Hiroshi and Weichen both set out on their respective journeys. Hiroshi thought, why not start looking for a team member from the merchant country, where many merchants come? According to the country, there should be demi human here as well, and here I might also find people I can buy—who trade humans, demons, and demi human s. Alright, then let's start from there. So, first I will go to Wolton Market where I might find some useful items. Weichen also thought, why not start from Wolton Market? Maybe I'll find some useful things or perhaps some magical equipment. Yes, the journey will take at least two days.
Two days later:
Weichen finally reached Wolton Market. He started wandering around, and noticed that here people are also sold after being captured from theft. He thought, I don't have the time for all this, nor the money to free them all. Then Weichen moved further in the market and found the shop where magical equipment was sold. He checked which items were useful and bought an S-rank magical shield and a pair of metal gloves. While he was buying, he realized that his money was missing—stolen somehow. He tried to remember when and how it might have happened, recalling everyone he had passed by. He remembered a girl who had passed close to him when he entered the market. She was far but he kept suspecting her. He only saw her clothes—torn and dirty—but never her face because she had hidden it under a cap. He decided to look for that girl.
Meanwhile, Hiroshi was also in Wolton Market and went to the place where people were sold. There he met a merchant who said, "Welcome, sir. What kind of servant do you want? A boy for work or a girl to fulfill your desires? Tell me all the prisoners you have, so I can pick according to my needs." The merchant showed him many prisoners—demons, demi human s (half-human, half-demon), and humans. Hiroshi noticed a boy around 20 years old sitting with a scowl, his face full of hatred and fear. He used appraisal skill and saw his level was 50. He was human but had more power than many demons. This would be very useful for me. Hiroshi told the merchant, "I want that one." The merchant replied, "He's useless for you, sir. He's very lazy." Hiroshi said, "Still, I want him." The merchant said, "As you wish, sir." He brought the boy and said, "This is your new master. Listen to him and don't cause trouble. I will be waiting for your return."
Hiroshi asked, "What's your name?"
The boy replied, "Ritz."
Ritz asked, "Why did you save me? Why did you buy me?"
Hiroshi said, "You are not an animal; you are a human."
Ritz said, "You could have bought anyone else. Why me? And why didn't you free the others?"
Hiroshi replied, "You are right, but I don't have enough money to buy and free all of them. As for you, I chose you because I saw potential in you."
Ritz said, "How? I haven't done anything yet. How did you see that?"
Hiroshi said, "I have skills that let me see how capable someone is. Out of all, you seemed the most capable. I know you have great skills, but no one values you. Your fighting skills are excellent. From today, I free you. You can leave me if you want, I won't stop you. But I want you to work with me, to stay with me. I need you."
Ritz started crying on hearing this. Hiroshi said, "Hey, why are you crying? Did I say something wrong? Do people cry in front of juniors? If you cry, then who will take care of me? Come on, let's work together."
Ritz said, "No, boss, I cried because it's the first time someone told me I'm needed. Hearing this, I couldn't stop myself. So boss, I will work with you till my last breath and protect you. That's my promise. I swear if any problem ever comes to you, you'll have to face me first."
Hiroshi said, "Let's go, Ritz. We still have work to do. But first, let's buy you some clothes."
Ritz said, "As you wish, boss."
Hiroshi said, "Don't call me boss, it's embarrassing."
Ritz said, "No, you are my boss, and that will never change, boss."
Hiroshi said, "Alright, that's fine."
Then both went to a cloth center to buy clothes for Ritz. Ritz changed many times and finally wore a coat. Hiroshi said, "That looks good on you."
It was about to get dark, so Hiroshi said, "Tomorrow we will se
arch for more things."
---
The next morning arrived with a gentle knock on the door.
"Good morning, Boss. Wake up, please. I've made tea and breakfast for you," Ritz said cheerfully.
Still half-asleep, Hiroshi groaned, "Let me sleep a little longer…"
"We've got work to do today, Boss, or we'll run out of time," Ritz insisted.
"Alright, alright. I'm coming," Hiroshi replied, rubbing his eyes.
After freshening up, Hiroshi joined Ritz for breakfast. Taking a bite, he nodded in appreciation. "You cook really well, Ritz."
Ritz smiled. "I used to be a soldier. They trained us in everything… including cooking."
"Oh, is that so?" Hiroshi said with mild surprise. "Well then, let's get going—we need to find a new team member."
"New member?" Ritz blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"Ah, sorry. I forgot to tell you," Hiroshi said, then explained how he had won a tournament and now needed to build a full team for the next round.
"In that case," Ritz said, thinking aloud, "we still need three more members. Let's head to the Demihuman City."
"Demihuman? That's a country?" Hiroshi asked, confused.
"No, no. They're a race. Very strong. Some are weak, but many have excellent magical skills," Ritz explained. "Those who can't use magic are considered weak… and often get captured."
"Captured? How?" Hiroshi frowned.
