V3 Chapter 75

“A Space Item…?”

Jonathan asked in surprise. That’s not something you see every day.

Truthfully, though Magical Items that can act as magical storage is extremely rare, it’s not uncommon. Most Great Noble Families have one or two, much less the royal family. But it’s still not something an ordinary person could have.

Because the technology used to create these magical treasures was already long forgotten, Magical items like this can only be obtained from ancient ruins and dungeons, or inherited from Great Families with long, colorful histories. Nevertheless, it's rarely found, and so when brought in the market can be sold for a very high price. Even the ones with a smaller storage space go for thousands of gold, which is enough for a poor family to build a medium-sized manor, or live for dozens of years without a problem.

However, the thing that caught Jonathan's attention was that he can't see anything that resembles a magical space item on Rain- (most storage items are in the form of rings, necklaces, or bracelets. While the lesser, and cheaper ones, those with smaller storage capacity was in a form of leather pouches) -But looking at the black-haired boy in front of him, he couldn’t find or sense any magical item that appeared like a Space Item.

Not to mention, when a storage item was used, it would shine with light or manifest a mana fluctuation, in which both didn't occur. That's why Jonathan and Jin; the robed mage, who was more knowledgeable in Magic Items than the other two was in doubt.

Could it be…

A thought appeared in Jonathan and Jin's minds, and they both stared at Rain in surprise.

“You, you boy, did you have the [Inventory] skill?!”

Jonathan asked in surprise.

After Zia the beautiful woman, and Roel, the armored Knight behind him heard what their master said, they couldn’t help but look at Rain as well with a surprised expression.

[Inventory] skill is a precious, almost legendary skill.

A skill that creates independent space to store things, and is easily, and only accessible by the user. It’s a kind of skill that only one in a million could possess- a very rare, space-attribute skill. Anyone would be greedy for it. Especially Merchants who would die to have it. And this boy has it?

In this world defined by Classes, obtaining a Space/Time-related skill, such as [Inventory], [World Storage], [Reversing Time], etc… which is only heard in Legends, is said to be just a myth. What kind of Class would generate such an amazing skill…? Even if there is one in ancient times, stories and legends be true, at the very least, since thousands of years ago, not one had appeared to possess these skills.

But, without the use of Storage Items, a person can’t store items from the air as if it was magic. And so, there’s the only method that allows such impossibility – the Space-attributed Skill- [Inventory].

Even if it’s not, it should be related to it, at least.

Rain look at their surprised expressions and wondered why they were making that kind of face. Is [Inventory] that uncommon? Hm? I recall the Lamians were also surprised by this ability. Even Zarda and Threia were both shocked the first time he showed it to them. Though, it’s actually not an [Inventory] skill, but rather, just the Grimoire’s Inventory.

But Rain didn’t say anything, for he finds no reason to clarify that assumption. He look at them and smiled simply in response, bearing an attitude that says, he wouldn’t deny or confirm it… no comment at all.

“Come, drink…it’s a good beverage, it’s one of the things I love. And it was one of the things I missed for a long time…” he said and filled the five paper cups with cola.

Jonathan noticed his evasiveness and shrugged with a wry smile. Indeed, it’s not a good manner to ask for a person’s skills, and techniques. Still, he was certain that this boy has the [Inventory] skill that not only merchants, but all nobles are dying to obtain. Anyone would surely be dying to obtain it.

“Please,”

Rain offered the four paper cups filled with black liquid. They have not seen it before, so they just stared at it for a while.

Black? It’s not tea or the so-called coffee that was spreading like wildfire in the capital recently… and it has bubbles- poisoned?

Rain watches them while smiling in amusement. The Lamians also showed the same face when he offered it to them.

As I thought, it's really amusing ...

He didn’t say anything and just watched if Jonathan would dare drink it or not. But to his surprise, the man only paused for a moment before reaching towards the paper cup.

“Master,” Zia called out worriedly, and wanted to stop him, but she didn’t do it.

She knows that their Master has his consideration, and would surely not die, or even be deceived by mere poison schemes. Thus, she didn’t dare stop him, or else she might even gain the master’s anger once again.

Instead, since they cannot stop him, they too hurriedly picked up the paper cups and poured the shady liquid on their mouths with daredevil attitudes, before their master could- the armored man taking the lead, dunking the cup without hesitation. If there’s poison in it, then they might die, but their Master would surely discover it and live.

Though, there being poison is less likely to happen since the black-haired boy doesn’t seem to be a bad person… at least, that’s what they believe. Nevertheless, caution is still necessary!

Jonathan who was about to drink the cola frowned after seeing what his subordinates were doing, as he knows what they did is extremely impolite. However, he cannot scold them since what they did is due to worrying about his well-being. Still, he can’t help but feel dissatisfied.

