MEMORIES AND ABU HORMUZ

Episode 9 - Damrow

They confessed all their wrongs to Vina and Alice, and then apologized wholeheartedly. Haruhiro, Udin, and Barto, did just that. But Marco still insisted that he saw nothing. So, there's no need to make a fuss about it. And thus, both Vina and Alice were still wrathful towards Marco, and they ignored him from then on.

However, it seems like the teamwork did not deteriorate just because of the incident. In fact, it may not even have an effect. The next day, the day after that, and the day after that, they did not earn much. The intent of "not earning a lot of income," is "near zero". And the intent of "near zero" is "absolutely zero."

Haruhiro did not want anyone to ask about his current financial state, so he also did not know the financial state of his friends. Of course, he was well aware of how much money he still saved. For the past three days, he had spent fourteen, thirteen, and twelve bronzes each day. That

that is, thirty-nine bronzes had floated without a dime of income. If he still had to pay 1 bronze for the deposit fee on Bank Yoru, then the total amount of money Haruhiro had was 1 silver + 49 bronze.

All considerations for daily necessities such as razors or clothing reserves, have now disappeared. Want to live in a better cottage? It's like a silly dream now. If he spent one bronze on food per day in succession, then how much longer could he last? That's a fact

which makes him depressed.

Their income was completely zero for three days in a row, this caused despair to the Party members, and they could not say a word when returning home at night. They all just go straight to bed, but that doesn't mean they can fall asleep directly. None of them could calm down in such a situation.

That was what Haruhiro thought, until he finally heard Marco snoring from the bed beside him. That kid is absolutely amazing. Although Haruhiro was initially disgusted by him, he now finds something that will impress Marco. It would probably be better for him to just go to sleep instead of constantly thinking about the past. Today is over, and he can't do anything. Maybe something better will happen tomorrow. Looking forward to tomorrow is more important than thinking about what happened today. So, what are they going to do tomorrow?

Renew their hunt for monsters. Even though they only got one bronze, it was better

than nothing. 1 bronze is really a bad result. He wants to earn more money. Much money. He was determined to have more than anything. As he began to set on his bed, he felt the movements of someone who was still awake.

"Udinone?" Haruhiro called out hesitantly.

"What's wrong?"

"Where are you going? It's late at night. Or, maybe you're having nightmares. Want to go to the bathroom?"

"No" Udin stand.”I'll be out for a minute. It doesn't matter, so don't worry about me. I'll be right back."

"Go out in the middle of the night? Where are you going?"

"It's still not too late at night," said Udin, he flashed with a smile.”I'll be right back. Today is quite long and tiring, so rest well.”

"Ah, fine then." Although he said so, Haruhiro thought that it might be better if he did not let Udin go alone. But it's too late. He's already gone.

Still a little worried, Haruhiro invited to talk casually to Barto who was still awake, and after a while, he finally fell asleep. When he woke up, Udin had returned, and had already woken up first.

"Again, Haruhiro," Udin said good morning.”I think we should try to go somewhere different today. What say?"

Apparently, Udin last night went to the Sherry Shops located on Kaen Street, to gather information

from other Red MooN Members. At the tavern, it seemed that he was drinking with the others, so this morning he still looked a little drunk. But this is not a matter of drunkenness, the much more important thing is, Manato spent some money to buy drinks, in order to get information.

"You should have taken me last night" Haruhiro said.

"Haruhiro, can you drink?"

"I don't know." Haruhiro rubbed the back of his neck.”I never remember if I had a strong drink or not.”

Udin smiled mischievously.”I didn't hate drinking, so I went there for half the fun.

Maybe part of me really wants to get a little drunk and forget all this."

Then, when Udin made the suggestion to change the location with the others, they all immediately agreed. Everyone is tired of hunting in the woods.

There is a city located about an hour drive, which is about two and a half miles to the Northwest of Atalante. In reality, it was an abandoned city. Currently, no one, not even a child lived there. 80% of the defensive walls surrounding the city were already destroyed. 60 – 70 %

the building was destroyed, even collapsed. Debris was strewn everywhere, wild plants were growing here and there, rusty swords, spears, and other weapons were lying scattered, or sticking out of the ground. And most frighteningly, human skeletal remains could also be seen throughout the area.

Animals that do not look like dogs or cats roam on collapsed walls and damaged roofs. But they immediately disappeared from feeling the presence of Haruhiro and the others. A loud roaring sound could be heard, and as they turned to the source of the sound, they saw dozens of crows perching on the remains of the building.

