Isekai Magus 3: A LitRPG Progression Saga (The Fantasy World of Nordan)

by Han Yang

  She went to say something, and I tossed a small red handkerchief onto the ground. This was the signal that talks were over and in an hour hostilities would continue.

  “I am glad you have chosen to leave,” Desera said, her tone softening.

  “I am glad the yellow gives me time to leave. I do not doubt that your army is beyond my capabilities. Too bad we couldn’t find terms for trade,” I said.

  “The Kragi Empire has all it needs,” Desera said, dusting the snow off her rear when she stood.

  I plucked the red flag off the snow and returned it to its pocket.

  “That’s it?” Dad asked when I returned to where he observed. “You said a few sentences, postured, and decided to run away?”

  “Indubitably,” I said with a shoulder pat. “It is imperative that you choose your battles. If I offered you to duel…” I paused to point at an ogre running by. “…that ogre for a wager, what would you say?”

  His eyes followed the ogre with a frown. “I’d say you’re nuts.”

  I nodded. “Truer words have never been said. You don’t know how to fight. That ogre can throw trees, and you struggle to lift a sword. Your magic is stonemelding, and he casts ice bolts. You stand zero chance. Now, if I said you could fight him to the death or leave through that portal, you would leave. Especially if you stole the ogre’s lunch. Take a win when you get one.”

  “If you’re so exposed, why didn’t she just attack?” Dad asked.

  Mom smirked and said, “She isn’t ready to fight. Going to theory this one out. Damien sacks the farm. The antia leaders send messengers to tell their allies, this takes time. It’s been about an hour since the fighting started so this adds up to some extent. The humans send a scout here and send a scout with authority.

  “They will be ready the second she returns. It’s smart to wait before blindingly charging in, even if it works sometimes. She was to assess and ascertain. That’s hard to do in a blizzard. She flew the yellow, and it wasn’t needed.”

  “I agree. The griffin and the other farm openings were enough to spook me. I can’t fight a raging battle here, so we leave with some extra pork, some levels, some timber, and other materials,” I said.

  “I didn’t even kill anything besides long furred ferret creatures, and it broke my heart to do that,” Dad said.

  “Is that what was in the cages?” I asked.

  He nodded solemnly, and I decided not to press the issue. Death was brutal, and the little critters counted as a ticket home, so they had died.

  We arrived at the camp, and the fifteen or so beastmasters waited with their new pigs. I walked up to the only one I recognized and said, “Orri, follow me.”

  “What do we do?” Dad asked.

  “Start chucking items into the portal as long as it's not alive,” I ordered then walked to the sparkling yellow portal.

  I accessed the interface and said, “Send in a single pig.”

  “Yes, my King.” Orri gestured to a pig and pointed for it to enter.

  Beastmaster Animals: 1/1000

  That was a single box. I glanced up at the portal and a big bold 250 still shined brightly in green. Nice. I might just have to figure out how this worked with storing minions. So far, they had counted against the numbers allowed and had not gone into storage.

  Instead of testing with a potential fight coming, I figured it was best to get everyone home and ask Caitlyn later.

  “You have one hour to return home. Failure to do so will result in your death. Toss everything into the portal. Once back in Moonguard City, besides the beastmasters, you are not dismissed until all the loot is removed from the church,” I said and stepped into the portal.

  ∞∞∞

  “We got a problem,” Jorma said.

  I had about enough time to dust the snowflakes off me before she pounced. I rolled my wrist for her to continue while I strode out of the church. The religious section held thousands of goblins sorting everything from dead animals to vegetation around the main fountain.

  Team leaders cried out for items to be loaded on certain wagons. The organization was a tad chaotic, but they were working hard to sort all our loot. A goblin gutted a large ferret creature, spilling the guts into a wooden bucket.

  The street ran red with blood, and the early spring flies swarmed in thick clumps. The evening sun told me it would be dark in a bit, and while our day was mildly successful, I couldn’t help but feel it was underwhelming.

