A Waste of Time

Chapter 30: Blue Mirage

Yaawn.

Daemon woke up feeling refreshed, energized, and starved.

As always, a great deal of experience had been assimilated into his memories thanks to Ippo’s nonstop efforts—under the strict supervision of Ru, who seemed intent on turning his diligent student into a complete monster.

You see, this former Assassin might be a Swordsman, but he already had experience with other weapons too.

After hearing about his young master’s plans to wield not only the Sword but also a Great-Axe, Blade, Hammer, Spear, Bow, and Shields, Ru wasted no time drilling instructions into Ippo. He crafted wooden replicas for temporary training until proper weapons arrived—getting Ippo used to their weight and form.

For the Shields and Bow, Ippo had to defend himself against Ru’s attacks with the former, while the latter would have to wait until tomorrow—Ru planned to purchase a real Bow and quivers of Arrows from the village.

Daemon lazily dragged his feet to his secluded toilet among the trees after murmuring his good mornings to his two companions and receiving another warm, passionate hug from the third—who was practically oozing joy like a free bird.

Of course, she giggled when a certain jealous boy puckered his lips slightly before resuming his training with even fiercer intensity.

"That would be the last of the pheasants, correct?" He sat next to his maid, who watched birds flitting through the early morning trees.

Jia smiled and nodded. "I was planning to buy fresh ingredients from the village since we’re running low, but Ru said there’s no need anymore—young master already hired a servant to keep our tent in order. Maybe he’ll bring that cook too, which will free my time to properly care for you."

Sure enough, when Daemon returned, Ru was nowhere to be seen. He’d gone to fetch Auntie Fan’s daughter, little Mei—his new maid.

If all went well, Auntie Ming’s daughter, little Xia—his new cook—would also be brought over soon.

Daemon patted Jia’s hand. "You should come with me today. You’ve been cooped up here for two days without complaint. You’ve been a good girl."

Her smile widened and she stuck out her chest proudly. She ducked into the tent to do her little silent celebration—but Ippo blocked her way and found himself swept into a sudden hug, which briefly interrupted his training and lit his spirit ablaze.

The clone doubled his efforts, and Daemon’s true body shook his head inwardly before focusing on his meal. His portions—already massive—doubled today. He ate half of Jia’s small portion and all of Ru’s big portion without blinking.

"They’re here," Jia called, returning from the forest and glancing towards the village path.

"So we’re finally under attack!" Daemon pushed the bowl aside and stood eagerly.

Jia rolled her eyes. "No. It’s just Ru, a little girl, and a woman following behind."

Daemon looked like a deflated balloon as he slumped back down, resuming his meal slowly. Even Jia’s extra-spicy food couldn’t lift his mood.

"Young master Daemon." Ru appeared first. Mei—who already knew Daemon from his village days—peeked around curiously.

Trailing behind them was a young woman in her mid-twenties, head lowered but stealing glances at the boy who sat at a primitive table of logs, eating slowly with vacant eyes.

Ru gestured toward Mei and Xia. "I’ve brought little Mei and Ms. Xia. Lady Ming trusts you’ll protect her daughter, agrees to the monthly payment of ten Silver Coins for Ms. Xia as your cook, with proper clothing and food included. Every six months, there’s a ten percent raise—same as Mei’s arrangement.

"Lady Fan also says to beware the Qi Clan—and to protect her daughter, or she’ll spank you in public." Ru’s tone was steady, almost mechanical, but a fleeting amusement flickered in his eyes.

Mei barely stifled a laugh, turning away with a hand over her mouth.

Xia gawked. Rumors of this harmless-looking boy’s strength had spread like wildfire—Nie Leixu, the blacksmith known as the village’s strongest man, had lost to him easily in an arm-wrestling match. To hear Auntie Fan threaten to spank him in public was pure insanity in her eyes.

But something changed. Daemon’s eyes gleamed, mood shifting to eager anticipation.

"Really? Then they’re going to attack us! I told you I’d jinx it. How could the biggest family in the village turn a blind eye when someone with no status like me teaches their young master a lesson in public? Of course they’ll retaliate. Excellent. Fantastic!" He clapped joyfully, then looked to Mei and Xia, nodding politely.

"Welcome. Mei, look around and get familiar with the camp. Ask Ru if you need anything from the village—he’ll buy it. Keep things clean and tidy. If there’s nothing to do, just relax here. Ippo, Ru, and Jia are here to help if needed.

"Xia, your only task is to cook or pick good ingredients from the market. If I can hunt it, don’t buy it—I’ll bring it instead.

"But since I’m expecting the Qi Clan to attack soon, stay close to Ru. He’ll escort you to the market, see you home before dark, and back here early next morning. Now, go buy what you need.

"Ippo will guard the camp and Mei while you’re away. Jia and I will hunt, sell at old man Lou’s, visit Qiu’s stall, check Nie Leixu’s smithy, then return.

"I expect a healthy meal when I’m back—balanced grains, vegetables, meat, and fruit.

"That’s all for today. Get busy!" He clapped his hands. Orders given, tasks clear, Daemon gestured for them to move.

Ru turned to Xia, who wondered why they’d trekked all the way here when they could’ve just bought ingredients from the village. Then she saw Mei entering the tent and realized she’d start her job without delay.

Jia buckled her daggers around her slender waist. Daemon drank deeply, strapped his weapons around his hips, and a few coils of rope over his shoulder then said, "Let’s find those long-tusk boars today." Jia smiled beautifully and followed him down the small forest trail carved by his year of daily journeys.

Honestly, he was tempted to check his daily Dice-Roll, but after yesterday’s taste of Hell… that temptation vanished.

If that happens again, I’ll waste daylight. Better to finish everything and handle it after Nie Leixu’s shop.

Here's a link to my discord server if you want to talk - .gg/HwHHR6Hds