This is making him lose face.

He stared at his subordinates who were drinking the ink-black beverage and hearing their annoying gulps. Then, he noticed their eyes widened, seemly surprised, and his brows furrowed once again.

Why?

Is there really something on it?

“Wh, what is this?” the armored man yelp.

He had never tasted something like this before. Though it has a weird prickly taste, especially in her throat, somehow, for some reason, it’s addicting.

“There’s no poison if that’s what you’re worried about,”

Rain said with a teasing tone.

“I still have some if you want more,” he turned towards the sexy-clothed woman with a bright smile, “Can I know your name?”

Zia turned at Rain, somewhat surprised from suddenly being singled out, then she frowned. She stared at him in suspicion, “My name is Zia Resinbert,”

“Zia…”

Rain stared at her for a while, and mused; she even has the same name. I guess this is what they call, [Mirror Universe]. An existence from one universe might have a counterpart or something like a mirror existence in a parallel universe.

But it’s not her.

“Do you know me?” she asked as she saw Rain looking at her with a strange, but gentle expression. He seems to be looking at her with familiarity. And because of his charming handsome face, with glittering eyes, the forever bachelor woman could not help but felt a shiver, and her face flushed.

Damn it, I’m older than him by a few decades. What the hell am I thinking?

“It’s nothing, I just know someone who looks like you,” Rain said with a sigh, “A very important person to me,” he picked up her cup, and once again poured cola until it was full, before giving it to her. Though it was not alcohol, for some reason, he felt drunk…light-headed. This must be what they call, drunk in feelings.

“...I see,”

Zia took the offered cup with an embarrassed expression.

After all, they just doubted him a while ago and even suspected him giving them, even if it’s not poison, certainly not a good thing. But now, she finds it unexpectedly good- though strangely and hardly can be called delicious, it has a taste that can make one addicted to it. That tingling sensation in the mouth and the back of the throat the moment the drink slides in, was incredibly…pleasant…amazing.

The other two people also felt the same. Still, they happily accepted the refill.

“What is this drink?”

Jonathan asked, feeling very curious and interested. He wanted to drink in one gulp but, for some reason, the prickliness in his throat stop him from drinking all of it immediately. It somehow ‘burns’- but not the painful one, it still causes you to want to drink another round.

It’s really good. He had never drunk something like this before- incomparable to fruit juice, liquor, or wine. The prickliness somehow induces irritation in his throat, but at the same time, when one adapted to it, it’s incredibly enjoyable. It has its own uniqueness…

“It’s a popular drink from my hometown,”

Rain answered, and pushed the plate of crackers and biscuits, which Jonathan happily accepted. The three people including Zia didn’t dare to take it and remained standing behind their master, but Rain insisted they eat as well.

The pastries are sweet and delicious, one that can only be made by the chefs of Great Noble Families, or the Royal Families. Of course, they like it.

“…Can I have a bottle?”

Rain chuckled.

“I will give you a few, but don’t think I can give more…it’s difficult to acquire it.”

After all, this thing can only be bought in the Shop System of the Grimoire. And in addition, though it’s not expensive, it’s still Gold spent.

Every single gold he has can be used for many things. He just can’t use them for food and luxury all the time.

The mood finally eased as they drink and eat.

Jonathan seemed to be quite interested in Rain, and he continued asking about him, such as his family, past, experience, purpose, and relation with Leticia, though he didn’t press any answers from him. Rain as well answered several things that he didn’t deem important, and confidential, while avoiding those that he doesn’t need to reveal, especially to an outsider.

He doesn’t see himself as talkative, but for some reason, he was surprised about himself, since he was answering most of the questions. Not because he was just being honest, but rather, he felt…comforting familiarity from Jonathan, and that he wanted to talk with him, chat, joke, even for a moment longer.

Then, Jonathan started asking about how he and the princess met. Rain, of course, doesn’t have any intention of hiding it. From how he had saved Celia until he had met the princess for the first time, though he omitted a lot of things, including the Lamians and the Dungeon.

He doesn’t know what Jonathan thinks about demi-humans or how he and his comrades see them. Who knows, they are actually from the side of the extremists who hated Demi-humans, it would be like pitting himself.

As they continued their chat, suddenly, his phone vibrated.

He took it out, and immediately his eyes narrowed happily. His lips curved upwards. Finally, the Minotaur had stopped, settling in one place. It means its lair should be around the area where the red dot stopped.

As for the map on the screen, Rain had realized something a while ago. The map of the Desolate Cave in the smartphone was incomplete, and so, there are still places that can’t be seen or monitored on the map.

