A/N: So I see a lot of people guessing that the next big arc is the Town Upgrade! It’s true, BUT because there’ll be a short time skip, I need to settle a few things before we head there.
So... manage your expectations! Getting so far into the story, you probably have an idea how long the next big arc will
actually
commence lololol
...
____
Fossu stepped forward, using his earth ability to check if there were traps. He found that everything was just typical soil, though he noted that the makeshift fences were really dug deep, so they were relatively durable.
"It’s safe for now," he said. "There’s no notification, either. I think… this isn’t a territory…"
"What?" the others said, going past the threshold. They came in groups though, just in case. Of course, the place wasn’t big, so the hundred or so of them quickly filled up the entire place.
After observing a bit, they came to the same conclusion as Fossu.
But… why would a non-territory be in a place like this?
"...this is it?" His father asked, looking at the flimsy 1-yard-tall fence that probably only served as a rough delineation. They then turned to look at the sheds, as well as a group of stones arranged in a circular manner with something at the center.
"Is this… black metal?"
"In the middle of nowhere?"
"What a waste…" one said, trying to pull it and failing to do so. "Ah, it’s tied…"
"How strange…"
Some people studied each element of the place, while most just found themselves a seat somewhere to rest.
Soon, someone found the stone box placed near one of the trees and shrubs.
"What is this?" he asked. A lot of people nearby turned to him, looking over his shoulder.
More and more people gathered to see, with someone nudging it with his feet.
"Well, it’s obviously a stone box," he concluded, crossing his arms.
"Ah yes, we’re not blind. We can see that."
"Open it up."
"No, you do it."
"You found it."
"So, contribute. Open it."
After playing a classic game of rock, leaf, and dagger, a loser was determined. The aforementioned loser would be the sacrifice to open the box.
Leaning back as far as he could—just in case—the sacrifice carefully opened the lid.
Flop!
The lid landed elsewhere and nothing dangerous came out of it. The people heaved a sigh of relief, immediately converging to explore its contents.
They took sticks to move the items around, just to be safe, and were relieved to see that everything appeared safe for now.
Some brave souls soon took these items into their hands to see, and soon Fossu and the others also arrived to check what the commotion was about.
Inside the box, there were various bottles (very high quality compared to what they had encountered), unfamiliar packages, and what some people recognized as rare parchment.
"It’s a little thin though," one of the older ones mumbled, having touched parchment due to working under the lord at the time.
"So many writings…" Fona mumbled, "I wish I could read…"
Fossu smiled at her, "I can teach you."
At this, a little boy appeared next to them, jumping up with pride. "Brother taught me! I can also read!"
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