Harwin had now been traveling with the mercenary group for a few days and learned all sorts of information regarding the new world. Information that was most vital for his survival.
Few things of importance were:
- Unlike his old world, there are five continents here. Each having a majority race, but there are no prohibitions on inter-racial travel around the globe.
- There have been major wars in the past which was common even in the old world so nothing surprising.
- The most interesting thing was the existence of magic in this world which could be used by all races.
- Certain races excelled in different kinds of magic. His captors were beast-men making them proficient in taming and dark magic spells. There were some basic spells that were common among all races, such as being able to cast fire at will or get fresh water so there were no war for such resources.
- The magic capacity called "magika" was ascertained when a person was born. It was not rare to have a great capacity for using it, but it was still difficult to master the skills and acquire knowledge required to be able to cast a spell.
In case of Harwin, he was not born in this world so he was quite sure that he did not have any capacity for it all-together. It made him feel a-bit anxious and gloomy as magika was the key for returning back home but there was still some hope:
The boss promised him that his magika capacity could be measured once they reached a city where there were certain priests who do it free of charge.
Harwin also tried to talk with few of the captured humans.
At first, they were reluctant to answer any questions. Some found him bothersome while others classified him as traitor to his race. There were still some people who despised the other races even though everyone had the right to travel or live anywhere in the world.
He smuggled some food to the prisoners in hopes that they will give him some more information. Empty stomach really makes people forget their priciples. These captured out-laws, who did not even want to see him at-first, were now casually having hearty conversations.
He learned that they were currently traveling through a small country called "Evelwisk'. It consisted of only one city and a few towns. It had an ample supply of crops due to the fertile lands. Infact, a major portion of the supply of crops to the entire continent came from this small country.
The lords of the country were peaceful men who did not much care for wars. Most of the others things told by these bandits were utterly useless.
These were out-laws who did not much care about obtaining a proper education so they were just as clueless about the world as Harwin.
As for how his life was progressing in this new world. It was literal hell; first of all there were no modern appliances which he was severely addicted to. His one and only source of entertainment in his older world was the internet which obviously was more mysterious in this world than literal flying lizards (dragons).
It was a challenge to get used to do normal chores in this world where technology had not evolved much.
The reason was simple. Magika existed so there were number of spells for basic necessities. Harwin was obviously not accustomed nor capable of such skilled endevors so he had to rely on his physical abilities to get by.
The boss certainly had a strong sense of curiosity towards his being but that was because he was an anomaly in this world. He fed Harwin with all sorts of information but did not excuse him from physical labour.
There was food but the meals that these beast-men consumed were much closer to nature(raw) than fit for human consumption so he had to cook it himself. Mostly fetching any leftovers of the giant beasts — mind you there were no spices, not even salt was available for the preparation of savory dishes. With Harwin's expertise in cooking, he could only hope to fill his stomach for now.
There were public facilities in the old world, from public toilets to transportation. In this world, all he saw were empty fields.
Well, putting that all aside. The loneliness that he had to suffer from was the most disheartening of it all. To be surrounded by his family again, he would have traded anything in the whole world.
One of the few incidents that really took a toll on his sanity was the execution of one of outlaws. The captured criminal was infected with some sort of disease and coughed constantly, even throughout the night.
This was when a beastman without any permission or prior warning, took him out of the cage and bit his arm off. The others instead of stopping the ravaging beast, joined in. They bit the sick out-law piece by piece, consuming his flesh whilst he was still alive — screaming in agony.
After that incident, Harwin was no longer the same.
Well those were Harwin’s thoughts which he reminisced every night to keep himself sane and motivated for an seemingly impossible return.
None the less the group kept on moving and after days of traveling finally reached a town. It was certainly something fresh to the eyes.
The boss asked Harwin to accompany him on the war chariot. The sheer size of this chariot was much larger than he had imagined. It could hold at least three beast-men so Harwin had plenty of space but he did not get comfortable or occupy any more space than necessary.
“Gor, this is the town of Elsanye. It is occupied by different races and even has a small population of dwarfs. They are always a treat for the eyes, little scoundrels, they make the best weapons and ale in the five continents but the prices. Well not something that we can even afford to discuss.”
“Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me once again, boss.”
He had read about the dwarves. They were almost the same as humans but had a very short temper. Of-course, they were generally more forgiving than demons and beasts alike.
“This is the time to prove your worth — time to implement all those golden words.” The boss said.
“I will try my best to meet your expectation.”
“You, me, Syl and Ryl over here will be going to the market. You can gather all kinds of information there.”
