ushernet CHAPTER 106: Freedom & The Rewards of Virtue
CHAPTER 106: Freedom & The Rewards of Virtue
In the dimly lit confines of the prison chamber, the captives chanted Reeza’s name like a sacred prayer. As she passed by, desperate hands reached through the metal bars, each prisoner yearning to touch their savior and perhaps claim a sliver of her fortune for themselves.
Daisuke watched the ironic scene unfold with mixed emotions, knowing Reeza felt the same conflict. She had unintentionally played a role in condemning her kin to their fate, yet she was also the one who had fed and cared for them throughout their bondage.
“I’m so happy you’re okay,” said Petula’s husband as they laced their fingers and shared a special moment. Then the man shifted his gaze toward Daisuke. “Thanks for keeping your promise.”
“You can thank me after we all get out of here,” Daisuke returned as he slowly approached Reeza. “Would you like to do the honors?” He offered empathetically as the prison key materialized in his palm.
Reeza’s gaze quivered, tears welling up as she locked eyes with him. With a heavy heart, she bowed her head, her bangs veiling her expression in shadow. In a hushed tone, she murmured, “Why couldn’t you have come sooner? If you had...”
“Mm?” Daisuke raised an eyebrow. “Did you say something?”
Reeza quickly cleared her tears with a wan smile, shaking her head dismissively. “No. Thank you.”
Without delay, she set to work, using the universal key to unlock all the cells and free her people. The captives, overwhelmed with gratitude, sobbed and embraced one another, collectively thanking Reeza and Daisuke for rescuing them.
[The quest «Liberation of the Florians» has been completed!]
[115,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]
[The title «The Liberator of Slaves» has been acquired.]
[Runetablet ×2 has been acquired.]
[Reinforcement Tablet x3 has been acquired.]
[280 gold has been acquired.]
[Level Up!]
[The Liberator of Races]
[Rank: Legendary
This prestigious title is bestowed upon individuals bearing the mark of a Congenial Denizen, who epitomize a life dedicated to moral integrity and steadfast advocacy for freedom and equality.
It is reserved for those who have selflessly risked their own well-being to emancipate others from the chains of bondage, transcending barriers of race, gender, and ethnicity to embody the true spirit of liberation.
Title Effect:
▪︎ Each liberated race grants an increase of 5% to maximum HP (1/5)
▪︎ Receives a stat boost for each race liberated:
» Florians: Dexterity +40
» Elves: Agility +0
» Dwarves: Strength +0
» Beastfolk: Critical Damage +0
» Goliaths: Defense +0
▪︎ Grants the power to teleport rescued slaves, be it individuals or groups, to a designated location. However, this ability cannot be employed on the same target more than once.]
Daisuke’s internal voice echoed with disbelief.
[Name: Haxks
Species: Human
Level: 32 | EXP: 29,804/160,000 (18.62%)
Class: Dual Blader
Affiliation: Adventurers’ Guild | Merchants’ Guild
Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter, The Liberator of Races
HP: 4516/4516 | MP: 553/553
Strength: 83 (+21) | Stamina: 129 (+22) | Agility: 155 (+35) | Intelligence: 42 (+10) | Dexterity: 35 (+75) | Composure: 24 | Indomitable: 14 | Perception: 5
Stat Points: 0]
Daisuke mused, his thoughts racing ahead to the possibilities.
Instead of attempting the math, Daisuke shifted his focus to the Agate Magic Bag that, if he recalled correctly, cost a whopping 50,000 gold at the General Store. He was already in a daze at the thought of the resale value, but when he peeked inside and saw the contents, his mouth hung open in abject shock.
[Mana crystals (3,904lb, 11oz)]
[Covered Carriage x4]
[Lumber x2500]
[156,000 Gold]
He thought while gawking at the holographic window.
“My daughter… has anyone seen my daughter?”
The frantic cries of a woman searching for her child caught Daisuke’s attention. Closing the translucent window, he scanned the surroundings, but he couldn’t recall seeing a single child in any of the holding cells.
Reeza, who seemed to know something, bit her lip as she listened to the woman’s desperate cries. Watching her shuffle through the crowd, Reeza couldn’t help but recall her own ordeal with her mother when their village was raided and pillaged by their captors.
Her fists trembled and her eyes burned with conviction as she observed the despairing woman.
***
Daisuke felt a wave of déjà vu wash over him. It hadn’t been long since he’d escaped the stifling confines of the dungeon, and now, as he emerged from the underground stronghold, a familiar sense of intense relief surged through him once again.
On the rolling hills just beyond Wonderelle’s towering walls, beneath the outstretched arms of a large tree, a handful of horses, graciously provided by Daisuke’s patronage, indulged in peaceful grazing. Their noble forms swayed gently in the breeze, their flowing manes catching the soft sunlight.
Tethered securely to the creatures were the four wagons pulled from the depths of the magic bag. Within their confines, the Florians savored their newfound freedom, indulging in the simple pleasure of a meal. However, amidst the chatter and the clanking of utensils, many were without an appetite, their hearts heavy with worry and longing for their missing loved ones, or for those who had perished.
Petula and her husband were among their ranks, their faces etched with the weight of recent events. The trials they endured in Wonderelle had left scars too deep to ignore. Now they found themselves unable to contemplate rebuilding their lives in the city that held such painful memories.
“What’s your next move?” Daisuke inquired with genuine empathy as Reeza reverently laid a flower at her mother’s grave. “Will you seek revenge?”
At his inquiry, the taunting image of Fynch resurfaced in Reeza’s mind, mocking and relentless. She shook her head vigorously, trying to banish the unwelcome thought—yet, in its wake, another unsettling memory began to stir.