorry for visiting so late.
Not at all. Are you feeling alright now?
Thanks to you, I feel even healthier than before.
The chieftain smiled comfortably and patted his body.
I dont know how to express my gratitude.
Its just saving people. Theres nothing to be so grateful for.
Hah, I heard it from the Elder as well, but you are truly a remarkable person, Benefactor.
The chieftain looked at me with a face full of admiration.
Sir Mokagun.
Yes.
The chieftain spoke to Mokagun, who was beside me.
We will consider the trade void.
What?
At the chieftains words, Mokaguns expectant face hardened.
Instead, we will give you all the Fire Stones we originally promised, for free.
Whaat?
Mokaguns jaw dropped at the chieftains words.
How can we put a price on a life? But this is all we can offer. And from now on, we will continue to trade with you, Sir Mokagun.
N-no, the one who saved all of you was not me, but this gentleman. I did nothing.
But you brought our benefactor to us, Sir Mokagun.
Thats...
When Mokagun looked at me, I nodded for him to accept. Mokagun was as good as one of my own people, so his receiving it was the same as me receiving it. Besides, there was one more thing I stood to gain.
Sir Yuren. Thank you so much. Chieftain, thank you.
No, it is I who should thank you. Thank you for saving everyone.
Thank you so much.
Mokagun and the chieftain kept bowing to each other.
It seems everything has been resolved well. In that case, may I ask for a favor as well?
Of course. Anything our benefactor desires!
Please tell me where the Desert Ghost that poisoned you all is.
What?
The chieftain looked dumbfounded, as if he couldnt understand what I was saying.
I will catch the poisonous Desert Ghost for you.