"I shall try my very best." He slightly bowed his head again.
"I like our conversations. You are the only one who speaks with logic and sense but I really hate your overwhelmingly formal way. I would like it much better if you stick to a more informal way of conduct. I detest the nobility and their sweet tongue while having poison in their hearts."
“I will try my best to meet your expectation,” He said but thought:
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
'It was easier you to say such things. Your life is not constantly under an axe. One wrong phrase and I would be as good as dead.'
As they made their way in the market, Harwin observed the similarities it shared with his world. The streets bustling with all sorts of street vendors, children playing, banter among the residents. People were certainly enjoying their time of peace.
He did notice a few gazes filled with fear and anxious at the sight of his group especially directed towards the chariot that he was riding on. It appeared like the group was quite infamous in the region.
'The idea of protection service might not be successful after-all.'
He hoped to at-least get a good deal on the trade goods otherwise he will be thrown in with the captured bandits and later sold to a horrifying fate.
As they reached the town square, everyone got off their rides. Borman was tasked with handling all the rides, Ryl and the boss started to discuss some matters while Harwin stood in the chariot — dumbfounded awaiting for his orders.
“Gor. Syl here will be your escort through the market. When you are done with negotiation and collecting information, return to the town square. I will be waiting here then we can go ahead and purchase what ever you have found. Do not disappoint me by trying to escape. Borman here has memorized your scent. He will find you even if you travel to the other side of the world.”
“I do not even think of such things boss as you have already buried me under your debts.”
“Good. Now go on before all the shops run out of good bargains.”
He bowed a little again and then began to stroll through the market. He wanted to find a seasoned merchant — a vendor who looked the most experienced to collect as much information as possible.
While strolling he noticed Syl who shared similarities with Ryl but Harwin did not try to make small talk. He did not want to offend his escort and more importantly, he was on a mission.
After going through the market and passing several street vendors. The two finally found a trading company. It was a huge building which appeared to be the center hub for traveling merchants to sell their merchandise. Such a place was bound to have the info he needed.
The interior of the building was exactly like Harwin had read in the fantasy novels.
Wooden furniture, all sorts of banners representing different countries, a small bar in the corner, merchants discussing the condition of town. There was even a board on which latest prices for all sorts of goods were written.
They made their way to what appeared to be a reception. A human girl was stood there. She appeared to be in her early twenties — wore a common yet neat dress and greeted everyone with a kind smile.
'A good HR training, I suppose,' Harwin thought.
“Greetings, how may I help you? Do you want to sell or perhaps buy something?”
She asked with a cheerful smile that brightened the mood of anyone who laid eyes on her. She carried herself elegantly which further enhanced her charms.
It was a dream for him to be finally able to talk to a normal human after such a long time. He could not help but stare for a few moments before Syl gave him a little push which got him back to his senses.
The girl was not the least bit frightened by Harwin’s companion. She was used to talking to all sorts of people, whether different personalities or different races. This was the job of a receptionist after all.
“Sorry for staring. I want some information regarding a few things. Can you kindly spare me a few moments?”
“Yes, please step out of the line. Elaine, please hold the desk for a few moments. I have to deal with this gentleman for a while.”
Another girl of the same age came from a room behind the reception but she had distinctive ears, very pale skin and golden-blonde hair. She appeared to be an elf
However, Harwin did not stare much as he had read elves were extremely arrogant and proud. He did not want to be humiliated.
“Sure.” Elaine replied.
“Please make your way over here.” The receptionist pointed Harwin towards an empty table.
After sitting, she was kind enough to answer all of Harwin’s questions to the best of her abilities. Few things worth mentioning were:
- The town of Elsanye was known for its weapons and ale due to the presence of dwarves which Harwin already knew. The dwarves were especially expert in making ale of certain kinds which was sold throughout the continent.
- There was also a surplus of wheat and wool in the town due to the large pastures in the surrounding regions, making it incredibly easy to raise herds of sheep especially during the summer season.
- In-addition to this, there were all kinds of other goods as well but he had already found what he needed to find.
He wanted to discuss a few different matters with her. Such as the history of the continent but due to the presence of Syl, he did not waste any time. He did not want to test the patience of his companion any further.
“Anything else?” the girl asked while maintaining her cheerful smile.
“No, you have been of great help. If you do not mind can you please share your name with me?”
Harwin wanted to remember the names of people who helped him.
“Oh, how forgetful of me. My name is Christie. I must say you are very polite and humble. Most people who come here have no manners at all.” She complimented .
