Logistics

“You will do this yes?”

“Yes… yes” The merchant sniveled. He didn’t have a choice. Not now.

“Good… I expect to be… package carefully. After all, who’s to say when I’m not handle with care… what kind of accidents could happen?”

“Yes sir! Of course sir!” The merchant bowed even more digging his own head into the floor.

“That’s what I like to hear. See you tomorrow night.”

The merchant dare not move his head as he waited only when the warmth of the morning light reached his body. Shakily getting up he slowly raised his head to see his now… petrified “employer” waiting. It had happened so fast. He was just getting the last of his shipments ready for his caravan’s trip to the Tail Rune Clan village. His son rushing up to him excited and then just… stone.

The gargoyle. A demon known for guarding demon strongholds had a limitation of them only operating at night. Not once had he seen one pass that curse off to anything else. So with startling clarity he knew… he knew that if they try to destroy the gargoyle during his most vulnerable state his son would shatter.

“Forgive me… forgive me.” He asked to no one in particular. As a merchant he was already willing to make negotiations, but to trade an entire village for his son’s safety? Still… what type of father would he be? “Forgive me…”

XxXx

“Wait, are you sure I can have this?” Leo asked surprised back at the war room yurt where they had discussed the hunt. “All of it?”

Sitting on the table was the broken antlers of Xernrex, both the ones from the projections and the real ones. They definitely had to have some sort of strong mana within them.

“Of course Adventurer Leo.” Lucius nodded. “All those that participated in the hunt get compensated based on their contributions.”

“But… I barely did anything.” Leo trailed off. it would only have been a matter of time till they realized the trick. Not to mention he would have been dead if it wasn’t for Lupa.

The then got hard smack to his back, “Stop being modest!” Lupa said, “My pupils have no room for modesty! You figured out that damn monster’s gimmick well before any of us could tell.”

“She’s right Leo.” Sophia said standing a little proud of her assigned adventurer, “That quick, but very reckless, thinking stopped the fight from causing anymore damage. You spooked Xernrex so much it didn’t summon another avatar. It allowed us the time to put the pieces together, time which you gave everyone.”

Seeing how everyone was for him accepting this, even Zen gave him a nod, he relented, “Ok, thanks. I graciously accept all of it.” Leo then pulled out the spacious bag and let is absorbed the antlers. His first true trophy of this world.

The rest of the proceeding happen without much fanfare making Leo even more self concious about his reluctance. On their way back Leo turn to Sophia. “So, what exactly was that back there?”

Sophia looked at him slightly surprised, “Oh, you mean Selena?” Her shadow then shimmered, “I’m a spirit summoner, but I only got the one spirit. But she is pretty versatile. Spirits work on different plane from reality and people with spirit magic can help them influence the real world.”

Lupa then chimed in saying, “That’s why I asked her for help. I figured something spirit-y was happening and figured she could help.”

Sophia sighed, “It was a long shot really, I never ‘half-way’ dismissed Selena before. Or should I have ever needed too. But since you were fighting in a different plane it was our only option.”

“Yup,” Lupa then punched her hand, “That tricky bastard, the next time I see him I’ll drag him to the real world and fight like a man.”

“Lupa… it’s dead.”

“I know, what’s your point?”

Leo turned to Sophia to see if he was missing a fundamental law about named monsters in this world. However Sophia simply shrugged with a look that said, “Don’t ask me.”

Deciding to drop the topic Leo then asked, “What do you think I could use the antlers for?” He turned to Sophia, “Should I sell them?”

She shook her head, “I wouldn’t right away. I think I got a few blacksmiths that I could contact. Named monster materials are rare and powerful. You could use a weapon upgrade.”

“Especially if you killed the thing.” Lupa added then pulled out her greatsword, “Got this reforged off a Rock Drake, no name though sadly, but it is like it respects me ya know?”

Leo couldn’t’t help but have a smile creep on his face at the thought of a personal weapon. What should he go for? Another sword? A spear? Or should he go for a staff since Xernrex could shoot lasers?

“Lupa sweetie.”

The four of them turned to see Lula’s mother with for by her side. She waved them over seemingly to talk to Lupa. “The merchants are here.”

“Neat.” Lupa said happily, but not in an enthusiastic way, “I don’t really need to check out their wares.”

“I know, but I was hoping that you would watch out for your father. I don’t want him buying something unnecessary… again.” She sighed.

“Why don’t you stop him?” Lupa said dryly as the topic of her father came up. It was still surreal the sudden flip. They were agreeable and tolerant with each other during the hunt, but now there were back to this.

“I would, but Cor’s training takes priority.”

Cor waved happily. At least the little girl liked the training.

“His choices are his own.” Lupa said beginning to walk away pulling Leo and Zen along with her. “If he wants to trust only his judgment that’s on him.”

Cor then asked, “Are you coming to the victory dinner!?”

“Always little sis!” Lupa’s demeanor returning to her young sister. “Wait till you hear what this madman did!”

Leo realized he was never going to live the reckless idea down.