Chapter 61 – Searching for gems in the mud. Enslaving the slaver.

Chapter 61 – Searching for gems in the mud. Enslaving the slaver.

The next morning-

Gerhart opened his eyes and found his face pressed between two soft peaks, his body wrapped in a warm embrace.

"Good morning, master." Qold sweetly said, back in her tanned beauty form.

"Good morning, Qold," Gerhart replied, feeling lazy after last night.

"We should get up soon. The others must be waiting." Qold softly said.

"Right..." Gerhart muttered as he subconsciously checked Qold's status.

Name: Qold Moonhowl

Race: Succubus(Dream Tribe, Antler Goblin Variant)/ High Succubus(Dream Tribe)

Age: 1

Sex: Female

Level: 44(Incomplete)

Skills:

Spoiler(+)Magic: 5th-circle demon summoning, 5th-circle lust magic, 5th-circle mind magic, 4th-circle fire magic, 4th-circle darkness magic.[collapse]

Base Stats:

SpoilerStrength: AVitality: AEndurance: AAgility: ADexterity: APerception: AInstincts: AIntelligence: SAura: AMagic: S[collapse]

Secondary Stats: (+)

Talents:

Spoiler(+)Unique Talents: Elite Warlock(Evolvable), Serene Mind(Evolvable), Favored by Demons(Succubi)(Evolvable), Demon Leader(Lust Demons), High Succubus(Dream Tribe) Bloodline(0.5%), Energy Drain(Succubus Variant), Sexualized Body, Transformation(Partial), Mesmerizing Eyes(Charm, Lust), Aphrodisiac Body, Supernatural Charm, -[collapse]

Aside from Gerhart, Qold also gained considerable benefits from absorbing the Hegemons. Additionally, her bloodline started evolving toward a High Succubus, an A-rank demon. Although slower by almost ten times, the fact her bloodline was improving at such speed from absorbing Gerhart's essence proved how nutritious he was.

"Well, I will gradually feed her from now on. No need to rush." Gerhart thought.

Gerhart let go of Qold's soft body and slowly got up. While getting dressed, Qold spoke, "By the way, master. Mistress Xenova contacted me in my dreams and gave me some valuable information."

"Is it urgent?" Gerhart asked back while putting on his pants.

"No. We can talk about it later." Qold replied.

"Then we will talk about it when we have time," Gerhart replied.

Several minutes later, they sat at a table together with everyone else.

Gerhart received several weird looks from the patrons, including Abraham, the owner.

"Young man, it is good to be young, but do it in moderation." Abraham seriously advised.

"Hahaha... Yes. Sorry." Gerhart apologetically replied.

After that awkward moment, the group ate a quick breakfast and headed to the Merchant's Guild.

As Auchendale was a border town and trading hub, the most influential guild was the Merchant's Guild, a large building meant for long-distance wholesale dealings, local retail, and storing merchandise. They also employed guides for those seeking to travel to and from kingdoms.

Arriving at the front desk, Gerhart saw a tanned middle-aged clerk with a feathered hat and curly mustache writing documents.

"Haajid!" Lars said while approaching.

"Hm? Oh! Lars! Good to see you in good health, my friend!" Haajid raised his head and smiled at Lars, speaking in a weird accent.

"Good to see you too, Haajid. Is that a new hat?" Lars chatted.

"Yes! My wife bought it for me two weeks ago. So, what can I help you with?" Haajid asked with a calm smile.

"I need two things. First, I wish to sell some goods. We recently subjugated a Goblin Mega Tribe and want to sell metal weapons. You know the quality of Hobgoblin craftsmanship. We also looted furs, claws, horns, bones, and ivory from monsters the goblins hoarded." Lars said.

"OH! A Mega Tribe? Is everyone alright?" Haajid worriedly asked.

"It is fine. We lost a few, but we will manage." Lars replied.

"I see. Well, the guild can certainly buy those off your hands. Anything else?" Haajid asked while looking at Gerhart and his group.

"They want a guide to the Nehan Kingdom's capital, Tabarga. Old Abraham recommended a Miss named Monica." Lars said.

"Tabarga? Most wagon merchants barely travel to the next town or city, let alone a distant city like Tabarga. However, Monica can certainly lead you to the next town." Haajid said.

"Damn... Is there no long-term guide?" Lars pursed his lips.

"I am afraid not. And even worse, the odds of finding a multi-linguistic guide will only get lower as you go deeper into the Nehan Kingdom. But luckily, there is a half-solution I can suggest." Haajid smiled.

"What?" Lars raised an eyebrow.

"Buy a slave! Auchendale is a trading hub for slaves from the Nehan Kingdom, so there are bound to be some educated slaves among them. If luck would have it, they would have all the skills you need. If not, they can at least act as translators. If you have someone decent with a map and are not afraid of monsters, you can travel along the main road. We have some maps on sale indicating all the main routes, landmarks, and danger zones. There are also inns along the road, so it isn't all that bad." Haajid said.

"Thank you. I will discuss it with the others." Lars said and went back to the others.Reêad latest novels at novelhall.com

After explaining the situation, Gerhart and the others looked at each other and spoke.

"I can read maps," Hope said.

"Me too," Calvin added.

"I can also read a map." Gerhart nodded.

Although having a guide was optimal, they didn't need one per se. Hope was a merchant's daughter, and although she specialized in sea trading, she knew about land trading too. And as a noble's son, Calvin learned geography and how to read a map. He wasn't an expert, but at least he wouldn't get lost. As for Gerhart, he had some experience as Deadmeat.

That only left the language barrier, which made things much smoother.