“Not at all. Thank you for your help. I will be sure to return the favor....somehow in the future.”
He made his pleasantries and made his way out of the building — a little saddened.
“We will now be visiting a few shops to find cheap wool or ale. Please bare with me a little longer.”
He finally had the courage to talk with his escort a-bit. Syl did not talk but just nodded so Harwin assumed that he was fine for now.
They walked around for a while — checking the prices from different places. People were reluctant to sell him anything due to his appearance.
The boss had given him some ragged old clothes; he had told Harwin that the clothes he was wearing were too strange for a slave and might attract unnecessary attention.
He managed to gather trade rumors regarding the prices of wool in the capital. He found that there was not much margin to make a profit at the rate he was being offered so he made his way to the dwarves alley.
In there, were all kinds of weapons and alcohol being sold. People could get drunk even by the smell in the area.
He inquired about any cheap ware whilst also calculated how much he could make for it in the capital.
One dwarf, who was quite arrogant challenged him to drink some of his ale. This was quite strange to Harwin as he just wanted to get the best deal and get out of there.
“COME ON, DRINK IT! ONLY IF YOU ARE WORTHY OF IT, I SHALL SELL IT TO YOU.”
“I am sorry but I am not much of a betting man. May I just know, how much you can sell them for? I wish to sell it in the capital. If you can give me a good price, I shall buy a large quantity.”
“FOOLISH HUMAN! YOU THINK EVERYTHING IS FOR SALE. AS IF I AM DYING TO TAKE YOUR MONEY. DRINK UP AND THEN WE WILL TALK.”
“Fine, if you do not intend to sell, I will just inquire from someone else.”
He was losing his patience at this point as it was getting quite late and he had not made much progress
“WAIT! I WILL GIVE IT TO YOU AT HALF THE MARKET PRICE IF YOU COMPLETE MY CHALLENGE.” He sounded desperate.
Less than half of market price was too good of a deal to be left alone and there was not much to lose either so he gave in.
“Alright, I accept” Harwin reluctantly agreed.
The dwarf smirked at his reply and gave him a large horn similar to the ones that vikings used to drink from but this was twice as big.
Harwin steeled his nerves and began chugging down the drink. He did not even stop to catch his breath. It was sweet and flavorful unlike the stuff he got from his captor; infact, this drink was much better than anything he had ever had.
None the less it had no effects on him once again. It was not a shock for Harwin but still a relief that the one talent he had, was being harnessed in the best situation possible.
“WHAT! IMPOSSIBLE! YOU.....A....HUMAN....HOW?” The dwarf had been taken by surprise.
“I completed your challenge. Now please hold your end of the bargain.”
The dwarf begun to laugh aloud. Harwin felt that Syl was losing his patience as well as he started to tighten his fists.
“YOU ARE GOOD! NO, NO YOU ARE GREAT. ONCE IN A CENTURY KIND OF BEING. MOST DWARVES GET DRUNK ON MY PRODUCE BUT YOU, A MERE HUMAN-CHILD ,DRANK IT WITHOUT EVEN BATTING AN EYE! WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT IS YOUR NAME?.”
“I am with a caravan. We travel around the country selling goods and providing protection to other merchants (even though it started only a few days a go). My name is Gor.”
“GOR? A BEAST-MEN NAME. CERTAINLY INTERESTING, VERY INTERESTING. I AM GOWTHER. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR STORY, BUT I SEE YOU ARE IN A RUSH SO LET US GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.”
His demeanor had totally changed from arrogance to someone who was star-struck.
They were able to discuss quite fruitful terms. The dwarven ale that he was selling was for 10 bronze empyrean per barrel.
Harwin had already learned that there were bronze, silver and gold but he still could not quite grasp how much they were worth in this world.
There were around twenty-five bronze in a silver and a hundred silver in a gold.
The profit was quite immense. Normally it was being sold for about 20 bronze even in the local market but this fanatic dwarf had taken quite a liking to Harwin. It was obvious money was not the only thing he was interested in.
Harwin took his leave to return back with the boss. Gowther informed him that he would be waiting at the trading hub where they can officially form a contract.
When he returned to the town square, the boss was discussing something with a few humans and elves who appeared to be merchants. He did not interrupt and waited for the discussion to be over.
Harwin had finally made some progress but fruitful results could not be guaranteed until the deal was sealed. The boss would judge his worth, and if he were not on par with the expectations already set, then Harwin might share a fate similar to that of the sick out-law.
