“Ken’s awake!”

Hearing Jill’s announcement Gareth, Mako, Fifi, and I immediately rush towards Brisben’s house. We had just come back from exploring the Sipula Swamp and hearing that Ken woke up is a joyous surprise. It’s been two days since he’s been poisoned and as soon as we open the door we could see him surrounded by the others. Rachel was crying in his arms and his complexion had already returned to normal.

“Hahaha, sorry to worry you guys.”

“Waaa!!!”

“Haah, as long as you’re fine, it’s good.”

Everyone from Unit K gathered as Fifi and I check on Ken’s condition. There were still small traces of poison in his blood but Fifi’s herbs should detoxify the poison soon. Ken was still confused so we begin to explain the situation to him. After the first night, William had woken up the next night but since Ken had more poison in him, it was going to take longer. Fifi and Brisben estimated Ken to wake up in 3-4 days but he woke up on the 2nd day.

Other than them, everyone else had healed by the following morning. Since Unit I also had injuries, Kayla decided that we should use that day to rest up. We had free time so Fifi, Mako, and I started teaching Rachel, CZ, and Gareth about magic. Jill had some business to do while Gorou was left to protect William and Ken. Rachel and Gareth barely got used to sensing mana while CZ was able to use weak elemental magic. Once William woke up we also taught him but he was in the same boat as Rachel and Gareth. CZ seems to have a knack for it but it shouldn’t take long for the others to catch up.

“W-wait, stop. What do you mean? Magic? Am I hearing things correctly? I’m not going delusional because of the poison, right?”

“No, it’s true.”

Concentrating intently, a tiny flame sparks from Rachel’s hand. She wasn’t able to do this earlier in the morning so she must have trained while we were out. Ken’s jaw drops to the ground and his eyes were shining in amazement. It was the same awe that Rachel had yesterday and the same look of excitement Mako had back in the prison.

“C-can I do it too?”

“Yeah, and it’ll be me who teaches you. The great fairy, Fifi.”

Fifi begins training the others as Mako and I follow Gareth and William to report to Kayla. It wasn’t any use for me to teach Ken because I was still cursed. Jill went off on her own and this time Gorou went with her. I didn’t know what Jill’s been doing but it’s her business so I won’t pry into it. The four of us walk down the road and could see some of the members from Unit I doing physical labor.

After telling Kayla that some members from Unit I were abusing the villagers, she immediately punished them to harsh labor. She promised me that she would see that they are punished back in Hope City, but William already told me not to get my hopes up for any harsh punishment. 

Most of the members who would dare mess around and not follow the rules usually had someone backing them up. Many of them had wealthy or powerful backgrounds while some were under the protection of higher letter Units. Corruption was just as prevalent in FUUI as it was in other fields.

“Expect them to retaliate but don’t be afraid of them. All of you are under the protection of Unit K and I personally won’t let them harm any of you.”

That was what William said to us once he found out about the situation. There wasn’t any fear in his voice and it made me admire him even more. I’m glad that William is the leader of Unit K and no one else. I don’t think I would be able to deal with FUUI if it was someone like Conrad who was leading us.

“Did you guys meet that lizardman today?”

“No, the expedition went smoothly and we were able to cut down 82 Sipula flowers today.”

“Good work and I’m sorry for leaving all my work to you three.”

“It’s fine, William. You’re still recovering.”

Even though William wasn’t in any danger of dying from the poison anymore, he had to stay in the village to recover. So it was decided that Mako, Gareth, and I would join the expedition today as pseudo representatives of Unit I. On the surface, the other members of Unit K had to stay in the village to recover but they were also investigating the village. We still haven’t forgotten our purpose in coming to Consal, which is to find any traces of foul play from Unit I. Kayla was still safe but it was unknown if someone in Unit I was trying to kill her so we have to find them before they take any action.

“There weren’t any suspicious activity from the 5 who stayed in the village today. I’ve been watching them and it looks like they are just some unruly rich kids. What about you guys?”

“During our expedition today, some of the members were acting odd. It’s nothing concrete but at least 4 of them would lag behind the others when we engage in a battle.”

“I think it’s more than just 4, Gareth. Since you were in further in front, you might not have noticed but their were two others who seemed odd. Their jobs were to support the team but they were slacking which led to more members getting hurt.”

“I see, at least 6 of them are suspicious. Keep an eye on them.”