Before he thought if the Minotaur goes beyond the map reflected on the screen, he would lose its trail. But to his surprise, it didn’t, rather the map also recorded the unknown places the Minotaur went, filling up the void places, and expanding his map records. Truly a pleasant discovery! He should have done this to many monsters so that he can complete his map of the Desolate Cave. That would have been awesome.

In any case, a significant portion of the Desolate Cave that he had not yet explored has now been completely recorded in the GPS Map, giving him a large portion of recorded terrain and places in his arsenal. At this moment, he's not worried about getting lost anymore.

Furthermore, because of this unexpected discovery, he was able to avoid chasing the Minotaur desperately. If he did, he would be unable to enjoy it like what he was doing right now. Truly, the Smart Phone turned out to be an amazing magic item.

It’s in the southeast…huh, it’s too far from the village.

Rain furrowed his brows.

If I'm not wrong, Elder Sister said that in that direction, many powerful monsters living there, including a large tribe of Fishmen Tribe.

Going there alone would be dangerous…

Seeing the Minotaur stop, and even a large number of red dots also appeared from where it is, it can be assumed that it’s truly the Minotaur’s Lair. But, not only the place is a dangerous area, the number of Minotaurs is quite troublesome…there are twenty-three red dots, meaning, there are twenty-three Minotaurs. And probably even more hiding in that place. Only those that the ‘marked’ Minotaur met and encountered are being reflected on the map… and the number is even still increasing.

Though he didn’t fear the Minotaurs, still, he can’t kill this many monsters alone… even with Cyan’s help.

Should I go?

Should I give up?

Rain pondered for a moment. He doesn’t want to give up. He doesn’t want to be a Hero, but a part of his head dislikes the idea of turning his back on any kind of injustice…especially, the more terrible ones. Perhaps, he’s just being a kid… but, the guilt of knowing that he could do something and yet chosen not to is making him very uncomfortable! It’s as if there was a worm wriggling inside his stomach.

Ah, whatever, I'll just ask for Elder Sister's help then. Since I'm already here, I'll just see this to the end...

Rain didn’t have enough appetite to eat this large number of Minotaurs alone. And even if he wanted to, his level gave him a limit. He’s still not that strong to wage war against a high-ranking monster tribe alone.

Rain stood up, and waved his hand, summoning four bottles of Cola, and three plastic bags of milk cookies before giving it to them.

“Brother, I still have something to do so I need to go now. I hope we meet each other again in the future,” he said.

Though, calling him brother sounded weird with their age gap, Jonathan insisted for him to call him that. He doesn’t seem to like being called uncle, old man, or anything that could make him look old. He still believed that he is young!

“Are you going home, little brother?”

Rain shook his head.

“There’s something I still need to do,”

A flash of murder appeared in his eyes. And although it’s only for a moment, enough that even the three people behind Jonathan didn’t notice it, but for the latter who had been watching Rain’s every movement and action ever since the first time they met, immediately notice it.

His eyes narrowed in surprise- though only for a single moment, the killing intent that appeared from Rain is too thick, like a veteran warrior who had charged through dozens of war and life-and-death battles throughout the majority of his lifetime.

This boy…

Unlike fighting spirit, killing intent is something that is accumulated and honed through life-and-death battles. It cannot be nurtured otherwise by any other methods.

The more battles one fought, the stronger and sharper one’s killing intent becomes. Of course, not just simple battles, but those that can trigger life and death in a moment’s turn.

Just what kind of experiences did this boy go through to be able to possess this potent killing intent?

But more than that…is he leaving somewhere to fight?

“If you need help, we can offer a hand,” Jonathan didn't even hesitate and said.

Rain turned at him in surprise, not expecting this sudden offer.

“It’s fine, I…”

He wanted to refuse, but then, he thought otherwise.

Perhaps, they could…?

Rain didn’t like waiting, as he felt that the sooner he goes, the more he can save. But Zarda and the others would surely need a while to arrive. Since it’s a considerable distance from the Village to the Minotaur Lair.

“Hm, actually, I think you can…but do you want to?” he asked, somewhat hesitant.

Since he knows how dangerous this is, he doesn't want to force them to risk their lives.

Attacking a Monster Lair, much less, a Minotaur Lair is very dangerous. It’s more like suicide. No sane person would charge towards a Monster Lair with only a few people. Unless they are that powerful and confident… or they are fools who overestimate themselves.

“Tell me what you are about to do,”

Jonathan grinned and responded.

Rain shrugged.

“I won’t force you to come, but if you do, you need to prepare yourself. I’ll be playing in a Minotaur’s Lair with probably, at least, thirty or more playmates. And they would be quite eager to accompany me as well. So, if you are up for it, you can join the fun.”

“Minotaur’s Lair?!”

