The Runic Alchemist

The inside of his hut was minimal, holding only simple essentials. A second-ranker of his caliber, in human society, would likely hold the title of a town lord or at least oversee a large village. The lord Karsen, whom Vidalia had mentioned, was probably a second-ranker as well. If old man Shin pledged allegiance to royalty, he might be granted charge of a nearby village or small town. However, this valley would not be left under the control of a rogue second-ranker with no manpower or backing to protect it. Maybe for Kazak it was possible but not for him.

Damian doubted this would remain a simple village for much longer. Major dungeons typically served as seats of power, transforming the surrounding area into prosperous towns or even cities over time, though there were exceptions. Some dungeons were so dangerous that no one who entered ever returned, and such places were left alone, regardless of their level or rewards.

Survival in these dungeons often depended on the environment within. Some must have conditions so harsh—like a vast wasteland for the first level or a lack of oxygen, filled with dangerous gases—though that was just Damian's guess. The books only mentioned that no one came back to even give info on what was inside and assumed them dead.

If a full team of second-rankers couldn't survive the first level, the dungeon was typically abandoned. No third-ranker would risk entering one without reliable knowledge, as they were far too valuable for the kingdom.

"It's good to see you up and about, boy," the old fox greeted while welcoming Damian and others inside. "Captain Mira and that pretty boy filled me in on the details of your fight. How I wish I could have joined you... Kazak was the best thing that ever happened to this village. He was my... friend. Did you know? Despite his strength, he always refused to become chief, no matter how much I begged him. Only when the village truly needed him did he finally step up."

The old fox's eyes glistened with fond memories of their past.

"He told me to remind you all to 'Eat well, train hard, and laugh. Laugh at the impossible—because that is life,'" Damian echoed Kazak's words.

The old fox mage smiled. "Yes, that sounds like him." Then a flicker of confusion crossed his face. "But he would only say something like that if he wasn't certain he'd survive. Tell me, boy, what happened? Why is my friend locked up, caged? What could he have done to deserve this?"

Damian hesitated. To others, it might seem like curiosity, but he knew the beastmen would take this a step too far. Without a clear reason, they would never accept it. Right now, it was contained to this small village, but word would eventually spread, reaching other beastmen all over the five kingdoms. Vidalia would have to consider this possibility—or perhaps she already deemed it inconsequential with their other bigger problems.

Damian looked toward his friends, and they understood. They stepped out of the hut, with Sam taking the little elephant with him. Thankfully, old man Shin had never seen the emperor-ranked beast, or he would have had even more awkward questions to answer.

Once they were alone, Damian exhaled, then looked at the old fox. "He had a mana stone, passed down from one of his ancestors," Damian revealed. He watched the old fox's eyes widen. "He and the others... consumed it. Kazak believed he could handle it, but it seems he only lasted a few hours before the mana stone corrupted his mind..."

"It can't be... The Forbidden Devourer's Rite?" the old fox murmured, mostly to himself.

"Don't share this with anyone," Damian warned. "Even if it's true, chasing power recklessly is not the path I want for the beastmen people. Besides, it's a very concerning topic for the nobles."

The old fox nodded. "Yes, you're right. So that's why... My friend?"

"Yes. I had hoped he could beat the odds, but I saw him. His words were just rage and madness, his face twisted and contorted."

The old fox's eyes grew moist as he looked away. Like Damian, he must have held some hope for Kazak's return, a hope that was now shattered.

"I'm not supposed to tell you this," Damian continued. "Maybe others don't see you as a threat yet, but I've seen your strength, your capabilities. Paired with a just cause, even the best of you might be tempted. I won't say what's right or wrong—I'm still figuring that out myself—but please, do your best to save them. Simply calling things unfair won't work unless you have the power to back it up. Otherwise, it will just lead to meaningless sacrifices, we had enough of those. I requested Vidalia to put you in charge once Lord Karsen, another beastman loyalist, takes over this place. Please don't repeat Kazak's mistake. You're the only second-ranker here now, and people will look up to you. Show them there's more than just hatred for humans and ignoring our world to survive here..."

The old fox stared at him, seemingly lost for words, then finally smiled. "Kazak often said you were the one thing he just couldn't figure out. Seems he was right, as usual." He looked away, adding, "I know boy, I fear the same... I warned them many times... even advised Kazak to engage in local politics. But they never listened. Don't worry; I would rather die than reveal such invaluable information. And thank you for everything you've done for this valley and its people. They may have forgotten, but I won't. Without you, we'd all be dead at the hands of Ashenvale."

Damian nodded. Then he added, "We'll be leaving tomorrow morning. I hope we meet again, though I don't intend to return here."

"Hah... Tired of this place already?" the old fox chuckled.

"Yeah... Killing without reason isn't really my thing."

"I wouldn't say defending our kingdom is without reason, but I understand. You're not from here. I, too, am weary of fighting. I only wanted to spend my last days exploring the boundless possibilities of magic, not waging wars and losing friends."

Damian stood, extending his hand. "Farewell, my friend."

A smile broke across the old man's face. "Farewell. It's reassuring to know there is a friend among all those humans, a friend we can trust.."

Damian smiled, then exited the hut with the old fox by his side. With his friends he left the beastmen village as the old fox watched them disappear into the distance with eyes that held sadness and worry for future.