Chapter 149 - Running into Unexpected Company

Leon trampled slightly as Oli coldly gave the corpse a pat-down. Johan and Shadur followed Oli's example after a moment to breathe and reassess the situation. If Oli was confident enough to loot the bodies, then why should they not do the same?

Eventually, Leon joined in and inspected a couple of corpses, but Oli had already claimed the bandit leader and the two largest men. Their findings were about a dozen gold coins per corpse and common supplies or weapons, nothing to feel too happy about. At least, not until Oli took out something that caught his eye.

"You two, what do you think of this blade?" Both swordsmen turned their attention to Oli, who retrieved the lead bandit's pale blue blade. Their eyes lit up as if they had seen a ghost. "From that look, I'm guessing you've either seen this blade before or at least a similar one."

"This… This is one of the swords we award to graduates of the advanced training classes…" Johan struggled to reply.

"Oh… That explains the attack he used last night. Does your father always teach that ice battle art, the one where the ice rotates around the blade like a powerful saw with each swing?"

"How do you… That man used that attack?" Confused, Johan shook his head but said nothing.

Leon replied in his stead but was still in shock, "No… That's a battle art shared within the family and would be classified as our strongest adept grade battle art, Revolving Frost."

"Hmm… Well, that bandit used that battle art and this is his sword. It doesn't seem too expensive, at least not compared to paying for so many advanced classes," Oli stated. "Mind if I keep it? I'll make sure to show your family once we're back."

"Sure… I guess…" Leon nodded, still accepting that discovery in doses of reality.

Oli then stood and looked around the area as if he were slightly worried. "Let's have lunch elsewhere. I'd rather not stay here too long. We might as well leave while that beast is still savoring his meal."

They immediately ran, following Oli's lead. They didn't travel for too long due to Shadur's lack of stamina but they made sure to get more than far enough away from the scene of that massacre. But their break was quiet and solemn as the party took in the seriousness of their situation. Everyone but Oli now had a new set of worries overcoming them.

"Don't overthink this, you guys," Oli shared his thoughts with a slight smile. "Most beasts strong enough to take out those bandits are territorial, so there's little to no chance of that thing coming after us. If anything, that beast did us a favor. We were able to get some loot, learn about our foes, and harvest the lilies without any complications. Part of me wants to thank the beast responsible."

The others felt a bit more at ease but Oli was surprised by someone else's sudden comment.

'Someone new is approaching on horseback. Perhaps a merchant or two. Do I kill?' Oli shook his head and smiled, getting a follow-up comment from Vloz. 'They're approaching you. I'll be ready to act whenever needed.'

"Hmm?" Oli mumbled loudly, getting everyone's attention again. "Who do we have here?" 

The others followed Oli's gaze and soon heard the steady clopping of hooves. Two robust stallions came into view with long, groomed mane. As obvious show horses, it only made sense for them to carry wealthy owners who dared spend so much money on appearance over practicality. Both men on horseback wore ornate masks, much different from the bandit Oli had fought the night before. While Oli was a bit on edge, he noticed that the others weren't quite so worried.

"Oh, what sort of adventures are you up to?" the horseman from behind asked with a friendly chuckle.

Shadur answered before Oli could say anything. "We're simply here for the lily harvest before the change in season makes it more difficult."

"Really? In that case, we would like to hire you all for the same purpose."

"No thanks," Oli replied.

The second horseman chuckled again, "At least hear us out. I'm sure we'll pay far more handsomely than your current employer. What are they paying you? We'll pay double and even confront your former employer to make sure you're not inconvenienced."

"Sorry, but that means nothing to us. The lilies are that way if you're looking for them." Pointing back toward the mountains. "I would hurry before the sun goes down. Harvesting at night is much riskier."

"I don't believe you heard us correctly, young man. Seeing as you're on your return, I assume you've already gathered your harvest? In that case, we'll buy them right now at double the market value. That's fair, correct?"

Squinting, Oli looked over the two hors.e.m.e.n, particularly the one in front that had remained silent the whole time. His coat and apparel outmatched the man behind him and his demeanor was that of a noble. And by the look on the others' faces, Oli assumed the others recognized the two men to a degree.

"Are you new to the area, perhaps?" asked the second horseman. "It seems you're the only one in your group that doesn't understand who we are. We represent the Libarn Guild, the same guild that owns the wealthiest businesses of all Trighton City, outside of Trighton Institute of course."

"Your identity won't change our mind," stated Oli, unfazed by the horseman's arrogance.

Smiling down at Shadur and ignoring Oli's comment, the horseman asked, "You're Shadur, Keldon's nephew, correct? I'm sure you understand us much better. And given the impoverished people among your party, I assume you've been hired for a pittance. Allow us to pay you what you deserve and we'll gladly accept the lilies you've harvested along with helping you find your own practice in the city. It was on your behalf that Keldon searched for a place fitting of a clinic, no?"