Chapter 10: Insect Enthusiast

Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Insect Enthusiast

Hesia was walking along the dirt road on the west side of town, the one that led to his home.

"Good day, sir."

A polite voice came from below.

Hesia’s gaze was drawn to an unusually wide hat.

As he lowered his gaze toward the hat, it nearly filled his entire view.

The newcomer wore a khaki prospecting hat with a wide brim, to which a small Magic headlamp was even attached.

On his back, a huge, overstuffed pack was nearly as tall as he was.

This strange ensemble immediately made Hesia think of a certain Race.

’A Dwarf? And an explorer, by the looks of it.’

"Hello," Hesia replied. "I’m Hesia. Is there anything I can help you with?"

The Dwarf took off his hat, pressed it solemnly to his chest, and gave Hesia a slight bow.

"Dugan bids you good day," he began slowly, his voice steady. "Might I ask if you know a Mr. Cyril Eagle Claw? Could you tell me where he lives? I am a friend of his."

’He’s looking for Cyril?’

Hesia was a little surprised. He never thought Cyril would have a Dwarf for a friend.

In his stereotypical view, Dwarves were boisterous creatures who mostly roared "I’m going to drink you under the table!" in taverns and treated loud belches as the most enthusiastic applause.

But this Dugan before him was perfectly polite, which made Hesia rather curious.

"Cyril lives in the manor to the north of town," Hesia said, pointing north. "Turn left at the end of this road and walk up the gentle slope. You’ll see it. It’s Baron Uer’s manor."

Dugan bowed to him again. "Thank you, sir. May the fortitude of the Earth Mother Goddess always be with you."

[Affinity with Hill Dwarf Dugan has increased. Decryption Points +6]

Hesia hadn’t expected to get 6 Decryption Points.

A thought struck him, and he immediately checked the Term Extraction system.

[Race: Hill Dwarf]

[Decryption Points: 6]

[Term Extraction: 20 Decryption Points required]

Although it required 10 more Decryption Points than the Human Race, getting 6 Points just for giving directions made Hesia think Mr. Dugan was quite "generous."

Dugan was about to head off in the direction Hesia had indicated.

"Please wait, Mr. Dugan," Hesia quickly called out to him. "There are some stray dogs and cats in town that aren’t very friendly to new faces. I happen to be heading north anyway, so why don’t I walk with you for a bit?"

"How very thoughtful of you, Mr. Hesia." Dugan broke into a sincere smile. "You are the most helpful gentleman I have ever met."

[Affinity with Hill Dwarf Dugan has increased. Decryption Points +5]

The two walked side by side. As Hesia led the way, he naturally started a conversation. "Your prospecting hat and gear look so professional. It’s clear at a glance that you’re an experienced explorer."

Dugan puffed out his chest, clearly pleased by the professional assessment. "Haha, when you travel the world, these old companions are indispensable."

[Affinity with Hill Dwarf Dugan has increased. Decryption Points +4]

"And your magnificent beard... Good heavens! The way it’s braided displays a sense of Power, yet also possesses a unique beauty. I’d bet that back in your homeland, this is an absolute masterpiece that would make all the ladies swoon!"

Dugan subconsciously stroked his beard, a flash of pride in his eyes.

[Affinity with Hill Dwarf Dugan has increased. Decryption Points +3]

"You’ve come all the way from Fernandez. Your journey must have been quite exciting, right?"

Dugan nodded, and he became more talkative. "I’ve certainly had some unforgettable experiences. For example, in the Jade Mountain Range..."

He shared many little anecdotes. Hesia listened intently, nodding from time to time in amazement.

[Affinity with Hill Dwarf Dugan has increased. Decryption Points +2]

As they neared the manor gate, his Points reached 20.

"It’s been a true pleasure speaking with you. Your conversation and knowledge have given me a whole new perspective on the Dwarf Race. Baron Uer’s manor is just ahead. I’m glad I could show you the way, Mr. Dugan."

"Hesia, you’re a good young man! It was a pleasure to meet you."

Hesia bid farewell under the Dwarf’s reluctant gaze.

...

「Inside the manor.」

Upon learning that the visitor was a friend of the young master Cyril, the elderly goblin butler at the gate dared not delay and immediately went to announce him.

A moment later, Cyril came striding out of the main building to greet him, his face a picture of disbelief.

"You’re... Dugan? My heavens! You actually found your way to Print?"

"Haha, Cyril, this place of yours isn’t easy to find." Dugan laughed heartily and dusted off his backpack. "Fortunately, I met a gentleman in town named Hesia. He pointed me in the right direction and saved me from taking a lot of wrong turns."

"Hesia?" A smile touched the corners of Cyril’s lips. "Ah, that fellow is a kind soul."

"Yes, and not only that, he’s a gentleman of taste."

’Taste?’ Cyril recalled Hesia’s coarse linen clothes. ’He might be a bit more handsome than I am, but a man of taste...?’

He didn’t dwell on it, quickly and enthusiastically inviting Dugan into the parlor.

As it happened, Baron Uer was also there.

"Father," Cyril introduced him excitedly, "this is my pen pal, Dugan, who has come all the way from Fernandez."

Baron Uer grunted faintly.

He had been busy directing servants to prepare the entourage’s belongings and offerings for a Count’s funeral and didn’t have a pleasant expression for this travel-worn Dwarf.

Although he knew his son had a few pen pals with whom he corresponded frequently, they all seemed to be... insect enthusiasts.

He had never imagined such a hobby could actually progress to meeting in person.

’What’s the point of this? Coming all this way... he’s probably just hoping to get something out of me.’

"Dugan, this is my father, the Lord of Print, Baron Uer."

Dugan immediately took a step forward and performed another bow.

"Greetings, Your Lordship. I am Dugan, an Insect Mage."

’A Mage?

An Insect Mage?’

Baron Uer almost thought he had misheard. The combination of those two words sounded as absurd as the drunken ramblings in a country tavern.

He scrutinized the travel-worn Dwarf before him, who looked more like a miner, and found it impossible to associate him with the revered image of a Mage.

Dugan seemed long accustomed to such skepticism. He simply held out his hand calmly, palm up.

A faint glimmer of light appeared at his fingertips, instantly tracing a complex and intricate, pale green Array.

As the light flowed, a strange, entirely verdant insect materialized out of thin air.

"A Wind Cicada," Dugan said, his voice tinged with pride. "It has a natural Elemental Affinity for the Wind Element."

Before he had even finished speaking, the Wind Cicada’s mouthparts opened slightly, and a clearly visible miniature cyclone formed out of thin air, then began to spin rapidly!