532 Hopten Village



Guarding the armory was a hulking frogfolk name Eeebulog. He was more reserved than most of the outgoing members of the clan but still friendly nonetheless.

"Ah. You're those adventurers the Mayor said were coming, right?" the guard said. "Come in. The Mayor said that you can take any weapons here if you need them."

"That's pretty nice of him," Elena muttered.

Ren liked his stay in this village the more the seconds passed. These Frogfolks were quite nice and friendly. But as he walked around and checked the armory, he found that the weapons could use a lot of upgrading. They were only ordinary weapons and rough around the edges.

"Ren," Elena called, voice strangely urgent. "Come here a sec."

Ren stopped his pillage and heard what Elena had to say. "What is it?"

Instead of answering, Elena looked at Eeebulog like she was signaling him to talk.

Eeebulog was hesitant for a moment. His face was wracked with guilt as he revealed, "I believe that I caused the string of attacks."

"Why do you say that?" Ren questioned.

"I led the hunting party that caught the giant shark that decorates the great house. I noticed that the attacks began shortly after that hunt, and I am convinced the two events are related."

[The Quest, SAVE HOPTEN VILLAGE has been updated!]

Further questioning didn't lead to anything as the guard brooded back to his silence and passivity.

"What do you think? Can that large fishbone be the cause of all this?" Elena asked Ren after they went out of the armory.

"We'll soon find out as we asked around."

Their next stop was the fish market. Along the way, they passed a mini pool at the center of the village. It was where the warthogs were happily playing around and washing their furs. They were even hunting fish, unaware that they were raised for food.

These young piglets were covered in thick, wiry hairs that stuck out in every direction, giving them a wild and scruffy appearance. Its skin was a deep, dusty brown color, and it had four short, sturdy legs that supported its plump, round body.

As it suckled from its mother, Ren saw tiny, pointed tusks just peeking out from its mouth. These tusks would eventually grow into long, curved weapons that the warthog would use to defend itself from predators and rival males.

Despite its rough exterior, the suckling warthog was surprisingly cute and endearing. Its round, button-like eyes seemed to twinkle with mischief and curiosity, and its small, twitching ears were constantly on alert, listening for any signs of danger.

"Where are you going?" Ren held Elena by the shoulder when the Princess was going to jump from the bridge and into the Warthogs pool.

Elena looked over at her shoulder and smiled in an awkward way. "I'm just . . . going to take a closer look at the animals."

"You're not going to steal one and make it your pet, right?"

"What? Stealing . . . I would never . . ." Elena laughed, and her laughter quickly turned into a scowl. "They're so cute. It would be a shame if we won't bring one along with us."

"Wait until the mission is over, and you keep one for yourself. But right now, it's considered stealing if you take one."

Elena made a face. "I know that already."

Ren and Elena pressed on to the Fish Market. It was where many of the adult members spent their days. This pavilion was full of tables where the village members cleaned and prepared the daily catch.

Nearby, large barrels full of berries and foraged vegetables were stored. The fish market was overseen by a village elder named Gwondab.

Gwondab had a hunched back after years of cooking for the clan, and she was in the midst of stirring a large vat of fish soup for dinner.

"Ah. There you are!" Gwondab smiled at them and offered Ren and Elena rations for the trip. "Here, take this fish stew and Dried Squid. Should you need more, you know where to find me."

"Thank you," Ren said. The [Fish Stew] x50 and [Dried Squid] x50 worked as ordinary HP and MP potions. But what did he expect of free items? There were lots of them, though.

"This is very tasty," Elena said, chewing off a squid, its juices dripping from her lips.

Gwondab was delighted. "Here, have this jellyfish paste as well."

[ACQUIRED! Jelly Paste x50]

The [Jelly Paste] at least could cure simple status effects like poison and bring back 10% of HP and MP.

It was a nice haul for something he didn't acquire with money.

"This town is so friendly," Elena chimed while chewing another Squid. "The ambiance is peaceful. It's near the water. The villagers are happy and contended. There are a lot of food around. What can you ask for?"

"Do you want to live in here?" Ren questioned based on the melancholy in her tone. They were walking towards their next destination, which was the Guest Quarters, to check if they could find anything worthwhile.

Elena shrugged. "Sometimes . . . I wanted to experience a simple life with nothing in my mind but living the moment."

"You don't like living in the castle? A lot of creatures could only dream the life that you have," Ren teased to ease the sudden heavy mood.

"It's not that I'm not grateful. I just need . . . a time off, maybe. From all the courtesies and the many problems of the kingdom."

"Is that why you wanted to come with me, isn't it?"

Elena huffed a laugh. "Part of it. I got out of the castle and also helped the kingdom solve one of its many problems."

"But anyway. This wouldn't be possible if you hadn't let me come. So thank you," Elena stated, peering under her lashes with a grin.

"No need. This journey had gone extremely easy with you around."

Elena's grin widened, and she raised her head in pride. "If nothing, I'm very good at fighting and hunting."

"I couldn't agree more."

Ren and Elena reached the guest quarters. It was a little more than a pavilion with a few slats across the side to block the wind. Despite the bare accommodations, a restful night's sleep could be had.

Ren only had one problem. Though there were three beds, it was only under one roof!