Episode 5

“You want to learn about Sonow Rock, right? Then I’ll teach you on the way. Let’s go to the black market!” Death said gleefully. “Sonow Rock is named after the first founder of this place. They say that she chose this place because she likes how the snow that melts on the rock goes directly to the ocean. For her, it seems to signify that after one is lost, another is added.”

We're wandering down the rocky path, surrounded by massive trees that puff out with pride, showing their luscious green leaves like they own the place. Nature's designs are on full display, with rough bark and bright foliage providing a visual treat. I can't help but feel captivated as we go; there's an ambiance that whispers secrets waiting to be uncovered. The trees are a tapestry of leaf hues. Pink, red, yellow, and blue are the bright spots of the spectacle, bringing a brilliant flash of color to the surroundings. It doesn't glow like the ones in fantasy stories, although that could be because the sun is still up. The patterns and designs of these leaves create an enthralling mosaic that inspires awe and curiosity. It's like entering a fanciful paradise, where nature's palette comes to life in a symphony of hues.

Despite the scorching sun above, the weather is cold, and I can see modest snow pieces at the corners. Small creatures burrow deeper when we draw closer, and birds chirp sweetly from a distance.

“Is it winter?” I asked.

“It’s the end of winter, yes.” Death answered.

“Why isn’t Asphalt hibernating?”

“I lost that trait years ago,” Asphalt answered. “Those hibernating animals that you see aren’t shapeshifters, they’re just normal animals. They may not be able to shapeshift but they’re the reason that this forest is alive.” The trees gradually disappeared, and the place started to become noisy with small chit-chats.

“This place kid, this is the black market!” Death exclaimed. “It has all the things you’d probably need, and what’s better is that there are no rules here! You can steal, you can scam, kidnap, and launder.”

“In other terms, this is a criminal den?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t call it that. Creatures here still respect one another. Even though such crimes are legal, they are rarely committed. Scammers and thieves exist, but they are few and frequently tolerated. Vendors would give something away for free, and it is up to you whether you trust such fraudulent methods or not. They can get away with it anyways, who ‘ya goin’ to run to? The police? Oh puh-lease, that’s legal!”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“I’m a scammer too, why else wouldn’t I be? I hoard as much money as I want to.” She said then laughed hysterically. I’m on the same roof as a criminal.

“Enough with that crime talk. Let me teach you a few of the food offered here.” My eyes opened in wonder as I looked about at these gigantic monsters, their fangs glittering with a razor-sharp edge. Their sheer size and strength sent shivers down my spine. Their body designs reflected their primitive essence, with textures that spoke of unrestrained strength. The atmosphere was electric in their presence, with a mix of terror and intrigue dancing around me.

Asphalt brought me to a stall where a Cyclops served the food. He has sharp fangs that protrude from his mouth. My curiosity turned to terror as I examined the array of tempting foods at the counter when I observed something genuinely terrifying creeping out of one of the large platters. It chills up throughout my body. To make matters worse, these crawling critters were wiggling about in another dish. I was disgusted as well as stunned. The atmosphere quickly shifted from appetizing to downright disturbing. “Oh, you’re checking the best of their food. The one inside the blue bowl is called Kupyaw*. As you can see, this meal is a real bug feast, brimming with all manner of nasty crawlies. They're fried to perfection before being put into a delicious soup. Some of them even continue to breathe and crawl, adding to the thrill. The living ones have a crunchier texture. The mood is electric with anticipation, and the taste is a one-of-a-kind encounter for your taste buds. The one on the yellow bowl is called Sousou*. They begin by cutting fresh carrots and making an aromatic soup. Then they throw in these live, writhing reptiles that are slimy and squishy, bringing the experience to a whole new level of intensity. It's an exciting gourmet experience with a unique blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Oh, let me tell you, this is not your typical meal. Which one do you want to try? Or would you like both?”

I’d rather remain starving for a whole month than be forced to eat those bugs. “I think I’d just look for now.”

“Not on my watch, lady!” Asphalt said while shaking his head.

“Th-then why don’t I try this one in the rose bowl instead? What is it?” Please don’t tell me it’s bugs for goodness’ sake.

“That’s Ashmwin*. It’s just fried mushrooms.” He said bluntly.

“I’d like to try that.” Instead of those live pests.

“Are you sure? Not many sorcerers eat those. They’re bland.”

“Let me have it first then I’ll judge.” Then he handed me two sticks. They resemble grilled broccoli. I took a bite, and it tastes great, even better than the ones I'd had at home. “This tastes nice! Why aren’t a lot of sorcerers eating these? They’re missing out.”

“They have different tastes,” Asphalt said, then ate his Kupyaw. I can hear the crunches every time he chews. It does look delicious until you find out that it’s made of living bugs.

“I’m glad you liked it, witchlet!” A fat female cyclops came beside me. “Because they prefer soups to fried foods, I am the one who finishes my work. It had already occurred to me to remove it from the menu, but then I saw you eating it and you seemed to enjoy it! Would you like anything to go with that?”

“What can you offer?” I asked. There is no hint of interest in my voice. I ate this because I had no other choice. It’s not bad though but I’d choose meat more than this.

“We have Coupic* and Hashmin blood*.” She replied. I looked at Asphalt and he sighed before speaking.

“From the term itself, Hashmin blood is made from Hashmin blood. They're similar to these dog-like beings but with their distinct personality. Their patterns are a blend of wild and majestic, with soft-to-the-touch fur. You can feel the vibrant energy they contribute to the natural realm as you walk through the forest. They are notorious for rapidly growing in number. Coupic is a green-colored sweet nectar derived from a tree located in Gwyn Forest as well.” Asphalt explained.

“I’d get a coupic then. Thank you.” I spoke.

“Right away, witchlet.” She said then left.

“Is the forest we just walked through the Gwyn Forest?” I asked.

“Yes.” Asphalt said. “That forest is abundant in diverse materials that are frequently used in food and beverages. They established this market near the forest for the same reason, to capitalize on the supply.”

“I see.”

The female cyclops went back with the beverage I asked for. I gave it a taste and it does taste sweet. Like mango juice but sweeter. “I am curious though, witchlet. I can see that you’re young but the things that dog just told you are the basics. How come you know nothing of it?”

“I stayed too long inside the house and it’s my first time going out,” I said, still with the same uninterested voice.

“Oh, for a second there I thought you were from above.” She then took out a huge knife and swung the knife with such power that it left a deep, chilling scar on the counter. She even struggled a little with getting it out. “And isn't this dog a Hashmin? Only those evil witches will keep a Hashmin as a pet!” She then wielded the knife in my direction.

Words* italicized and ends with an asterisk will go directly to the Sonow dictionary, distributed using a Google document. The Sonow dictionary will contain all the Sonow terms only to be found in this version of the fantasy world and can only be heard in Sonow Rock. They are compiled into a document to save time looking for the definition of a certain word in case it is then encountered within a different chapter. If you ever want to know the meaning of a Sonow term or just want to learn the Sonow language, you can pay a visit.