Chapter Four: Corpses Buried Everywhere

Chapter Four: "Buried Dead Everywhere"

When Shaya Thunder entered the shop, there were no other customers inside. Only a thin, shriveled old man sat behind the shelves. Despite Shaya Thunder's ragged attire, he wasn't met with disdain. The old man rose enthusiastically to greet him, a radiant smile plastered across his face, and his squinting eyes gleamed with shrewdness. Such an expression nearly branded his face with the word "swindler."

"Esteemed customer, may I ask what you're looking for? We have a fresh batch of top-grade tobacco, hand-cultivated by genuine Zakut tribal folk! Ah, judging by your age, perhaps tobacco doesn't interest you... But you look strong and robust, surely a distinguished warrior. We carry fine weapons forged by the Hammer of the Thunder God—do you need a quality sword or some armor? I assure you, all our goods are true products of dwarven craftsmanship, not imitations!"

Hammer of the Thunder God? As if.

Shaya Thunder had spent many years in Wildfire Town; he knew well the ways of these crafty merchants. Everyone knew dwarven smiths made the finest weapons. Dwarves worshipped the Thunder God, so half the weapon shops across the continent were named "Hammer of the Thunder God," all claiming to use dwarven techniques.

Shaya Thunder believed there were indeed genuine dwarven weapons on Black Street, but those treasures were costly. No shrewd merchant would offer them to a ragged youth like him.

Seeing Shaya Thunder silent, the old man stroked his beard and squeezed out a knowing smile, as if men shared some secret understanding. "Perhaps you're in need of special medicines? We have our own apothecary who can concoct any potion you desire, especially those that induce sleep—perfect for traveling, murder, robbery, and... well, esteemed customer, what exactly do you need?"

Shaya Thunder had already surveyed the shop thoroughly.

His gaze first fell upon a dried sheepskin contract hanging in the main hall. Below it were two seals—one likely belonging to the merchant guild that owned the shop, the other to the mercenary group currently occupying Wildfire Town.

This contract signified the shop had made an agreement with the town's occupiers, receiving their protection but required to abide by Wildfire Town's rules. If any breach occurred, the aggrieved party could seek arbitration from the town's protectors.

This was a "legal" status—an essential thing to verify first, because... Black Street had plenty of shady shops!

No good folk in Wildfire Town... heh heh!

"I came in because I saw your purchase notice outside," Shaya Thunder finally spoke, his accent marking him as a local from around Wildfire Town.

The shrewd merchant's enthusiasm diminished noticeably, but he remained polite, which Shaya Thunder appreciated. At least he wasn’t judged by appearance—a sign of professionalism.

"By your accent, you're a local," the old man smiled. "Are you a demon hunter?"

Hearing this, Shaya Thunder couldn’t help but touch his tattered leather coat and the fire poker at his waist. Some demon hunters dressed plainly, but none would ever use a fire poker to fight savage beasts...

He blushed, but forced himself to nod. "Yes."

The old man pretended not to notice the ragged coat and poker, his gaze unwavering. "Very well, so you're here to apply? The requirements are listed above—any questions?"

The notice was clear:

"High reward for beast cubs
Requirement: Lion beast cubs, white fur
Quantity: Unlimited
Offer: Five silver coins per cub
Commission valid for thirty days"

"No questions. If possible, let's sign the contract right away," Shaya Thunder tried to appear seasoned.

The old man scrutinized his face, then sighed. "Young man, I hope you understand what you're getting into. It's clear you’re trained, but... lion beasts aren’t ordinary animals. And with winter approaching, beasts are hard to handle as they stock up for the cold. Furthermore, any creature is ferocious when its young are threatened."

"I know what I'm doing; this isn’t my first time," Shaya Thunder said, trying to stand tall. "But thank you for the warning."

The old man regained composure, turned, and pulled a contract from the drawer behind the shelves, tossing it onto the counter before Shaya Thunder. "You can read, right? Need me to recite it for you?"

"No need."

Shaya Thunder read over the contract; it seemed fine.

"Sign your name and leave your handprint," the old man squinted at him. "What’s your name?"

"Shaya," the young demon hunter replied vaguely, feeling some shame about the name and refusing to give his full name.

"Shaya? Odd name. What’s your surname?" the old man pressed.

Shaya Thunder glanced at him and said nothing.

The old man smiled faintly and didn’t pursue further. In Wildfire Town, many carried bounties, so withholding full names, or even real names, was nothing unusual.

"I need a bit of advance payment," Shaya Thunder said, embarrassed.

Advance payment was common in Black Street purchase deals—usually one percent of the total value up front.

After all, the goods sought were hard to acquire and often required risking one's life.

Of course, to prevent fraud—someone taking the money and running after signing—such actions were harshly punished. If you dared, you'd be banished by the occupiers, beaten severely, or even hanged.

Unless you never returned to Wildfire Town.

If you died during the task, the debt was forgiven.

The old man promptly laid out five copper coins, clearly perceiving Shaya Thunder's predicament. "Young man, take these for a good meal. You need strength to work."

"Thank you, but I’ve eaten my fill," Shaya Thunder quickly pocketed the coins and contract. After a brief hesitation, he asked, "Why would anyone want lion beast cubs? Their pelts aren’t valuable, the meat isn’t tasty, and these low-grade beasts don’t have magic cores."

"So you know something about beasts," the shrewd merchant replied. "Lion beast cubs are pure white until adulthood, when their fur turns fiery red. Lately, nobles in the capital have developed a craze for these snow-white cubs, finding them adorable and keeping them as pets... Nobles are always like this—they pay, others risk their lives, and everyone thinks that's fair."

Shaya Thunder said no more, ready to leave. Behind him, the old man added, "Since you’re young, I’ll share an important tip: rumor has it lion beasts have been spotted on a mountain north of Wildfire Town. A useful lead, so you don’t waste time searching."

Shaya Thunder didn’t look back, leaving only a "thank you" as he strode out.

Inside, the old man sat down again and began making entries in his ledger.

Just then, a clerk emerged from the back, having finished his tasks, and asked with a smile, "Sir, was there business?"

"Nothing much, just a kid ready to risk his life for money," the shrewd merchant replied, shaking his head. "A pity—a young life. Wish him luck. I hope my five copper coins aren’t wasted."

"You’re always so merciful!" the clerk flattered, showing yellow teeth. "Don't forget the saying here: In Wildfire Town, dead bodies are buried everywhere."

...

…………

Shaya Thunder made full use of the five copper coins.

He bargained at the smithy for half a day, spent three coins on a rusty axe, one coin on a black rye bread, and the last coin on the cheapest rotgut—less for the taste than because, as an experienced hunter, he knew a swig could keep him warm in the cold mountain hunts.

Carrying the axe, bread tucked into his coat, a wineskin in his pocket, still clad in his battered wolfskin cloak and worn straw sandals, Shaya Thunder left Wildfire Town and headed north.

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