“Halt! Please standby for inspection!”

The town of Baricka was one of the known checkpoints for beginning adventurers upon leaving Lexigon. It's a town bursting with wealth, and not only that; it is filled with many low and high-level people. Comparing size and wealth with this town and Lexigon would be a joke, as Baricka completely outdid Lexigon on every level. Baricka was twice the size of Lexigon, also including the vaults of Baricka which were filled to the brim with gold coins. A place, you can say, is a dream for thieves and such. However, there was one thing Lexigon had the advantage of: peace.

Due to the fact that Baricka is always filled with thieves, there are many cases of missing or stolen goods. A hundred cases a month, to be exact. Those cases, unfortunately, were only one of many. There were cases of murder, cases of rape, cases of bribery, and it keeps on building.

Of course, this was all explained to me by Lilith, who told me about it while we were traveling to Baricka. Charles did explain some of it to me, but that was during our time resting after the fight with that golem, which happened four days ago. Due to being part-monster, I seemed to have regenerated at a much faster pace than Charles. That was why Charles was left behind, guarded, and cared for by Drezzan.

I did ask if Drezzan would disappear if we were to go far enough. Fortunately, Lilith told me the town was just close enough, so I’m glad.

Now… the main reason why I’m here. I had two goals, both of them involving this town. One of them is to get stronger. Lilith said if I were to get involved with this town, I would find a way to get stronger. I got a little suspicious of this, but it wasn’t the time for that anyway. Second, we needed equipment. I'm unarmed since the last sword I had was broken and looked irreparable. It was also low grade compared to many other swords in this area, so it wasn’t a bad idea to buy a new sword while we were at it.

But… what Charles said before Lilith and I set out…

Five hours ago…

“Charles! What are you doing!?” I yell as I see Charles forcing himself up.

“What does it look like, imbecile? I’m going with you!” Charles tries to sit up from the hay patch he had been resting on in this newly handmade cave, but when he does, he flinches and puts his right hand on where his right rib is.

“Charles! Stop it!” I run up to him, crouch down, and try to put him down. “Look at you! How do you expect to last long?”

“Because I have my reasons!”

“Aden is right, Charles.” Lilith said, right beside me. She looked down at Charles. “You wouldn’t last an hour in those conditions.”

“But, if I leave Aden in that town… what do you think will happen if he sees what they are doing there?” I look at Charles confusingly.

“W-what do you mean Charles?” Charles turns to me for a moment, but looks back down, unable to continue looking at my face. Lilith sighs.

“Aden, it’s one of the reasons as to why that town will make you stronger.”

“Lilith, what do you mean?”

“You’ll find out.”

We all grew silent after that, until Charles said, “Aden, can you leave Lilith and I alone for a few minutes?” I look at Charles worriedly, but do as I’m asked. I stand up and start walking outside.

Present…

I sigh, as we start moving up in the line towards the entrance of Baricka. I wore a black cloak with a hood, similar to Lilith’s who wore the same, but there's one thing different about me compared to her, I'm wearing a mask.

Why? Well… I blame my charisma.

Charisma: 840

I swear, my charisma has nearly grown a hundred more than what it last was. But it wasn’t something I should really complain about, to be honest. Most people would dream of such a status, but I think of this as more of a nightmare than a dream. I mean, just look at it, it will start to attract unnecessary attention, no I’m serious!

Anyways, back to the topic. The mask I am now wearing is black on the left side and white on the right. The white side of the mask is that of a happy face, while the other is a frown. It looks creepy, to be honest, but it is needed so nobody will have any idea about me. At least… not in a weird way.

Some of the people in front of us, around eight in the caravan, look at me weirdly. It kinda makes me uncomfortable, but I know it is best not to give back a glare.

I put my head down with my hood up, ignoring the stares the caravan people are giving me. Of course, they stop doing so when they are next up in line. Two minutes later… Lilith and I are up.

“Lilith, you think this will work?”

“It will,” she gives me a calming smile, “it always has for me.”

“Alright! Next!” One guard yells. As he does, Lilith and I step up. The guard looks down at us but makes a suspicious look as he looks at our appearance. “You two, off with the hoods.” Lilith does what she is told, but when she does, “Alright! Put it back up!”

“Umm… mister, what’s the matter?” Lilith questions.

“I think it’s best that nobody here knows you’re a princess. A lot of perverts, you know?” Lilith nods to this and begins walking towards the Scribe, who looks about the same as all the other soldiers.

“Ok, you now, kid.” I do as ordered and put off my hood, but hold on to the mask on my face. “The mask also.”

I sigh then put the mask off. “GAW!!!” I look at the soldier, whose face is in complete shock.

“Are you alr-”

“Put the mask back on!” I didn’t need to be ordered twice, I immediately put the mask back on and left it at that. The soldier shakes his head and points his hand at where the scribe is. “You’re free to go.” I nod and run towards where Lilith is.

