Chapter 63 - Gotta Bag ‘Em All

"Tomorrow, you four will submit yourselves to twelve hours of the Sotra,” The Aahmra commanded to a chorus of pained groans. “As for today, we have a guest who was thoughtful enough to bring… dinner. So tonight, we feast!” The old mouseman’s tone flipped from nonchalance to exuberance, taking Jiran off guard.

The groans turned to wild cheers as the hunters leaped to their feet. The aura constricting Jiran’s body was released, allowing blood to flow back into his muscles, suffusing them with a tingling warmth.

Wow, that's amazing, I feel like I just got the best hug of my life. I have got to learn how to use aura from this man. He’s a freaking genius.

“Bring the meat to Mirapa. As for you, stranger, you will follow." The four jumped to obey as Jiran reluctantly stood and hopped out of his cozy hole.

He watched as the hunters each grabbed several corpses and stacked them high above their heads. It was a ridiculous display of strength and balance, especially since they’d all been unconscious moments before. Jiran assumed it had to be another of their skills at work. Certainly, no normal human could match their recovery time.

Mayalyn floated beside the Aahmra as the man led Jiran toward the nearby town. She was still being held by the scruff of her neck, her tail wrapped meekly around one of her legs as her eyes remained fixed on the ground. She wore a teary-eyed frown; the very picture of shame and remorse.

Is this really the same girl I met in the jungle? She’s gotta be acting, right?

Jiran’s attention snapped to the small town as they breached the last line of trees. Azurelight’s only defenses were a few guards in light leather armor who stood on lookout towers spaced evenly around the perimeter of the tall buildings.

When they passed close to one of the towers, Jiran was impressed by the intricate designs on a tigerman’s armor. It was a stunning depiction of the warrior pouncing on a fleeing animal with four legs. The other guard had the arms and legs of a bear. His likeness was also painted on his armor which showed a scene of the huge warrior holding a boulder above his head while shouting.

As beautiful as the equipment was, something about it tickled the back of Jiran’s brain. A moment of eureka swept through him as he realized why he was so bothered.

Those are beautiful pieces of art, not armor! This place keeps getting weirder. How do they defend themselves without walls or fighting hard enough to get a single scratch on their armor?

Dozens of people poked their heads from windows as The Aahmra led them through town. Each muttered the same greeting, “Mollo, Aahmra,” with a respectful dip of their chins before resuming mundane tasks. Again, Jiran was struck by a sensation that something was wrong. Not a single person rushed about on important business. Most merely mingled in a carefree manner with easy smiles which often turned to laughter when they saw Mayalyn.

The gurgling creek they walked beside was filled with crystal-clear water that perfectly mixed with the dozens of flowers and trees that decorated each house. The air held a hint of citrus, and a gentle breeze was the perfect counterpoint to the tropical heat of the island. Despite the strangeness all around him, Jiran couldn’t help but breathe deeply and relax in the peaceful ambiance. With each step, his clenched muscles, tight from the constant threat of death, unwound a little more.

Are these buildings really made of concrete and plaster? Every single house has glass windows too. And not the filmy glass the empire has, either. These are far more pure. Mayalyn asked what inventions the empire has; I think she’ll be sorely disappointed when she learns the truth.

Distracted as he was, Jiran almost bumped into the old mouse when he stopped before the fence of a large estate that wrapped around an inner courtyard. The buildings had multiple tiers of slanted roofs that reminded him of a Japanese dojo.

A child of five or six seasons ran across the yard and unlatched the gate. They swung it open before dropping to their hands and knees in a dogeza. “Alla mollo, Master Aahmra.”

[Homo Tigris Cub (Tier 1 - Sapient) Adolescent form of a dominant genus of beastmen with a mixture of unusual skills and traits.]

Cute! Those ears look way too soft.

A gentle cough caused Jiran’s eyes to flicker to Mayalyn. The hard line of her mouth and sharp shake of her head let him know he had been found out.

Message received; petting kids not allowed.

Jiran totally did not pout as he was led into a large, open room where the Aahmra seated himself atop a raised platform. Mayalyn was deposited onto a mat facing the old man and Jiran sat beside her after a flick of indication from the Aahmra’s tail. He tucked his feet under his butt in a fair imitation of their posture.

