Chapter 35 Trade Offer

Once Cleo's rage subsided, the shock of committing his first human murder rains down on him. The scene replayed on his mind over and over again however instead of feeling remorseful he buried it with justification.

'I should feel bad for killing him even he attacked us first he's still a human being.' says by Cleo inwardly. 'Why am I not feeling anything like its a normal thing to do? Is it our circumstances or this world influence?' he added.

Leah noticed his unusual silence since Cleo is always the first to speak whenever they want to proceed with their agenda.

Valerie on the other hand took the spatial ring from Zeke's index finger. She then toss it to Leah so they can check the contents. Leah catch the ring and review its contents. They didn't bother looting the armor and weapon since its bounded once equipped. Valerie just toss them into the lake including the body of Zeke to hide the evidence. The weight of his equipment prevents him from floating.

[300 Gold, Bounty Contract, x5 Major Health Potion, x5 Minor Mana Potion, x3 Poison Bottle]

Leah took half of everything except the poison bottle since they can't really use it. This item can only be use by an Assassin since handling it without the skill Poison Immunity Max might hurt you more than your target. She then return the spatial ring to Valerie.

"I took half of everything. You should keep the rest." says by Leah.

Valerie just nods and the trio leave the Cave to continue their journey to Zirracania. Cleo still remain silent throughout the whole time. Nodding or answering a simple yes or no sometimes whenever Leah tried to make small talk.

The trio finally make it out of the forest. A grassy plain that stretch unto the horizon greeted them. The inner area is vast, if not for the bandits its easier to traverse since its pretty straightforward.

"We have two options. We can try and trade with the bandits to get horse to hasten our journey or take it by force." says by Valerie waiting on whatever the pair of red head decides.

Cleo and Leah don't really have an idea on how to deal with this bandits so they let Valerie decide on what to do.

"Let's try negotiating with them first but let's choose a bandit hideout with less members just in case our first option fails." explained by Valerie.

The pair of red head nods with her idea. They will use the Reaper's Eyes to size up the bandits and make their decision.

They spent almost four hours to find the perfect target. The hideout that they chose have its member's level ranges between 25-30 where the leader seats at Lv. 30. They then approach the wooden front gate. The hideout resembles the Kobold Settlement that the trio went when Valerie helped them complete their Swordsman Quest.

The trio reach the front gates and they were blocked by two bandits. Cleo check their status as soon as they appears in his sight.

[River] [Lv. 21]

[Race: Elf]

[Job: Archer]

Str - ? | Agi - ? | Int - ? | Dex - ? | Vit - ? | End - ?

[Class Skill]

Bow Mastery | Focus Shot | Double Shot

[Ryder] [Lv. 23]

[Race: Human]

[Job: Cavalier]

Str - ? | Agi - ? | Int - ? | Dex - ? | Vit - ? | End - ?

[Class Skill]

Mount Mastery | Trample | Piercing Stab | Javelin Throw

There is no Bandit Job in this world they are more like rogue or outcast from other region. Bandits have different reason why they join a group. Some wants the thrill of looting and raiding, some just wants a sense of belonging.

*THUD*

An arrow flew at the trio's direction and hit the ground stopping them from their movement. Valerie raises her hand to signal that they don't have hostile intention.

"We came here to trade!" shouted by Valerie. She then took out the Dual Blades that they got from the elite monster, Zalia. They decided that they will use this for bargaining since they can't really utilize the weapon. Thief and Barbarians Paths can only use this weapon in its full effect.

The Bandit's eyes widened when they saw the weapon. Even without the specific details the fact that it has the signature skull at the end of its hilt gives away its rarity. Their reverie broke and the Cavalier Bandit went inside while the Archer remains at the front gate.

After a few minutes the Cavalier returned with a towering man accompanying him. Cleo notice the new comer and check his status.

[Roark] [Lv. 30]

[Race: Human]

[Job: Barbarian]

Str - ? | Agi - ? | Int - ? | Dex - ? | Vit - ? | End - ?

[Class Skill]

Dual Handing Mastery | Bloodlust | Strength Conversion | Agility Conversion

"I'm Roark the leader of the Lion's Mouth." says by the towering man. 'The chick in the middle looks injured while the two behind her looks young, at best they are Lv.20. Whatever they job are, we out level and out numbered them. This is an easy loot.' says by Roark inwardly while trying his best to hide his sinister grin.

"We came here to trade this weapon for at least three horses." says by Valerie skipping the introduction just in case news from the Kingdom already reach this area.

"How can we make sure that the weapon is authentic, uhm... Lady?" asked by Roark while trying to probe Valerie's name.

"Liz, if you have a mage they can cast Identification to check it." says by Valerie. She notice the intention of the towering man and gives him a fake name.

"Lady Liz unfortunately we don't have a mage on our ranks and we don't recognize you. May I ask what bandit group you belong to?" asked by Roark.

"Were not from here and I can assure you the authenticity of this weapon." says by Valerie.

"That won't do Lady Liz. How about you hand the weapon to me. I'm a Barbarian I can check the status of the weapon one I equipped it." offered by Roark still trying hard to contain his sinister smile.

Valerie is oppose to this idea however they really need the horses to shorten their traveling days. Before she can decide on what to do Cleo nudge her back, signaling to accept the offer.