Chapter 408 - 403 — Bullies

Chapter 408: Chapter 403 — Bullies

Zephyrion had a hard time getting a read on them, but ultimately, he decided it was best to keep his distance, especially considering their devout nature. They seemed like the type who would chase him with pitchforks the moment they discovered his true identity.

Zephyrion asked Nourald about several more groups after that, but each seemed even less likely to possess any Vessel-rank scrolls. He was already beginning to consider his next move when an interaction caught his attention.

At a far corner of the camp, a group of Aerelith wearing wide, haughty grins were laughing loudly and hurling insults at a short, scrawny Aerelith kneeling before them. The latter had his head lowered and was trembling slightly.

’Now, that’s interesting...’

He gestured towards the group.

"What about those fellows?"

"Them..."

Nourald’s eyes darkened the moment he caught sight of the scene. For a brief moment, his smile vanished, and a coldness seeped into his expression.

Zephyrion frowned, his gaze briefly dropping to Nourald’s clenched fist.

"Nourald...?"

"Hm?" Nourald turned to him, and just like that, the coldness was gone. He forced a smile. "Sorry, brother, I didn’t quite catch that. What were you saying?"

Zephyrion gave him a long, searching look but decided not to press.

"I was asking about those people."

"Ah, right. Those fellows are... em, how do I put this nicely? Ah, yes. A bunch of worthless pieces of shit who think the world revolves around them." Nourald smiled pleasantly, as though he hadn’t just insulted them. "Take my advice, brother. Don’t bother associating with them. In fact, the farther you stay from those fools, the better."

Feeling the weight of Nourald’s serious stare, Zephyrion gave a nod.

"Good, good." Nourald patted him on the back. "Now, as much as I’d love to continue showing you around, there’s a little something I need to take care of. Won’t be long, brother! Just give me a moment."

Zephyrion silently watched Nourald leave. Though he hadn’t said anything, judging by his direction and demeanor, Zephyrion could already guess what he was going to do.

A moment later, he turned his attention back to the group.

The scrawny Aerelith was now on his feet, and one of the larger Aerelith was leaning close, whispering something in his ear while the poor fellow trembled.

’Come on. Show me something useful.’

A moment later, the larger Aerelith shoved the scrawny one forward, towards an Aerelith seated in their midst, seemingly their leader. Under the latter’s intimidating stare, the scrawny Aerelith began trembling even more fiercely. Then, after a moment of hesitation, Zephyrion watched as he shakily pulled out a small pouch of coins from his sleeve and handed it to the leader.

Zephyrion exhaled, barely suppressing a smile.

’Perfect.’

...

Zephyrion didn’t immediately approach the group. Instead, he decided to observe them a little longer.

It proved to be the right choice, as mere seconds after the scrawny Aerelith handed over the coins, Nourald got close enough for the group to notice him.

What happened next only added to the mystery that was Nourald.

The group, as large and fearsome-looking as they were, froze the moment they caught sight of him. Almost immediately, they shoved the scrawny fellow aside, and after a series of irritated tongue-clicks and muttered curses, turned and hurried farther away from the camp.

Nourald watched them leave with a cold expression, then gently took the scrawny Aerelith by the arm and began leading him back into camp.

’Looks like I’d better keep him away from this for now.’

The last thing Zephyrion wanted was to scare them off, and clearly, for some reason, they were afraid of Nourald.

’Now, how should I go about this...’

Of everyone he’d observed so far, Zephyrion had determined that this particular group stood the best chance of possessing a Vessel-rank air scroll.

In simple terms, they were clearly bullies. And like all bullies, they lied, they insulted, and most importantly, they extorted. He was certain they must have collected all sorts of things from weaker Aerelith, whether here in the camp or during their journey. And unlike the others, they had no reason to care whether those things were useful to them or not.

He could only hope that what he needed was among their spoils.

Zephyrion thought for a moment, and suddenly, a brilliant idea occurred to him.

’Demorian... I need your help.’

There was a long silence.

’...Demorian?’

’...’

Zephyrion sighed. The ancestor was clearly still upset about being tuned out earlier.

What a grown baby.

’Alright, if you help me, I’ll consider speaking to that girl.’

That finally got his attention, as he muttered quietly.

’...Consider? That’s all?’

Zephyrion rolled his eyes.

’Fine. I’ll talk to her. Are you happy now?’

’Hahaha! Now that’s my protégé! Whatever you need, this ancestor of yours will handle it! Just say the word, and consider it done!’

Shaking his head, Zephyrion decided to get it over with. He gestured towards the largest of the bullies, who appeared to be their leader.

’See that one? Tell me how to make him lose his mind.’

Somehow, he could almost feel Demorian’s grin.

...

"Dammit!"

Lasner, the leader of the bullies, slammed his fist against a nearby tree, causing it to shudder.

"That fucking bastard! Who the hell does he think he is!? I swear, one of these days, I’m going to teach him a lesson he’ll never forget!"

He gritted his teeth in fury, while the others watched him seethe with uneasy expressions, hardly daring to speak. Then, after a moment, one of them cautiously spoke up.

"Lord Lasner... perhaps we should just stay away from Lord Nourald for now. You know, his father is the head chief, and—"

"So fucking what!?" Lasner rounded on him with a furious glare. "My father’s a chief too! You think my clan is some insignificant little family!? We’re one of the great clans of the Kasner Colony! How dare that bastard think he can push me, Lasner Vae Caelthorn, around!? Who the hell does he think he is!?"