That same night, after Dungeon Master 07 returned from the local temple, the three of us gathered together. We began doing what Dungeon Master 07 and I had done the night prior: revisiting our past lives and sharing our experiences. With Dungeon Master 09 now with us, we had to go through the process again, ensuring he was up to speed.
Dungeon Master 07 paved the way, his story shorter but filled with intriguing details. Then, I recounted my own experiences. Once we finished, we moved on to discussing the whereabouts of other reincarnates, sharing the limited information Dungeon Master 07 had gathered about the authority they wielded.
Then, it was Dungeon Master 09’s turn to share his past incarnations. His story was profoundly depressing, revealing a cycle of untimely deaths that forced him to relive childhood over and over. Listening to him made me truly abhor the idea of dying, not because of the finality or fear of the unknown, but because of the awful process of going through childhood again.
Sure, being born into a kind and caring family could make it bearable, but it could become hellish if you ended up with parents who didn't deserve a child. I was lucky to have had respectable parents on average. If I had any complaints, it was the workload they handed to me as a child, making me wish for a richer family. When I finally did reincarnate into a wealthy family, it had to be the Wei? family, which was ironic.
Listening to Dungeon Master 09's story, I internally promised myself to find a way to spare ourselves from that torment, or at least minimize the likelihood of going through that vulnerable phase repeatedly. While I had no concrete idea on how to achieve this, there was a path that could minimize the damage. It was still far out of reach, but I was confident that as long as I didn't die another foolish death and continued leveling up at my current pace, I might pull it off in this lifetime.
Unlocking the longevity skill would be crucial. If I managed to do that and avoid the fate that befell the Wei? family ancestor, I could save us from dying as frequently as Dungeon Master 09 and I had.
But that was a distant future, a mountain peak shrouded in clouds. For now, the present demanded my focus.
***
After a hearty breakfast fueled by fluffy pancakes and steaming cups of tea, the three of us sat around the table, attempting to plan our course of action for the day. In reality, it quickly became clear that Dungeon Master 09 desperately needed new clothes. "Sir Alphonse" and Miss "Aquaflora" had been kind enough to give him some new clothes to replace his tattered ones after surviving days in the wild. However, it was evident that these clothes wouldn't suffice in the long run. Thus, once breakfast was done, we headed to the market.
As we walked, I glanced at the man to my left, Dungeon Master 07, and then at Dungeon Master 09, who walked at my right. "Mind reminding me why you're here?" I asked Dungeon Master 07.
"Shopping," he replied humorously.
I raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem satisfied with that answer. Or perhaps you were waiting for another answer?" he added, a teasing glint in his eyes.
I chuckled. "I hope you won't take this the wrong way, but you don't really look like the shopping type."
"Is that so? Well, if that's the case, then I have another reason for you," he said, gazing ahead. "There's something I would like to show you."
"What thing?"
"I'll show you once we're done with this shopping business," he replied, leaving the specifics hanging in the air.
"Fair enough," I replied, and with those words, we headed for the market.
The mercantile district of the city, much like everywhere else, was the most vibrant one. Since I'd spent weeks already in the portuary city of Miriandelle, I was very familiar with its layout and knew exactly where to take Dungeon Master 09 to find what we were here for. However, I took advantage of this trip to let him discover what was there to be seen.
We weaved through the bustling marketplace, the air thick with the cacophony of bartering merchants and excited haggling. Dungeon Master 09, small as he was, stuck close to me, his gaze flickering between the displays of wares and the bustling crowd.
As a portuary city, easily half of the products sold in the market were from the parting sea: fish, shellfish, and other maritime delights.
Beyond that, there was a considerable amount of herbs being sold, generally by middle-aged women who advertised them with their loud voices as either medicinal or rejuvenating. One of their main selling points was that the herbs were shipped straight from the Land of Elves.