Two cubs entered the room pushing a cart that smelled of herbs and hot water. They arranged a cup of tea before each of them. When one came close enough to touch, Jiran’s hand twitched with the desire to touch that downy softness.

Maybe just one little pat?

A single claw pierced his thigh in warning. Jiran’s mouth formed an angry pout at Mayalyn as he rubbed the new wound. She responded by subtly widening her eyes in a loaded look that only a girl could pull off.

What’s that supposed to mean? I don't know you nearly well enough to interpret that. I wasn’t actually going to pet the kid, geez.

The Aahmra and Mayalyn both spoke at the same time as they took their first sip of tea. “Honesty, Integrity, and trust,” Catching onto the custom, Jiran took a sip as well and quickly parroted them.

The cubs left and all was silent as they sipped their fruit tea. Jiran sat with a straight back and did his best to stay calm until the Aahmra finally spoke. "Daughter, where did you find this ungarnished, and why did you bring him here? Explain yourself."

I know I remember her saying he was her uncle, why does he keep calling her daughter?

"He is not ungarnished though he appears as one. I found him in the jungle after he fell from a meteor, Master Aahmra," Her voice was almost robotic when compared to the animated tone Jiran was used to.

"You would lie to me in front of a guest after sipping upon the vows?! How great a punishment must you pile atop yourself?"

Mayalyn shot Jiran another loaded look before she gently set her cup aside and pressed her forehead into the floor.

Again? Point those big brown doe-machines somewhere else. I have no idea what you want from me and I need to focus on capturing this wild aurawizard.

"Please forgive my blunder, Master Aahmra. While it is true I sought him out after he fell, I did not find him, he found me."

"I see," The old mouse narrowed his eyes as he looked down at the prostrated girl.

Ohhhhh. He can tell when you're lying and she just let me know that, while simultaneously hiding the fact she found me in the mettlerise. Stupid Maymay, my ass. This girl is hella clever.

After the Aahmra let the silence linger, Mayalyn continued. "I brought him to you because his fate is yours to decide."

"And you, young one, how did you come to our island? Perhaps more importantly, why are you here?" Jiran was dazzled by Mayalyn’s performance and nearly missed the question.

[New quest acquired!]

[Gotta bag ‘em all: Convince the Aahmra to guide you in the ways of aura manipulation.]

Oh c’mon, again? Don’t take the joy out of it by telling me to do what I was already going to do! Whatever, at least this way I’ll get a bonus reward. Why does the system even care if I learn how to use my aura from him? What’s it planning now?

I’ll have to think about it later, I need to answer him and I’m certainly not answering that first one. If he presses the issue, I’ll use it as a bargaining chip.

"I originally came to the island to find something. I don’t know exactly what I’m supposed to be looking for but it’s honestly not that important to me right now since I found something I’m far more interested in.” Jiran shot Mayalyn a look of gratitude and silently whispered, “Thank you.”

Thank you for the introduction, Princess. I’ll take it from here.

Her mouth fell open but Jiran’s attention was fully focused on his battle of wills against his next great conquest.

“An interesting proposal. What do you think you have to offer that would convince me, hmm?”

He sure catches on quick. He’s exactly like Lenton, too. What’s with the elderly always demanding payment just for teaching their juniors?

“I bring knowledge of distant lands. I can share combat techniques and even some inventions your people may be interested in.”

The Aahmra closed his eyes in deep thought for several seconds before shaking his head. “No, that is not enough.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Jiran saw Mayalyn’s posture slump and a little part of his brain registered that she had been looking back and forth between the two of them rapidly for several seconds.

Don’t give up on me yet! I know what this sly codger really wants and it’s all thanks to what you told me.

Jiran waited several seconds while he pretended to think deeply. When he judged the moment was right, he struck. “I can help five of your hunters gain access to tier five beasts.”

The Aahmra’s face was a mask of perfectly controlled relaxation as he slowly took a sip of his tea. When Jiran’s sharp eyes caught the subtle dilation of his pupils, he knew he had the old man’s attention. It felt like the room itself was holding its breath as Jiran and Mayalyn eagerly awaited his response.

“Ten!” The Aahmra suddenly shouted.

“Deal!” Jiran snapped instantly with a wide grin. On the inside, he was fist pumping and jumping in circles.

“An accord has been struck.” The mouse’s words caused Mayalyn to gasp loudly.