The three of them continue to talk and I’m left out of the conversation. I was in the frontlines fighting with Kayla and the other vanguards so I didn’t even notice any suspicious activity. No, I’m just making excuses, I wasn’t even observing the others. I was doing my best to kill all of those monsters while also being in awe of Kayla’s capabilities. Her skill in using a lance was amazing and throughout the fights, she could also give out orders.

I don’t think I have the ability to be a leader. While William was resting, he’s been leaving his leaderly activities to the three of us. The work included looking at documents or even coming up with plans, and I wasn’t good at both. Mako and Gareth were able to do them with no problems and even leading during a battle is easy for them. Even though we joined Unit I just for today, the two of them were able to command the sections they were assigned to while I just followed Kayla’s orders. Even Jill would be a better leader than me.

“I’m going to go take a break.”

“I’ll join you, Jude.”

“It’s fine, Mako. Gareth and William need you.”

I was able to convince Mako and we say our farewells. Our expedition ended earlier than expected so it wasn’t that late in the day. The market place was still open so I decide to walk around and try to find a gift for Ken. I wanted to get get-well gifts for the others, but with healing magic, most of them were already fine.

“Oh, you done for the day, Jude?”

“Yeah, I’m just looking around for a gift.”

“Hehe, for your mates?”

“No, not my mate. Besides, I don’t even have one. I’m just looking for a gift for a friend.”

“Ok, sure.”

Orange-stripped frogman teases me before beckoning me over to look at his stall. His name is Ugoo and I got to know him yesterday because I helped him with carrying some of his items. Besides teaching magic and extracting poison yesterday, I also had a look around town. Many of the frogmen and humans living here needed an extra hand so I decided to help them. 

I didn’t want any payment but the villagers insisted so I accepted their gifts. Ugoo sold skewers of creatures and monsters so he gave me an insect on a stick for helping him yesterday. The shell looked hard but it was actually very crispy while the insides were juicy. There were more skewers today, but I don’t think Ken would like them. Just the appearance was off-putting for human standards. Hundred-eyed dog’s penis on a stick, fried Sipula flower, long-earred rabbit’s brain on a stick, golden slug’s feelers, or even Gorango’s droppings. 

Most of the food Ugoo was selling was gathered by going into the swamp. It was dangerous but as long as they were careful, frogmen and humans can hunt in the swamp. Some of these creatures I haven’t heard of before so I decided to buy Gorango’s droppings. The main currency of the village was mana crystals so I pay Ugoo and went off to look for Ken’s gift. 

From Ugoo’s description, Gorango was a type of alligator-like creature that lived in the swamp and was one of the strongest beings there. Even though the appearance wasn’t the nicest, his droppings are known to be sweet because he feeds on the sap of those giant flowers. It looks like three balls of poop on a stick and no human would want to try it, but that wasn’t the case for me. The sweet aroma of the droppings was making me salivate in anticipation. 

“Well, here goes nothing.”

I take a bite and a sweet flavor explodes in my mouth. The texture was like ice cream without the coldness while it tastes sweet like candy. It was delicious and there wasn’t a bad odor like you would expect from poop. If Gorango’s droppings were so delicious, I wonder how delicious Gorango would taste like.

“Ewwww, Jude’s eating poop.”

“Nasty, nasty! Ewwww. Imma tell Mommy that Jude’s a poo-eater.”

Some kids were teasing me and even Donnel’s daughter, Elizabeth, was playing along. There was a bright smile on her face, unlike the day we first arrived. The human children were teasing me but the few frogmen children were drooling at the sight of Gorango’s droppings.

“Hey, you kids want some?”

“Eww, no!!”

“...”

Contrary to human children, the frogmen children couldn’t avert their eyes. I crouch down and each one of them takes a bite. Joy fills their faces and they couldn’t help but dance a little at the sweetness. Seeing their friends enjoy the poo so much, the other children couldn’t help but gulp. 

“There’s still one left. Do you want some?”

They continue to hesitate but it was Elizabeth who stepped up and took a bite. Joy fills her face and the other children no longer hesitate. After taking one bite, they hurry and eat the rest of it, afraid that the others will take the last bite. It was quite expensive but seeing the joy in these kids was worth it. A sense of smugness fills me as the kids fell into my trap.

“Hahaha, you’ve fallen into my trap. Now, we’re all poo-eaters!! What’s going to happen when you’re parents find out?”

“Noooo, stupid Jude!” 

“I can’t believe I’m a poo-eater like Jude. My life is ruined.”

“Hmm, so good. Give me more.”

The kids chase after me with their teeth stained brown. I play along until they give up. While I was running from the kids something caught my eye. There was an old frogman sitting on a carpet with his wares spread out. I don’t recognize him so I start a conversation but he couldn’t understand me. I’ve learned a little bit of the frogman language so I ask him what he’s selling but I couldn’t quite understand him.