"Humans use mana absorption devices," Ritz said grimly. "They drain their magic and place a restraint device that prevents them from using any spell."
"That's just… wrong," Hiroshi muttered.
Ritz nodded solemnly, about to say more when Hiroshi suddenly felt a tap.
Instinctively, he checked his pouch.
His money was gone.
Using his Appraisal skill, Hiroshi scanned the crowd—and spotted a girl. She had a level 60 skill in deception.
"She took my money!" Hiroshi said. "Ritz, over there!"
Ritz, whose speed exceeded even Hiroshi's, dashed after the girl. She was fast—matching his pace—but after a few narrow turns, Ritz managed to corner her in a quiet alley. Moments later, Hiroshi arrived.
"Good thing I bought that tracker device," Hiroshi panted. "It shows each other's location."
Ritz glared. "Give back the money you stole. Stealing from the Boss means death."
"Wait," Hiroshi said. "Don't hurt her. I want to talk first."
Just then, Weichen showed up. "That girl stole my money too!"
Ritz chuckled. "You've made a lot of enemies, haven't you?"
The girl glared. "What's it to you?" She tossed a pouch at Ritz. "Here. Now we're even."
Ritz raised his fist in anger. "You little—"
"Stop," Hiroshi ordered. "We're not killing her."
Weichen stepped forward. "What about my money?"
"I… I don't have it anymore," the girl said.
Ritz growled, "Then tell us where the rest of it is!"
"I spent it."
Weichen narrowed his eyes. "You spent 4,000 gold coins in one day? Tell the truth. Why did you steal from us?"
"I won't hurt you," he added gently. "Just tell us."
Hiroshi silently scanned her with his Appraisal skill again. Her fighting skill was level 40—not much compared to Ritz, but incredibly high for a 14-year-old.
He thought, She has potential… she could be a great warrior someday.
Then she spoke.
"I'm sorry… I stole your money because I had no choice. I did it to save some kids."
She told her story: how her parents abandoned her due to poverty. How she met children living without food for days. How she found purpose in caring for them.
"I started stealing. Within two years, I became skilled enough to do it unnoticed," she said. "We found shelter in a broken house. Then… I got a letter. If I wanted the children to live, I had to come alone. They demanded 1,000 gold coins… or they'd use my body for profit and kill the kids. I was given ten days. I had no other way."
Hiroshi clenched his fists. "Then we'll help you."
"Boss, are you sure?" Ritz asked.
"Yes. No one else will."
Weichen added, "Count me in. Take us to them."
The girl led them to a hideout. A filthy man laughed. "Did you bring the money, girl? Good. I'll taste you first—"
Before he could finish, Weichen stepped forward. "How about you taste our fists instead?"
"Who the hell are you kids?" the thug barked.
"Your death," Weichen growled.
His men charged—but Weichen took one down in a single blow. Ritz joined him, and together, they crushed the gang. They captured the leader, tied him up, and Weichen said, "The guards will love this. These guys are on the wanted list."
They freed the children.
Later, Weichen turned to the girl. "You can work for me. I'll build an orphanage, pay you, and take care of the kids. Or you can return to that life. Your choice."
"I… I accept," she said with teary eyes.
Hiroshi asked, "You didn't tell us your name."
"Stela," she replied.
"Well, you're older than me, so I'll call you Didi," Weichen said.
Stela smiled, touched. "Thank you, little brother. You too, Hiroshi."
"Show some respect," Ritz said jokingly. "Call him Lord Hiroshi!"
"No way," Stela smirked—and everyone burst into laughter.
That night, they stayed at an inn.
Hiroshi sat outside, alone. Weichen joined him.
"You were watching me while I fought. Can I ask why?"
"You reminded me of someone," Hiroshi said quietly. "He used to fight like that… whenever I was in trouble."
"You said used to… is he gone?" Weichen asked.
"I don't know."
Then Hiroshi turned to him. "Will you join me in the tournament?"
Weichen sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm already a participant. I'm forming my own team and just found a new member myself."
Hiroshi chuckled. "I didn't see you at the tournament."
"I'm fighting on behalf of the demon realm," he said. "You must be from the human side."
"No," Hiroshi said, "I'm a demon too. I just look human."
Weichen smiled. "Then I guess our countries are neighbors. We may end up fighting each other."
"We'll see," Hiroshi said.
Just then, Ritz came out. "Boss, time to sleep. We start early tomorrow—still need more members."
The next morning, Hiroshi and Weichen prepared to part ways.
"Where are you headed?" Weichen asked.
"Spirit Forest."
"That place is dangerous," Weichen warned. "No one ever returns. And you'll have to pass through Demihuman territory first. They might not trust you—you look human."
"I'll manage," Hiroshi said. "I'm a demon, remember?"
"What about you?" Hiroshi asked.
"Still
searching for team members," Weichen replied.
"Then see you soon."
"Take care, friend."
They went their separate ways—toward unknown dangers and destinies.