United in Hatred Arc: Chapter 13.
Winter eyed the woman with healthy suspicion. The woman then bowed her head apologetically and introduced herself. "I am Claudia Osser. A practicing ranger and your savior." The woman said with a graceful tone, her voice was sweet and polite. There wasn't a single hint of deceit and snark.
She was carrying a small wooden food tray with a plate full of egg omelets and gravy. The scent was alluring, captivating Winter's empty stomach.
◆ [Analyzing target: Caution is advised, this character is deceptively strong. However, her words and mannerisms seem genuine. Verdict: Be polite and thankful. ] ◆
◆ [ Winter, I apologize for not warning you. I've noticed that Feledil DeBestEye was already showing some strange animosity towards you. I failed to realize the level of depravity that he was willing to inflict on a stranger, and I also wanted to trust your judgment. ] ◆
◆ [ From now on, I will routinely scan anyone and inform you, but not to the point of disturbing you. Also, you were sleeping for four days. ] ◆
BRICKS said to Winter, and this time, there were cracks in the tone. A shift that Winter noticed, similar to almost losing a loved one. Winter paid it no mind for now and instead whispered a small thank you
"You're welcome. You've been asleep for four days." Claudia Osser replied, although the gratitude wasn't for her, pulling out a small table and placing the plate with egg omelet and gravy. She then beamed a smile before her expression slightly darkened, turning serious.
"After you're done, we need to talk about the Night Generals. You're not the only one that they've crossed with." There was a palpable amount of animosity in her tone upon muttering the name Night Generals. It wasn't reasonable anger; it was pure extreme hatred.
Claudia promptly left and left Winter alone with the morning breakfast. Winter's stomach grumbled with anticipation and ached in pain. He finished the meal with haste, eating it with quick delight. The meal was enough to bring out his best form; he felt his body vibrate with power.
With a small grateful prayer, he exited the bedroom and found two people sitting around a table. They were politely waiting for him. On the left was Claudia Osser, the woman who prepared him a meal.
The person on the right was a middle-aged man with a full beard; his mouth was almost covered. The man had a horizontal scar on his forehead, and his hair was a shade of golden brown. The man's face was average; nothing stood out except for the perpetual frown on his face.
The two were drinking coffee and had finished their breakfast. The living room was spacious but simple; a small fireplace and a tidy kitchen were the only notable things inside the house. Winter looked out from the window, realizing that they were somewhere in a forest due to being surrounded by trees.
"My name is Petel Stenenem. Please take a seat. Winter." Petel Stenenem said while sipping from his cup of coffee. His coffee was light compared to Claudia's dark.
◆ [ Analyzing target: This character is apathetic towards you, although he keeps a steady eye on you while rubbing the scar on his forehead. Verdict: Be polite. ] ◆
"How do you know my name?" Winter asked, now noticing that his scorch dagger was gone.
"While we were tending your wounds, you answered some of our questions. I guess you were still hazy from the venom to remember." Petel said without a care.
Winter then sat down, eyeing the two. "The night generals, you are their latest victim." Claudia broke the momentary silence. "They're a powerful party of accomplished individuals."
"No, to be precise. It's Feledil DeBestEye's harem of powerful women. A detestable noble, all that power yet he uses it to debase himself with hedonism."
"You're lucky that we managed to save you," Petel said, finishing his cup of coffee. "We were trailing his party, gauging for more information. We're aware of your capabilities, seeing as you've killed hundreds of undead before they came."
Claudia continued, face filled with concern. "They've used you, betrayed you, squandered your goodwill, and even stolen from you."
"You've killed a lot of undead manifestations to the point that the red orb was barely able to summon more. They've helped clear out some, sure, but it was mostly you."
Petel continued and then slammed his hand on the table, shaking the tiny ceramic cups. "Now, they're relishing in your achievement. In the city, they're being hailed as one of the most competent parties to have ever graced this country. They're stealing your name and fame."
"As per usual, from the nobles and aristocrats. Always stomping on the good working men and women while the royal family idled. We detest the incompetent people in power."
"They all worry about fame, recognition, and profit. Not the needs of their people and subjects, they're all worthless. Their heads should be on a spike." Claudia said, eyes burning in anger.
"You are aware of our organization, correct?" Claudia said, eyeing Winter with silent anticipation. Winter sat through all their words, listening intently. Infuriation was boiling inside him, and this time, BRICKS didn't intervene to suppress it.
"No, who are you people?" Winter said with furrowed brows.
The two were surprised; they had thought that, via their words and resentment, they had made it abundantly clear. Nevertheless, Claudia silently sighed and closed her eyes before explaining further.
(Although, they oddly sound like....)
"We are the Peasant's Revolutionary Commoner Brotherhood." The two of them said in perfect unison and timing. Winter's jaw dropped, eyes wide open. The name was giving him an odd sensation; the name had a dash of collectivism to it.
(MEDIEVAL FANTASY COMMIES!?)
Winter placed his elbows on the table while massaging his temples. He couldn't help but chuckle at the situation he found himself in. (First, I get transmigrated, then betrayed, then I meet some fantasy communists. What a damn world.)
(I just wanted to defeat monsters, get stronger, become a kingdom's hero, and then marry a princess. Why am I being recruited by a bunch of commies instead?)
Winter stopped massaging his temples, facing the two. "I hate the night generals, and I wish for their downfall, but I don't want to join you. As of now, I'm just a guy with a vendetta." He said with utmost politeness, trying hard not to offend his two saviors.
The two smiled and looked at each other, satisfied. "We can work with that."