Chapter 129 - Exchange of Services?

"Oliver, that's impossible," refuted Hurman. "If everything you've been saying is true, and I don't believe you have too much reason to lie nor do you seem to be lying, then the reimburs.e.m.e.nt of funds would come too late to help save Lyle."

"But if we were able to fund him in time, would you want that to be part of the agreement?"

Looking OIi in the eye, astounded by the young man's unbending confidence, Hurman nodded. "Of course. That would be the most important factor if applicable. If you were able to bring Lyle back and help me make a breakthrough, I'd be more than willing to pledge to a new territory leader."

"What if life as you know it would change?" Oli asked. "I'll admit, our territory is radically different than most. We promote sharing borders with both beasts and humans. Currently, we're expanding our capital city to better achieve that."

"Both humans and beasts? That's rather peculiar…" mentioned Hurman, not put off by the thought but genuinely amused.

Oli nodded, adding, "Would that bother you and your family? Being somewhere with different means of trade and living? Due to the mix of species, we focus on each noble family holding responsibilities, such as hunting, information gathering, building, and more. What would your family be able to offer our territory?"

Taking a moment to realize how far their conversation has come, Hurman scoured his thoughts in response to Oli's serious stare. "We'd offer the same thing we have now, a school of swordsmanship headed by my sons and I, given that you're truly able to fund our medical needs by some means."

"That may not be enough." Hurman wanted to respond but Oli continued, "The first thing we built was an academy, so you bringing a school of only swordsmanship would help but not as much as you may believe. However, if you and your family were in charge of another branch of our territory school, expanding the warrior, mystic, and formations course, then I think that would be plenty."

"Hmm… To take on such a challenge would merit a lot of territorial support and funding, wouldn't it?"

"We would pay for the expansion of the school and all the supplies you would need," Oli stated. "That would include offering you a family property and making you one of the territory's noble families, directly representing the territory to some extent."

"So, to succinctly sum up your offer, you would pay for our medical expenses and fund our new property and the school expansion, as well as guarantee our protection in reaching your territory?"

"At the moment I can't say anything about guaranteeing you protection while you're en route to the territory, but everything else is correct."

Hurman stroked his small, groomed beard in thought. The development of the conversation was beyond expectation. And though some parts of Oliver's character would be explained by Oliver's claims, that wasn't evidence that such claims were true, though they made sense to a great degree.

"Before I agree to anything, there would need to be proof of your words. Also, you would most definitely need to prove capable of aiding with our medical expenses immediately, as you claim you're able."

Suddenly, a pile of gold coins fell to the ground between the two of them, leaving Hurman momentarily speechless.

"That's two hundred gold. Is that enough?"

"... I see why you weren't after money accepting the job…" Hurman mumbled, awed to see an adept whip out such a substantial amount of coin without hesitation.

"What else do I need to prove?"

Returning his gaze to Oli but with a less questioning stare, Hurman replied, "I would still need proof of your relationship to a perennial, at least. But that can be done hiring someone to go and--"

"I'd rather not use that approach," stated Oli. "While my family is currently unaware of my whereabouts, I don't want anyone unnecessarily knowing of my background. I expect you'll be willing to accept swearing secrecy about this discussion?"

"To some extent, I'll have to inform the others but your identity will be safe with me. However, is there another way for you to prove yourself?"

"A great question…" sighed Oli, trying to come up with something.

"Oliver, I'll be honest," Hurman's tone grew more serious as his gaze remained soft. "Can I accept this gold now?"

"But we haven't--"

"I would rather accept this gold on the belief that you'll prove capable of identifying yourself than to see you put it away and be tempted to steal it from you."

"Well… at least you're honest, I guess…" Oli chuckled, taken aback. "Go ahead. But is that enough?"

"That will cover the cost of a professional, letting us avoid any questionable candidates for the job tomorrow. Keldon has informed me of a few options, but this will allow us to hire the proper candidate," answered Hurman. "However…"

Another hundred gold fell to the floor, again startling Hurman with Oli's nonchalance. "Would this allow you to hire a professional to work full time until you and Lyle are feeling better?"

"Yes… Oliver, talking with you doesn't feel right."

"What do you mean?"

Hurman rephrased his thoughts, "Well… You don't seem like a young man at all. Even your stature screams of maturity… It's startling how well you're holding yourself right now."

"Well, as a territory's young master, I was accustomed to speaking and meeting with noble families and patriarchs quite regularly. It would only make sense to understand how to negotiate."

"That would make sense…"

Oli continued, "As for proving my affiliation with my territory, I'm drawing a blank at the moment… Would you mind giving me some time to come up with a well-thought-out plan?"

"So long as I'm able to accept this gold, then you're allowed all the time in the world. And you're welcome to stay for as long as you need," added Hurman. "Given your demeanor, you seem to be telling the truth and are offering me something that only territory leader could throw around so casually. With that in mind, I feel you deserve time to prove your claims. Hopefully, you'll prove successful and we'll both benefit from this."

"Then, so long as I can prove everything, you'll accept my terms?" Oli questioned, holding out his hand.

Accepting Oli's handshake, Hurman answered, "Prove your identity and we'll discuss this further. For now, consider yourself as a secondary member of the family. Should you be unable to prove your identity, at the very least you'll be welcome here as a secondary member and this gold will be considered an offering that garnered you that position, along with your performance in gathering the lilies."

"I guess that's not too bad… And that your technique?"

"Oh, right…" Hurman coughed lightly and stored his gold before retrieving two scrolls. "I believe the technique you've shared is worthy of trading for this. Another fact making me want to believe you."

