Chapter 88

Chapter 88

In the vast fields near Nevenias borders, Seol encountered a troll.

Remarkably, it was the only troll that Seol had become acquainted with, aside from Jamad.

- My name is Mael, the star child.

Mael, a troll exiled from the Rock Molar Tribe.

His appearance was completely unexpected.

Put your sword away, Karen.

What? You knew a troll other than Jamad, Master?

Through this and that, yeah.

Mael slowly approached Seols party.

It was only after confirming the trolls identity that Seol took a look at his clothes.

He wore glasses that made his eyes appear smaller, likely due to their high prescription, and carried a bag so full that it was being stretched to its seams.

What is all that?

Old books, medicinal herbs, and a whole bunch of miscellaneous stuff, hahaha!

Mael, how have you been?

Ive traveled all across Nevenia; the human world truly is incredible. It was a good decision to descend the mountain.

Seol was delighted to have met a helper after so much time.

Since the situation was so unexpected, Seol felt more excited to see him than he usually would.

Come sit down, the winds are strong. You should warm up by the fire.

Then would it be alright? It was so cold that I thought my lips would freeze together, haha!

Mael shuffled over to the campfire.

Though he was smaller than Jamad, he was still a troll and was considerably big.

With him now sitting by the fire, the campfire, which once felt open, now felt cramped.

Nice to meet you, Im Karen. By the way do trolls wear glasses too now?

Mael gave Karen a gentle smile before responding.

I use them more for other miscellaneous uses than to supplement my vision.

I see I know its a bit rude to say this, but you seem quite intelligent for a troll? Youre different from the trolls Ive met so far.

Hey, are you talking about me, elf? scowled Jamad.

Karen simply shrugged without an answer.

The belief that trolls are simple is a misunderstood fact. Though their actions could seem foolish from the perspective of other races, we have our own established beliefs and cultures. Ah, obviously there are simple trolls too, though.

I see So, how did you meet Snowman?

Snowman is my savior who pulled me from the depths of despair. He is also someone to whom I have a debt to repay, however lacking I am.

Hm, I guess Master gets called a savior regardless of wherever he goes. Even though... he doesnt look trustworthy to me at all.

Many times, we may fail to understand something properly because we examine it too closely. How could this not also be true for people, when it applies to objects as well?

What?

Karen looked at Seols face before cracking a smile.

Yeah, you might be right. Man, its so easy to have a conversation with this troll!

- Im sorry, but Maels just bodying you.

- He just walked up slowly and down smashed.

- I cant believe theres actually an elf dumber than a troll

- The greatest mind of our generation Mael!

As Mael conversed with Karen, he locked eyes with Jamad. Observing Jamad's massive size and imposing presence, he then remarked, Jamad, Tyrant of the Rock Molar Tribe its you.

You know me? Who are you?

I am the son of Mayora.

The moment Jamad heard the name Mayora, his eyes grew wide.

The female who the previous generation exiled. But she had a child?

She was pregnant with me when she was exiled.

Ah, so it was like that.

After hearing about Maels circumstances, Karen got annoyed with Jamad for his reaction.

How could you only say that after hearing his story?

What should I do then, huh? Cry?

Mael, hes always like this. Im not a racist, but I cant help but have prejudices when the troll that Im with always acts like this.

Even so, I am a troll as well.

Ah, sorry.

- Ah, right! You were a troll too!

- LMFAOOOO

- Im sorry but youre very biased against them already, Karen. LOL

Jamad then spoke to Karen in an indifferent tone.

I also lost my parents when I was young.

What?

My father was drafted into a war and croaked there, while my mother died young. The funny part was that the previous generation offered my mothers corpse to the dragon as a snack.

......

What about now, elf? Are you going to sympathize with me too?

Um sorry.

Seol didnt know Jamad had a story like this either.

In the first place, Jamad was an irregular whom Seol had encountered for the first time during that Adventure. It wouldn't make sense for Seol to have any knowledge about him, considering he had never even seen Jamad before.

Hmph, but now that I think about it you

Me? asked Mael.

Yeah, you. Youre the one who helped Snowman, werent you?

