Much to Zaos's disappointment, the thief didn't lie about the fact that there weren't any traps in the hideout. Still, his disappointment disappeared when he found dozens of gold coins stored there… in a single day, he obtained the double of coins that job was supposed to pay him and ten others more soldiers for two weeks.
In the cave, Zaos didn't find only money. He found some armor, weapons, wine, and food as well. They sure have been enjoying a good life for thieves. Although the carriage had a lot of space, Zaos didn't know what to do with it. If he brings it in the carriage, then some people will ask questions.
"What are we supposed to do with stolen goods?" Zaos asked.
"Well, usually, the guards that capture them give those to the kingdom since it is impossible to track down those who were robbed, some of them are probably dead, after all," Merkin said.
"Well, I don't need the wine and the armor and I got the money for myself alongside the rapid-fire crossbows," Zaos shrugged. "So, I can return the rest to the kingdom."
Zaos was supposed to return everything, but aside from Merkin, no one knew about the crossbows and the money, and Merkin certainly didn't want to get in Zaos's way. While he still was scary, he still wanted him as a business partner. If they sell magic books teaching how to summon several magic projectiles at the same time… they will make a fortune in the blink of an eye.
After packing the loot in the carriage, Zaos and Merkin returned to where the other thieves were being cremated. Before they could arrive there, Zaos punched the stomach of the remaining thief to make him lose consciousness before killing him. Although he killed all sixteen without hesitating, he didn't have to see the last one begging for his life and trembling, knowing that death was unavoidable. That being said, he didn't want to know the thief alive, considering that he saw what he could do. Once that was done, he threw the corpse at the fire.
"Well, let's get going then," Zaos said.
Merkin nodded. While he wanted to talk with Zaos, he figured that he should stay quiet about the incident for a while, just to be safe.
During the remaining time of the mission, Zaos had a hard time controlling his curiosity to check the rapid-fire crossbows. According to Merkin, over the years, the people of the Sairus kingdom had the chance to get their hands on some of those, but they didn't know how to mass-produce some copies that were as good as the originals.
"They came from the lands in the east," Merkin said. "The country beyond the sea is pretty good at developing tools like these because they don't like close ranged combat."
"Is that so…" Zaos said.
While Zaos didn't have the chance to study them, Merkin had. He was a man who had many interests despite the fact that he was someone who spent most of his time studying magic.
In the end, nothing happened during the rest of the trip. As if that wasn't good enough, Zaos and Merkin already found some rumors about the thieves that they cremated. People didn't know who did it, but they were more relaxed knowing that some bandits were defeated.
"You should report this incident to your father," Merkin said. "That way, you will become more famous and people will pay more to hire you."
"I am going to pass on that," Zaos said. "I am not really looking for work, I would rather spend all possible time on my research."
Lyra's condition wasn't improving, even though she didn't have time to worry about Zaos's safety anymore. That only means that her condition will only get worse if he doesn't do anything.
"Well, if you don't mind, I would like to hire you again if the time comes where I have to do business in other towns," Merkin said while they were crossing the capital's gate.
"As long as it isn't that often I am paid as much as this time, I won't mind," Zaos said.
Zaos had some money now to buy a focus amulet, and he was ready to recommend one since his current one will disappear in a week or two. He already had enough money to pay for it, and even though it would take all his fortune, it was necessary.
After arriving at his shop, Zaos helped Merkin one last time in unpacking his things, and then he said his goodbyes. The job was supposed to last fourteen days, and it lasted only eleven, but Zaos couldn't wait to resume his research. However, he has to give up on that day since he had to give a clear report about what happened to his mother.
"What? You were attacked by bandits?" Lyra asked.
"Relax, mom," Zaos said. "They didn't have the chance to do anything against us. By the way, don't talk about this with anyone, all right? I don't want to go away from these types of jobs more than I already have to."
"I understand where you come from, but you shouldn't hide this from your father," Lyra said.
While Zaos had planned that, he imagined that Laiex would talk with Merkin to see if Zaos messed up at some point. While he could have threatened him to keep his mouth shut, he didn't want to put the old man who helped him so much in a difficult spot. After all, if he tries to lie, he would have to lie to someone who helped him many times.
With that in mind, Zaos gave his father a report about everything during the mission the following day before training. However, he didn't mention the gold coins or the crossbows. He just dealt with the sixteen bandits, and that country was safer thanks to him, so he deserved at least that much payment. Considering his accomplishments in the North, the story wasn't that unbelievable. Still, Laiex was having a hard time imagining it since it has been a while since the last time he saw his son fighting seriously...
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