The soldier sighs, “I really need to stop being a damn gate guard.”

I ran up to Lilith, who had just finished with an inspection. The soldier who had just finished inspecting her turned his head to me. “Ahh, another child, please, give me your hand.” I did. “Alright, Inspect Status!” The guard’s pupils glow blue, until turning back a second later. But his response to my status… is surprising. “Oh, my! We got a prodigy here! 145 strength!”

All the guards turn to me with shocked expressions, I widen my eyes towards his surprised yell. The guard who inspected me lightly pushes me. “Go on ahead! Young prodigy!” I make a confused look as I walk to Lilith, who is waiting with a smile.

“Lilith… what did you do?”

Lilith walks up to me, and whispers into my ear, “Check your status.”

Aden Sherald:

Race Currently: Human (Teen)

Age: 13 Years Old

Guild: None

Classes Currently:

Warrior (Level 24)

Vital Currently:

HP: 962.5

Rage: 100

Stamina: 627.5

Stat Currently:

Strength: 145 Intelligence: 41

Dexterity: 67 Agility: 78

Perception: 75 Endurance: 95

Willpower: 34 Faith: 0

Charisma: 431 Luck: 50

I silently look at my status, “...Oh.”

This really confused me at first, but after Lilith explained everything, it all began to make sense. Lilith is an Administrative Scribe, also known as the final advancement of the Scribe class. If you still don’t understand, I’ll quickly explain it to you.

Upon advancements of life classes, each advancement unlocks additional options and abilities that normal life class users can’t use. So for example, a level one blacksmith, if having amazing luck, can make a weapon grade just as good as a level fifty blacksmith, however, a level one blacksmith cannot customize a weapon in ways a level fifty blacksmith could. A level 1 blacksmith can make a high-grade sword, but a level fifty blacksmith can make a high-grade sword that could set their enemies on fire upon hitting them, see what I mean?

A level one Scribe can check a person's status, however, a level one-hundred Administrative Scribe can check and disguise a person’s true status.

Well... that is what I think. Lilith said it's special just to her, so I don't know for certain.

I continue to inspect my status as Lilith and I walk through the streets of Baricka. It is awfully crowded compared to Lexigon, a lot more crowded! In every turn, we will stumble into huge groups of people holding up from one area to another. We even have to push our way through just to get to the areas we need to go to.

It is tiring honestly, but once we manage to get to the less populated areas, I already begin to feel less stressed out. I never would’ve thought I would feel this way towards populated areas, I always thought of the place as an energy giver. Always filling you up with adrenaline whenever surrounded by people.

“Aden, we’re here.” I put down my status and look up.

A weapon shop… “Lilith, wouldn’t it be better if we just go to a blacksmith?”

“Blacksmiths are a lot more expensive compared to weaponry shops. Not only that, weapon shops tend to have weapons that are higher grades than the usual fresh-made ones. Come on, let’s go.” Lilith opens the door to the shop and goes inside, and a second later I follow her in.

“Welcome, welcome!” As I went in, I am overwhelmed by the amount of equipment within the shop. There are many armor stands that are filed against the wall, many looking green, red, and most of the time silver. Barrels filled with swords stand in a corner, but due to all the swords being clumped up with each other, it didn’t seem like an attractive place to find a sword in. That isn’t the only weapon that filled the barrels, fortunately. There are flails, maces, staffs, and many more warrior-like weapons.

I am digging through some of the barrels until the owner starts talking from behind me. Of course, I didn’t flinch or anything, I know he's behind me due to Natural Instincts.

“Hello, young mister!” The man behind me says as he looks down at me with a smile. I turn and look up at him with my mask still on.

“Are there any sword-based weapons you recommend?”

“Why yes! Is there any specific weight or sharpness you desire?”

“I need something sharp, sharp enough to cut through stone. I also want something that is heavy and isn’t easy to break.”

“Oh! You’re looking for a greatsword?”

“Yeah! That kind of weapon!”

“Well…” The owner looks down at my teenage body. “I don’t think that body of yours can handle some of the weapons I have in store.”

“I have 145 strength.”

“Oh, OH!” The man looks at me shockingly. “You sure you have 145 strength? For a child at your age, that is quite unbelievable.”

“Thank you! I have been training ever since. I’ve done a couple of dungeons with a friend as well.”

“Is that miss over there your partner?” The owner says as he points at Lilith, who is digging through the barrels like me.

“Not… exactly. She is just a friend I stumbled upon.”

“How sad, I thought she was your spouse for a moment.”

“Spouse?”

What… does spouse mean again? I’ve heard of the word, but just can’t remember what it meant. Looks like I need to get lectured by Charles again.

“Nevermind, allow me to get the greatswords I’ve mentioned.” The owner then went to the back of the weapon shop. As he did, I went back to looking around the shop, seeing if anything would catch my eye.

