(AUTHOR- Originally, I wanted to start releasing after Christmas, but feeling refreshed and full of ideas... I decided to release this chapter of a new volume early.

Thank you for all the advice and looks like the main plot won by a landslide.

In the last post, I forgot to ask something.

I wanted to know that... out of the 6 volumes released so far, which volume did you like the most? and which one was the most downer?

And I wish you all an early Merry Christmas.)

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Why can’t I find something interesting every time I come here? It’s so boring. Every time it’s the same thing over and over again. I wish I could go out. I wish I could visit different parts of this great continent. I could become an adventurer like Uncle Athades, but for that I need to fight and kill dangerous monsters. Heh... if I was any good at it, I would have been in weapons class instead of in a merchant one.

“Mother! Why must we come here every week?”

“Why? You know why. We come here to have a picnic with family.”

“Yes... why? I mean, we see them all the time. Why have picnics every week and here of all places? Same old scenery.”

“Because Dracix, it is tradition and you know very well... traditions are important to our Clan.”

“Why do the Naja Clan have such lame traditions? Why can’t we be like the Ophio Clan? No such lame traditions to follow.”

“Dracix, you very well know... although we share a land together and our heritage, some things are personal to our Clan.”

“I don’t care... I’m bored.”

“Dracix, you are old enough to understand where I stand in this matter. Now, be a good boy and go and play with your cousins.”

“But!”

“Go!”

“Okay...”

Dejected, I got up and slowly made my way towards my cousins, who are playing something around some Arbor trees.

Arbor trees, a type of tree which is at least 30ft long. Some call them, the tallest trees in all of Zoit continent, or as I like to call them, the most boring and worthless genre of tree in all of Zoit continent. These big hunks of nothing form a forest and stretches from north and up to west of our land.

And speaking of our land, we are called Ophio-Naja Clan. A united clan to two separate Clans, the Ophio Clan and the Naja Clan. It is said that because of our heritage is same, we remained united. Who decided that? Who knows! I don’t know and I don’t care. Then why am I thinking this? Because to slow my walk towards my cousins.

“Dracix! Come quickly. We are starting.”

Me: “Yeah yeah... coming.”

Great... cousin Zephaus is here too. That’s just great... I don’t know why, but I just can’t stand him. Every time I look at his smug filled face, I get a strong urge within me to punch him with all my might. Alas, if I could have... I would have.

I reached them while they were catting within themselves.

Zephaus: “Ah... Dracix, it’s nice to see you join us.”

I gave him an empty smile and asked.

Me: “What are you talking about?”

“We were deciding upon a new game to play. Would you like to know, Dracix?”

Me: “Sure... Casus.

I have nothing else to do so... why not! ”

Cousin Casus, a very helpful boy. It still bothers me to know how he can stand his brother, Zephaus. Ten minutes with that boy and all I want is to punch him and Casus tolerates him for all day. Maybe this the reason why I admire Casus so much.

“Always the energetic one aren’t you, Dracix?”

I turned my head to my right and saw another of my cousin standing and a smile on her face.

Me: “Well, you know me the best Presis.”

Presis: “Yet, you never seem to amaze me... with your laziness.”

I smiled politely and replied.

Me: “But, I am still not at your level still.”

Presis: “Ha! You never will... he he he he he.”

Cousin Presis, she is also one of my favourite cousins. She is a year younger than me, but very bright and lazy. Presis has many other qualities too, but laziness defines her aptly. Normally, we Naja young-lings don’t grow over 4 ft under the age of 6. It is the nature of our clan. I am 6 years old and waiting to grow out of my shell.

Naja young-lings have brown skin tone with black star mark on our chest and back. Our eyes range from brown, black, silver and to an extreme gold. Presis is one of the exception members in the Naja clan. Although 5 years old, she towers over me with one foot. Women and males of the Naja Clans do not differ in physical appearance except for the eyes. Normally, males sport brown or black eyes and females have silver eyes and in an extreme condition... gold. Presis is one of those exception cases. She has golden eyes.

Zephaus: “Hey Dracix! Would you be so kind to stop staring at Presis and join us so that we could inform you about the game we are going to play?

I know she is your betrothed, but still... there’s time left for that. Now, come here.”

That Zephaus! Always meddling in my business... I would surely punch you someday. I looked towards Presis just to glance away my gaze.

Yes... we are betrothed to each other. Or to perfectly state this, I was promised to her. It is a rule of the Naja Clan. The male heir of a family would be promised to the most exceptional female belonging to the lower branch of the same family. We also are a matriarchal society, where female Naja’s work as City Officials.

