Max did not really know what was the reason for such a change of attitude from the leader of those thugs but he suspected that it must be the fact that he used magic. Max saw that those guys did not even have knight talent. Maybe most of them did not even saw a magic caster in their lives.
Max looked at the crowd and asked: "Who have a map of this country or can work as a guide for me? I was in seclusion for a long time and I'm not sure where the capital of this country is located."
The crowd was silent. Max saw fear in the eyes of those people. He guessed that they were afraid of him because of the fact that he could kill all of them after he got what he wanted. Because of that he added another phrase after understanding that people are not going to interact with him. 'Oh my god. Why are those people are so stupid? I just want to get out of here and they are not cooperating. What the hell!?' He thought.
After grumping internally he added: "I will reward you with swordsmanship techniques and a possibility to become stronger."
When Derek heard this declaration he came to a conclusion for himself. He will try to have a fresh start and try his luck. He got here because he was chased by a Baron family. He had no power to fight people on the apprentice knight level. Because of that he ran to this place and became a leader for those people in this god forgotten place.
After a short internal struggle Derek said: "I can work as a guide for you sir and tell you about the general news about this country. I lived in the capital a few years ago and I know the way there and good places that will be interesting for you to see."
"Alright. Pack your stuff and we are leaving as soon as possible. How much time you need to pack your stuff? As for all the rest of the people that attacked me. Hand all of your money and you are free to go." Max said while appraising everyone.
"It will take one hour, sir" Derek said and just ran away without even getting a replay from Max.
Some people could maybe find this kind of behavior the Derek displayed disrespectful but Max preferred people that can do some simple actions without asking 100 question about dumb stuff. He was more sure now that he and Derek will get along. As for the rest of the villagers that attacked him. They were in a sour mode. After some internal deliberation they started putting bronze coins on the floor near Max and then leaving to their homes in a dejected manner. Max saw that one of the attackers put not all of his coins because of a small tremor from his pocket. He shot a fire ball that turned this man into ashes. Max did not even say anything but everyone understood what was going on. After that no one tried to fool him again. Everyone delivered the coins and then walked away to their houses. Some of them even ran away from Max. After that all the crowd dispersed. No one wanted to get hit by a fire ball. Max looked at all the coins the attackers left and was not very surprised by the small amount. Around ten people came to attack him but he only collected a little more then a hundred bronze coins that were a little more then one silver coin. It was sad but still better then nothing. After a short while Derek came back running with a bag.
"Sir I'm ready. How should I address you?" Derek asked.
"Very good. Let's leave for the capital. You can call me boss Max." Max answered.
"Don't we need a horse or something? It will be better to ride a horse on the way to the capital." Derek asked with a puzzled expression.
After a short deliberation Max asked: "How much time it will take us to get there by foot and by horse?"
"It will take a month by foot and a week by riding horses." Derek answered.
"Then we will go by foot. I want to see the world. I'm not in a hurry getting into the capital. What is the capital's name?" Max asked.
"The name of the Capital is Alexandria. It is named after our king named Alexander." Derek answered.
"Alright let's go. I don't want to stay in this place. Also, while we go tell me more about this country and the countries surrounding us." Max said.
"The Alexander's country is part of the Ruth Empire. It is one of the weaker countries of the empire. Sometimes there are wars between countries for recourses. The Ruth Empire is a level one empire. It means that the strongest representative of the empire is in a low level of grand knight or a mage. From what I know the empires go from level one to nine. Nine level empires are the strongest. The same goes for countries but the strongest level for countries is level five. Our Alexanders country is a level one country. That means that the strongest people in this country should be at a level of a knight or apprentice mage." Derek explained.
"I see." Max said.
'Its good that no one should be able to make any problems for me here. When I'm near my gaming club only a level 4 or 5 countries should be able to threaten me. Ill progress slowly and then move to stronger countries. Maybe I don't even need to do it because the locals will become stronger coming to my gaming club for training.' He thought internally.
After walking for some time it was decided to end the walking trip for the day. Max instructed Derek to look in the opposite direction from him and close his eyes. Derek unwillingly complied. He was scared of the fact that he could be attacked by Max if he could not see him but then he recalled the event that happened with one of his subordinates and relaxed. He could not escape a fate of death if Max wanted to kill him.
When he got the permeation to turn around he was startled because a two floor building with a big name on its entry "Killing spree gaming club" appeared.