Zermanar was intrigued the moment Jack placed items that were clearly some monster parts on the table, not hesitating to take a couple of them in his hands and appraise them as well as inspect their properties, only to once again surprised at what he learned.

  "Level thirty monster ant parts, tough and sturdy. A great material to forge. Malleable enough for smithing needs under the correct amount of heat as well. A good material, and precisely the kind we could always use more off. Where did you acquire it if I may ask?"

  "On the other side of the river, though I doubt any of you or whatever expeditions you form could survive there long enough to get anything worthwhile back to this side." Jack replied calmly, more than just familiar with the place "Assuming your transportation method does not get sunk on the way there. Plenty of Kraikos scouring those waters." he then added, though he was also quite sure the Kirinoid master smith before him was well aware of the fact.

  "Just what is out there then? It's been centuries since last attempt was made to explore that way, only for no one to return." Zermanar inquired.

  "Ants, as you can already see from the material I provided. A bit more in numbers than you would like. Let's just leave it at that. And no, I have no reason, nor plans to share just how I myself could get through there. The question I have is simple. Would you like to get your hands on a reasonable amount of this kind of material and just how much would you pay for it? Both in valuables and information. Understand that I have a general assumption regarding the value such high level materials- at least for this steppe- could no doubt have for crafters of any kind. The low level of everyone around me speaks volumes."

  Zermanar rubbed his temple in contemplation, considering the bast way to handle this whole situation. On the one hand, the human ambition was a danger in the long term, on the other, there was not a single craftsman who could refuse the opportunity to practice and advance their craft, especially when they had always been heavily bottlenecked by the accessibility of materials that were now dangled before him. In the end, he sighed and asked "What kind of volumes are we talking about here exactly?"

  "Depends really." Jack responded calmly "I would have to know the volume of materials of similar quality you acquire on a monthly basis. From there I could extrapolate what and for how long I could provide you with appropriate amount so neither side feels cheated."

  "That sounds reasonable." Zermanar nodded, already mentally preparing for long and arduous negotiation session where a deal would be struck that would benefit both sides while also leaving them just a little bit grumbling- that was how business went. If one side was truly happy, the other one had dropped the ball on their part, losing out on quite a bit of potential benefits. If both were extremely happy, they both had missed something crucial. if both were just a bit displead, the deal was no doubt still profitable but both had failed to take at least slight advantage of the other side. "I do have to advise you however, what with us about to negotiate some sort of a deal. The commotion in our courtyard with that wolf beastman? It will spiral further, calling to action at least one of the four clans, maybee two, depending on who is sent to enforce the laws you had broken back there."

  "Does not matter. I doubt they are stupid enough to willingly sacrifice much of their own clans blood. A couple more beatdowns- most likely more brutal each time- of their so called enforcers will send a message could and clear. Once that is through, they might try a different angle- seduction or subterfuge- only to fail in those as well and be forced to settle it in the only manner that works with mercenary types. Good old cash. And that will be that. I will conduct my business here until I am ready to head towards my next goal. And whatever cooperation we agree to- if we manage to find a mutually acceptable terms- will remain between us. And that's why none of your subordinates were allowed to be present."

  What followed was a couple of hours of back and forth, with both sides angling to come out on top, well aware of each other's efforts. Jack, having played a similar game against gods of all beings, was not all that bad at the whole negotiation thing, though his opposition was no slouch either, a century and a half of living had served Zermanar well enough to hone his own skill a great deal. Still, eventually they came to an agreement, with both sides content enough with the terms negotiated. Jack would deliver a certain amount of level thirty plus ant bodies, receiving in exchange both information and coin.

  "As agreed, we will take no action in shielding or backing you within the city, officially having no further dealings with you aside from buying and selling whatever you bring to us, same as we do with any other potential customer."

  "And that is all that I need. Do make sure to warn your clan to stay out of my way. Much like you, I will act with the the same understanding." Jack replied, gesturing for the Kirinoid to to lead the way to a room Jack could drop some of the ant bodies he had on hand right now "Would be quite the shame to lose some of your younger and less mellow members to their youthful folly."

  Zermanar's eyelid twitched, though he remained stoic "I will advise caution then."

  The first exchange of goods was somewhat lengthy process, with Zermanar inspecting each of the bodies Jack threw in the designated room with careful and strict appraisals eye, already doing mental math in regards to just how much they could do with the materials that could be extracted from each body without wasting anything, maximizing the number of projects that could be done. By the time Jack dropped the last body of their first exchange, Zermanar was even smiling.

  In turn, Jack received a sizable pouch of coins, as well as a number of scrolls containing all manner if information that the old Kirinoid had on hand. The old smith had developed a habit of keeping certain records about what he believed to be rather important issues- be it persons of interest, extremely notable events taking place either in city of mentioned to him or his clansmen by those traveling here for their smithing expertise, or dungeon spawn timers, not that he believed the latter was of any significance to his new business partner. He might not have said anything, but from what he had observed and realized from the ant bodies he had received, the human before him was terrifying in a whole new manner all together.