Just before glancing away my gaze from her, I saw her smiling.

Me: “Yes... I am coming. Come on Presis.”

We walked side by side silently towards Zephaus and Casus, who stood close to an Arbor tree a little distance ahead of us. I feel very uncomfortable when someone mention’s the fact of my betrothal. Partly because, I don’t know how she feels and partly because, the news is yet to sunk in within me.

Presis: “You could try to behave normally when someone mentions our betrothal.”

Me: “What are you saying? I behave normally.”

Presis: “No... You don’t. Your face twitches and you look funny.”

Me: “Really?”

Presis: “Yes, you lazy Naja.

I know this must be very uncomfortable for you and believe me... who in their right minds would want to run your estate? I mean so much work to do!”

Me: “I take it; your training is not as easy as you thought it would be.”

Presis: “No! Aunty Liseris is such a taskmaster. I used to think she was warm and kind, but now... I get shivers in my spine just by thinking about the lessons I have to learn.”

Me: “Stop being dramatic. I know mother is very gentle with you.”

Presis: “Probably... I hear my friends talking about how tough and vast their estates are and all I can contribute to it is that phrase or motto by which our family runs.

‘We have just enough for our needs’.”

Me: “I... I wanted to ask you something ever since we got betrothed.”

Presis: “What is it Drazy?”

Me: “Drazy? My name is not...”

Presis: “I know! But I’m changing it to Drazy from now on.”

Me: “Err, we will circle back to that. About the thing which I wanted to ask you.

Are you happy being betrothed to me?”

She stopped walking and so did I. She looked at me for a few seconds and then replied.

Presis: “If you want, I can call for an annulment.”

Me: “No! No... no... I-I don’t want that.”

Presis: “Then good... start liking the name I gave you. Drazy...”

Zephaus: “Are you two done exchanging sweet looks? We have a game to play!”

Me: “I-I wasn’t...”

Zephaus: “Cousin Presis, how is it that you haven’t informed your beloved Dracix that he absolutely can’t lie.”

Presis (giggles): “I kind of like this trait in him. Now Zephaus, don’t tease my Drazy... tell us, what is this stupid game we are going to play?”

Zephaus: “It’s no wonder both of you got betrothed.”

Casus: “Zephaus, stop it!

Presis, we are just going to race. See, this Arbor tree is the starting point. We will start here and run towards the 100th Arbor tree and run back here. Who ever comes first wins... simple.”

Me: “So I have run?”

Zephaus: “If you want to fly, I have no objection.”

Me: “Funny...”

Presis: “Come on Drazy... it’ll be fun.”

Casus: “Yes and we will know who has the best stamina within us.”

Me: “Can I be the judge?”

Casus: “No!”

Zephaus: “If he doesn’t want then why force him Casus? We all know he’s coming last anyway.”

Casus: “Zephaus! Will you stop-”

Me: “Okay... I’ll race and see who comes last.”

Presis: “There you go, Drazy! That’s the spirit.”

Casus: “Alright then, take your position everybody and wait for my signal.”

We lined up ourselves with me being the middle with Casus. Onto my right Zephaus readies himself and on my left, Presis takes position. Now that I think about it... I may have been a tad rash behaviour on my part to take part in this stupid race. That Zephaus! If he hadn’t riled me up I-I... one of these days, I’m going to punch.

Casus: “I will count to three and on three, we will start. Everybody understand?”

Zephaus: “Okay.”

Presis: “How exciting?”

Zephaus: “Oh... this excites you Presis?”

Presis: “No, but the premise of me beating you... that’s what's exciting.”

Zephaus: “We will find that soon enough. At least you’re excited about something.”

Me: “If anybody cares, I’m ready for this stupid thing.”

Casus: “Alright, on my count.

1

2

3!”

And here we go. From the start Casus and Presis took the lead and surprisingly Zephaus lags behind with me at the end. It was funny seeing Zephaus pant and try to catch up to them, but it turns out he’s all talk and no stamina. I was well comfortable as long as he is not winning. Huh!

We ran counting the Arbor trees. The one beauty of this forest was that the Arbor trees were aligned in one straight line, leaving a gap between two lines. I lost count and just followed Zephaus. Presis and Casus was already out of my view.

In the middle of the race, I decided to jog. There was no point to exhaust myself completely. Zephaus was still in my range and he slowed down too. I could feel him becoming exhausted and that made me happy. I took my time and continued to watch Zephaus struggle to keep up with those two. I had no idea Presis would be this fast. Now I wonder what made the family chose her as special. I never actually wanted to find out, but I kind of want to know now.

