Another step closer

As soon as we entered the warm cottage, the cozy feel of the interior overwhelmed me. This had become the home that I had always wished for. Even during my nomadic days in the human kingdom, I always hopped around and did not have a fixed place of residence.

Jasper carefully lowered me into one of the chairs while he expertly used a combination of salt and other spices to cure the meat before leaving it to dry in the open air. I gently shut my eyes and relaxed my entire body, removing any tension from my muscles.

I visualized the events that took place today, putting emphasis on the positive and negative sides of orcs. I felt my brain rattle as I gained a new understanding; a sharp pain shot up from my spine and persisted as the existing black line continued to extend up my forearm.

My breathing along with my heart rate spiraled out of control. The orc suddenly turned around and ran towards me but stopped dead in his tracks. Black goo was spewing out of my pores at a rapid pace as the black line progressed. The line stopped as my body experienced a series of spasms.

"Remember the breathing technique. Calm yourself down!"

Heeding to his advice, I took two deep breaths followed by a single long exhale. After a minute of doing so, I opened my eyes to see Jasper's smiling face staring at me. It was only then that the putrescent smell of the black goo attacked my nostrils.

"Ew that smells so bad," I said.

Jasper sniffed around and I could tell that he was about to make a lame joke.

"I don't smell anything different. It's just your usual smell."

"How amusing. I guess I've reached half of the first chapter," I said in a satisfied tone.

"Not bad for a beginner," Jasper said as he slapped my back.

"Ouch you inconsiderate orc. I'm still injured," I said.

[One day before the trip]

Even though the wound on my hand was still aching, most of my injuries had already been healed thanks to the orc's natural remedies and the holy lake. My back was covered with both deep and shallow scars.

"Soon enough, you'll have more scars than skin," Jasper jokingly said.

"And I still won't be as ugly as you."

"What do I need for the trip? I better start packing my stuff," I added.

"You'll need a sleeping mat-"

"Hold on, where am I supposed to find that? And why do I need that in the first place?" I asked.

"I'll answer the second question first. Because we don't want to sleep on the cold humid floor; waking up covered in mud is not fun at all and for your first question, Xavier's lending you one."

"I don't know if you're aware, but I won't see Xavier until after the school trip," I replied.

"Do you think I'm an idiot?" he asked.

"Ye-"

"Don't answer it," Jasper interjected.

"You'll have to pick it up at his mother's place today."

"How great, you're using an injured five year old as a delivery boy," I jokingly said.

"I think that I should have left you to die," he replied.

Even after grabbing the equipment at the old orc's place, I did not return back immediately as I still had some business to attend. I faced a dark alleyway lined with ruffians but I still walked through; being stared at by them was not scary anymore after witnessing Hunter's power. Once again, I stood in front of a rundown wood building; it was the blacksmith. My knuckles knocked on the dilapidated door but I did not expect a reply; however, mere seconds after the thud was produced, creaking noises originating from the rusted hinges were let out as the door swung open. I was face-to-face with Thomas. As soon as he recognized me, his mood changed and he was now beaming.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked.

"I'm here to get the vest fixed," I replied as I pulled out the jet black garment and showed it to him.

"What? How was it damaged to such an extent?" he asked.

"How impolite of me! Asking questions without being a good host. Come inside and then we'll talk," he added.

We went into the second room but this time, we made our way into what appeared to be an office. The space was filled to the brim with plants which brought both crisp air and a calming scent to the room. The dim lighting was focused on a leather sofa set found in the center of the center.

"This is where I like to relax after a grueling forging session. Have a seat while I make you some of my signature tea."

The old man exuded an aura akin to that of a sage; his wisdom must be second to none in the tribe. The fruity aroma of the fresh tea that filled the air, was a delight to my nostrils; steam pervaded the room as he poured the drink into two porcelain cups. He carefully placed a cup and saucer on the table before sitting directly opposite me. The floral and woody flavors of the tea shined through before leading into more subtle honey notes; it was so heavenly that I could not stop myself from gulping it down.

"Now explain to me what happened," Thomas said.

After recounting the events leading up to my encounter with the other hunting group and telling him about what they did, I could see that his brows were furrowed and his eyes were flashing with anger.

"This is the problem with the orcs. We're too arrogant and think that we're superior to the other races, but in fact, we're not. If not for Emperor Azule, we would not have been feared by anyone."

"I would like to apologize for their behavior on behalf of the tribe and I hope that you do not think that everyone here is like that. I'll fix the vest for free," he added.