  Only two possible explanations could be derived. He knew, without a shadow of a doubt that the ants he received lived like their much, much smaller cousins did, with numerous members of their workforce leaving their anthill whenever they traveled out. And with the numbers left by his human acquaintance, at least one such expedition must have been hit and annihilated. Considering the level and nature of the monsters, either the human handling said bodies over was at the very least the same rarity class as he was, packing the power of an actual combat oriented unique class, or said same human was a member of a much larger, and obviously more dangerous group, with his current business partner playing their mouthpiece as they did whatever they had planned. Either way- the human was not to be messed with, nor was any further snooping a good choice if longevity was a consideration for his own Kirin clan.

  As though reading Zermanar's mind, Jack spoke once the group was heading towards the exit, their current deal concluded "Do stay at the door and watch. I am quite sure quite the spectacle is about to take place and it will assure you have made the correct choice."

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  'Of course. Someone from the four clans must be already here, stopped only because of the establishment they were in. Not even the ruling clans were stupid enough to damage their relationship with the best crafters around. That would be far too foolish and inadvisable, something even brutes from the bear beastmen clan- Maarg Nume- would understand.' Once said human was off of Kirin clan land however, no matter what he had done inside, the clans would be free to dish out their own justice.

  The moment their group reached the doors, a rather large crowd would be seen gathered just outside the smithy courtyard, each and every one a beastman or beastwoman whose eyes blazed with obvious righteous fury and indignation. Forcefully shaving a proud beastman's fur, no matter how small or large the shaven area, was the greatest insult one could make, easily comparable to defiling ones mate and pups, or so the furred beastmen would no doubt say. To do so to a relatively known individual, even if only in said district, was even worse. It no doubt implied that ones status did not matter to the culprit either, marking him as both a savage and a lawless fiend.

  The crowd sneered and cried out the moment Jack appeared through the doorway, their gazes locked on the detestable human like bloodthirsty and starving predators, though despite the clear bloodlust in the air, none dared to approach, well aware that they themselves did not actually have what it takes to dish out said deserved justice as well as that there were some who should be able to do so in their stead.

  "Girls, stay back a bit and wait until I clear out the rabble." Jack calmly informed his maids, cracking his neck as a grin slowly spread across his face, adding "Watch old man. This is what's needed to set foot on the other side."

  The closer Jack got to the exit of the property, the wider the empty space direct around said exit became, with the ordinary spectators pushing back to make space for those qualified to enforce the rules, of which there were three groups, at least as far as Jack was concerned. With a quick glance, he appraised them all, making mental notes as to who to beat down lightly and who brutalize. Unlike Zermanar, the ones he was about to deal with were all from the younger generation, their pride and arrogance not once properly broken down, allowing for uncontrolled racism and superiority complexes to develop. Titles like 'beast breaker' and 'animal mutilator' could be seen on more than just a few of said enforcers, dooming them to quite miserable fate. After all, as far as many of said youths considered humans and their like to be nothing but beasts, ones that could talk and were just a bit smarter than your average chicken or cow.

  None of those present were above level twenty five, causing Jack to furrow his brow in confusion, only to understand a moment later. 'They can't be actually thinking all I have is some good gear that allowed me to seem so overwhelming, can they?' Jack thought, doing a quick second appraisal as he did some mental math, estimating the power level of his supposed opponents.

  'Level fifteen to twenty, with the average base stats of 14 strength, 14 vitality, 13 dexterity and 10 intelligence. Add to that 6 attributes from one hander and shield- rare T1 weapons and plus 6 attributes from rare T1 body armour.' Jack calculated, his own gear taking being equipped as he moved forward. Unlike his opponents, Jack was clearly better geared, his entire set now consisting of T3 pieces( level requirement of twenty five) of epic quality that included a two handed sword, armour, three rings and an amulet. He had slacked on the remaining seven rings, for the time being allowing his matter storage to fill up, as well as solving whatever gear change needs his kids needed- he was keeping up the contact with them. There was no way he would forget an abandon them. His guild would rise to the top, one way or another.

  His new temporary two hander when he was not hell bent on slicing through anything in his path was Intimidator(epic)- A simple and somewhat crude looking greatsword, though do not let its simple and uninspiring design fool you. It provides plenty of power to the one wielding it, even slightly distracting your opponents with its menacing aura. Level requirement 25(T3). Strength +5, Vitality +5. Slight aura of intimidation, form auto correct, enchanted sharpness, enchanted impact.