Once upon a time, Damroww was the second largest city in the Kingdom of Aravakia, even larger than Atalante. However, when Wright King and his confederacy attacked, the place turned into the Undead city. Now, everything's different. After the death of the Wright King, the Goblins, who had previously been slaves, revolted and drove the Undead out of the city. They then claimed the city as their territory. Damroww is now a Goblin town.

However, the place located in the southeast region of the city is “Damroww” Old Town, which is the part of the city that has been ignored by the Goblins. Even so, there were still a few Goblins that were milling about there. There's some.

"Just .. one?" Haruhiro hid behind a wall that seemed like it could collapse at any moment if he focused on her. He was in the ruins of a house, only the foundation was left.

He was a Thief, so the guiding task had been handed to him. However, he did not possess the [STEALTH WALK] or [STEAL] skill. All he mastered was [PICK LOCK], and it made him no different from a thief who could only snatch an old grandmother's purse. Is a person like him worthy of a reconnaissance duty for the benefit of the Party?

The mud goblins they had killed in the forest were only one of the many Goblin species. The one that Haruhiro found here certainly resembled a mud Goblin with yellowish skin, but the monster was not covered in soil. And also, he was dressed and had some sort of bat-like weapon hung on his waist. There is also a semcam pouch that is tied horizontally to his body.

The difference is, mud goblins tend to prefer to hang their stuff on a necklace on

the neck, while the Goblin keeps these things in a bag. Everything they thought was valuable was stored there, at all times.

The goblin that Haruhiro was observing, was now sitting alone on the ground. He roughly crossed his arms at the chest, and leaned against the wall. He lowered his head and closed his eyes. It was still daytime, so it seemed like he was enjoying a nap. Haruhiro rushed back to the place where the members

The other party is waiting. He was so careful not to make any noise.

"One of the Goblins seems to have fallen asleep" he reported.

"All right then. Let's go to kill him.” Udin's expression stiffened as he continued his words.”Barto's armor will make a sound, no matter how slow his footsteps are. Therefore, Haruhiro, Marco, and Udin will approach first. Barto, Vina, and Alice followed and approached after we left. The three of us would try to get close and kill him with a single strike without waking him up. However, if he really wakes up, Vina, you aim at him using your bow, and Alice, aim at him with your magic. Barto, come and support us as soon as you can. If there is a fierce fight, then use the same formation as before. Everything surrounds the

Goblin, and never give her a chance to get away with it."

Everyone nodded in return. They had not made a penny in the past three days, so even Marco was very serious this time around.

Haruhiro and Marco depart first led by Udin. They arrive at the remains of the building in a short time, then things will get more difficult. The ruins of the building are full of material debris, so any mistake will end in disaster. Moving towards the sleeping Goblins turned out to be spending more time than they had previously thought. Several times, their footsteps made a commotion.

Finally, they are at 2 or 3 steps within attack range. Barto and others are still on guard outside the rubble area. Udin, Haruhiro, and Marco exchanged glances. Marco then pointed to himself. Haruhiro wondered if it didn't matter if Marco earned the right to attack first, but Udin waved to hint at moving forward.

Marco let go of the breath he had been holding ever since as he approached the Goblin. Rather than bother

swinging his sword fiercely, he preferred to thrust it right at the head of the Goblin for the monster to die instantly. The goblin opened his eyes violently. As soon as he saw Haruhiro and the others, he immediately realized what was going on.

With a loud shout, he reached out to grab Marco's head. Marco ducking while

yelling at Udin, "Review!" And Udin immediately rotated his short stick to hit the Goblin on the arms and head in quick succession.

"Damn it!" Marco thrust his sword towards the Goblin, then stabbed it with a twisting motion.

Haruhiro did not move in the slightest like an orgasmic frail man. If he attacked now, he had the feeling that he would only disturb Marco and Udin who were in full concentration to fight. The goblin thrashed, and cursed using a language they did not understand at all, but gradually stopped moving.

The mud goblin fell silent motionlessly. Is it because they caught this one asleep and unconscious? Shortly after, he was still asleep.

"Did we kill him?" Marco breathed heavily as he leaned forward and looked at the Goblin's face from close range.

Haruhiro imagines that the Goblin will wake up instantly and bite into Marco's nose, but it's not

ever happened. Udin closed his eyes briefly and drew a hexagram in the air. Is over.

