Chapter 8

I wonder why it is that when you see something die, you then start to question the meaning of life.

Seriously, why was I born a pebble…

“Is everyone alright?”

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“I’m fine.”

“Still, to think it got Jeff… This was supposed to be a D rank quest, but that thing was clearly B rank at least!”

“It’s unfortunate, but risk comes with the job. Come on, help me bury him. Adam, see if there were any valuables on it.”

“Leave it to me.”

The human named Adam walked over here and started rummaging through the Naga’s leather packs.

Since I’m technically on the side that lost, his actions somehow bug me…

I might actually be a sore loser.

“Hmm. Nothing that stands out in anyway… I thought I saw something shiny when we fought…”

He’s probably referring to me. But do I really want him to find me?

That, or spend an undetermined amount of time sitting here like before.

Yup, I’m a person who gets bored easily. Over here Adam!

“What is this? A red rock?”

I’m picked up and examined with a serious expression. He then shrugs and puts me in his pocket. I assume he walked back to his comrades. I can hear their voices, although they are quite muffled.

“Find anything?”

“Not much. A few things that will sell for cheap. The snake skin will be the most valuable.”

…Seriously? I’m thankful I can’t see anything while in this guy’s pocket.

“I’m glad we live in a country that doesn’t recognize demi-humans. Otherwise we wouldn’t make any money.”

It’s like that huh? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

Demi-humans are often treated as second class citizens, or in this countries case, less than animals. The main perpetrators are the human race. Treatment of demi-humans varies based on appearance, with those closer to looking human being treated better.

Doesn’t mean I have to like it.

“I also found this red rock by the body. Not sure if the Naga carried it, but I plan on getting it appraised at a magic shop.”

“Oh, nice. If it’s worth anything be sure to split the money equally. If there is leftover we can decide it later.”

They plan on selling me. Help, I’ve been kidnapped! Momma pebble, Papa pebble, save me!

As a pebble, you have even less rights than the demi-humans. Quietly accept your fate.

This can’t be!

More importantly, there are things you should be doing.

Eh, but I’m pretty free right now?

You have unused stat points. Please use them.

Ah! That’s right! I seem to have about 100…

I wonder, if I put points into the Speed stat, will I be able to move?

However, when I try it…

In order to increase the speed stat, you must have at least one appendage, or a skill that allows movement.

The dream of pumping iron and getting ripped is still a far off one.

If that’s the case, I can’t put points into any of the stats with 0 right?

That leaves, Def, Int, and Mnd.

Does Int make me smarter?

No, Int is a base modifier when calculating the damage done by a magic related skill. It does not raise the user’s intelligence.

Weeelllll… Then its Def or Mnd.

Is 200 Def good?

The average rock has a Def rating of around 50. If comparing to a human in a full suit of metal armor, the Def rating would be around 100.

I think it’s safe to assume it’s good. Probably.

Then let’s put it into Mnd again.

Perhaps it would be wiser to split it into Int and Mnd? If you ever acquire a magic skill, Int will be necessary.

I see. All right, 50-50.

Wonderful, now that we have that out of the way, there is an urgent matter.

What is it?

With the absorption of the Naga’s soul, your Soul Gauge has been filled. This has resulted in you leaking Miasma. While it doesn’t affect you, it does harm living creatures. At the current leakage it won’t do much damage, but it will build over time.

Heh, so these guys’ will get their just desserts if I leave it alone?

Please remember that they intend to bring you to a populated city.

Oh yeah… I’d rather not become a black plague.