Reincarnation of a Hunter Chapter 30 - Hello Bixby (2)

As soon as I swallowed the Link Mushroom, a system message appeared before my eyes.

 

---

‼️ System Alert ‼️

🔹You have received the permanent buff 〈Forest’s Chain of Connection〉 from Artemis.🔹

🔹No similar skill registered in the system has been found.🔹

⏩Buff status will be maintained.

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‘So, this is information that doesn’t show up through Appraisal.’

 

I handed the remaining mushroom to the village chief of Comansville, who chewed and swallowed it with a face like he’d just eaten dirt.

 

Either way, I tried talking to the chieftain again.

 

“Ah, ah. Mic test. Can you hear me?”

 

“I hear you fine.”

 

“Oh! That’s amazing.”

 

“…I heard from Bixby. He said you wanted to see me.”

 

“Right. I am the lord of this land, Eric Marseille. Are you the chieftain who rules the goblins in this region?”

 

The Argawinata chieftain straightened his back and shoulders, speaking confidently.

 

“I am the ruler of the goblins who live in these lands.”

 

“Pleasure to meet you. May I call you Argawinata?”

 

The chieftain’s eyes widened in shock at my words. His hands even trembled, as if he felt fear.

 

‘This must be the first time he’s encountered a skill that reveals true names. Understandably, he’d be afraid.’

 

Magic is common in this world. 

 

But transcendent magic, like Appraisal, which reveals true names, doesn’t exist. The process of magic operates through the caster’s will and mana, without divine intervention.

 

On the other hand, a Hunter’s skills retrieve information from the system server. That in itself is divine intervention.

 

When I became a lord and regained the Hunter system, I thought it would make developing my territory much easier.

 

I grinned and said, “Let’s negotiate.”

 

“Negotiate? About what?”

 

I raised my hand and pointed toward a distant mountain—the one about 20 km away, the same one I’d mentioned to Bixby.

 

“We’ll set a boundary there and agree not to cross it.”

 

“And if I refuse?”

 

“Then we kill each other. What else?”

 

“…”

 

⚔️ 

 

The chieftain of the Argawinata tribe struggled to lift his eyelids and looked at Eric.

Then, he muttered in a barely audible voice,

—Tunzhukan yang Sebenanya…

 

The spell the chieftain recited was [Shadow’s Truth], a curse that reveals the killings committed by a person.

In the eyes of the Argawinata, Eric’s shadow twisted.

And within that shadow, countless monsters and humans were screaming. Innumerable spirits writhed inside it.

The Argawinata’s pupils trembled.

 

‘This brat may look like a mere boy, but his [Shadow’s Truth] resembles a demon from hell!’

 

He also glanced at the Wood Golems standing on either side of Eric. The two 10-meter-tall Wood Golems looked capable of mowing down goblins—creatures with no special abilities—as if harvesting crops.

 

‘Even if I cast a curse, it would be useless. It’s time to bow for the sake of the tribe.’

 

A chill ran down the Argawinata’s spine as he faced reality.

Though he refused to tremble visibly for the sake of pride, he couldn’t hide the shaking of his hands or the fear in his eyes.

 

⚔️

 

As I watched the Argawinata, I grinned, baring my teeth. I could see overwhelming terror in his gaze.

 

‘I don’t know what he saw, but he’s clearly terrified. Bixby’s words were all lies. These are a minority tribe, and they must live nearby.’

 

Having realized the truth, I began considering how to use the goblins. I planned to employ them for border surveillance and scouting in the Great Forest.

If another monster horde invaded, these goblins would be the first to know.

 

Staring into the Argawinata’s eyes, I spoke, “If you periodically inform me of monsters encroaching on my land, I will not invade your tribe.”

 

The Argawinata, who had been trembling uncontrollably, had no choice.

“Master of this land, I accept your proposal.”

 

“Then, where will the boundary be?”

“There is a small river along the path to that mountain. Let that river serve as the boundary.”

 

I looked at the village chief of Comansville.

It was a silent question—Is this enough?

After estimating the distance, the village chief nodded, and I extended my hand to the Argawinata chieftain.

 

“It’s a human custom called a handshake. When negotiations end, we clasp hands and shake.”

“For goblins, that means a mating proposal, so I’ll decline.”

“Ack!”

 

I quickly pulled my hand back. 

 

Even then, I felt uneasy and wiped my palm on my pants. Ugh, that scared me. I should give something else instead.

 

I took out a padded jacket from my inventory and presented it to the Argawinata.

“This is a token of goodwill. Our sizes are similar, so it should fit well.”

 

The Argawinata clumsily put on the jacket. He looked like an old man borrowing his grandson’s clothes.

The ‘Korea University Hunter Support Department’ print on the back was a little distracting.

 

“This is quite luxurious and warm clothing. I’ll wear it well.”

 

Then, from behind, the village chief of Comansville made a suggestion.

“How about building a trading post at the border? The goblins carry quite valuable medicinal ingredients and food supplies.”

 

The Argawinata chieftain thought for a moment.

“In exchange, you’ll have to trade some livestock and grain.”

“Of course. Bixby can manage the trading post. He’s smart and communicates well.”

 

Hearing that, Bixby was overjoyed.

“Bixby! We have work!”

 

Suddenly, we’d have to spend the budget to build a trading post and station a few soldiers there, but it seemed like a good idea to me, so I agreed.

 

⚔️

 

The next day.

I arrived at the site of the goblin trading post with the village chief of Comansville, the villagers, soldiers, and a wood golem.

 

The small river ahead was shallow enough that stepping stones would suffice for crossing.

“The water is low now, but build the structure where it won’t flood even during heavy rains. And we’ll also need a signal tower.”

“Yes, my lord.”

 

The golem began helping the villagers and soldiers lay the foundation for the building.