As we explored the market, we arrived at a section dedicated to herbs. Old women sat on stools surrounded by buckets of various mysterious herbs. One of them called out to us, offering to cleanse us.
Dungeon Master 09 looked at me, confused. "Cleansed?"
I smiled and explained, "Think of it as a massage involving a lot of herbs and weird infusions. It's said to ward off demons and bad luck."
"I see..." he replied, though it was clear he still didn't fully understand.
At that moment, Dungeon Master 07 suggested, "Why don't you try it?" He gently pushed Dungeon Master 09 forward toward one of the old women, who quickly reached out to him.
"Right away, child," she said, securing Dungeon Master 09.
The old woman began the cleansing by instructing Dungeon Master 09 to remove his shirt. I assisted him, helping him take off his shirt. Bare-chested, he sat on a stool next to various herbs. The woman gently told him to relax and close his eyes.
With a clear jolt of surprise, Dungeon Master 09 must have felt her firm but gentle touch on his shoulders as she moved her hands down his body, tracing a path along his arms and legs. Though initially thrown off by the process, he seemed to enjoy it. The woman murmured soft words that sounded like gibberish to me at first, but I soon realized it was Elvish.
She massaged Dungeon Master 09's shoulders, arms, and ears. She then reached for a handful of the many strange herbs surrounding her, dipping them into a lidded bucket containing warm water, evident from the steam freed as she unlid it. After blowing at the dipped handful, she slapped him with the herb, taking him by surprise once again. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"Don't worry, little one," the old woman said. "Those are Enniakawa leaves. They're very rejuvenating and have great health benefits."
Hearing that, I glanced at Dungeon Master 07 and teasingly said, "You hear that? It has rejuvenating properties and grants health benefits. Do you want to try?"
He side-glanced at me with an eyebrow raised. "No, I have an image to care for as a high-ranking member of the faith."
Curious, I asked, "Is this forbidden by the faith?"
"No, not forbidden, just... let's say that it's seen as slightly heretic."
"I see."
"Why don't you try it yourself?" he suggested.
"Nah. I care about my dignity."
He shook his head, making no further remark.
Once Dungeon Master 09 was done with his cleansing, summarized as "being massaged then slammed with herbs and warm water," I asked him, "How are you feeling now?"
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"Still a little confused," Dungeon Master 09 admitted, still drenched as he wiped himself with a towel handed by the old lady, "but it was great... weird but great."
Taking the towel to wipe his hair, I said, "Great for you. Now, let's get you new clothes."
With that, we headed for a clothing shop.
Our next destination was a clothing shop. The bustling market made way for a quieter street where the shop stood, filled with an array of garments. We picked out a variety of clothes for Dungeon Master 09: several sturdy tunic, well-fitted trousers, a durable belt, and several new pairs of shoes. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, Dungeon Master 07 took an active part in choosing these items, ensuring everything was of good quality and fit.
Once our shopping was done, we found ourselves resting near a set of steps leading toward the port. Sitting on the steps to enjoy the penumbra cast onto us, Dungeon Master 07 finally asked, "Do you think we’ve got all that Dungeon Master 09 needs?"
I replied, "For now, if there's something else, it'll have to wait for another time. That's okay with you, Dungeon Master 09?"
He nodded.
"I see," Dungeon Master 07 said, standing up. "This is great. That means I can show you what I mentioned earlier."
"Eh, is it far away?" I asked.
"No, it's not far from here," he said, reaching for the basket filled to the brim with Dungeon Master 09's new clothes.
"You heard that, Dungeon Master 09," I said, standing up and turning to Dungeon Master 09, who was engulfing, in a quick bite, the cake he was enjoying.
"It's my turn now." I declared as I took the second basket, which he had earlier refused to let me carry, despite the size ratio between him and the basket made it look more complicated for him to carry. Taking this opportunity, I snatched the basket to follow Dungeon Master 07, who led us on a ten-minute walk to a spot at the left edge of the bay.
