Things Left Untold

(Mentality bead?)

Sensing Simon's confusion, Annie begins to explain.

"You really weren't taught anything, huh? Every living creature can produce a mentality bead, and they can potentially be sold at a high price, provided you're lucky enough to get one. Higher star monsters are more likely to have mentality beads in their heads, and they are also more valuable. They are the most commonly used currency, despite what is needed to get them. Speaking of which, getting mentality beads from a 1* star creature like a direwolf is very uncommon... And it's even more uncommon for them to be this close to the village perimeter. I've got a bad feeling about this..."

While Annie starts to frown, Joel and Samuel exchange meaningful glances.

This was noticed by Simon.

(Mentality beads... culling the hostile population can also provide a direct form of currency. How convenient. But it seems like those two seem to know something more about the influx of beasts near by then they are willing to tell hunter girl over there... At least for now.)

After around what Simon would consider an hours time, while the sky takes on an orange tint rather then the golden light that was previously shining, he sees up ahead the village the three hunters were referring too.

Far more expansive then what he initially expected, a large collection of tilled earth with a collection of crops both known and unknown to Simon could be seen. People who he assumed to be mages were confiding in one another as they worked on the earth of the forest floor, supported by the fertilization of dead animals and leaves.

And beyond that the actual buildings of the village are seen; sturdy wood, reinforced with the efforts of architects, magicians, and ordinary village folk.

The bearded man Joel (who wielded an expansive claymore with both hands in combat) turns with a smile on his face to Simon.

"Welcome to our humble village of no name, chimeric being. We shall prepare a feast for your hungry self."

Simon couldn't help but be surprised; he already felt they were expecting him, but he was surprised they had an idea of what he was, despite him not knowing himself.

"Uh, what? Is this kid that important?" said Annie.

(Well I guess she's still in the dark.)

***********************************************

His eyes are open wide in awe of the food laden on the small table before him.

The group is currently sitting inside the home of Joel and Annie, with chairs pulled up for both Samuel and Simon.

"S-so I can eat this? I can right?"

(It feels like I haven't eaten anything in days... I need this more then anything.)

"Sure you can. We'll take you to meet the Elder after you have your fill. But first... how about you show us what you look like? We already have an idea, but it wouldn't hurt to know more. You won't need to worry too much about other people knowing your secret; we've been given the go ahead by the Elder, but no one else has. Besides, it's dark out by this point; we aren't expecting any visitors." Says Joel.

He couldn't help but hesitate under their expectant (and Annie's confused) gazes, despite the good will they had shown him.

(These are the people who helped you, and actually seem to know something about you situation. If not now, when else would I remove this cloak?)

His concealed arms move to remove his cloak...