  “The Jeer Coalition attacked Ossa and his goblin rider,” Jorma said.

  I grunted and kept walking through the tangle of workers. “Well, shit, that’s not good.”

  “The goblin rider fell, and last I heard was missing. Ossa was chased to the gates by a trio of falcons, but he was quicker. Once he crossed the defenses, we learned that a beastmaster flying a giant eagle commanded the squad of raptors.

  “When he realized who the rider belonged to, he fled, and we just had a harpy land after requesting the yellow. He is meeting with Lady Jenovene at the moment in the throne room,” Jorma said.

  “You can call her mom. I’m not that stuffy. Where’s Leor?” I asked.

  “Attending his studies,” Jorma said. “He goes to actual classes now to work on his writing. He needs it and will turn into a proper noble one day if you allow it. Momma said it is very likely.”

  “Good, and thanks,” I said, increasing my stride towards the keep. When Jorma stayed in my shadow I frowned. “Manage this side of the church until Asha comes through.”

  “Aw… I mean, yes, your Grace.”

  We changed directions, and I entered the nobility section of the city. The activity continued here with the street being used as a production zone. Yermica oversaw trolls and goblins sorting vines along a stretch of vacant banks.

  She quickly caught up to my side when I navigated around the workers. “Fish nets!” Yermica said happily.

  I stared at her and thought of Jax. I quickly let the angst go.

  “With vines?” I asked.

  “You build a frame from sticks or metal. Wrap a cage with narrowing entrances and then add food in a door. It’s not amazing, but it is something,” Yermica said.

  “Yes. I get to this ocean city and then find myself unable to fish. I might have a plan for that…'' I smiled down at her mischievously. “However, the nets will be excellent for nearby, and it's great to hear we are making progress.”

  We passed white-haired guards on my way into the main castle. I shifted through the foyer and waiting areas to quickly start ascending the main spiral ramp.

  When Yermica stayed at my side without saying anything in reply, I asked, “Can I help you with anything?”

  “I need to come up here anyway,” Yermica said. “With the second church going dark, I need to plan with Nee on how best to utilize our workforce.”

  “A shame, really,” I grumbled. “Hey, at least my base stats are recovering by having to walk up three hundred feet every hour.”

  I expected an echoing sound of debate and discussion as I neared the top. Instead, the silence was deafening. My guards didn’t tense as they arrived on the landing so I stayed calm and collected.

  As we neared the main throne room, I noticed all the side doors were closed, and the yellow bubbles of silence shields were applied.

  Yermica excused herself, and I strode into the main courtroom. A male harpy sat in a waiting area and flipped through notes in a folder, pausing when I arrived.

  “King Damien of Moonguard City,” Jenovene called out, leaving Tarla’s throne at my approach.

  I casually walked to my throne and perched in my seat. Jenovene whispered in my ear that the goblin had been returned with his orb intact and his life restored. I watched the harpy while she talked.

  He allowed his age to show. His feathers on the back of arm held gray tips. Fluffy eyebrows filled his forehead, and his long black hair was tied in a ponytail. He wore loose fitting robes with no visible weapons.

  She finished her sho
rt briefing, curtsied, and said, “I present Ambassador Petrion of the Jeer Coalition.”

  “Welcome to Moonguard City, formerly known as Sorona. I sent a messenger for an envoy and am surprised to see one arrive so soon,” I said in a friendly tone.

  “King Damien, I came to right a wrong. Hopefully, your dragon rider has been restored,” Ambassador Petrion said. I smiled warmly with a nod. “Excellent. Then now is a great time to talk about the Podoni Empire.”

  “The human legions directly to my north were also sent a missive about our newly established kingdom in the Garo Region,” I said. “I understand and respect that you are mortal enemies.”

  “Garo Region stays neutral for the most part. The high elva in Yoorkee are tied to the Podoni while the Inno Wartribe tends to only trade with us. However, most play the field. You have something that interests us,” Ambassador Petrion said.

  I couldn’t help but smile. Those were magical words to my ears.