Father once told me that my mother showed tremendous talent in estate running and she was even part of the General Body Adventurer Group of the Zoit continent. She did some missions while she was affiliated with them. Although, her stint in the adventuring department came after her marriage with my father and apparently she retired when I was born.

I wonder what Presis wants to be. What do I want to be? I-I don’t even know that. Should I follow my father’s path and become a merchant? Or try to open my own shop? What would I sell? Potions... weapons maybe... I wonder if the General Body Adventurer Unit has some ordinary jobs.

At some point in time, I even stopped jogging and started to just walk back. I was tired and I didn’t want to participate anymore. I was kind off hungry too, and talking about food, maybe I could start a food stall. I might ask father to fund for it initially or I might apprentice for some merchant. Learn about the trade and use it to my advantage. Well, I hope Presis supports me about it.

Another senseless tradition in the Naja Clan. You have to move out from your parent’s house after your marriage. The economy in the Zoit continent is in very good state so I might be successful in that idea, but... it would be so much work.

“KKKKKKKKKKKRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII”

A shrill piercing cry blasted out within the area, prompting to quickly cover my ears. The power of the cry was so immense; even though my ears were covered, I still felt the intensity of the cry which made me drop to my knees on the ground. The shrill cry kept on going and within seconds all I could hear was my ear throbbing in pain. It was horrible... so horrible that I was on the verge of throwing up.

Just for a moment I looked up. The clear sky had become dark and suddenly I was lifted off the ground and went hurtling backwards. Immediately I crashed with an Arbor tree nearby and drop on the ground. Air was knocked out of me and I felt a crackling noise coming within me... something had broken.

Pain erupted which originated from my back. I was facing the ground while I put my arms over my back. I couldn’t see anything, but black. Slowly I located the actual origin of the pain; it was coming from my lower back. I got my eyesight back and at first it was all fuzzy.

“KKKKKKKKKKKRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII”

That shrill cry erupted again and this time, it assaulted directly within my eardrums. I was unable to cover my ears and the felt the full brunt of the cry. I screamed and screamed in pain and thankfully the shrill cry stopped. My eyes began to tear up and within a moment of clarity in my eyesight, I saw a figure standing in front of me... its eyes fixed upon me.

Its sharp golden eyes looking down on me with fierce intensity. Opening its large mouth showing its large, sharp teeth to me. It was standing showing off its long, slender brown body with its claws aimed towards me. The creature is well known to us and sometimes they are also called our mortal enemies. We call them Gostorn... a monster that made the long Arbor trees as their home, but why are they here? They weren’t supposed to be here at this time of the year. Why aren’t they hibernating?

I froze at after sighting the Gostorn. Pain and along with it fear ran through my mind. I was in no condition to get up or even move. I took one last look towards the Gostorn as it prepared to lunge at me. This type of monster hunts in a peculiar way. First, they bodily harm their prey, then after killing them, take them up on a tree before eating devouring them. I closed my eyes, fearing I’ll never see my family or Presis again. I hope she finds someone worthy of her and who doesn’t mind her laziness.

Why did I participate in the race? I could have been safe staying back with mother. I hope mother and everyone else gets to safety. More strange and redundant thoughts circled within my mind while I felt the Gostorn stepping ever closer to me. This is it, I thought... my last few moments in this life. I better pick a good thought while I slip into deep slumber. Don’t want to have a bad thought while dying... I felt the Gostorn’s presence close to me.

What should be my last thought in this life?

“LEAVE MY DRAZY ALONE!!!!”

Presis... hmm... she would be a good choice. She never gave me any headache as such. Wait!

Presis!!

I quickly opened my eyes and the feeling of intense pain also came back. With great discomfort I looked and found Presis landing a punch on the Gostorn’s face, just below its right eye. What is she doing here? Was the first thought that came to me after witnessing that moment, and followed by why did she come?

She pressed the Gostorn and punched it again, this time in its chest, the Gostorn shrieked out in pain. It tried to bite the left hand of Presis, but Presis dodged that and connected her right hand over his right eye. I saw a small amount of white liquid flew out after that hit.

The Gostorn gave another loud cry and lashed back towards Presis. It used its left claw and slashed towards her which she dodged by increasing the distance between them. After missing, the Gostorn tried again with its right producing the same result. Presis used her long legs and hit it with a barrage of kicks around a certain area... its chest and stomach.

