128 A Savage Beggar

My \u003cSoul Brand\u003e gave a subtle influence on a victim's psyche, increasing their loyalty to this young lord. I had no fear after informing him of the \u003cSoul Brand's\u003e effect that he would rat me out to his old one. It was a wonderful ability, more useful than a Slave Contract because I could forcefully use them to subdue creatures.

The only caveat was that I could plant very few \u003cSoul Brands\u003e. The victims also had to be weaker than me. With Slave Contracts as long as they were willing anyone could sign their life and nine generations away to me. I figured with my current mastery of Soul Dao I could at most plant three \u003cSoul Brands\u003e.

Removing a \u003cSoul Brand\u003e would kill the victim as well, so I couldn't go around planting Soul Brands then forcing people to sign Slave Contracts to have additional slaves. Slave contracts, in general, were probably better to use vs weaker creatures, but some were entirely defiant. From all the grievance I created with that red-feathered raptor I'm sure he rather die than sign a slave contract. But he didn't have a choice to serve this young lord now.

"Sniff out some herbs, we need to collect everything we can," I said.

I spent the next two days finding herbs in the day and refining medicine at night. The first night I healed the raptor so he could begin excavating the mine. With all this ore I could easily practice my blacksmithing to the Viscount level.

By the second night, I was fully healed while the raptor was making good progress excavating the mine. Chubs was lucky I let him out of dig duty since he was my daytime mount to find herbs I didn't force him to mine at night.

I didn't even bother to name the raptor. Our grievance was inconsolable, and unlike Chubs, he didn't have an old one that would come after me with his death. After he was done excavating this mine I would execute him and scatter his soul. I worked him like a dog.

We found many herbs during our two days of searching. All savage beasts made way for Chubs, so it was easy pickings. Unfortunately, we didn't come upon many Tier-4 herbs. But I was satisfied with what we found, I had enough to attempt a breakthrough to Indigo Alchemist. Everything additional I harvested was to sate my greed.

I debated just setting up base camp here in the Savage Land until I broke through to Indigo Alchemist. Chubs was entirely too useful to lose. The profits I could make with his assistance were unfathomable. There was no real rush to head back to Satyr Castle now.

The only grievance I had was that damned troll would clean me dry of phallic points. I had to pay him 500 points a day for staying here, for a map I wasn't even using. Worst deal ever! But I should make much more than that.

"Chubs, when I meet up with this sap you stay quiet," I said.

"Your young lord needs a new minion to excavate his mine. This guy's very arrogant, but I bet he's having a hard time in this place. When I say leave you just walk off slowly Chubs."

'Yes, young lord,' said Chubs.

Soon we came upon Shi Da, he was miserable. His robes were destroyed, and bloody marks were covering his entire body. He hadn't been as fortunate as this young lord. When he saw Chubs he had gotten on the defensive but stopped when he noticed this young lord sitting on top of the beast.

"How did you subdue one of those savage beasts?" said Shi Da with his eyes wide looking at Chubs.

"Do not try to pry into the secrets of this young lord human," I said shaking my head.

"Well did you find any herbs? This place is impossible, I've yet to even get my hands on a Tier-3 herb. Everywhere I walk I find myself in battle with these savage beasts. These things are relentless, never giving me a break if they spot me," said Shi Da dejectedly.

"Yes, this young lord has found many herbs. I consider this place my personal garden," I said smiling.

"Haha, you consider this land of death your personal garden? Do you think I'm a three-year-old child Soulless? You may have cleaned yourself up before coming to see me but I doubt your travels have been more profitable than mine," said Shi Da.

"Oh really," I said as I brought out a Tier-4 herb to show off.

"Impossible!" said Shi Da upon seeing the Tier-4 herb.

"If you follow this young lord I can show you the path to salvation. I have several things I need your help with," I said.

"What things?" said Shi Da.

"I'm currently clearing out a mine, you look like a good miner. If you mine for me this young lord will supply you with all the Tier-3 herbs you need. There's also a Serpent Cedar tree I want to get my hands on, but that's a problem for another day," I said.

"You want me to mine? Do I look like a miner to you Soulless?" said Shi Da.

"Honestly, you look like a beggar. You should be proud that this young lord offered you the chance to uplift yourself to miner! I don't have all day to deal with you lowly human," I said shaking my head.

"Full speed to my cave Chubs, this useless human is unpleasing to my eyes," I said as I motioned for Chubs to leave.

Chubs trotted off in his slow fashion like I had discussed with him before. It didn't take long for the lowly human to miraculously 'catch up' with us.

"Wait Soulless!" yelled Shi Da as he struggled to catch up with the slow-moving Chubs. He was having trouble adjusting to the gravity it seemed, this human was pathetic.