****(POV)

This is the worst! I may be an insignificant one, but I am a merchant nonetheless! I have my pride! Every time I want to stop this demeaning work, I remember that scene. These villagers killed that whole group in seconds. Simply because they tried to get a small wolf. I was initially terrified, then baffled.

First, how the Hell can they be that powerful?!

Apparently, this village is one full of old monsters. They don't admit it, but I somehow guess it. All thanks to the guy that mistook us for masseurs being loose-lipped haha.

Second, why do they care about that animal so much?!

Turns out it's the companion of their savior. Apparently, he is a guy that sacrificed his life to protect the entire world. They are obviously exaggerating, but there may be a bit of truth to it. Let's just say I stay as far away as possible from the creature now.

Third, why is that one weird old man always cackling on the side?!

He's looking at us laughing all the damn time! Is it funny to watch us do these menial tasks?! Okay, it might actually be from his point of view. Especially if he's the one that has to do it usually.

Fourth, why is that dwarf so damn silent?! Is he a monk?!

When I understand that the forceful approach won't work here it doesn't bother me that much. After all, I can still use my quick wits and my eloquence to succeed. I'm ready to promise anything to this Dwarf Master for following me back to the headquarters.

But how am I supposed to convince someone that won't even talk to me?! Every time I so much as approach, he goes away while grimacing. Am I smelly? Is that it?! Ah, actually I am.

First, it was rubbing feet, then there was kneeling in the soil to pluck carrots out, then came spreading manure on the fields. This is so damn horrible! Just kill me, someone! Actually no, they might really do it. It's fine I'll keep fighting!

This village is so damn boring too. Only old people, a wolf, and a dwarf. There aren't even any animals here that …wait a damn minute! What kind of manure have I been spreading?! Oh god!

This is DISGUSTING!

Calm down. Stay calm. After this one job, there will be wealth beyond my wildest dreams. I won't even have to travel from one corner of the world to another anymore. I'll remain in a safe city and enjoy life. I just need to endure it a little more.

At least I have a rock-solid plan! We will wait until the dwarf leaves then offer our services to journey with him. After all, there is strength in number. Then I'll try to convince him some more but if it fails, we'll just kidnap him.

I keep reminding myself, just wait, just be patient. As we work the only salvation we have is the lunches. They give us a bit of carrot soup. This quickly becomes my favorite moment of the day. Is the soup good? Nope, it is as bland as water heated up with carrots and nothing else..that's because that's what it is!

There is something magical about that moment, however. For a little while, we are free! Free from doing all these tasks! Free from being ordered around! Free from any worry! When that moment comes, I forget my troubles, I forget my scheming, I forget even myself.

The cackling old man wants to make us work then too but the other villagers object. Carrot soup time is sacred! I truly believe and embrace that saying now. Honestly, I'd embrace warm water soup for a respite.

In such a manner a few days pass. We do all kinds of annoying manual labor. I'm extremely happy to bid them goodbye. We are many leaving at once. My group, the group that seems to come from a small sect, the dwarf and the cackling old man.

At first, we almost get refused but the old man convinces our target otherwise. He seems worried about getting attacked and wants to rely on us for protection. How lucky! I can't believe how good this annoying old guy is at digging his own grave.

It is understandable for him to be worried. I am here for the dwarf, the other group is here to catch a fugitive…and they are leaving with us. Their target is obvious. It wouldn't surprise me if the old man's crime was to annoy someone he shouldn't have.

Anyway, it is quite ironic. The old man is giving a relieved smile thanks to our presence. He is also gently thanking his would-be assassins. Poor fool. What can I say some people are simply naïve. They cannot all be as resourceful as me haha.

Before long we are far away enough. The disturbingly strong village won't be an issue anymore. I can't help but turn around grinning.

"Mister Dwarf, how about we journey somewhere together? I know a merchant guild that would be just delighted to hire your services. You would get a wonderful treatment and any material you could ever desire to work with!"

He simply shakes his head. Not even bothering to reply.

"Mister Dwarf, I think you misunderstood me. You are coming back with me no matter what."

"Is that supposed to be a threat?"

"*Smiling* Only if you refuse to come with us willingly. As I said no harm will be done to you."

"I refuse. I am heading back home, I have something to do."

"*Sigh* I wanted to do this the easy way but…boys grab him!"

He is vastly outnumbered. He doesn't exude an aura of strength either, he doesn't have the arrogance that all the powerful people possess.

"*Sigh* How are humans still alive if they are courting death so much…."

What did he say?!

That's when I see…fire?! Fire starts swirling all around the dwarf! Hot! Bright! What the Hell?! He's not supposed to be strong he…

The flames slowly form a gigantic hammer. Fuck, fuck!

Even from where I am I can feel the smoldering heat, my sweat getting evaporated. The dwarf murmurs lowly.

"Forgar's forging technique. Normal Hammering!"

What kind of blacksmithing is this?!

I see and feel my death approach...

"AHHHH It burns!!! Please noooo! Please! Noo-"