The Chronicles of a Scalebound Sage: Wandmaker Vol.2

WM [16] Why Does Everyone Know?

Alfred led Tanisha and Bjorn through the camp, the man walking with a jovial pep to his step. It was far livelier now as people were preparing for hunts. A large group of monster hunters gathered at the gate for a joint raid.

"What's going on over there?" Tanisha asked.

Alfred spun around to look at what she was talking about. "Oh, that, there was an armored chrysalis spotted nearby. So they're putting together a subjugation party to take it down." When Tanisha didn't seem to know what he was talking about, he continued. "You know, armored chrysalis? It's a monster that absorbs ambient mana to harden itself and has many arms and teeth. Now that I think of it, how much do you know about monsters?"

Tanisha raised her hands in a full-body shrug. "Stories. I've heard of ripper jaws before and orcligers, but not much else."

"Oh, this is going to take a while. Which is perfect!" Alfred said with a twinkle in his eye. "Let's see if we can stretch this out for two days. I'll even waive your instructor cost."

Tanisha waved off the idea. "One day is fine."

"Your loss. Well, monsters aren't born in the same way as you or me or even Bjorn there," Alfred's tone grew more serious. "Instead, they're formed through chaotic ambient magic. Some more superstitious believe it's the Divines testing us, but I don't think so. If the conditions are right and the concentration of ambient mana is correct, you'll have a monster manifestation. It's as simple as that.

"Yuhia has very neutral ambient mana, so monsters don't usually manifest in the country. Even the monsters we fight here aren't ones that manifested here; they just managed to cross the border. Most of them aren't strong, as the lack of ambient mana sources causes them to starve, for lack of a better word. Then they have to start looking for sources of mana to feed on, and I'm sure you can guess why they attack people."

"They're trying to eat people's magic core?" Tanisha asked.

"Right'o, and the closer they get to starving, the more feral they become. Some monsters in highly chaotic ambient mana areas are completely docile, but as soon as they leave, they become savage in a few weeks. I don't want to give you the wrong impression; most monsters will attack you no matter what. You're like a magical buffet for any monster."

Tanisha thought about it for a minute. "So they're like the undead?"

"Shambling undead, I suppose, yeah," Alfred said. "After we get you all the equipment you'll need, it would be a shame only to do this one day. How about we schedule you in for another hunt with me tomorrow to ensure your lessons today sink in?"

Tanisha shook her head at the man's insistence on using her to get out of work. "I have to get back to my stall tomorrow."

"Stall? Are you a merchant?" Alfred asked.

"Yes, I'm an alchemist."

Alfred stopped in his tracks. "An alchemist? Can you make health, stamina and mana potions, and the like?"

"Yes, of course, up to greater quality, but probably higher if I get the ingredients," Tanisha said.

Alfred had a twinkle in his eye. "Do you know where you are? We normally have to order potions from Lavi, and shipments stopped after some civil war or attack or something. We're nearly out of healing potions. You were selling your stuff in town. Come out here, and you'll be sold out in a day. I have half a mind to offer you a contract to stay here with the Jackrabbits." He started walking again. "But first, let's ensure you and your familiar can survive." Alfred motioned to the open door of a blacksmith shop. "Here we are."

Tanisha walked in first. The beating of metal and the smell of charcoal permeated the air. The displays of light armor and weapons were on stands and shelves. The temperature inside was hot despite the forges being in another room. There were several other people already there getting orders or looking at gear.