“Aden, you’ve found anything?” I turn around to see Lilith, whose face is close to mine.

“No, but the owner said he’ll bring out some weapons I want.”

“You’re talking about a greatsword, right?”

“Yes! It sounds like the perfect weapon!”

“Why would you use a greatsword though?”

“Why? Because it doesn’t break easily like a normal sword, right?”

“Wouldn’t it be easier if you’ve just used your fists?”

“Well…” I was about to try and answer her question, until the owner came out of the back while struggling to carry a greatsword, that is as big as he is.

“Hey, young mister! I’ve gotten what you requested!” I walk to where he is, and see the monstrous weapon. At this point, I question myself if I could even lift such a weapon. It is a silvery weapon that shines as it outsizes me in length. I try lifting it, but struggle to lift it with one hand, but with both, I just manage to lift it. “Oh! As expected from a strong child!”

“How much will this cost?”

“Around 20 silver-”

“No.” The owner and I turn to Lilith, whose face is twisted with disgust. “That weapon might as well be made from a level one blacksmith who doesn’t have the care of the world.”

“Lili,” This is the name she wants me to call her, “What are you talking about?” The owner widens his eyes in shock from the response Lilith made. Lilith sighs.

“That greatsword isn’t even as good as the last sword you used, Aden.” Of course, the owner is insulted by this.

“Look here, miss!” The man yells in a frustrated voice. “If you don’t like what I have here then leave!”

“Oh?” Lilith’s expression grows dark, and the moment she did, the owner’s angered face was replaced with a terrified one. “What did you say? Livestock?”

Ok, this is going way too far!

“Alright, guys! Stop!” I clap my hands as hard as I can. The moment I do, the environment of the room turns back to normal. As it did, I ran to a nearby barrel, took out a rusty-looking sword, and placed it on the counter. “I’ll buy this.”

It pains me to buy such a crappy sword. I mean, look at it! It looks like my first sword, except worse. There are parts of it that are rusted and the word sharpness is non-existent for this sword. To be honest, it looks like the sword is going to break at any moment! The handle looks overused as well! I don’t even think this sword would last a single swing at most!

But, in order to restore the bright atmosphere of this store, I need to do this.

However, what Lilith says upon looking at this dipshit weapon… is unexpected.

“Buy it!” I turn to Lilith, who looks at the rusty sword in shock. I widened my eyes to what she said.

“Lili…? Are you alright?”

“Don’t question me! Buy it!” I turned to the owner, who had the same expression as me when I looked at Lilith.

“How much?” The owner shakes his head and looks at the rusty sword.

“...1 copper.”

Five minutes later…

I sigh as I look down at my new sword.

“Lilith, why did we buy this sword exactly?”

“It’s a one-of-a-kind sword.”

“One of a kind?” I kept my gaze on the sword, which continued to burn my eyes as I despised its looks.

“You don’t feel it?”

“Feel what?”

I didn’t think Lilith would turn crazy.

“The death it gives out.”

“Death? What do you mean?”

“You still don’t understand, do you?”

“No, I don’t.” Lilith immediately stops at the spot, turns to me with a dark expression.

“That is a legendary cursed sword you’re carrying.”

“W-what?” I slowly stare back down at the sword I'm carrying, “this… is a cursed sword? It doesn’t look like much.”

“Like I said, one of a kind.”

“I still don’t get it, it looks like it’s about to break at any moment.”

“All I’m going to say is this,” she turns around and begins walking, “always trust in your partner.”

I begin walking as well, while endlessly staring at my rusty sword.

“Always trust in your partner,” I thought to myself, “huh?” I keep on walking, until I bump into someone and fall to my butt. “Damn it! I gotta remember that my Natural Instincts aren't high enough to auto-detect.” I think to myself.

I looked up and was about to apologize until...

“Watch where you’re going! Peasant!” The fat and rick-looking man yells, but that isn’t the person who got my attention. The person I'm looking at… is a beaten-up girl with cat ears and tail, who has a collar on her neck. The man pulls the chained collar and drags the demi-girl forward. “Come on! Don’t just stand there, move!” The girl does as ordered and walks, without dignity as the dirty and worn-out clothing she wears barely covers her private parts.

Lilith, who is behind me, smiles without me noticing.

I silently watch as the rich man continues dragging the girl. “...Lilith.”

“Yes, Aden?"

“I’m beginning to see…” I continue to watch the demi-girl get dragged along until she is nowhere in sight.

“How I can become stronger in this town.”

The town of Baricka… is known to be the next checkpoint upon leaving Lexigon. It is also known as one of the most fantastic places of demi-human slave trade. Many high-level adventurers go to this place in search of demi-human slaves to buy. The town was named after Baricka, a man who slew Aulistia, a dryad who had fallen for a man, who Baricka despised. It was also thanks to Baricka that many believe demi-humans are the creation of dark gods.

Baricka was truly… a man all demi-people despise.