Chapter 15 - Saran the Inhuman
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Saran’s proposed plan was both drastic and fundamental. In short, he intended to transform this remote village of Marhas into a frontier town aimed at exploring the unexplored territory. According to him, it was the “perfect fit.”
This Marhas village had originally formed on the remains of a research outpost established to investigate the unexplored lands. The outpost had powerful and extensive safe zones built around it, but its proximity to the untamed regions made it unsuitable for habitation. In time, drifters settled there, and it became a village.
Saran’s plan was to return the area to its original purpose — a base for frontier development and resource exploitation of the unexplored lands.
It was such an ambitious overhaul that it almost felt dizzying, but Saran said there was precedent in the eastern continent. That place was now known as the “Exploration City Yarge,” and had grown into a thriving hub. With that precedent, practical need, and the attention it would draw, Saran aimed to turn this into his “accomplishment.”
The fact that he was trying to turn our village’s problems into his personal achievement made him sound shrewd but… if it could actually be realized, then perhaps it wasn’t such a bad outcome. Still, Marhas would have to be completely transformed.
“The kingdom can’t afford to let a Monster Stampede wreak havoc on the Dairy City of Hirte, and if we can chart the unexplored territory, we’ll expand our borders. If, say, a town or another village springs up beyond this one in a hundred years, Marhas will flourish all the more.”
“What will happen to us?”
“You’ll have to adapt. Once this becomes a frontier town, the kingdom will send in stationed officials. That means you’ll no longer be the village chief.”
The chief looked stunned by the bluntness of the answer.
“The same applies to the other villagers. Up until now, you’ve probably eked out a living by lightly trading the resources of the unexplored lands, but once a wave of adventurers, armed merchants, and scholars pour in to ‘conquer’ the region, you won’t be able to depend on those anymore. Many will be forced to change their lifestyles.”
“T-That can’t be…”
“You have two options: be wiped out in the coming days with massive casualties, or abandon the current Marhas and accept my plan.”
Harsh as his words were, Saran wasn’t wrong. Even with the barrier in place, unless we act fast, Marhas will soon be destroyed by monsters.
Even that gray-backed bear I killed for pocket money — if it had made it into the village, it would’ve been over. And the unexplored lands are teeming with creatures that can force monsters like that to the surface.
“Then let’s just go with that plan! Let’s go back to Advante! There’s no reason to stay here anymore!”
In the silence that followed, Albert turned to us. This guy hadn’t done a damn thing since arriving so why was he acting like he was in charge?
If he kept this up—
“I agree with the plan. But you can go back alone.”
“Huh?”
Saran’s cold, quiet voice cut straight into Albert. He took the words right out of my mouth. Honestly, well played.
Albert froze, dumbstruck.
“What do you mean, Saran? We’re a national party! We need to go back to Advante—”
“With no replacement members, there’s nothing for ‘Silhasta’ to do in the capital. In contrast, I still have work to do here.”
“Then I’ll—”
“No. Since arriving, you’ve done nothing and accomplished nothing. You’d be more useful if you just went home.”
What the hell was happening?
Even for Saran, this felt like he was going too far. The guy’s venom left even me speechless.
“I’m the leader of Silhasta! I decide the party’s direction!”
“Is that so? Then I’m leaving the party.”
“—What?”
Albert was stunned by Saran’s reply. So was I. In fact, none of us could keep up with the situation, and silence fell.
“Saran… wait, what do you mean by that?”
“Exactly what I said. I’m not here to babysit a stubborn child. My job is to stack up accomplishments, make a name for myself as a noble of House Zolark, and serve the kingdom.”
Saran narrowed his eyes and turned to face Albert. That determination — it’s different from Rolo’s, but it’s just as unshakable. Call it overwhelming pragmatism, or maybe just the mindset of a noble son. The only reason he became an adventurer was to earn the recognition that came with being part of the kingdom’s chosen party.
Pure focus on achievement and prestige. A mind and reason that had discarded sentimentality. Sometimes I wonder if he isn’t just a bit insane.
“Yulg.”
“Uh, yeah…?”
“Temporarily, I’ll be joining your party, ‘Mercia.’ You don’t mind, right?”
“…Got it.”
He didn’t leave any room to argue. Not that I mind, honestly. Ironically, this is exactly the outcome I wanted.
“W-What am I supposed to do!?”
“You’re supposedly the leader of a national party, aren’t you? Think for yourself.”
“That’s ridiculous!”
Albert shouted in outrage, but Saran looked away disinterestedly and turned back to me.
“Yulg. Now that things have come to this, I expect you to take responsibility.”
“What do I have to take responsibility for…?”
“For giving me hope. You’ll raise ‘Mercia’ to a national party and use this crisis to sink our teeth into the kingdom’s elite.”
Saran narrowed his eyes, a cold ambition gleaming in them as he gave a quiet smile.
And well, honestly, that’s exactly why I trust him. As long as I deliver results, he’ll lend me his strength and intellect.
“Well then, village chief.”
“Y-Yes?”
“I’ll be taking my leave for now. But please, discuss this thoroughly with the villagers. The sooner you give me your answer, the higher the chances of survival.”
Without even a formal bow, like a true noble, Saran exited the chief’s house. The chief followed after him, likely to gather the other villagers and start discussions.
Albert, who had silently watched the two leave, suddenly turned to us and shouted.
“Why… Why is this happening!? It’s your fault!”
“Don’t dump this on us.”
“It’s your fault, Yulg! Things went wrong after you left!”
Pathetic. The fact that I ever let this guy be our leader… is what’s truly pathetic.
“‘Silhasta’ is a national party! We represent the kingdom! I won’t let you do as you please, Yulg!”
“What the hell are you talking about? You’re the one who did whatever you wanted! Don’t throw a tantrum just because things didn’t go your way!”
“…”
Frightened by my voice, Albert fell on his butt, fear on his face.
Come to think of it, this guy’s selfishness had always caused friction in the party. Sometimes it even led us into danger. Maybe it’d be best to finish him off right here.
“No, Yulg.”
“I haven’t done anything yet.”
“You’re leaking way too much killing intent. Even I got a little scared.”
Rolo gave me a worried look, and I let out a small sigh.
“You’re thinking about it too, don’t you?”
“A little. But I’m over it.”
Rolo gave a small smile and clapped me on the back — which was unusual for him.
“Since I have you, Yulg.”
“That’s all it takes?”
“That’s all it takes. So Albert… sorry, but could you give up on Yulg already?”
Albert looked between me, Rolo, and Fimia, as if searching for a lifeline.
“F-Fimia… you understand, right?”
“I’m sorry, Albert.”
Standing beside me, Fimia shook her head. Despite rejecting him, she looked strangely content. What’s up with that? Fimia’s behavior has been suspicious lately…
“Why… Why is everyone…!”
“Because you don’t get that — that’s why you’re hopeless. Now beat it. I’ll let you go without killing you as a favor.”
Albert shot to his feet and ran out the door, spewing incoherent grumbling as he did. If he leaves the village entirely, that’d be ideal.
“Well, that settles it. Now we just have to see what comes next.”
“Yeah. Let’s wait for the chief to come back.”
I gave Rolo’s shoulder a light pat and walked toward the door.
“Having me here won’t help the discussion. I’ll head back to my watch.”
“Wait, Yulg—”
“I’m leaving it to you.”
Waving my hand, I quickly slipped out of the village chief’s house.