  His body armour was also an epic quality piece of T3 gear named Wandering mercenary's scalemail(epic)- A simple looking scalemail, seemingly slightly worn out due to prolonged use. Despite its appearance, the armour is in perfect condition, providing excellent protection against slashing and piercing damage thanks to the scales of the armour distributing impact among multiple pieces, lowering the force a single scale takes. Strength +3, Vitality +3, Dexterity +3. Enhanced protection against slashing and piercing attacks.

  The rings and amulet were more generic, providing him just raw stats of different types + 5 intelligence, +5 strength and + 5 dexterity, with each of the accessories providing +5 to one. The third ring slot was still taken by his spatial storage ring, leaving him with 5 extra stats less, though he was more than decked out as he was, with his unknowing opponents about to receive the beating of their lives.

  There was also the pair of energy wings Jack had made early on after his unexpected arrival to this new continent, recently reworked and tweaked a bit to become a special item, not at all like the coat they were previously attached to and could be classified as a proper equipment. Now, said pair of wings were their own thing, taking up no equipment slot, but as a result they did not actually provide any quantifiable stat or ability boost. That was not to say they were weak or useless, with a skilled wielder getting out of them more than their money's worth. Not that Jack had any reason or desire to flaunt said wings at the moment. Jack had the feeling that out there, somewhere in the steppe there no doubt was a tribe or city with avian beastmen- birdmen more likely- and Jack did not want to give the local beastmen a way out of the clearly unreasonable truth of an extremely powerful human wrecking their superior race.

  Regardless, even without the versatility Jack's energy wings provided, he was more than enough to handle the circus clowns gathered around, so he saw no reason to delay it any longer, lest the calm and collected demeanor of Zermanar is perceived as some sort of a backing. Appearances had to be kept after all, and so, on Jack went, with his six maids slowing down considerably, all but stopping in their place.

  As Jack got closer and closer, the first set of either insults or supposed righteous calls could be heard, with several of the groups present stepping out of the retreating crowd, clearly here to enforce their own justice, both about whatever rules Jack had supposedly broken with his previous actions, as well as slaking their need for justice against the foul human humiliating and disregarding their entire race. Unfortunately for the beastmen, Jack could not understand them, nor would he bother to respond even if he did, the bloodthirsty crowd resolvable in a single way.

  "Blah, blah, blah." Jack sneered as he stepped outside Kirinoid property gates, a clear smirk adorning his face, his weapon still not drawn, though clearly visible to the crowd around, almost taunting the spectators and his opposition with his confidence and what could be perceived as dismissal of their ability. It was, as clearly irritating and infuriating, rather understandable for the beastmen present. They knew better than anyone how badly most of their kind treated their human slaves. Would it be any wonder then if one of their supposed domesticated animals grew strong enough to have its revenge against the somewhat cruel(no way would they have the self reflection and awareness to understand the full extent of their cruelty) masters who maintained their ways? Did not lessen the anger and rage at the audacity of the beast.

  In mere moments the three groups taking their forward positions realized that their words would not reach the human who seemed to only speak the slave language, as such they shared a few looks as though wordlessly communicating, trying to figure out who gets to take down the human menace, earning the right to do what they will with the spoils.

  Either through mutual understanding, intimidation or exchange of other benefits in the form of their soundless communication, Maarg-Nume clans bear beastmen were the first to move. Their large, two and a half meter bulky frames radiated raw, primal might, their muzzles sporting savage grinns as their teeth showed. Each of the seven members of the approaching group looked like some sort of a bruiser, clad in heavy armour and wielding a two handed weapon- be it mace, hammer or sword. Having moved ahead of the other two groups, halfway all but one of the bear beastmen stopped, cheering on and clearly joking among themselves, possibly even betting on the time it would take for cracks to appear in the supposed human powerhouses demeanor. Soon enough they would pay for their arrogance. Soon enough.

  Jack Raja(?)

  Age- 27

  Species- human(?)

  Level- 30

  Class- Awakened twin aspect of Creation and Destruction(Ex)

  Stats unassigned: +4

  Attributes:

  Strength- 34 (14+7+13(gear))

  Vitality- 28 (12+8+8(gear))

  Dexterity- 29 (15+6+8(gear))

  Intelligence-20(15+ 5(gear)

  Spirit- Spirit- 30 (20+10)

  Skills- Wisdom of Creation and destruction(EX), Choice of the creator(EX), Eyes of procurer(EX), Matter storage(EX), Arukain language(C), Spark of inspiration(EX), Origin of matter(EX), Unbound by laws of the lessers(EX), The end made manifest(EX).

  Spells- none.

  Titles(unlocked): The real Monster, Big Game Hunter, The brilliant rookie, The insane Solo. Monster debugger.The actor. Executioner. Survivor. Pioneer, Record breaker.The new champion supreme. Slavemaster.

  Gear: Two handed sword(t3)+ 5 str +5 vit: Armor 3str +3 vit +3 dex; Ring 1 - spatial storage, ring 2 +5int, ring 3 +5 str; amulet +5 dex.