TTIGRAAS: Predator

Chapter 12

Flying off, I headed in the direction of the Canaat Mountains, wanting to visit the Armed Nation of Dwargon before going to Blumund.

It'd be a test run for me when it came to blending into human society again, and I was also interested in meeting fantasy dwarves. My inner nerd was coming out, I suppose, but I did have real reasons to be going there outside of my own whims.

I'd like to learn some of their technology if possible since that's what dwarves are known for in this world. With the sage's analysis, I should be able to learn a lot just by visiting.

I landed a decent distance from the gates, not wanting anyone to spot me flying, and tucked my wings away–or more like retracted them into my body–but whatever.

That'll be the test; I wanna see if I can pass convincingly as a human before I try my luck entering human lands again. Plus, the idea of seeing fantasy dwarves in real life was appealing to me, so my excitement with this little detour was real.

I saw from above how unreasonably long the line was in front of the gates, but I didn't think that cutting would do me any good. So, I took my place at the back and waited like the rest of these people.

Scanning the line with [Magic Sense], I could tell that there was quite a mix of different races, just as I'd expected. Some appeared to be dwarves, others humans, and even a few elves! I also detected a scant few sentient monsters in line as well, although they were few and far between.

I'd gotten into the habit of analyzing anyone I came by, curious about how I stood up to them, but that was easier said than done when it came to humans. Honestly, ability-wise, they all looked the same to me, at least when they were just idly standing in line. Watching them fight would make a difference in my assessment, I knew that for certain.

With monsters, magicule count was a good way to check their strength, but that wasn't really important when it came to humans from what I could tell.

Their equipment varied a bit in strength and quality, but not much. Compared to Shizu's sword, most of the weapons that I looked at were nothing special.

"Hey little girl, are you here by yourself?"

Oh great, now this.

As if having to spend an extended amount of time in a lengthy line wasn't bad enough, some sleazeball was now trying to strike up a conversation with me. He was directly behind me in line, so it's not like I could do anything to distance myself from him and his little gang of thug stereotypes without losing my spot.

Maybe he'll shut up if I just keep quiet.

I pretended like I didn't hear him or maybe didn't realize it was me he was speaking to.

"We're speakin' to you, squirt, so how 'bout you answer my friend here!?" His friend asked in a more aggressive tone.

I guess ignoring them isn't gonna work.

"Oh, sorry, were you speaking to me? I was just a bit lost in thought."

"Yeah, we're askin' if you're alone!" The first shouted.

"I think the answer is pretty obvious without me needing to tell you," I answered bluntly.

"Oh look, she's got a mouth on her, ain't she?" The third man in their group asked the first.

"Yeah, a pretty one too. How much you think we could sell 'er for?" The second asked.

"Dunno, but I bet that sword would sell for a lot! Gimme that thing, kid, or we'll snatch you up too!" The first warned me.