𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬
Luke and his companions, along with the four members of 《Blue Sky Hawk》, passed through the forest road.
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“This area is known for its frequent demon beast sightings. Our main job is to subdue these demon beasts. Besides that, we adventurers do pretty much anything, from dungeon conquests to other tasks. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”
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“Speaking of 《Blue Sky Hawk》, it’s a well-known party in Mercapolis. After all, we hold the title of heroes in that city. If you ever find yourself in trouble, feel free to use our name. It usually helps to resolve most issues.”
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Runker and Gustav continued their conversation with a sense of pride.
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“It’s concerning that spike bears are appearing so close to the town. Aren’t the nearby residents living in constant fear?”
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“That’s where we adventurers come in. City-states don’t look after the surrounding areas. You could say we are like private guards.”
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Seven people continued along the road, soon encountering a group of people sitting by the wayside.
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And these were not just any people, but beastkin.
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All of them uniformly injured, crouching as if to suppress their pain.
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“What’s that?”
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“Ah, those are the beastkin living nearby. They must have been attacked by the spike bear we mentioned earlier. If only we had arrived a bit sooner…”
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Runker bit his lip in frustration.
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“Please wait a moment.”
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Luke jumped off the cargo dragon and approached the beastkin.
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However, the beastkin became alert and lowered their ears upon noticing Luke’s presence.
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“What do you want! Leave us alone!”
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One of the beastkin growled and glared.
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“Please don’t be so wary. You need to treat those injuries quickly.”
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“These will heal on their own! Just go away!”
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The beastkin shouted while clutching their wounded arm.
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But the blood showed no sign of stopping, flowing between their fingers.
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“We can’t just leave it like this.”
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Luke raised his left hand.
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Light flowed from his palm, enveloping the beastkin and rapidly healing their wounds.
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“W, What is this…?”
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The beastkin, now with their wounds healed, looked at each other in amazement.
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“I’ve applied healing magic, but you should still rest for a while. It used your physical energy for the treatment.”
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“Amazing… I’ve never seen such impressive healing magic before, and for so many people at once…”
The beastkin, initially in awe, turned away from Luke, looking slightly embarrassed.
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“…Hmph, I’ll thank you, but don’t expect payment! We said it wasn’t necessary, but you went ahead and healed us. Come on, everyone, let’s go!”
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With a show of bravado, the beastkin disappeared into the forest.
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“What’s that about? After Luke healed them out of kindness, they are so ungrateful!”
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“Please don’t speak ill of them. They’re also struggling to survive.”
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As Sicily got angry, Runker placed his hand on her shoulder and shook his head sadly.
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“It’s sad, but this is a poor area. They don’t even have the luxury to be grateful to others. Plus, they are beastkin. In Mercapolis, relations with beastkin are strained, and although we try to engage in dialogue with them, it’s hard to break the ice.”
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“Is that so…”
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When Luke looked towards the forest, he saw a figure emerging from the bushes.
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“What’s that?”
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“Sorry, I got separated.”
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It was a young dog-like beastkin.
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The beastkin knelt and bowed his head before Runker.
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“You, where have you been?! You useless…”
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“That’s enough, Gustav. We’re in front of them.”
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As Gustav approached the beastkin menacingly, Runker restrained him with his hand and looked at Luke and the others.
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“This beastkin is Pit, our servant. He got separated during the earlier commotion, but he’s returned now.”
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Smiling, he placed his hand on Pit’s shoulder.
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“As I mentioned earlier, the beastkin villages are poor. Pit volunteered to be our servant to ease their hardships. Pit, these people are the benefactors who helped us with the spike bear earlier. Be sure to treat them with respect.”
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“…Pleased to meet you. Thank you for helping my master.”
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The beastkin named Pit bowed deeply to Luke and the others with a stern expression.
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“Well, now that everyone is here, let’s head to Mercapolis. The path forks ahead, so I’ll lead the way. We owe you for your help.”
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Runker winked and stepped forward.
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Following Runker’s guidance, the three soon arrived in Mercapolis.
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Mercapolis, situated at the end of a forest and along a river, is backed by mountains.
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As a major trading hub where key highways intersect, the city has flourished since ancient times.
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Along the main street, merchant houses line up, their lively calls echoing through the crowd.
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“This is amazing. The market in St. Arrogas doesn’t have this much energy.”
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Luke looked around in amazement.
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“Mercapolis has a thousand-year history. It’s said that all sorts of goods pass through here at least once.”
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Runker said this while walking down the street with ease.
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People passing by noticed the four and buzzed with excitement.
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“Oh, isn’t that the 《Blue Sky Hawk》 team!”
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“Did you defeat another demon beast?!”
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“Runker-sama, as magnificent as ever♡.”
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“Leslie-sama. I long to be gazed at by those cool eyes!”
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“Ah, Ethel is the best. I’d die happy if I could date someone like her.”
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“The number one hero party in Mercapolis really has a different vibe～.”
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The 《Blue Sky Hawk》 team, led by Runker, waved back lightly to the cheering crowd as they moved on.
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“Wow, Runker-san and his team are really famous.”
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“Such popularity. It’s surprising.”
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Sicily and Alma exchanged words in amazement.
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“By the way, do you have a destination in mind? You mentioned having a contact…”
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“Yes. We were planning to visit the Chamber of Commerce named ‘Selfis,’ as we have arranged a meeting there…”
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“The Selfis Chamber of Commerce?”
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Runker turned around in surprise at Sicily’s words.
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“We were about to go there too!”
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“Really?!”
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“Yes, we are well-acquainted with the owner, Clavi-san. We were planning to report our recent conquest. I can guide you if you’d like.”
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“Thank you! That would be a great help!”
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Sicily’s eyes sparkled.
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