“(Sales are going well. More and more people in the city come to buy our goods. Women are scrambling for the beauty products. The male clientele buy energy drinks before heading for the red light district. The women who work there are also amongst the buyers. The hair growth and hair removal gel are seeing a steady rise in sales. Frankly, every product is a hit.)” [Evelyn]

“(Good. Make sure to stock up on coins, engrave them and have them flow back in the market.)” [Ryner]

“(I know. Don’t worry. I’ll expand the business so that we can have more capital go through our hands and hasten the engraved coins’ circulation.)” [Evelyn]

“(If you lack manpower, buy slaves. No need to be stingy. I’ve got more than enough money stored away to pay for anything the company needs. Be sure to use engraved coins only.)” [Ryner]

“(I know, Ryner. I’m not a child.)” [Evelyn]

“(That’s true. You’re, what, One thousand one hundred years or so? By human standards, you’re really ol-.)” [Ryner]

“(Never mention a woman’s age, or call her old. Besides, I don’t want to hear that from someone who’s supposedly eight hundred thousand years. By human standards, you would be a decrepit ancient fossil.)” [Evelyn]

As Ryner drove the wagon, he was speaking to Evelyn telepathically. She was giving him an update report on how the company that they started, Roseseed, was doing.

“(Anyway, about the android’s power supply, I haven’t gone around to solving that issue yet.)” [Ryner]

“(That’s fine. There’s still time. You can think about it after you’ve returned… When will you return?)” [Evelyn]

“(Don’t sound so lonely. I’ll be back in a few days, I think.)” [Ryner]

“(Understood… I love you.)” [Evelyn]

“(You always say that every time we talk now.)” [Ryner]

“(Because I need to make sure that you know it.)” [Evelyn]

“Ryner, let’s switch.” [Elf]

“(I gotta go.)” [Ryner]

“(But…)” [Evelyn]

“(I’ll see you soon.)” [Ryner]

“(Ok.)” [Evelyn]

Urged by the elf sitting next to him, Ryner cut off the telepathic link with Evelyn and passed the reins to the pointy-eared woman.

“We’re almost there.” [Elf]

She said, sounding a bit excited. Her seven compatriots also had similar expressions. They had all taken off their collars and given them back to Ryner since they were so close to their homeland. Meirith, the youngest-looking elf, was petting Mi, who was happily wagging her tail.

“You guys really live here?” [Ryner]

The time was a bit after noon. The group was nearing what appeared to be a foggy swamp. Besides the wet earth, the gloomy trees and the surrounding fog, Ryner couldn’t see anything that resembled a village. The elf looked at her brethren sitting in the wagon for approval before opening her mouth.

“Since we’re taking you to our home, I’ll let you know. There’s a magic barrier covering it so you won’t see it no matter how hard you look. It’s to prevent outsiders from finding their way in.” [Elf]

“Like the merchant from yesterday?” [Ryner]

“Yes. Speaking of which, how did you know that he meant us harm?” [Elf]

“That’s because I can read minds.” [Ryner]

She raised one eyebrow when she heard his claim. The other elves stared at him dubiously.

“Liar.” [Elf]

“Liar.” [Elf]

“You’re lying.” [Elf]

“Unbelievable.” [Elf]

“That’s funny.” [Elf]

They said one after the other, completely sure of their claims.

“What’s with you all? You mean to tell me that you can’t read minds like me?” [Ryner]

“We don’t possess that kind of power. And neither do you.” [Elf]

“Huh? We don’t?! Well that sucks…” [Ryner]

Ryner looked away and hung his head down, sounding depressed.

“(Elves can’t read minds. Well, that explains why they never seem angry whenever I insult them in my head. But, they can definitely sense something since they know I’m lying every time. Possibly some kind of empathic ability?)” [Ryner]

The elven woman sighed before steering the conversation to a more important topic, unaware that she unknowingly divulged to the human a very important fact that had been bugging him.

“The swampland here is dangerous to cross since it’s inhabited by powerful and ferocious mana beasts. Their magic is on the same level as us elves. You could say this place is our first barrier that drives off any intruders while the second one hides our home.” [Elf]

Ryner pushed his thoughts aside and listened to the elf’s explanation on the gloomy swamp. The elven women had long finished chanting in their native tongue and were on their guard with spells ready to be used.