The spot Dungeon Master 07 led us provided a breathtaking view of the bay. The sea stretched out before us, its waves gently lapping against the shore. There were no boats moored nearby, enhancing the beauty of the parting sea. Small boats dotted the horizon, appearing as tiny specks against the vast expanse of water. However, it quickly became evident that the view wasn't the main attraction Dungeon Master 07 had in mind. Instead, it was the expansive property under construction that on our left that was.
The property was massive, surrounded by a low fence that seemed more symbolic than functional. The entrance was wide and inviting, almost too welcoming for a site still bustling with construction activity. The building itself was an imposing structure, with its brick facade and large windows already in place, though it was clear that much work remained to be done.
As we approached the entrance, the workers paused their labor to offer respectful bows to Dungeon Master 07.
Unimpeded, we walked through the doorless entrance, stepping into a large lobby. The space was vast, its high ceiling supported by thick wooden beams. Though unfinished, the potential of the place was undeniable. The floor was still bare, with tools and materials scattered about, but one could easily envision it as the bustling reception area of a prestigious establishment.
The walls, though not yet painted or decorated, were solid and well-crafted. Large windows allowed natural light to flood the space, casting a warm glow on the partially completed interior. Wooden scaffolding and ladders were positioned against the walls, indicating ongoing work. The air was filled with the sounds of construction, the rhythmic hammering of nails, the sawing of wood, and the occasional murmur and grunt of workers discussing their tasks.
At the base of a grand staircase, still partially constructed, Dungeon Master 07 paused, as I asked, "what is this place?"
"This?" Dungeon Master 07 said. "I haven't come up with a name for it yet, so let's just say that it's our future."
"So this is yours?" I mumbled, looking around.
Dungeon Master 07 nodded. "Wanna take a guess what this place is supposed to be?"
Naming what it reminded me the most of I asked "Is this a postal company?"
"Exactly. This place will be the local headquarters of a postal company that'll distribute letters to all corners of the Land of Men, be it on this side of the continent or across the parting sea. How will it do so? It'll use the system of handlers in place, though I suppose the company-affiliated handlers will have to be better trained than the current ones," Dungeon Master 07 explained, glancing at Dungeon Master 09 before adding, as he walked up to the base of the stairway, "I think I made a critical mistake about the way 'we' are to find each other. At first, I thought that using our current method was the most optimal one, but clearly, I underestimated the randomness factor of that authority. With this company, which I've already opened a dozen headquarters across the continent, I'd hope to fix the problem we"ve thus far dealt with."
"You want us to use letters from now on?" I asked.
Dungeon Master 07 hesitated before nodding. "Sure, this comes with its set of inconveniences, such as the risk of our whereabouts being found, which I have to admit made me needlessly postpone the realization of this project. But all things considered, this is the safest method."
Indeed it would be. While I hardly can say that the journeys are to blame for most of my deaths, most of them happening before I could even begin my journey, the implementation of such a method of communication would avoid any of us a lot of trouble.
"I know letters are hardly the epitome of discretion. Slow and easily intercepted compared to what we were used to. But this world doesn't have phones, let alone the internet. Thus, considering how 'no means to communicate with one another' fared us thus far, I'd say it's the best option we have."
Dungeon Master 09 and I exchanged a knowing glance. We understood that we, with how long it took us to finally be able to contact our fellow Dungeon Masters, are to blame for this decision.
"Sure, for us Dungeon Masters already in contact and Dungeon Master 10 who's a baby somewhere, this isn't going to be all that useful, but for Dungeon Masters that'll come after us, this will be essential."
Dungeon Master 07's words carried a weight that immediately drew my attention. It was a tacit admission that he anticipated more Dungeon Masters coming to Fiendfell. Given the gravity of our mission, it made sense, but it also felt like an acknowledgment that our current numbers might not be enough, that "we" might not be enough.
