Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

That statement implied that he was willing to let the dwarf follow in the footsteps of the Hamar clan, which had vanished beyond the massive mountain range that stretched across the southern part of the continent. To the dwarf, a half-elf who typically lived for 300 years, 20 years to gain freedom did not seem like a particularly long time.

Humans are good at lying. Do you think I can trust those words?

However, the dwarfs distrust of humans was profound, and the look of resignation in his eyes did not waver. It was then that Logan gently pulled out a piece of paper shimmering with bluish energy from within his clothes.

Do you know what this is?

The dwarfs eyes trembled upon verifying the item.

A magic contract?

It was a spare he had prepared when buying a magic contract to bind Philip, thinking of this very day.

Youre not going to use that for me, are you?!

Well observed. If you really cannot trust me, then I could draft a contract for you.

Lets write the contract! Absolutely! Ill make anything for you!

Logans lips curved into a faint smile at the radically changed attitude of Hamar. Without delay, he proceeded to draft the contract for the enthusiastic dwarf. To Logan, it was merely bait to ensure his eagerness.

However, upon seeing the light of the magic contract enveloping both him and Logan, Hamar, contrary to his usual stoic countenance, let tears roll down his cheeks.

I cant believe you would actually do that for me. Thank you, human. No, thank you, Master!

It was a strange sight to see someone destined to 20 years of forced labor expressing gratitude and even using honorifics, difficult for a dwarf.

Logan couldnt help but chuckle at the odd disconnection.

If a single contract can inspire such motivation, then its a profitable deal.

The weapon he intended to create required only a slight edge over the skills of a human blacksmith, which was within reach even with a disillusioned dwarfs ability. However, Logans promise of freedom was influenced, perhaps, by memories from his past life.

A thousand years ago during The Great Migration, most dwarves also vanished beyond the southern mountain range. Consequently, master dwarves, who were rumored to be found only in the great cities of the dwarves, became even rarer. And those master dwarves, once enslaved, could no longer display skills that matched their reputation.

But Logan had once witnessed, in his past life, the true capabilities of a master dwarf in a piece crafted with the joy of liberation.

The craftsmanship of a master dwarf infused with genuine willpower. It truly was impressive.

Such skill was worth the investment if he could draw it forth. For Logans plans, 20 years was more than enough time.

Unless it all falls apart before then.

Shaking off those ominous thoughts, Logan turned his gaze from Hamar, who now looked elated, to Kai, whose expressionless face kept vigilance behind him.

Anyway, Ive achieved my purpose of coming to Harun.

A contented smirk appeared on Logans lips as he moved forward with a lighter heart, reassured by the smooth unfolding of the plan.

But the relief was fleeting. As they were leaving the slave market, Logan and his party encountered a raucous incident.

Seize him!

The slave has escaped!

Catch him! Catch them, you fools!

A middle-aged man with a hooked nose and blood streaming down his forearms pointed at a spot in the slave market and bellowed loudly. A blue-haired boy carrying a girl who resembled him was rushing through the crowded people, with five or six individuals who looked like mercenaries in pursuit.

The boy, with his surprisingly nimble movements unsuited for his emaciated frame, managed to escape the mercenaries grip time after time. However, the chase was not to last.

Thud! Thud!

You damn dog!

Thump.

You think you can bite me?!

Crud.

Angered beyond reason, the hooked-nose man mercilessly trampled the child. Even as he spat out his fury, it seemed he wouldnt care if the child died from his violent kicks.

The blue-haired boys unyielding posture during the onslaught, if anything, only intensified the mans rage as time went on.

His sister?

Biting his lip until it bled, the boy stubbornly resisted bending his outstretched arms and legs, a clear indication that he was protecting his sister from the kicks.

Oh, brother, Im okay.

Trembling, the girl whispered, clutching at the boys arms a soft voice only Logan could hear if he concentrated, but it was unlikely the boy above had missed.

Dont worry about the slaves. Just move along.

Aye. I know, but just one moment

In the eyes of the world, slaves were not humans but property. How their owner treated them was not a matter for others to interfere with, even if that treatment was as abhorrent as what they witnessed.

Moreover, the mercenaries who caught the boy were glancing around, poised and ready for any interference.

There was no reason to risk an altercation over someone elses property, yet Logan couldnt take his eyes off the beaten boy.

Why?

It wasnt just out of sympathy for the boy. The contrasting red and blue eyes beneath the blue hair an odd-eye were a rarity, perhaps even unique on the continent, and that teased a part of his memory.

Blue hair, red and blue odd-eye slave

He was sure it was important, but the clear answer eluded him, leaving him with a feeling of frustration. Then, as his gaze fleetingly met with the boys eyes, a long-forgotten memory flashed through Logans mind.

Ah! Viktor!

Yes?

No, nothing. Just wait a moment

The memories that surfaced brought a strange pleasure, but they also laid before Logan yet another concern.

To think Id encounter a noble slayer here.

Looking at the boy, now suspected of being Viktor, his eyes narrowed.

Viktor, the Noble Slayer, a powerful aura user who gained tremendous fame in the kingdom in Logans previous life. His notoriety was particularly due to his origins.