Much less Jonathan, but even the three people behind him stared at Rain dumbfounded.

“Are you going to fight these Minotaurs? Alone? Why?”

Jonathan asked, almost jumping in fright. Though the Minotaurs are not that strong for him, they are still considered C+ to B rank Monsters. For ordinary warriors, a single Minotaur needed a dozen lv2 warriors to deal with.

Not to mention, this is a Lair they are talking about. There should still be much stronger evolves compared to a normal Minotaur… perhaps, even a Lord would be there.

An Ogre Lord is already a difficult opponent. And so would be a Minotaur Lord. Both monsters have almost the same rank.

But this boy, is he for real?

He’s going to attack a Minotaur’s Lair?

“I would not be alone of course. I have my family and friends to back me up, but it would take time for them to come. That’s why, if you don’t come with me, of course, I won’t shoot first and wait for them. You don’t need to worry about me, I’m not suicidal. But if you do, well I guess it would be ahead of schedule,”

“Why do you want to attack them? Though fighting monsters is a normal thing, suddenly attacking a Monster Lair is not normal at all. Either you have a blood debt with them, or that you have another reason why you want to do this,”

Rain paused for a moment, before shrugging his shoulders; “Let’s just say, it’s nothing but a passing sense of justice…”

“...? Justice? What do you mean?”

“Well, how do I say this… you see, because of the upcoming cold season, the Monster Tribes are making their preparations. And so do the Minotaurs. But well, as you can see, their preparations are not something I accept. They kidnapped women from other races to be used to breed, and I can’t accept such vulgar things. Thus, I will do something about it myself,”

"...?!!"

"..It would have been fine if I didn't know about it. I wouldn't care about what the other Monster Tribes do. But, unfortunately, I heard it. And foolish it may be, I wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully without doing something,"

Hearing Rain’s words, the mood immediately plummets.

If what he said is true, then it’s a noble goal. But more so, they were angered. As a human being, as a warrior, as a Noble Knight who had always lived for justice and virtue, how could they tolerate such behavior?

Especially Zia who was a woman. Her expression immediately darkened.

Looking at them, Rain smiled wryly, “But I don’t want you misunderstanding something. The women they caught might not necessarily be humans. Since we are in the Desolate Cave, it’s more likely they came from other Demi-human tribes. So, you don’t have any obligation to follow me,”

“Don’t underestimate us, little brother. Whether they are demi-humans or not, such actions cannot be ignored.”

Jonathan said righteously.

At this moment, his body seemed to emit a heroic aura that even Rain felt intimidated. The current old man in front of him was now like a fierce beast. His ice-cold eyes were filled with bloodlust, causing those who saw him to tremble.

So this is his true self… it seems like, I overestimated myself. If we truly fought, perhaps, even with my skills and magic, I wouldn’t be able to last a few dozen minutes.

This man is already a monster…

Rain thought as he felt the change in Jonathan's aura.

Powerful... though, he's still weaker than Zarda or Threia, but maybe… just around Drova’s level?

“We will help,”

“If the Master says so,”

“Same with them… as a Knight of Goddess of Light, I can’t possibly allow such evil to continue!”

The other three also expressed their intention of going with him.

“Well, if that’s what you want, then I won’t stop you,”

Rain smiled happily.

Of course, having them with him is a welcoming matter. With them, his force would increase significantly. And now, he’s more confident.

“Thank you, and I appreciate it really. But I'm curious, why do you believe me. Are you not afraid of me deceiving you? You do realize we’ve just met today. Not only I’m a stranger, but this is also the Desolate Cave. You don’t know who you can place your trust in this place. This is not your Kingdom with laws. If you act so kindly, you will be deceived before you know it,”

Looking at their heroic presence, Rain can't help but make a joke.

"It's just a feeling,”

Jonathan answered with a brilliant grin.

"And besides, I have good eyes when judging a person’s character. I feel that I can trust you, little brother. And, well, things like this, my instincts are very accurate.”

“I guess, you can’t rebel against what you feel, huh. I guess I’m the same~” Rain smiled wryly. “And though I still think it’s a hasty decision on your part... still, thank you, for believing in me. I owe you all,”

“Hasty decision, eh? That is something I don’t want to hear from someone who would recklessly challenge a Minotaur’s Lair alone… in any case, no problem, we have your back~”

Looking at Rain’s gentle expression and smile, Jonathan felt something tugged in his heartstrings, but he doesn’t know why. All he knows is that he felt as if he wanted to see it always.

It’s a strange, almost foreign feeling, but he felt as if he wanted to wish that this boy would never lose the smile on his face.

Though, Aletia would surely make fun of me if he knows that I’m having strange thoughts toward a mysterious boy I had met only for the first time.

… …