Taking the scrolls, Oli nodded to Hurman. "Then give me time and I'll prove everything. Just stay open-minded or you'll be too shocked when you eventually see the territory. Also, don't hesitate to speak with me should the three hundred gold runs dry. My pockets aren't bottomless, but I have a bit more in case of emergencies. Though I believe you should be able to make it on your own to cover any more expenses, right?"

"So this isn't a loan?" Hurman clarified, double-checking before one last time.

"No, but only since you're genuinely willing to trade with a lowly adept like me."

"I'm only willing to trade because you've so far proven to be true, only lacking additional evidence to solidify your claims. But I hope you can think of something given time or at least remain friends and allies in the worst-case scenario."

"I can accept that…" Oli shrugged, still surprised with how their conversation had gone. "But I will be expecting some one-on-one tutoring once I begin attempting to create a cultivation technique."

"Consider it granted. We can set aside time each day if you're able to help Lyle and I as much as you've claimed. And with the gold already given, all that's left is gathering the lilies."

"Then let me get some sleep, or I might wake up late and miss it all."

"Don't mind me…" Hurman chuckled, getting back to his feet. "Keldon should be expecting me soon anyways."

Oli's door opened and closed as he saw Hurman out, locking the door before returning to his resting meditation.

*****

Long leaves and thin branches drooped downward within the heavily wooded area. Bushes and undergrowth littered the ground. Occasionally, small insects, lizards, or furry creatures would scurry through the greenery, either chasing their prey or avoiding their predators. 

But the natural balance of the local ecosystem was disturbed by a foreign beast. However, none of the nearby creatures had a clue. None of them were able to sense the beast, let alone discover he was there. With fur as dark as night and inaudible footsteps, the beast streaked through the forest undetected. Finally, a lone Tri-horned Deer strayed a little too far from its herd. As the deer noticed a glimmered of bright red spots fade in and out of existence, the young buck had been silenced and killed.

Carrying his kill to a nearby clearing, the beast sighed and tried his best to enjoy the meal. But it was hard given his current mindstate and circ.u.mstances.

For nine moons, he had been hunting and tracking down those responsible for attacking his territory and his students. Most importantly, he was desperately searching for a young but massive gorilla who was nowhere to be found. To his surprise, the leopard had eventually found a trail to follow. That trail was difficult to catch, though, seemingly vanishing and only reappearing at sporadically varied distances that constantly changed directions. Those tracks always seemed purposeful and consciously made, yet they would fade and lead Vloz on a wild chase to find the next set.

Eventually, Vloz had crossed into the nearby prefecture and traversed more than a dozen territories. Now, he was left in search of the next set of tracks. 

After having his fill, Vloz abandoned the half-eaten carcass and continued his journey deeper into the woods, approaching a string of nearby mountains. His speed was incredible as Vloz stealthily zipped through the trees and rushed into the mountain range, sniffing and following the faintest of scents the entire way.

Then, Vloz stopped. The leopard's eyes widened. His nose caught wind of the familiar scent he was after. 

Charging into the cave entrance before him, Vloz remained on edge and ready to strike. But Vloz's expectations were shattered again, as they had been consistently across the past nine moons. Standing in the center of a spacious cavern with multiple formations inscribed on the walls and floor, Vloz was glad to at least find his best lead thus far.

The entire cavern was covered in Oli's scent, and it was fresh.

Carefully inspecting the cavern, Vloz looked over the formation on the ground, the place where Oli's scent was strongest. Technically, there was another spot with a stronger scent but that was due to it being littered with half a dozen droppings.

"Definitely Iron-body Gorilla…" That corner of the room confirmed his thoughts, but also added to Vloz's confusion.

"I can assure you that Oli wasn't bothered by the smell. I was kind enough to clean that corner quite often."

Vloz's entire body tightened in response to the unexpected statement. As the voice was familiar yet not entirely, Vloz turned his head back toward the table on the opposite wall. "You… What are you up to?"

"Just doing my job, Vloz. There's no need to hate me," replied the man sitting at the table in a shadowy cloak. "You should thank me for protecting Oli and giving him such a perfect place to train. You understand formations enough to see that, right?"

Swallowing some saliva, Vloz struggled to deny that claim. Seeing as that man had killed the high-king and that Oli had clearly spent a lot of time cultivating in that incredible formation, Vloz had no reason to directly deny the man's claims.

"Also, Oli has been gone for almost a sun now, so he shouldn't be too far from here."

Hearing that, Vloz took a rushed step toward the exit but the man added, "However, you may not recognize him anymore."

Blinking, Vloz stopped and thought. "If he had left… then how come I hadn't caught his scent leaving the cave?"

"An astute kitty you are…" The human man clapped, grinning under his hood. "Perhaps because his scent is no longer the same."

"Impossible."

"Why? After exiting through my formation, he lost any scent as a beast. Are you claiming that humans and beasts smell the same?"

"Of course not, they… WHAT?!" 

"Anyways, I've got some things to do, so I'll leave you to finding Oli," stated the man, casually getting to his feet.

"What did you mean by that--"

"Oh, and I would suggest you don't storm the city. This territory is ruled by a peak-perennial on the verge of ascension. If you're smart and patient, maybe you'll find him coming to you instead…"

"WAIT!"

Vloz shouted, but the moment the man started to walk away was the moment his figure and presence faded out of existence. The Blood-spotted Leopard was left alone in the room filled with Oli's former scent and sparse clues as to where he should look next.