Mael smiled.

I am.

I knew it. I knew there was no way he couldve done it on his own. Did you use shamanic spells?

I used a potion infused with one.

Hm Youre pretty good. Its a potion that Im not familiar with. Im curious about your level.

I am nothing compared to you, Jamad. I simply possess some useless knowledge that I havent even made fully mine.

- How is Mael so good at buttering people up?

- I bet even my boss would love him.

Seol ended the pleasantries there and moved on to what he was actually curious about.

Do you think the Sulfur Skull Tribe did this?

I doubt that would be the case. They dont have a reason to.

Then

Let me inspect it.

Inhale

Fuuu

Mael grabbed a handful of dust and blew it off his hands. The dust, as it scattered in the air, slowly found form.

This is what the earth here remembers. It seems like it was done by humans.

I think I know who it was.

Someone you know?

The party was led by a woman at the vanguard.

It was the same woman who was the protg of Kibo as she followed him around.

Its Mira.

Jamad and Karen both reacted at the sound of her name.

Hmph, she must be tracking down Kibo.

Mira? Whos Mira?

You should know Kibo since you met him last time, but basically shes his right-hand man.

Is she strong?

Im not sure

Seol then asked Mael a question.

What should we do then? Dont we have to go to Gulia now that we cant use the tunnel?

Hold on

Mael pulled something from his backpack, resembling a berry.

He then murmured a few words before tossing the berry into the destroyed tunnel.

And then

Rumble Rumble

Chomp!

A long bug, the size of an adult, emerged from the ground, snatching the berry before burrowing away.

It was a bug that had no eyes and a lot of teeth in its mouth.

Oho is that a rock bug?

Jamad showed interest in it.

I noticed there were a few rock bugs in the area and rock bugs absolutely love kokurin berries. Since I imprinted the berry with a suggestion, that rock bug should soon open up a path for us.

...Youre quite talented. It would have been a huge help to my tribe if someone like you was around.

Theres nothing as useless as talking about the past. After all, the Rock Molar Tribe was a place of resentment, not a place to rest.

Hahaha well, thats life after all.

As the two trolls continued conversing, the rock bug had completely restored the tunnel.

Seol, taking the lead, spoke to the rest of his party.

Lets go.

And like that, Seols party was easily able to go through the tunnel and arrive on the other side.

So thats Yognatun.

It is a massive volcano. It is also the mountain where the old god of fire resides. Weve almost caught up to them, lets keep going.

As there was still a lot of time before nightfall, Seols party continued their pursuit.

Its their territory from this point on, so we need to be careful, warned Jamad.

Got it.

Dont worry too much. Even if they show up, I, Karen, will kill them all for you. If youre still scared though, you can hide behind me.

Hmph, dont look down on trolls. The tribe alliance is filled with skilled trolls that you cant even imagine.

Hm its just because there werent many trolls who were notorious in my time. But does the Sulfur Skull Tribe really have someone as skilled as that?

They do, one troll. An absolute monster.

Woah, really? Whats their name?

Its

Everyone became more tense the closer they approached the volcano.

As there wasnt too much left until they reached the foot of the mountain, they were all on alert.

And then

Urgh

A human?

Hes probably a member of Miras pursuit party.

At the top of a cluster of rough rocks was someone gasping for air.

I'll take care of it. I've also read some medicinal texts for situations like this, said Mael before stepping forth.

- Go Go Gadget Encyclopedia!

- Ive also read some demonic texts for situations like this.

- Ive also learned how to kick an overhead kick for situations like this.

- Hes a one-man army LMFAO

- Hes the protagonist now LMFAO OP MC!

Mael wiped off the injured persons face with a wet towel before chanting a spell.

Glow

A strange light entered the mans body.

Rustle

This is a santuri leaf. Chew on this before swallowing it with water.

Chew chew

The injured man did as Mael told him to.

Gasp Gasp

Can you breathe now?

...away.

The injured man tried to communicate the moment he could.

What?

Mael brought his ear closer to the mans mouth.

And then, the dying man uttered his last words before taking his final breath.

Mon ster run away