I Have a Task Log

Karen was the one who finally broke the silence.

He set down his glass and clapped his hands with a smile.

"I’ve heard an interesting theory. Many scholars believe the reason humanity achieved dominance in this world is because we happen to possess the ideal balance of intelligence, lifespan, and birth rate.

This way, we aren’t like the Orcs, whose lives end before they have time to think. Nor are we like the Giant Dragons or Elves, who, even after establishing their beliefs and convictions, are too afraid of death to see them through. Besides, their populations are pitifully small."

"That does make a certain amount of sense," Colin said.

"But even with our vast numbers, few humans truly understand what they want and act on it. Even fewer succeed. From that perspective, the vast majority of humans are no different from Orcs," Karen lamented.

"I see things a little differently."

Colin glanced at the pedestrians on the street. "I have a Half-Orc friend who’s all action and no thought. If he hadn’t been fighting by my side, I wouldn’t be alive today."

Karen offered a faint smile.

He raised his glass to Colin again. "I understand your point, Colin. I hope we can become good friends."

"I hope so." Colin rose silently. "I have other business to attend to. Until next time."

"Until next time."

After they parted ways, Colin didn’t dwell on the encounter.

He didn’t want to get tangled up in the schemes of these gangs. ’They’re probably just a front for some noble family,’ he thought. ’They definitely approached me for a reason, but it’s not something I can figure out right now.’

’Besides, I’ve got Edwin and the Master of the Black Tower watching my back.’

’If real trouble starts, I’ll just go to them,’ Colin thought.

With that thought, he strode to the Black Heart Tavern just outside the city walls.

The moment he pushed open the tavern door, Old Black Heart’s voice called out from within. "Hey, Colin! You’re finally here."

"What’s up?" Colin asked, walking up to the counter.

He glanced around the tavern. Other than Dorn, everyone else was sitting in a corner eating.

"We’re planning on moving into the city, so we’re throwing a little feast in three days. I wanted to ask if you’d rather have roast suckling pig or a deep-sea swordfish the size of one," Old Black Heart said with a laugh.

"I’m afraid we won’t have time. We’re setting out on a mission the day after tomorrow."

"Oh? Well... that’s a shame."

"By the way, do you know of a Karen Sote?"

At those words, Old Black Heart’s expression immediately turned serious.

He asked, "What happened? Did that guy get tangled up with you?"

"It was nothing, really. He just pulled me aside to spout some nonsense."

"That guy is the Northern Faction’s strategist, but everyone knows the Viper Association is backing them. You’ve heard of the Viper Association, right? Getting mixed up with those folks is never a good thing," Old Black Heart said. "Want me to do some digging for you?"

Colin considered it for a moment. "How much?"

"No charge for this one," Old Black Heart said. "But a thorough investigation takes time. I definitely won’t have the details sorted out before you leave."

"Then let’s wait until I get back. It’s not like they’ll actually do anything, but... you know..."

"Better safe than sorry," Old Black Heart added.

"True. Better safe than sorry." Colin waved a hand dismissively. "Alright, get me some dinner. I still need to tell the others the news."

"Safe travels."

Colin waved in reply and walked over to the group, finding an empty seat among them.

He cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. "Looks like we might be heading to Silver Star Court soon. They supposedly need a hand dealing with harassment from the Dragon-Witch Cult."

"Huh? That’s pretty far, isn’t it?" Kase piped up. "When are we getting a Big Hoof Treasure? Doesn’t the apartment have a stable underneath? We could keep it there."

"Easy, now. We don’t even know how we’re getting there yet."

As he spoke, Colin suddenly noticed Ale’s troubled expression.

He looked at her and spoke again. "We’re going to Silver Star Court to help them with their troubles, Ale."

The Half-Elf silently nodded.

Orelia also asked with concern, "What’s wrong, Ale?"

Ale furrowed her brow and lowered her head. "I thought the Master of the Black Tower promised we could choose which missions we take. This one... we..."

Her voice trailed off.

The others exchanged confused glances.

’That’s really strange,’ Colin thought. ’Ale was so worried about the situation at Silver Star Court. So why is she reluctant to take the mission now that we have a legitimate reason to go and help?’

Just then, the Half-Elf looked up at him.

Her bright eyes reflected his image.

Colin said, "Don’t worry. If you don’t want to go, we have the right to refuse the mission."

"No." Ale took a deep breath. "We should still go."

"Alright, then." Colin nodded.

After dinner, the group headed for the Dwarven sewers together.

As soon as they arrived at Donkexes’s herb shop, they saw Langgrin inside, drinking an ale.

"We’re heading out on a City Watcher mission the day after tomorrow. Is Kase’s Axe ready yet?" Colin asked, walking straight up to him. "And Dorn? Why didn’t I see him at the main gate?"

"Three questions right off the bat. You’re really something else."

Langgrin said sarcastically, then took a swig of his ale. "First, the Axe is ready. Second, Dorn’s probably at the tavern or some other place. Third, we don’t really need a gatekeeper anymore. Or rather, we never did."

"Good enough." Colin turned to Donkexes behind the counter.

The old Dwarf spoke before Colin could. "Your Potion satchels are pretty much done. You can take them now. There are five of them."

Colin asked, "How much?"

"Consider it on the house." Donkexes paused, then asked, "After you’re done with this job, will you still take on ours?"

’Silver Star Court, the Northern Faction, the Dwarves’ request... So many jobs piling up. If only it had been like this back when I was struggling to pay rent in the slums.’

While grumbling internally, Colin asked, "What do you have in mind?"

"If possible, we’d like you to continue exploring deeper into the Undercity. Go into the lower levels of the Dungeon and help us map out the stable sections," Donkexes said.

"Is that right? We probably can’t go too deep," Colin said.

"That’s fine. Take your time," Donkexes said. "We have at least twenty years, which for a human is quite a long time."

Colin nodded. "Then we’ll talk after we get back."