  “Your goblin panicked during the fight and only clipped a falcon with a shot from a high powered mechanical weapon. The crossbow was recovered mostly intact and returned with the body. We couldn’t help but notice it was dwarven made. Your battlements, while weak and… lacking… are adorned with dwarven and minotaur ballista variants,” Ambassador Petrion said.

  “Yes, I have no shortage of labor at the moment either. Are you wanting to buy crossbows?” I asked.

  “Just like that?” Ambassador Petrion asked.

  “You want me to kick and scream and ask for help or assurances first?” I asked.

  The harpy smiled delightfully. “May we talk in private if you're open to no strings attached trading?”

  I peeled myself out of my throne and waved for him to follow me towards the balcony. My guards stayed between us, and a goblin erected a silencer bubble after we arrived on the luxurious balcony. I stared down at the city under construction and sighed at the lack of progress.

  “Quite a feat. The captured survivors at sea are saying you manage to time a betrayal with your assault,” Ambassador Petrion said.

  “Happenstance. Not afraid to admit that, and you probably already know anyway. The Garo Region is on edge,” I said.

  The harpy comfortably sat in one of the balcony recliners that faced the ocean. I joined him on a seat with a bit of distance between us.

  “Garo is worthless and yet vital. We came to this region to recruit and trade. There are no mega farms or mighty rulers to sway us to alter how we treat the region. The fish are nice but cheaper to the north side of the Podoni Empire, which, ironically, is purchased from the Podoni Empire. Most of the leaders are scared to expand outside their cities and the trading is mundane at best,” Ambassador Petrion said.

  “Which is fine by me. I need them to stay inside their walls,” I admitted.

  “We concur. Diplomatically, the Jeer Coalition is recognizing your claim to this city as official. The fact you helped a lot of nations recover their young went a decent way toward buying you some leeway,” he said.

  I grunted with a nod. “I’m still bringing one, if not two, invading armies to the region,” I said.

  “I know, we were bribed with gold, while our spies say the Podoni were given Zorta by the elva from the Willow Woods. We accepted. No offense, it was a simple transaction. We never march armies this far south. They’d get bogged down and end up draining power to even reach here.

  “Our war is long and constant. Any deviation from the normal brings a cause and effect issue from our enemy. If you trade us dwarven made crossbows, the Podoni will ask for an exclusive contract. That puts us in a bind. We can enter a bidding war, but we’d rather not,” he said.

  “I’m constrained on what I can craft without metal for the gizmos and parts,” I said.

  Famo asked for one thing over and over: more metal.

  “An easy enough fix. What would make you happy?” Ambassador Petrion asked.

  “We arrange an official trade agreement after the siege against the elva. Until then, you sell me metal. That allows me to stockpile the weapons to prepare for the coming fight. When it's over, we suddenly have a large excess of crossbows in varying sizes,” I said.

  “How much for the weapons?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know the cost of the metal to give you a quote on the weapons, but for this favor, I can certainly keep the rate fair to you.”

  “Okay, the details will take an approval, but the concept is simple, fair, and both sides win. Assuming you don’t take the same deal with the Podoni, I feel it will get approval. Gold for the metal?” he asked.

  “Or gems if that is appropriate.” I saw him nod happily. “Good. Now, why did you kill my dragon rider?”

  “You need to fly the white and yellow. It will say you’re neutral and from the Garo region. We have portals open around here on occasion, mostly in the swamps. Unmarked troops are easy targets. I will leave design plans, free of charge,” he said.

  “I have a friend venturing into your lands in his quest for knowledge,” I said.

  The harpy waved me down.

  “It is important for you to know we welcome trade. The Jeer Coalition controls an expansive area. Your metal can be traded through ground or air. Air cost significantly more and on ground still has costs.

  “We frequently allow visitors into our land regardless of score. That is not as important to us as it is to the Podoni Empire. Your friend will be treated with respect and left to his business as long as he has something to offer.

