36 Making Money

Armand was a real chatterbox, he would jump from one subject to another without prompting. He was also a terrible braggart and liar. Jim was able to detect when Armand was telling the truth or inflating it, so the constant stream of talking ended up being very informative.

Unfortunately, the information was scattered and hard to put together. Names of cities, countries, officials, shops, goods. It was hard to sift through all of it and relate it. Two days passed, Jim continued cooking for everyone stuck in the wagon, he wondered what Armand's plan was in getting everyone to safety. It seemed likely they would die on the way even if the bandits didn't catch up.

[Barosca Plate Beast]

[Level: 0]

[HP: 200/200]

[Strength: 10]

[Dexterity: 1]

[Vitality: 50]

[Agility: 5]

[Magic: 1]

The Armadillo creatures are apparently widely domesticated beasts of burden, their toughness, docility, and low need for food and water make them ideal mounts. Seems their meat is repulsive though, they aren't fit to be livestock. They were rather cute while eating the fried veggies, he wanted to take one home as a pet.

The atmosphere in the wagon became more and more lively over time, good food and the ability to return home had instilled everyone with hope and excitement. Emerging from the forest, a city with high stone walls could be seen directly ahead.

Armand grandly introduced the city as Capanisa, it served both as a trade hub with the neighboring countries and fortification against invasions. The current city ruler is Margrave Tandolu, it seems he wasn't born into nobility, having earned this position with a long military history under his belt.

Approaching the gate, the guards had them wait while they informed their superiors. One of Tandolu's aides showed up soon after, announcing that all the returned people would be given food and a place to stay until they could arrange a way home. About 70% of the captured people were citizens of Capanisa, the Margrave had a headache dealing with the frequent bandit problem. The bandits had been acting boldly recently, striking when their backs were turned. But every time he sent a force to annihilate them they would go into hiding.

Hearing of several bandits meeting their end put a smile across Tandolu's face, he authorized for the two who brought the people home to be awarded.

Aide: "Margrave Tandolu rewards you for your bravery, the two of you are hereby granted one token of contribution each."

The aide produced a little carved wooden coin, Jim was confused on how this could be considered a reward. 'Can't I just pick up some wood by the roadside and carve one of these myself?' Armand on the other hand was staring at the token in his hands with light shining in his eyes. 'I guess it has some worth after all.'

Separating from Armand, Jim began wandering the city. Children were playing in the streets, Merchants hawking their wares at the roadside. An occasional Elf could be seen leisurely strolling along. 'Seems the atmosphere is far better than I assumed.'

Jim found a clothing shop and headed in. Looking at the listed pricing, he started gaining a sense for the currency value here. Producing some hats and mittens, he attempted to sell them to the shop owner.

Shopkeep: "Mmm...6 Copper for a pair of these gloves, 4 for a hat."

Jim: "Make it 6 for two hats."

Shopkeep: "...Alright, here you go."

[Negotiation Skill Obtained]

[Barter Skill Obtained]

[Haggling Skill Obtained]

With 12 coins in hand, Jim approached a stall and bought a meat skewer for 1 copper. It was decently tasty, after using half his money Jim had gained an understanding of the local cuisine. Spices weren't used often, meat was abundant, the occasional vegetable or fruit could be found, but it seemed the people here were rather carnivorous.

Jim spotted a group of about 20 Dwarves walking along, they were carrying several beast corpses and entered a rather large building. Jim got curious and headed in. 'Hm, seems they buy meat from hunted beasts here.' The stench of blood was thick in the air. Dozens of groups decked in weapons and armor were attempting to sell their prey. Seeing an open receptionist, Jim approached and took out one of the ape bodies.

Receptionist: "Th-this is a Fang Ape? You hunted this yourself?"

Jim: "Hm? Yeah, what's the pricing?"

Receptionist: "Amazing...it's in good condition too, 2 silver."

Jim: "Oh, that's a good price, willing to buy more?"

Receptionist: "More? How many?"

A pile of 20 ape corpses suddenly appeared, stunning the surrounding people. "Space Magic? And able to hunt so many Fang Apes..." The surrounding chatter was getting on Jim's nerves.

Jim: "How about 45 silver for the pile?"

Receptionist: "All the bodies are in good condition...yeah, I'll add on more for the bulk purchase. Please come again!"

'What the heck? Hunting is so much more profitable than selling goods...' What Jim didn't know was Fang Apes were considered troublesome opponents, basic weaponry wouldn't pierce their thick hides and their swift heavy attacks could quickly crush even a veteran fighter. Coupled with how it wasn't rare to run into a group of them, hunters avoided entering their territory.

Walking along satisfied with the pile of cash, Jim spotted a group of three hooded men. 'Hm?'

[Name: Atra Nogilis]

[Species: Human]

[Level: 5]

[HP: 230/230]

[MP: 1,250/1,250]

[Strength: 27]

[Dexterity: 52]

[Vitality: 38]

[Agility: 30]

[Magic: 860]

'A Mage, huh?' Activating his stealth skills, Jim began tailing them.