Barto, Vina, and Alice enter the rubble area of the building. Marco put his shoes on his head

Goblin and pulled her sword while muttering, "We get her claws, or something ... Must get Vice, must get Vice ..”

Udin excitedly removed the Goblin pouch from his body, then opened it. Haruhiro eyes widen.”Silver!"

Do Goblins have a penchant for collecting man-made coins? And not just one silver

coins, but there's four there. Unlike the coins they had previously found on the mud Goblins, this time there was no hole in the silver-silver. There were also glass-like stones that were slender in shape, and bones that were shaped like animal fingers.

Vina's eyes narrowed, and she sighed.”Waw. This is a record. And we get it just by killing the second Goblin ..”

Barto just gaped without a word.

Udin looked up at the sky. Then he took a deep breath and shook his head. ”No, no. We

gotta keep moving forward. This time it's easier, but the ease doesn't come forever. Now is not the time to relax. We need to find the next target.”

"Udin," Marco patted Udin.” on the backDon't be so tense. We finally got our first big win! AND THIS IS ALL THANKS TO ME! Why don't we celebrate?”

Udin's expression became firm for a moment, but then, a wide smile instantly flashed across his face. ”You

thats right. Not that I mind celebrating this victory. And your work today was very good, Marco.”

"Indeed! That's because I'm amazing! Especially, when a cruel smile appeared on my face as I pointed at the Goblin. I look like Super Dark Knight!”

"Ah." Haruhiro shook his hands. ”You just swung your sword in despair.”

"Stupid! I smashed that Goblin's head with his ease! What the hell are you looking at?! Ohhh, of course! You don't see anything because your eyes are always sleepy!”

"Always say the same thing over and over again. Sorry, but this time I didn't eat your feed.”

"No! Please, get eaten by my bait…. Otherwise, I will be sad ..”

For a while, everyone laughed and enjoyed the moment. Then, as Udin suggested, they continued the next hunt seriously. Everything is going well in the Old Town area of Damroww. If you recall what happened before, then this is an unforgettable achievement.

By nightfall, they had killed four Goblins including the one sleeping last night, and had collected 8 silver from the 4 bags they had captured. There were also glass-like stones, black stones, reddish stones, bones, fangs, some sort of key-like objects, small teeth, and some kind of metal objects. They sell all the stuff

(except silver coins) in the market, and gain an additional 2 silver and 45 bronze.

The income is divided equally, so that each person gets 1 silver and 74 bronze. 1 Bronze left

to be made cash. Haruhiro used 15 bronze for meals and a day's lodging fees, meaning he now had a total of 3 silver and 8 bronze. If tomorrow's hunt goes well, Haruhiro decides that he will buy a spare of clothes and a small knife.

However, the next day did not go surfing yesterday. They had found a group of five Goblins but, although Marco wanted to attack him, all the Party members decided to avoid them. Without a surprise attack strategy, they would only fight them 1 vs 1. Two Goblins alone were already dangerous, let alone five.

Haruhiro thought that it was the right decision, but it was as if the night was coming sooner on

that day, and they no longer found the herd of Goblins. Finally, when they were about to return to Atalante, they accidentally met a Goblin, so there was a fight.

In the end, their income for today was just a piece of silver. Only a single piece .. but if not grateful, it seems like it will only add to the burden of the mind. When they thought that they were going home empty-handed, it turned out that there was still a fortune of 1 silver. Thus, Haruhiro must be sincere. A little more, the money will be enough to buy various personal needs.

On their third day in the Old City area of Damroww, they decided to draw a map of the location

hunts. Well, it was Udin who first conceived the idea of drawing a map. He drew it on a notebook and a brush. Udin insisted on taking down every image of the area and the places where Goblins often appeared. That will be valuable information someday.

As it turns out, making a map while walking around the old city area is enough work

fun.”Let's take a look around here ..” or "we've never been through here..” They were naturally able to memorize the path because they had explored many places. They will be nervous when entering areas that are not on the map. Instead, they feel a sense of security if they pass through the area they have been map.

They killed three Goblins that day, and after selling the loot, the profit they obtained amounted to 74 bronze for each Party member. They are not satisfied with that amount of money. However, Vina and Alice still wanted to go shopping, so Haruhiro accompanied them to the market.