  “We host dignitaries often. The cheapest way to trade with us, and what most other nation cities do, is to send a trade delegation. The resources are purchased and escorted through our lands via wagon to our border. Then the buyer takes the goods off our wagons, loads theirs, and finishes the journey themselves.

  “You can bring your caravan in, but it’s at your own risk. The Podoni prefer to hit foreign trade convoys because they are less protected than ours, meaning an easy target,” Ambassador Petrion said.

  “Interesting. And if we are attacked in your lands while mounting a successful defense?” I asked.

  “What? Like baiting out a fight by looking weak while carrying a few hundred skeletons in your caravan?” he asked while mulling it over. “It would be within your right to defend yourself, but you would have to honor our war agreement. All prisoners can be exchanged or purchased at a fixed rate.”

  “Ah, not interested then,” I said.

  “If you thirst for war, you have thirty something cities around you itching for a fight. We hear many will join the elva in their attack,” he said.

  I stood and folded my arms. “Maybe it was time this region came under the rule of one central leader.”

  “Many have tried, but all have failed, including ourselves.”

  I smiled and gestured for the interior. “I’m feeling like having some ham slices. Fresh from the field. Will you join me for an evening meal and casual conversation?”

  “I would be honored,” he replied.

  I led him towards the kitchens, hoping I could turn the Jeer Coalition into an ally without making an enemy out of the Podoni Empire. I found that unlikely, especially if the Yookree council was allied to the humans. I had some interesting plans for those haughty elva, and I was fairly sure it was going to piss off a lot of the local leaders.

  CHAPTER 6

  Moonguard City

  The lapping waves splashed against the rocks in a harmonic way that soothed my soul. I sat on the jetties near the deepest point by the chain towers. Three days had passed since Ambassador Petrion returned to his empire.

  Three quiet days of tireless work. The jungle island Tarla managed continued to produce vital supplies. They hadn’t found any massive wildlife or residents to combat, yet. The mission was nothing more than stripping the island and sending us excellent gains.

  Jungles held hardwood trees, meaning Famo and the carpenters tirelessly converted the lumber into usable planks. The framing requirements to raise the wall
s and prepare the new gate were monstrous. Not to mention we were building ships, repairing ships, creating crossbows, making furniture, and the list went on.

  I let all the angst go as I watched my acorn bob in the waves. Scattered logs floated in the ocean not far away. I knew below each of the buoyant sticks rested fish and crab traps, another improvement for Tribe Moonguard’s economy.

  The main earners were the portals, and they were bustling with thousands working to manage the gains. Instead of pretending to help with sorting or processing, I went fishing with gut line, a pole, and some worms.

  In the two hours I’d been out, I had lost half a bucket of worms and caught no fish. The little guys were a big pain to catch.

  The sound of scraping feet told me I had a visitor. If my guards let them through, they were likely important.

  “Where’s the fish?” Bell teased from over my shoulder.

  I turned and watched her carefully place her feet on each rock while balancing. The trip out had been treacherous, and I figured it was intentionally meant to be a slow walking deal. Which was fine. It made sense that any force scaling the jetties had to face a potentially ankle breaking trip.

  However, Bell carried Mags in a wrap over her chest, and I watched with trepidation, fearing the worst. A few steps later, I saw she was managing fine.

  “Careful,” I warned.

  “I got this. I used to river fish all the time,” Bell said.

  Maggie cooed happily from hearing my voice. The lass had swapped to night sleeping, having her first awake during the day as of yesterday. It wasn’t lost on anyone that Bell spent more time with her than Tarla recently.

  Every note we passed through the gate had updates on the baby, but Tarla was determined to finish the mission. Nee’s agents in her party said she was earning respect and doing her part.

  “The fish are elusive. Besides the hungry bait stealers. Where’s the new flame?” I asked, noticing her hovering boyfriend missing.

  I’d seen her love interest less and less recently and wondered if I had missed something. Bell huffed and plopped down onto the rock beside me. I was offered Maggie, so I handed Bell the rod to hold my daughter.