“Are you trying to buy something, Jude?”

“Oh, Gooso. Can you translate what he’s saying to me.”

Luckily the green spotted frogman, Gosoo, decided to help me. I was interested in the rings, necklaces, and amulets the old frogman was selling. According to Gooso, the old man’s name was Kakaa and he’s a craftsman who created all of these. Kakaa was selling each one for 15 mana crystals which are quite expensive considering Gorango’s droppings costs 7. It was twice as expensive as Gorango’s droppings which are already considered expensive.

There were 7 items but I only had 60 mana crystals. I don’t know what’s drawing me to these items but I have to buy them. I try bargaining with him but he wouldn’t budge. Suddenly an idea pops into my head as I take out the emerald mana crystal. Kakaa’s eyes open wide and he immediately agrees. Adding on to the 7 items he gives me another 2 and we finish our transaction.

“Jkal Afla bubm du.”

“What did he say?”

“He said. “May Jkal Afla bless you.” Jkal Alfa is the great frogman who created all of us.”

“I see, thank you.”

I say my farewells as I decide to take a look around the market again. I was going to head straight for Brisben’s house to have Fifi inspect the items but I decide to make a detour. Buying bags of food from the market, I head towards my current residence. I say hello to familiar faces as I head for a specific room. Walking down the hall, I encountered Ruka with her green-haired tied into a ponytail. Sweat was dripping down her face as she was carrying two baskets full of clothing.

“Let me help, Ruka.”

“Thanks, Jude.”

I grab one of the baskets and we enter the room. A lot of the women still haven’t recovered so Ruka and her mother have been taking care of them. The children were faster to recover and energy was coming back into them. As soon as they smelled the food I brought, they gathered around me. It’s not like they weren’t fed but the food in the hospital was bland.

“Calm down, one at a time.”

“Can I get one for my Mommy?”

“Yeah, take as much as you want. I’ve bought all of this for you guys.”

All the food was taken and I begin to help Ruka change the bedsheets. This wasn’t my first time helping so it was quite easy. Most of the women with children had already come to there senses while those who were all alone, still lifelessly lay on their bed. One of them was Cammy’s friend. Cammy’s been coming to visit every day but the girl still hasn’t shown any signs of recognition.

“Jude, can you become my new Daddy?”

“W-what are you saying, Joshua!? I’m sorry, Jude.”

The woman grabs her son and profusely apologizes. Her son continues to complain that he hasn’t had a father for a long time and that his mother is lonely. He was a nice kid trying to look out for his mother’s happiness. 

“Haha, sorry, Joshua. Your mom’s a beautiful lady but I can’t become your new Daddy.”

“Why not?”

“Well, did you ask your Mommy how she feels? Does she want to get married again?”

“Do you, Mommy? I want a new Daddy and Jude’s so cool. And he has a really cool spear. I really want to play with his spear.”

I can already see the ulterior motives behind his statement, he probably just wants to play with my spear. He continues to pester his mom but I wonder why she doesn’t just reject him. It’s better to let kids know your true feelings.

“I-I wouldn’t mind if it’s Ju…”

“You little brat! Can’t you see you’re bothering your mom? Go and finish your food.”

“Oww, why’d you hit me, you green-haired goblin.”

“W-what did you just call me!?”

Ruka brings her hand down and chops his head with her hand. He runs away as she chases him. The atmosphere in the room lightens up and I had to leave. Ruka and the others were going to change the clothes of the women who hadn’t come to their senses. I walk back and enter Brisben’s house to see that Rachel, CZ, and Ken were lying down in exhaustion. 

“Ok, I guess we’ll rest up for today.”

“Fifi, can you take a look at these items.”

“Wow, where did you get these Jude?”

“I bought them. Do they have any special effects imbued on them?”

“Yeah, the effects are really good. Wearing one will make poison at least 10% less effective. Ken, wear this.”

Fifi hands a necklace to Ken and we wait for his feedback. If it really did make poison less effective then it was a good find. Many creatures in Sipula Swamp were poisonous.

“Wow, my body feels so much better!”

“This was a good find, Jude.”

I let CZ and Rachel choose one of the items, and I plan to give the rest to the other members of Unit K. Fifi tries to give hers back saying that I needed it more, but this is a gift to them. I was able to convince her and Brisben suddenly bursts through the door. He was breathing heavily and there was fear on his face.

“Monsters, inside!!!”