She angrily chopped a hand through the air, spilling her cup of tea. “No! Uncle, you cannot do this to me!” She leaped to her feet and dashed from the room with tears streaking down her cheeks.

What? I thought she was on my side. Did I miss something?

“Do not fret, young one. She will come around. Persistence is key when in a battle for a young woman's heart.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?” Jiran said with a scrunched frown.

Odd, shouldn’t the quest have been completed already? It’s always been instant in the past and he clearly said a deal was struck.

Jiran’s confused frown was returned by a bark of honest laughter. “Perhaps during tonight's feast, you can convince her that your bonding is not such a bad choice. Tell me, son-to-be, how are you at dancing?”

Excuse me? Son-in-law? What?

Jiran ran back through the entire conversation in a flash as his heart raced out of control. A sudden realization of all the social cues he missed the first time caused his eyes to pop and he gasped. “I wasn’t asking for Mayalyn's hand in mar-bonding! I wanted you to train me to use my aura!”

“Oh, well, that’s quite awkward, isn't it?” The Aahmra’s finger traced the line of his jaw as a constrained chuckle sounded in his throat.

“So, you’ll train me?”

The old man took a deep breath before releasing a pent-up sigh. “Yes, yes. I’ll train you."

[Quest complete!]

[Gotta bag ‘em all: Convince the Aahmra to guide you in the ways of aura manipulation.]

[Rewards: Party System.]

Before Jiran had a chance to fully read the message, the Aahmra rushed out his next words.

“Are you sure you don’t want to bargain for her? You mentioned some techniques and technologies,” He raised his brows while lightly tugging his lustrous beard.

What is she, chopped shrelk thigh? Ten seconds ago, she was a brick of gold going for the highest price and now you’re trying to give her away for a few techniques? I mean, she’s smart, adventurous, and certainly gorgeous. But bonding? Whatever that is, it sounds pretty permanent and who knows what kind of customs they have ar—. Why am I even thinking about this?

“Thank you for the offer but I’m not looking to settle down right now. I’ve far too much left to see of Madra before I commit to something like bonding.”

“Interesting.”

“I’m not sure I like that gleam in your eyes, Master Aahmra,” Jiran’s squint matched the old mouse’s as they squared off, still sipping their tea.

He gripped his long, white beard before running his fingers through its length, “Your true colors emerge after the accord is struck. No surprise in one so young. I’m going to enjoy breaking you, boy,” The Aahmra said with a toothy grin.

Oh, I like him.

“I look forward to my training as well, Master,” Jiran’s matching grin showed all his teeth as the two lightly chuckled.

“Come, the festivities will commence shortly. Tomorrow morning, we will begin your training. When I deem your skills adequate, you will take myself and nine others to the lands you promised.”

“Agreed, thank you for your guidance,” Jiran bowed as he had seen so many others do.

Yes! I learned so much from Lenton in such a short amount of time. I can’t wait to see what this guy has to teach me. If my aura can become even half as powerful as his… Well, that tier five tree would be in a world of hurt if we ever met again.

Jiran’s fists clenched so hard that his arms shook as he followed the Aahmra outside. It was a short walk to the center of town where a large stage sat beneath a huge canopy, blocking the view of the sky.  Hundreds of beastfolk had already gathered on the stage. They were huddled close together, leaving plenty of room on the platform for latecomers who trickled in with each passing second.

The Aahmra directed him to a mat near the front of the stage where he sat and observed the different races. Besides the ones he'd already seen, there were only two others: Pigs and gazelles. Everyone mingled together, happily clapping each other on the backs while giving firm handshakes and hugs. They laughed and cajoled, a budding hum of anticipation sweeping through the ever-growing crowd. With his recent deal cemented and surrounded by infectious cheer, Jiran found himself smiling so widely that his cheeks began to ache.

He could still remember Niya stealing a bottle of spirits and Uncle Micah dragging her back home screaming amidst the musical chaos of Feylon’s celebrations. This felt like it was going to be on a whole new level. He couldn’t wait to see what these strange people with entirely alien customs had in store for him.

This is so amazing! I’m on an actual adventure on a remote island with a ton of different races. What kind of music do they have? What are their dances like? Will I get to eat some of those crazy-looking fruits?

Jiran’s body was subtly vibrating with the intensity of his excitement as his eyes played over every detail of the gathered people.

Could this day possibly get any better?