“What kinds of monsters live here?” [Ryner]

“We call them tonokas in our tongue. There are deadly frogs which are four meter tall and their backs are covered in thick, black skin like rocks. Their hide can easily repel weapons and weak magic. Their tongue is faster than any arrow and has feelers that can tear a person to death. Moreover, their water magic can easily break through steel armor.” [Elf]

“So this place has giant frogs here…” [Ryner]

“Yes, and if these ‘giant frogs’ don’t get you, the aritios, four-armed lizards, will burn you to a crisp. They have fire magic that heats up steel until it melts. These things also have the nasty tendencies of causing explosions around them whenever someone gets to close. Basically, unless you’re very capable in a fight, you won’t be able to cross this place.” [Elf]

Before Ryner could say “If you were capable enough to cross this place, why did you get enslaved?”, a loud crash happened close to them, which was followed by four others. The booming noise reverberated through the wet earth as it trembled from the ferocious impacts. The two horses neighed in panic and the passengers in the wagon got on high alert. When they all stared at the large objects that kicked up a bunch of mud and plants, what they saw was a pile of bodies. Five giant frogs that the elf was just explaining about were lying on top of one another.

They had brownish, slimy skin that could withstand swords and arrows. Their backs had mounds of black skin which were just like rocks. Their eyes were like those of a snail and normally glowed yellow, but since they were dead, they looked just like those of a dead fish. Lastly, the tongues hanging out of their mouths had multiple feelers used to grab and tear apart their prey.

Some had their heads crushed, others were limply lying with their bodies bending at an odd angle and one monstrous frog had its organs hanging out from a large hole in its belly. If one looked closely, there was also a purple stone the size of a fist that was embedded in its blood-covered innards.

Standing on top of the corpses was a single woman. She wore black three quarter pants as well as a dark brown and sleeveless leather jacket that tightly bound her torso. It seemed too small for her since it couldn’t hide her navel or her deep cleavage. A worn out, yellowish white cloth was wrapped around her waist like a pareo which reached her knees.

Despite the bloodstains on her clothes and her fists dripping with blood, the woman was uninjured. Her enemies didn’t stand a chance as she mercilessly pummeled them with her bare hands. She looked like a human, from her light green hair that went past her waist to her fair skin covered in blood. But, she was part of a different race. Those who knew of her kind could tell from her golden irises and the black marks on the skin near the corner of her sharp eyes.

“Elves, huh?” [Riteinia]

Riteinia, the Matriarch of the amazon tribe muttered when she noticed the wagon full of elven women. Then, she caught in her sight the sole human onboard and her ice cold expression changed. Delight and bloodthirst flashed across her golden eyes.

“Ryner.” [Riteinia]

She whispered emotionally while trembling.

“… The crazy lady?” [Ryner]

Ryner said while tilting his head.

Riteinia jumped off from the pile of corpses and landed in front of their wagon.

“Crazy lady?” [Riteinia]

She said coldly. Any form of joy disappeared from her voice.

From the fog, the sound of galloping horses could be heard as shadows approached. Soon, over thirty women could be seen as they rode on their horses and headed straight for their leader.

“Matriarch, we-.” [Amazon]

One brown-skinned amazon began reporting to Riteinia, but stopped talking when she noticed her mood as well as the wagon.

“I am Riteinia, Matriarch of the amazon tribe. Remember that, man.” [Riteinia]

Riteinia declared as her tribe grouped up behind her. Some of the amazons were injured from fighting against the monsters in the swampland. However, it was nothing serious and it didn’t affect their intimidating aura the least. They all cautiously watched the wagon full of elves before their eyes locked onto the sole male in the group.

“How the hell are you here? It should have taken you months on a horse from where we last met.” [Ryner]

Ryner asked after blinking his eyes, undaunted by their oppressive aura and dangerous glares. They were just like a breeze to him, though some of their stares felt rather weird. These strange ones came from a few that were licking their lips with hungry expressions.

“The distance doesn’t matter. You can’t escape from us, not when you’ve fought me and survived. No, that’s wrong. You completely defeated me.” [Riteinia]

“Huh, really? I just threatened you a bit after beating you senseless.” [Ryner]

“Of all the men I’ve met, you are by far the most irritating.” [Riteinia]

“Actually, I’m a pretty nice guy to those that aren’t jerks, annoying or trying to kill me.” [Ryner]

“This time, I will beat you.” [Riteinia]

“Oi, do you listen to others when they’re talking? Feels like you’ve been ignor-.” [Ryner]

“I’ll make you pay for the humiliation you put me through. I’ll beat you in a duel and leave you half-dead.” [Riteinia]

“… And she said I’m irritating.” [Ryner]

Riteinia gazed at her prey, which was pointing at her while talking to the elves, and smiled thinly.

“Then, I’ll make you my captive and have your child.” [Riteinia]

The amazons behind her started getting restless and their stares grew sharper. They were extremely interested in the human that got the attention of their Matriarch, famous for having never touched any man since she always killed them all.

“You will give my tribe powerful children.” [Riteinia]

“… Well the conversation derailed quickly.” [Ryner]

After impassively staring at the amazons for a moment, Ryner lazily shrugged his shoulders and got off the wagon.

“Whatever, let’s do this. I’ll buy whatever fight you sell my way.” [Ryner]

Then, his sleepy-looking eyes turned cold as he gazed at his enemies.

