Mana System In The Apocalypse

Merchants

I grabbed a plate of what looked like oatmeal along with a hard bread roll and a slice of mystery meat. We sat down opposite each other at a long wooden table.

"So, why the dinner invitation?" I asked not in the mood for small talk, having a feeling the merchant wanted something from me.

"Actually, wait before that, why is everyone here human and why is everyone patrolling in full plate?"

Frathsar smiled, "This is why I like you, Paul, you cut straight to the point. Yes everyone here is human; the Asharon Kingdom is a mainly human-occupied territory and there are few non-human citizens. As with most kingdoms, they restrict sensitive positions to families of nobility or those with great wealth. As for the full plate, I'm not sure. Could be because of your people's guns, bullets can still kill people at great range if you can hit a weak spot like the eyes. Although, you would need to ask the Commander to find out for certain."

Well, that might explain all the sullen and unhappy looks I was getting from most of the soldiers. Can't imagine its fun walking around in full plate unless you are used to it. Heck, even my leather jerkin chafed sometimes and decided it didn't matter, I certainly wasn't going to ask the Commander about his security measures.

"It is also true that I asked you here to discuss a proposal, but first accept this gift."

The Merchant pulled out some more injectors from his storage bag; it looked to be four of each of the health and mana.

I raised an eyebrow, "What's this for?" I asked not reaching for the items.

Frathsar slyly looked around to make sure nobody was in earshot. He lowered his voice anyway, "Use these if you are injured or in trouble." He then spoke in a normal tone, "Your reward for getting me to safety," he said loud enough to make sure everyone heard him. Then he winked at me.

Seeing a dragon-man wink at you was slightly disconcerting, to say the least. I pocketed the injectors and nodded my thanks. I had a feeling this was a bit of a bribe to butter me up for what he wanted from me, more then what we had been through so far.

"So," I said, between mouthfuls of food, "What is this proposal?"

"As you may or may not recall, I need to reach a Bazaar to gain access to the rest of my merchandise. The problem is there is no access point in this city and without my carriage and shield, it is far too dangerous for me to go traipsing across your world looking for a city that contains this access point. I was wondering since you are more knowledgeable of the surrounding cities if you could locate it for me."

"I don't..."

"Before you say no, I will reward you handsomely for this task. Also, the Commander will be speaking with you tomorrow for a similar mission as they cannot leave this area and explore very far. Don't mention that I told you. This would be a doubly rewarding assignment for you."

I rubbed my chin while contemplating his offer. I was planning on heading south anyway, might as well get paid for my trip.

"Ok, but how will I notify you when I find it other than coming back here?"

He pulled out two silver cards handing them to me.

"These are contact spells. They are linked to me, all you need to do is spill a drop of blood on them and my map will update with the route you have taken since I handed them over to you."

"You may want to hold onto them for a bit then, I was going to scout around town for a few days."

"That won't be an issue, you can include verbal notes when you send it, for example, if you had to detour because of a monster sighting or road was impassible, etc. I won't be completely vulnerable once I make my way using your map."

"Ok, and what about the Commander's quest, won't I be required to return once I complete it?"

"I am unsure; you will need to discuss the particulars with him. What say you, Mister Paul? Do you accept?"

I grumbled a bit but eventually accepted his offer and the contact spells. He let me know that the reward would be waiting for me as soon as I visited him in the Bazaar town. This meant I would have to stick around in that area for some time, if what he told me about this building was correct it shouldn't be an issue. I might even be able to make a decent amount of credits myself by selling items off there.

"I trust you to utilize the spells in the best way you see fit. Now if you will excuse me I wish to get some rest," the Merchant said excusing himself from the table.

I needed rest as well so I finished up my food and headed off to my room to hopefully sleep.