 

Thanks to the fast work pace, the trading post building will be completed within a day. And the signal tower to be built here will serve as a means to alert of monster invasions. We plan to place a mineral that emits red smoke when lit.

 

I called the village chief of Comansville to remind him of a few precautions.

“Chief, don’t try to deceive the goblins during trade. And make sure to educate the villagers not to provoke fights with them.”

“Understood.”

 

I didn’t forget to advise them about safety either.

“If the goblins attack, retaliate without hesitation. Your lives are more important than maintaining goodwill.”

“Don’t worry. The only race known to break promises is humans.”

 

That was unexpected.

At my bewildered expression, the chief continued, “I don’t know much about civilized elves or beastfolk, but I’ve heard that wild races keep their promises well.”

 

Was he being too trusting?

“Be careful. You only have one life.”

“Yes, my lord.”

 

—Coo, coo

Just then, the Wood Golem signaled that it had spotted goblins.

Looking across the stream, I saw Bixby and a few goblins approaching with bundles of goods. They really are an impatient bunch.

“Bixby, why are you here already? It’s not even finished yet!”

“Human Lord, just take it now and pay later. Isn’t that fine?”

“If we handle deals like that, we could get betrayed.”

“Betrayed? Aren’t we friends now?”

 

I couldn’t help but laugh at the word ‘friends.’

‘But we’ll have to wait and see. Goblins have been a race that preyed on humans.’

For a very long time, goblins and humans have fought each other. The relationship is still cautious for now.

 

“Alright, let’s see what you’ve brought first.”

The bundles the goblins set down were filled with various herbs, mushrooms, fruits, and seeds. I crouched down with the chief to assess their value.

 

“This, this, and these are quite valuable medicinal ingredients. But what’s this black rock-like mushroom…?”

 

“That’s truffle. An expensive spice.”

“Ooh! The goblins are going to get rich.”

“Right. If they take it to the auction house, Bixby will become richer than the village chief.”

Hearing this, Bixby jumped up and down excitedly.

“Pig, deer want! Meat! Fresh meat!”

“I’ll trade this for sheep. But it’ll take some time, so wait.”

“Bixby waits for mutton!”

 

⚔️

 

The agricultural auction house at Lord Marseille’s estate.

Since this was the first trade involving goods brought by goblins, the village chief of Comansville was brought along for the visit.

The purpose was to warn against selling at too low a price and to gauge how much commission Comansville should take.

The auctioneer praised the items enthusiastically.

“My lord, these goods are the finest of the finest. Where did you acquire such things?”

“They’ll be brought regularly from Comansville from now on. Make sure they fetch a good price.”

“Did the settlers from the pioneer village obtain them?”

“No. I traded with goblins.”

The auctioneer’s face turned astonished.

“What? How did you tame those savage and cruel creatures?”

“Well.”

“…Yes, my lord. In any case, I’ll ensure the auction proceeds smoothly.”

“Good. Thank you. I’ll count on you in the future.”

When I, as the lord, personally expressed my gratitude, the auctioneer’s expression brightened. He would ensure the items fetched high prices from now on.

A portion of the sales revenue would also be allocated to the pioneer village. I felt pleased at the thought of saving even a little of the budget.

As the auction continued, the herbs, mushrooms, fruits, and seeds brought by the goblin Bixby were sold at high prices, just as I had intended.

 

A short while later.

This time, I headed to the livestock market with the village chief of Comansville, who now held the auction proceeds.

—Baaah

The person leading the sheep was a shepherd. He had come to negotiate a direct deal with the village chief of Comansville.

The shepherd stroked the sheep and began his pitch.

“My lord, the colder weather has made the sheep much plumper. This is the perfect season for their rich, balanced flavor.”

 

“You don’t need to give me that sales pitch. Don’t be too greedy—just give me a fair price.”

“How much were you expecting to pay?”

“You little punk—no, shepherd!”

—Thwack!

Without thinking, he flicked the shepherd’s forehead.

“Ow! What did I do wrong?”

“Ah, it just brought back some old memories. Just give me today’s market price.”

“Okay…”

“And it’d be great if you could herd the sheep all the way to the destination.”

“Of course! We shepherds take pride in serving our customers.”

“It’s a bit far.”

“Haha! Us shepherds can walk all day if we have to.”

Little did he know, the shepherd truly could walk all day—he had to herd the sheep all the way to Comansville.

 

⚔️

 

Then the next day…

Since it was his first trade, he stopped by the trading post after confirming the handover of the flock to the goblins.

In a chair at the trading post sat Bixby, dressed in human clothes.

It seemed the soldiers had brought him children’s clothing. With a hat and shoes on, he looked exactly like a grade-schooler.

“Bixby, any news from the Great Forest?”

“Human landowner. You should greet me first. It’s rude to jump straight to business.”

—Shiiek

He pulled the Soul Reaper and waved it.

“I’m older than you. You should greet me first.”

“Ack! Human Lord, you’re scary. Just like an old man.”

Despite saying, he was scared, Bixby sat swinging his legs on the chair.

‘This kid’s sharp.’

“Bixby, quit playing weak. Just tell me if anything’s happening in the forest.”

“Fine. The Bear King finally had a son. The chieftain went to congratulate him.”

“…Any other news?”

“Nope.”

No news is good news, but hearing only about a bear having a cub didn’t exactly lift his spirits.

“If any other tribes or races show up, be sure to let me know.”

“Got it. If orcs or trolls come, I’ll light the beacon.”

“No. Lighting the beacon is the soldiers’ job.”

“Can’t I try it just once?”

“If you play with fire, you’ll wet the bed at night.”

“That’s fine. I still do that sometimes.”

“…”

Bixby is ten years old, such curiosity is understandable.