“But unlike the first two times we fought, you’ll die.” [Ryner]

The amazons felt an oppressive aura bearing down on them. Although Ryner’s tone of voice was laidback, it was definite and they understood that he would really carry out what he just said. Riteinia’s hands were trembling and her smile widened. She didn’t feel anxious, only excitement, and couldn’t wait to fight him.

However, their battle never took place.

“Stop.” [Elf]

A powerful gust of wind blew between the human and the Matriarch, leaving a dividing line on the wet ground.

“There will be no battle.” [Elf]

Riteinia and her tribe turned their attention to the elves that had gotten off the wagon. When they finally noticed Meirith, who was hugging Mi to her soft chest, among them, quite a few whispered her name in surprise.

“This man is our guest. We will not allow you to harm him.” [Elf]

“A guest?” [Riteinia]

All of the amazons then stared at the human with confusion visible on their faces.

“Come to think of it, you elves are with a human as if it’s perfectly normal, but… Could it be, you are actually planning to take him back to your homeland?” [Riteinia]

“That’s correct.” [Elf]

Disbelief swam in the leader of the amazon’s golden eyes.

“A human? Are you serious?” [Riteinia]

“I am. He is an exception among humans.” [Elf]

“An exception? What about your laws forbidding outsiders?” [Riteinia]

Riteinia asked as she examined each of the eight golden blonde-haired women who were wearing simple white dresses that revealed their bodylines.

“Hold it.” [Ryner]

Before the elf, who took charge, could speak, Ryner showed up next to her and pulled her long pointy ear.

“Ow! What are you doing?!” [Elf]

She shouted while taking a few steps back with a hand on her ear, but he shrugged off her angry glare and rapidly shot off an insincere excuse.

“Just had to do it once sorry I lost to temptation. Anyway, do you all know each other?” [Ryner]

The only human in the crowd pointed alternately at the elves and at the amazons. Riteinia stepped forward with a hand on her hip.

“That’s right.” [Riteinia]

“Wait, Matriar-.” [Elf]

“He’ll find out anyway once you bring him to your city.” [Riteinia]

The light green-haired amazon rebuffed the concerns of all of the flustered elves and smirked. Then, she stared into Ryner’s sleepy-looking eyes. The Matriarch frowned for a second since they annoyed her.

“By an old agreement between our two races, amazons have been allowed to take shelter in the elves’ homeland for generations.” [Riteinia]

“… Seriously?” [Ryner]

“Can’t you even tell when I speak the truth, human?” [Riteinia]

“No, I can tell you’re not lying, and that looking at my face pisses you off, which is pretty funny, but-.” [Ryner]

“MATRIARCH!!” [Elf]

A gust of wind was raised as an angry Riteinia instantly closed the distance between her and Ryner. The gust her rapid movement generated ruffled up the man’s already messy black hair. She was standing right in front of him with her fist clenched and her elbow reared back, ready to strike him. Her cold eyes looked down on his unchanging lazy expression because she was a few centimeters taller than him.

Four elves clad in wind, fire, water and earth were prepared to attack her while the other two dragged Meirith back to protect the elven maiden. The amazon tribe, seeing their leader taking action, drew their weapons and aimed their arrows at the golden blonde-haired women.

“As per the agreement, no battles are allowed between our races. Stand down, amazons.” [Elf]

“What she said. Drop your weapons or I’ll burn you all to death.” [Elf]

“You elves release your magic first.” [Amazon]

“Whether we keep to the agreement or not will be up to our Matriarch, long ears.” [Amazon]

A battle was about to break out at any moment. However…

“… So like I was saying, there’s a secret agreement between amazons and elves? That just came out of nowhere. And seriously, how the freaking hell did you get here so quickly? The last time I beat you was in beastman territory. We’re on the human side of the continent. It should have taken you months by horse. Damn, this is cheating. You’re even worse than a stalker. You’re a teleporting stalker. Never befriend Evie. She’ll be impossible to deal with if you taught her weird things. Ah, wait. She’s already weird in the head and worse than a stalker. It’s still eating at me, you know? Where did I go wrong in her education?” [Ryner]

“…” [Riteinia]

Ignoring the mood, Ryner leisurely blabbered off and complained to Riteinia, who had been ready to punch his brains out, but was now staring at him, dumbfounded and wondering if he was being confident or stupid.

She knew though that it was the former since she experienced his strength firsthand.

“Also, it’s been bugging me since we first met. Why aren’t you wearing shoes? A fashion statement?” [Ryner]

Then again, Riteinia just couldn’t help but think that she was dealing with an idiot, and not a brave warrior.

Her impression was shared by just about everyone present, except for Meirith and the other elves, who were watching Ryner not blankly, but nervously, as if he was unexploded ordinance.