The Gostorn lashed out its right claw again towards her and to which my surprise Presis caught that both of her hands and kicked it on its head. The Gostorn was forced to kneel on the ground by the power of the kick. How powerful was she?

Presis kneed the Gostorn on its chin repeatedly and with a swift motion, bend the whole arm of the Gostorn which she was holding in a way it was supposed to bend. A cracking sound was heard, followed by the Gostorn’s loud scream. It made my ears hurt and forced Presis to move back while covering her ears.

Giving Presis a hateful look, the Gostorn jumped upwards on an Arbor tree and escaped with its life intact. Even though I witnessed everything, I still couldn’t believe the events that transpired before me. As soon as the Gostorn fled, Presis came running towards me. Yeah!! Running and crying... he he he... maybe I was delirious due to pain or happy or something else at that time.

Presis: “Drazy!!! Drazy!! Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

Me: “I can’t stand up. My back... I think something happened.”

Presis: “Don’t worry, we’ll take you to a healer and you would be fine.”

That attack from the Gostorn was one out of many similar attacks on Ophio-Naja Clan members. After enough blood was spilled, our Clan commissioned a quest to eradicate the Gostorn’s hiding in our area. It was later found out that a group of Gostorn woke up early from hibernation and was trying to satisfy their hunger. It was termed as a natural anomalous behaviour of the Gostorn.

As for me, as you can see ... I ended up in a wheelchair because of that injury and it has been 5 years since that injury. When the healers told me that I couldn’t walk anymore I tried to turn Presis away. After that incident, I found out that she was learning hand to hand combat from my mother as part of her training. She had a huge potential for a bright future, which didn’t include me. I would naturally impede her improvement in her life, but she was too adamant about it. She still married me and helped me set up my shop. Even when Zephaus started a notion that I was unfit to be the head of the family and as he was next in line, he should be allowed to marry Presis and become the head of the family... Presis beat the stupid smirk out of his face. She consolidated my claim as the head of my family and even made Zephaus work for me. And I still wonder why?

So this was my story...what do you think? What made you take up my case Dr Marion?

Dr. Marion: “To answer your question as to why your wife stuck with you through all this... it’s simple really and I know you know it too. It's love... you can and will do anything for the person you love.

As far as your injury goes, you suffered an incomplete injury, seeing you still have most of your sensations below your hip. The healers set your spine straight, but couldn’t manage to connect the nerves in your spine. Not their fault, mind you... even as far as 3 years, we had few methods to treat many injuries. Now... I can do it.”

Me: “Really!! That’s-that’s great news!!! I-I don’t know how to thank you Dr Marion.”

Dr. Marion: “Well, I have an idea.”

Me: “Money?

Please don’t hesitate... I may look like this, but I run a successful business. Some even say I am one of the best at what I do.”

Dr. Marion: “I don’t need money for it, but truth be told... I did seek you out for the exact reason you stated. I heard you are one of the best merchants on this part of the continent. I... I need some things as payment from you.”

Me: “What things Dr Marion? If it is possible, then I will surely bring it to you.”

Dr. Marion: “I need some herb plants, namely Barren Root, Aphreaf, Pax, Strole and Dire Pepper.”

Me: “That is very easy to procure. How many crates do you need? I can bring it to you tomorrow at the earliest.”

Dr. Marion: “I just need 100 grams of each herb and...”

Me: “And what else Dr. Marion?”

Dr.Marion: “Drake Apple.”

Me: “Drake Apple?”

Dr. Marion: “I have met other merchants who deal in Drake Apples, but all of them stated that they only seek out those when and only when they receive bulk orders for it.

All of them pointed me towards you, informing me that you are the only one in this entire Zoit continent who could sell Drake Apples in small quantities.”

Me: “If you can make my injury go away... Dr. Marion... I promise I will give you any amount of Drake Apples you want.”

Her face started glowing and she was very happy. All this time I was lying face down on a medical bed and sat in front of me. She stood up and started inspecting my back.

Me: “Why do you want them?”

Dr. Marion: “Hmm?”

Me: “Drake Apples... why do you want them?

There is a reason why very few beastmen sell them. Not that they are very rare... they are abundant in this continent, but very few know their use. Only skilled herbalists know their use and order them in bulk.

And even fewer beastmen order in short amounts.”

Dr. Marion: “I need it for something I am designing or creating. Only a certain amount is needed for it to be created.”

Me: “A new medicine, perhaps?”

Dr. Marion: “You can say it is an antidote for a nasty... disease.”