On the way to the morgue, Sir Ronald, the commander of the city
garrison, spoke with a strange expression and tone.
"Rough times these days… times when you can see a northern hunter
and someone from the western continent standing in the same room."
Edward looked at him. His eyes were heavy with grief.
"Sir Ronald… has there been any slaver caravan passing through this
city recently?" he asked.
"No," the commander replied. "It's true that after the fall of the
kingdom, slavery was allowed again in this region… but the Baron still
insists on our policies against it. He does not allow any caravan to enter
the city. Not even for a moment." His voice carried a hint of frustration.
"You don't look very happy about that though," Jim said, eyeing him
with suspicion.
"Of course I'm not," Ronald answered sharply. Then after a brief
silence, he continued. "Back when the kingdom was still standing—
twelve years ago, I mean—whenever you needed to get something done,
all you had to do was send a letter to the capital. The Worker Class
Manager would send men to speed up the project. It was efficient,
especially for towns like this. Now that this class no longer exists, we
have a manpower problem. Surely you've noticed the lack of troops, the
unfinished structures around the town, and many other issues that
could've been handled if slavery were allowed again."
He sighed. "Don't get me wrong—I'm not saying slavery is good. But in
our current situation, it's the only viable option. It would help our
economy and income… and make this place a hub for hunters,
mercenaries, and others."
For a moment, none of them spoke.
"Commander Ronald, sir," said a soldier standing at the entrance of the
morgue.
"Open the door, son. We have work to do."
The soldier obeyed, opening the wooden door and guiding the three of
them inside.
The morgue was a foul place, filled with the stench of rotting flesh.
Coffins lay on the floor in the hallways, each covered with salt. The
rooms were nearly empty, but the atmosphere remained disturbing.
Finally, they reached the corpse of the fallen hunter.
A muscular man in his forties. His eyes had been gouged out. One of his
arms was severed cleanly. A deep, long claw mark ran across his chest.
Edward stepped closer, observing every detail.
"The wound on his chest was made by a sharp claw," he said. "He died
moments after this strike. It's deep… the monster damaged his organs,
tore his veins, crushed his ribs. It was playing with him. And his eyes…"
Jim interrupted.
"The eyes… he was brutally killed after losing them. This monster may
be smarter than we thought."
Edward stood and nodded. "It is indeed a Boslame. Maybe even a
mutated one… can't say for sure."
The commander swallowed, uneasy. "Can… can you two handle it?"
"Of course we can," Jim replied. "Right, Ed?"
"Don't call me Ed," Edward said coldly.
The next day arrived. The sun had not yet fully risen.
Edward put on his armor. From his bag he took out three potions and
placed them in the small pouch attached to his belt.
At the entrance of the cave, Jim stood waiting along with Commander
Ronald, the Baron, and six soldiers. Edward dismounted his horse, the
mud splashing beneath his boots.
"Edward!" Jim called. "Over here, mate!"
Edward walked toward them with his usual grumpy expression.
"So," Jim began, "I was thinking. In my opinion, the best way to kill this
thing is fire. With some fire magic and the right timing, we can take it
down easily."
Edward looked at him while walking.
"Good luck finding someone with that kind of magic."
Jim froze. "You… you can't use magic? That's strange."
Edward reached the cave entrance. "Why don't you use it then?"
"Well… I can use magic, but not the way you think," Jim explained with
a grin. "I can reinforce my body, and I can create magical chains linked
to my short swords. What can I say? I'm a badass."
"Not really," Edward replied dryly.
The Baron, who had been listening, approached them.
"Magic or not, I can see potential in you boys. I will send four of my
soldiers with you. I want this matter ended today."
"As long as they don't get in my way," Edward muttered.
The sun was almost risen when they finally finished preparing. With
their bags packed and weapons ready, the group moved into the cave—
toward the old ruins… and the monster's nest.