Orbis Online
212. Black Pomegranate Shop

As the capital, Dragnar is one of the largest and grandest cities in the entire Bailendra Kingdom, perhaps even arguably the most powerful in terms of defense if you look at how high the walls that surround the city. Travelers will not be surprised to see the atmosphere of Dragnar is also much more alive than other cities.

However, what was in front of them did not at all reflect the atmosphere similar to other regions in Dragnar.

   "Ikshan, is this really the place?"

   "According to the information I got, this is the shop."

   "You sure? It's no longer a shop but just an empty house."

Reus, Ikshan, and Ibane were throwing opinions at each other not being able to see the black building before them as a supply store. That's because unlike other stores that are crowded visited in various corners of Dragnar, this store does not have visitors.

If it was not for the sign that read 'open' near the door then they would immediately conclude that the information Ikshan got was wrong, not least the man who got this information himself.

   "Well, leaving aside the gloomy atmosphere around here, the name of the shop does match the information you get anyway."

   "Black Pomegranate Shop? That's a name that's more distancing than attracting customers."

Ikshan smiled dryly at the words of Reus and Ibane alternately, he could not dodge the fact because when he heard the name of this store from his informant Ikshan also felt astonished.

Why is the name of the weapon and equipment store taken from the name of the fruit? That was what was on his mind when he heard the name.

   "Well, even if it looks like this, there's at least a couple of guns in that window."

Reus pointed to a window that saw several weapons such as swords, spears, mace, even shields on display specifically to draw customers through the glass, it's just that no customer can be pulled in a non-strategic place like this.

Only people who intend to come here like Reus and others can know this place.

After seeing some of the fixtures on display behind the windowpanes, Ikshan and Ibane's doubts disappeared and followed Reus from behind into the shop.

The doorbell rang as Reus pushed open the door, but no one greeted them but silence. It makes the frown of Ibane shrivel great.

   "Ikshan, are you sure this isn't an abandoned store that's suddenly left by its owner?"

   "As an information gatherer myself I'm not so sure after seeing it firsthand."

Ikshan scratched his cheek feeling doubtful as well as guilty, only this time he saw there was an impassioned shop like this so he felt doubtful towards the information he had obtained himself.

On the other hand Reus did not participate in the talk of Ikshan and Ibane, he watched the inside of the store carefully feeling something strange. His gaze was then fixated on one side of the shop which immediately made him grab the sword on his back.

Seeing that Ikshan took the horses, while Ibane smiled faintly watching Reus's vigilance turn out to be higher than she expected.

   "You realize it, Reus?"

   "Yes, that's it. You yourself must have realized we've been watching since we went inside, right?"

Ibane shrugged his shoulders not saying a word, but both Reus and Ikshan could understand that the level and experience of Ibane's abilities were above them. It could be seen from the serenity of Ibane even after knowing they were being watched out for by someone.

However, Ikshan who incidentally is someone classy like a Ninja, a class that relies on stealth attacks and is expert in infiltrating itself is a little surprised to know that Ibane's vigilance is not normal for a Summoner or Tamer, though he was only a step late from Reus in detecting the presence of others in this room.

   "Your position is known and still has no intention of showing up? Would you rather we rummage through this place first and then come out?"

Reus and Ikshan frowned suddenly calling for an ultimatum, Reus even nearly threw his sword spontaneously seeing Ibane's actions. He's here to find out if Nocht's really in this place, not looking for things.

Lucky if it is the store owner, if the answer is precisely the enemy, will not bloody conflict be difficult to avoid? That's what Reus had in mind.

Just as Reus wanted to ask ifane what he meant, a short-haired and heavily bearded creature came out from behind the counter table clutching an axe in his hand, complete with a fierce face.

   "Dare you mess up my shop then I'll break your head on the floor!"

   "Ah, get out too."

Reus raised an eyebrow looking at the figure that matched Nocht's features, while Ibane chuckled as if to refrain from throwing an axe in his hand.

Reus actually wanted to say something to Ibane first for inviting unwanted trouble, but he decided to appease the dark-skinned Dwarf carrying the axe.

   "I'm sorry for my friend's stupidity, he often invites misunderstandings because of his words."

   "uh? I think my physical appearance is like a human being who often invites misunderstandings in this country, is it because of my words? I don't remember saying anything that often makes people misunderstand me. Did I do that all the time unconsciously, Ikshan?"

   "Let's see, we just met yesterday and didn't have much to talk about, but I don't think so."

   "You two shut up!"

Reus actually wanted to send a story to the ubun-ubun Ibane, but given the situation does not support him to undo the intention. He looked back at the Dwarf who was now putting on a look of astonishment.

Reus scratched his cheek for a moment feeling awkward before again raising his voice after clearing his throat.

   "Actually my friend and I were looking for a Dwarf who was said to live in Dragnar, more precisely the Blackmoon Dwarf. Is it true you Blackmoon Dwarf are the owner of this shop?"

The Dwarf frowned hearing Reus' words, raising his vigilance while preparing the axe in his hand suspecting this was related to the thing he had always avoided for the past few years.

   "Yes, my name is Noire, the owner of this shop. Do you need to come here?"

Noire put on a hostile expression and spread an invisible aura of dislike, successfully making Reus smile awkwardly what to say to convince this one Blackmoon Dwarf.

Reus turned to Ibane to signal him to leave for a moment because there was agreement between the two that Ibane should leave when the talks began considering this was a secret mission from Aulcrat von Lavore Reinberg, King Lavore Kingdom.

Ibane smiled slightly before nodding slowly understanding Reus's intentions and stepping out of the room while waving.

   "Then I will stand guard at the entrance."

After Ibane came out of the room, Reus sighed softly then looked at Noire seriously, making Noire frown upon seeing Reus' sudden change in expression.

   "I don't want to talk too much, so I'll just ask. Are you the Nocht Alvarion, the Blackmoon Dwarf who is the renowned Kingdom Forger in Lavore Kingdom?"