Sensing my thoughts, Dungeon Master 07 spoke again, his voice gentle yet firm. "I understand what you're thinking now," he said. "But pride shouldn't cloud our judgment. We are here to retrieve the Goddess's authorities. No emotion or reservation should get in our way of achieving that goal."
I glanced at Dungeon Master 09, who stood beside me with a furrowed brow. After a moment, he gave a small nod, his solemn expression mirroring my own. I followed suit, the weight of Dungeon Master 07's words settling in.
He was right. Our personal feelings were inconsequential compared to our greater mission.
"We agree," I said, my voice firm despite the turmoil within.
Dungeon Master 07 then explained how he planned to organize the postal company. Drawing inspiration from a similar system within the faith, he initially considered using that network for our operations. However, he quickly realized the risks and impracticalities, leading him to establish a private continental postal service instead.
Across the parting sea, on the other side of the Land of Men, many of Dungeon Master 07's company outposts were ready to be operational. He had postponed their inauguration, wanting the company to have a presence in all seven kingdoms of the continent before launching. This location, he explained, would be the local headquarters, essential for our operations as Dungeon Masters.
For the next hour, Dungeon Master 07 detailed the inner workings of the future company and how we, as Dungeon Masters, were to use it. His meticulous planning and grand vision were impressive. Once done, we gathered our baskets and decided to head back to the Seagull's Nest for lunch, not wanting to miss the establishment's midday meal.
As we navigated through the city's streets, I asked Dungeon Master 07, "When you talked with the captain, the one in the Seagull's Nest, were you discussing about the company?"
Dungeon Master 07 nodded. "We were. I approached him and his peers to talk about the future of the company. While it will rely on handlers, it will also depend on sailors to bridge the network between this side of the continent and the other."
"I see."
"To be frank, it wasn't really a talk yet. It was more of me testing the waters. I'm already familiar with the shipmasters operating in these waters from my many previous visits to Ariandelle, either as a Divine Emissary or as a Dungeon Master. But I wanted to meet them personally to see how fit they are for what I'll be requiring of them. So think of it as a sort of screening, and the captain talking to me as him trying to get in my good favor."
"Oh," I said, contemplating if the captain had succeeded in gaining his favor. Noticing Dungeon Master 09 tugging at my wide-legged pants, I looked over. "Hm?"
"What's a Divine Emissary?" he asked, embarrassed. "I know it's a high-ranking position in the Byg'm?k faith, but I don't know..."
"It's alright, no need to be embarrassed," I reassured him before explaining. "The Divine Emissary is, as you said, a high-ranking status in the Byg'm?k faith. Along with 'High Reverend' for the Keysbrügr Faith and 'Oracle of the Divine' for the W?hppr faith, it's one of the highest ranks a human can achieve within the faith."
Dungeon Master 07, listening to our conversation, added, "These three ranks are commonly referred to as the 'Closest Humans to God,' as no one is as close to the Seraphims, save perhaps the Archangels."
"I see," Dungeon Master 09 said, glancing curiously at Dungeon Master 07. "Have you ever met the seraphim that infatuated Jason?"
Dungeon Master 07 let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "It's a good question with a very counterintuitive answer. As a human, I have never seen her. However, I'd tal—"
We both stopped abruptly, causing Dungeon Master 07 to turn around. The reason was simple: Dungeon Master 09's gaze was fixed in a direction to my right. Following his line of sight, I saw a shady alleyway. It was midday, but the alleyway was dark, the buildings looming ominously overhead.
The buildings were narrow, crooked, their roofs almost touching above the narrow path. Lanterns hung from wires strung between the buildings, casting a dim light on the cobblestones below. In the middle of the alleyway, about a dozen meters away from us, four men with loud voices were stumbling down, obviously drunk, heading in the opposite direction.
Dungeon Master 09's livid expression prompted me to ask, "Is it them?"
Clenching his teeth and fists, he gave a nod. "It's them. They're the handlers I hired, only to later turn on me."
