Chapter 16 (2)


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    But he knew that idents always started with carelessness.


    Of course, the unexpected event had brought some relief to his financial situation.


    To be so tantly upfront about money even when the deity is watching


    Ian murmured, then opened the door to the inn.


    Oh! The Dragon Hunter has finally returned!


    The excited voice of a tipsy Miguel weed him.


    Sir! Tell us! Did you really hunt down the dragon in the swamp?


    Phillips shout followed Miguels.


    His face was also tomato red.


    Seems like they really had a good time.


    Ian walked in with a dry tongue.


    All the curious gazes that had been on him quickly turned away as if avoiding his eyes.


    He could guess what kind of conversation had just urred.


    Its a bitte. You guys must have had fun.


    Ian said as he pretended to address Meave.


    He sat at a table, acting as if he didnt notice anything.


    Just to rify, did you really kill the dragon? The one rumored to live in the swamp?


    Phillip couldnt hold back and asked again.


    Instead of answering, Ian turned to Miguel.


    Miguels smile froze btedly as he met Ians chilly gaze.


    Well, I didnt really say anything. Our friend was just curious about your past, so


    It seems like more than just curiosity.


    Oh, no! At most, he wanted to know how you met, how many fingers were lost in a fight against you, what kind of request you solved, and how he referred to you stuff like that.


    .


    He told him everything, huh?


    A wry smile touched Ians lips.


    Miguel might have said he was telling a story, but those werent good memories for him. In fact, finding good memories in this world was much harder.


    Wow. It really was true. Well, given what youve shown us, its not surprising.


    So, whats the reward?


    Ian interrupted the continuous questioning. Phillip took out a silver coin from his pouch and held it up.


    I included the remaining money from selling the horse, Sir.


    Ian checked the money with his eyes and put it in his pocket.


    With that, he was done with everything he needed to do in this vige.


    So, how did you hunt the dragon?


    Now, he could finally rx and rest.


    It wasnt a dragon.


    As he spoke, Ian let out a sigh.


    It was a Marsh Drake that had recently be a matured entity. Its just a winged lizard.


    The creature that was also the tutorial area boss in the game, had established air at the outskirts of the swamp.


    It was a ruthless predator that hid while heavily armed soldiers passed by and attacked only lone travelers.


    He had chosen this approach because the creature was not fully grown. In that sense, it was natural for it to establish itsir near the pathway chosen by the swamp residents as an escape route, near the gorge. Simultaneously, it was also the main culprit that had kept him in the swamp for over half a year. Levels and abilities meant nothing in the face of the reality of a winged, giant lizard screeching. Moreover, for some reason, it had be particrly fixated on him, Ian.


    But isnt it a dragon? Its just not fully grown, like you said.


    A lizard is a lizard, no matter how big it gets. A real dragon is iparable to such creatures.


    Just drop it already.


    Reading his intention, the table fell silent for a moment.


    Phillips dazed voice followed shortly after.


    Have you ever seen a real dragon?


    It was a slip of the tongue.


    Ian replied with a deep sigh.


    Well, in a dream.


    Truthfully, it was in the game, of course.


    If he continued to live in this world, he would eventually encounter one in person.


    And that would cost me my life, for a single coin, of course.


    Its ridiculous just to imagine it.


    Ian took another sip of beer and then turned to Phillip, who was still staring at him.


    Do you still have questions? Seems like your curiosity is boundless.


    Its a fundamental question. Why were you in the swamp? Thats a cursednd where those discarded or exiled by society live.


    I have been curious about that too. Its not like someone from your background suddenly walks out of the swamp.


    Miguel also added slyly.


    Theyre quite persistent, seriously.


    Between sips, Ian blurted out, Just think of it that Im from the swamp.


    Although it was true.


    Perhaps you were exiled from the empire.


    I wouldnt know. Maybe I came from the jungle beyond the swamp.


    Both of them were clearly not buying it.


    That ce is cursed by ancient forces, isnt it? Unless youre a descendant of the ancients, merely setting foot there can cost you your life.


    Its probably true. ording to someone who imed to have seen it, the forestes alive and devours people.


    Should I just cut both of their tongues off?


    While Ian was lost in thought, something suddenly clicked in his mind.


    It was a phrase he had seen in character descriptions: Descendant of the Ancients Times


    Thats why he said he was unaffected by the madness of the ck Wall.


    But that didnt mean the jungle wanted to spare him.


    As he was lost in thought, Phillip and Miguel were still chattering away.


    Enough for now.


    Meaves voice interrupted as the conversation drifted towards Ian possibly being a member of the fallen kingdoms royal bloodline.


    You should apologize. You were just drinking and bbering.


    Ian countered with a wry smile.


    Its fine. Its just drunk talk.


    Of course, when those two wake up from their drunken stupor, they might not be able to make a sound for a while.


    While Ian was drinking his beer, he suddenly felt a gaze on him.


    Meave was staring at him intently.


    With an enigmatic look in her eyes.


    Come to think of it, she had taken off her helmet.


    Her red hair and green eyes, along with a scar on her cheek, were fully visible.


    Even though she had the rest of her armor on, just exposing her face made her feel like apletely different person.


    Not feeling hungry, I see?


    Meave suddenly spoke as she stared at him without averting her gaze.


    Ian shrugged one shoulder.


    Ive heard enough of that kind of talk.


    Then, would you walk with me for a moment?


    Ians forehead twitched.


    Whats with this mismatched request?


    Is it possible that youre also a bit intoxicated?


    Meaves lips curled up slightly.


    A little.


    So, it wasnt water, huh?


    Only then did Ian look at the ss in front of Meave. Judging by Phillip and Miguels state, it wasnt likely Meaves first drink either.


    I have something I want to discuss. But I dont want to do it here.


    She added cryptically.


    Probably meant she felt too many ears around.


    Though, it wasnt something trivial like what I thought.


    Ian tensed up again, and put down his ss


    Enough. Lets go.


    Trantor; ippo


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