Incidentally, he found a merchant who sold underwear. He had already offered it all his might, yet

in the end he had to pay 25 bronze underwear that looked like second-hand items. Even so, now he had spare clothes. He also needed something to carry his belongings, so Haruhiro decided to buy a backpack. Surprisingly, cheap used backpacks are easier

found, and Haruhiro only needed to pay 30 bronze to get a backpack that seemed sturdy enough. Compared to the clothes, he felt that the backpack was better.

When they returned to the cottage, everything was talking about what the shop was selling, the kind of stuff

what they want to buy next. When the more talk, the more desire is in their minds, so they have difficulty sleeping. However, Marco, who had previously been talking a lot, suddenly snored. And Barto followed him.

Haruhiro had also decided that it was time to rest. He was tired and felt somewhat sleepy, but somehow his consciousness refused to close his eyes.

"Udinone?" He tried to call his partner, and as expected, Udin was still awake.

"Yes?" I heard a quick reply.

Although Haruhiro was the one who called first, it did not mean that he had a special topic that he wanted to discuss. Not really, there should be a lot of things that could be the topic of conversation. However, none of it crossed his mind. However, calling without starting a conversation was a strange thing, so he also had to talk about something.

After a moment of confusion choose the topic of conversation…..

"Thank you." The word was spoken unintentionally from Haruhiro's mouth, to the point that he felt a little embarrassed.

"Why did you suddenly say that?" Udin smirked. ”I'm the one who should thank you guys.”

"You ... thank you? Why?"

"Thank you for everything. And also for you, for being a true friend. I'm really grateful. It might sound weird if I say something like this right now, but I'm really grateful."

"No, that doesn't sound weird at all, but ..." Haruhiro bit the inside of his cheek.”It's just, we're always making you a fuss every day. If without you…. Maybe we can't sleep in a place like this right now."

"I am too. If it wasn't for you and the others, I wouldn't know what would have happened to me. No matter how many times I think about it, there is no way I can survive alone.”

Haruhiro was hesitant about what he wanted to say next, but he was not the type of person who was good at harboring his feelings, nor could he always bear them. ”Hopefully you didn't get it wrong, but I think you can make as many friends as you want. You can ask to join any Party, and they would not mind accepting people with abilities like you.”

"Party's the other Red MooN member? Honestly, I never considered it. I don't really like to trouble others, and I'm not sure I can carry out my boss's orders. However, of course I don't remember what I was like before I got stuck in this place, so I don't really understand.”

And with surprise, Haruhiro suddenly remembered. The feeling came when he tried to remember something in his previous life. That feeling, as if a memory was lost without a trace just as he was about to recall it. So far, he had been preoccupied with many things, so he had forgotten about it.

"Me too" said Haruhiro.”I don't remember anything."

"But I have a feeling ..." Then Udin stopped, it seems that he was a little hesitant to continue. ”....that I am not the type of person who has many friends.”.

"That's .." What Haruhiro really wanted to say was No, you're wrong. But he fell silent. After all, he did not know what kind of person Udin was before coming here. And vice versa. Udin never knew him either.

Neither Haruhiro nor Udin knew anything about themselves. The more he tried to remember it, the more confused he would be. So, he decided that it was better for him not to think about it at all. Right now, there was no point in thinking about it, and he also did not know where to start. After all, they have a more mind-consuming problem, which is getting money to move on with life.

"It doesn't matter who you are in the past" Haruhiro said, seeking a passionate tone. ”And no one wants to know how you were in the past. The important thing is, you are now our partner and leader. We'll be in trouble if you're not in

around us.”

"I wouldn't have been able to get through this either without you."

Haruhiro nodded even though Udin could not see it because he was at the bottom. Haruhiro must

say something in response. Whatever it is. However, when Haruhiro tried to rack his brain to string the words together, Udin sniggered softly.

"But, isn't that weird?" Continue Udin.”Everything we've been doing is weird, isn't it? Hunting with swords and chanting magic…. Isn't this all similar to a game?”

"A game, huh?" Haruhiro blinked and tilted his head to one side.”game. How can?"

For a moment, Udin was silent to think. ”I don't know. But as I have said…. It's so much like a game. At least, that's what I think.” is

"No. You're right, too. A game... But what kind of game?"

The discomfort began to cloud their thinking. As if, there was something about

throat, but not regurgitated. However, it looks like it would be much better if he “menelannya” deeply. This is not the right time and place. Tomorrow they'll be heading to Damroww again.

Haruhiro. This time, he really fell asleep.