"Then buying a slave is a feasible idea. Lars, you focus on selling the equipment first. We will go select a slave." Hope said.

"Understood." Lars nodded.

With that, the group left the merchant's guild and went to the town's slave market.

Unlike Vlita's slave market, the one in this town was several times bigger, housing hundreds of slaves. There was even an auction going on outside, attracting other slave merchants.

"Wow, those are a lot of slaves," Ray commented.

"This is nothing. The amount trafficked here is dozens of times more a year." Calvin shook his head.

"Perhaps there are some hidden gems among them," Hope said.

"Perhaps, but appraising them all would take a while." Gerhart frowned.

"It will, but it would be worth it. In the meantime, how about blessing me with Appraise Status, and I will go around town to scout for hidden talents?" Hope suggested.

"Hm... Good idea." Gerhart nodded and turned to Calvin and Ray. "The both of you will accompany her."

"Yes, my liege." Calvin nodded.

"Yes, all of them." Gerhart nodded.

The slaves, who lacked light in their eyes, couldn't help but look at Gerhart in astonishment.

"Why does he want to buy us? We are cripples!"

"Is he planning some evil ceremony and needs cheap human sacrifices?"

"Does he have strange hobbies?"

The merchant quickly recovered from his shock before brilliantly smiling. It was even better than buying his best slaves since these dregs had no demand but a high supply!

"I don't know what he wants to do with them, and I don't care. Let him have them!" The merchant thought as his lips moved, "As you wish, sir! I will sell them all for 100 per head." He said, selling them wholesale like cattle.

"No. 20 per person. And this is because I am nice. You already planned on disposing of them." Gerhart retorted.

He knew very well that these slaves were nothing but economic burdens. Sooner rather than later, this merchant would even spend money to throw them in the wild! He had already seen such things happen in his previous life.

"I..." The merchant struggled, wanting to squeeze out more of this deal. He would feel pained if he didn't!

At this moment, Qold suddenly grabbed Gerhart's arm and telepathically whispered. "Master, there is no need to haggle with this wretch. Allow me to handle this."

"Hm? Okay." Gerhart nodded.

Qold seductively smiled and then looked at the fat merchant, her eyes glowing purple as her voice echoed indescribable temptation and charm. "Little merchant~ Look into my eyes~. Aren't they pretty?"

"Eh... Ah? Yes. Pretty." The merchant's eyes suddenly went vacant, a silly smile on his lips.

"Don't you want to submit to me?" Qold coquettishly asked.

"Yes..." The merchant said with a hypnotized look.

"Call me mistress," Qold said.

"Yes, mistress." The merchant swayed, wearing the same silly smile.

"Submit. Grovel. Show respect to your masters, little slave." Qold narrowed her eyes at the man with contempt.

"Yes. Please accept this insignificant slave." The merchant obeyed, going on all four.

At this point, the slaves were now astonished at this scene.

"What... What is going on?"

"Why is that bastard on all four?"

"Who are those people?"

"I hope they will make him lick the shit-stained floor."

There were various thoughts, but they didn't voice them, looking with rapt attention at the scene.

"Good little slave~. Accept your reward~." Qold said and glanced at Gerhart.

"Well, how the tables turn," Gerhart muttered, extending his hand. "Submit."

"Yes..." The merchant, who lost his ability to resist, willingly let Gerhart grab him and convert him.

After confirming the man converted, Gerhart let go, and Qold released her control.

"My lord." The merchant, who regained the light in his eyes, respectfully bowed to Gerhart while giving a Qold a fearful glance.

He knew very well that he got controlled as if it was nothing! And he also sensed she was an Envoy, meaning she outranked him by far!

"Hanno, right?" Gerhart asked, although he already knew the name.

"Yes, my lord." The merchant, Hanno, lowered his head.

"Will you incur any loss if you lose these slaves?" Gerhart asked, gesturing at the slaves.

"A minor one, my lord. As you have said, I planned to dispose of them since they are only a burden now." Hanno replied.

"Then I will take them off your hands," Gerhart said without a change in expression.

"With pleasure, my lord." Hanno smiled. He didn't lose out on this deal, even gaining free disposal service! What a great deal.

Nodding, Gerhart looked at the dregs and smiled, "I am your new master now, and I can give you a second chance in life, including healing your wounds and even letting you live normally as free men. Who wants freedom? For those who do, I only ask one thing- Submit."

.

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Thirty minutes later, Gerhart exited the shop with Qold and Havre, feeling he got a great deal. The dregs were converted and healed and would be brought out of town by the slave merchant, where Lars, Thomas, and Hannes would bring them back to the village. No one would pay attention to some dirty slaves.

"I can also convert the other slavers," Gerhart muttered, looking at the other slave shops.

And so, Gerhart went slave shopping.

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Meanwhile-

Hope, Calvin, and Ray walked around town, gathering information from gossip and minstrels while searching for someone talented. Who knows? Maybe they would find a hidden gem in the mud somewhere.

However, after walking through half the town, Hope didn't have high expectations. Unlike Elkington Village, the people here were regular people, not descended from mighty warriors through generations. Most of them never had someone above D-rank in the last ten generations!

"Seems like there isn't anyone worthy of attention..." Hope muttered.

"Most of those with talent get recruited when young, and this town isn't too big, so it is certainly hard to find anyone with potential." Calvin agreed.

"If humans are not good, why not check animals? There is an exotic animal market over there." Ray suggested.

Just like slaves, there were exotic animals traded in this town, so perhaps there were some hidden gems.

"Ray, that's... A pretty good idea!" Hope's eyes lit up.

The trio derailed and went to the animal market.