Reborn As Noble

Chapter 15 Wolves, Wits, and a Dwarfʼs Deal ( 15 )

Mana Channeling activated...

Passive Skill: Speed Up

Passive Skill: Instant Cast

Javier grinned as the largest wolf charged toward him, saliva dripping from its snarling maw. With a flick of his wrist, his mana surged. The ground beneath his feet cracked as he leaped back, effortlessly dodging the attack.

”Fire Burst!” he shouted, a ball of fire erupting from his palm and slamming into the wolfʼs flank.

The smell of singed fur filled the air as the wolf yelped in pain. Without missing a beat, Javier followed up with another attack.

”Wind Slash!”

A sharp, crescent-shaped wind tore through the air, slicing through the creature with precision. And It fell, lifeless.

”Two down…” Javier muttered, turning his attention to the remaining wolves, their red eyes glowing with feral hunger. ”...five more to go!”

The wolves charged, but Javier was ready.

”Lightning Bolt!” A streak of crackling electricity shot from his hand, striking one wolf square in the chest and sending it sprawling.

”Earth Vine!” Thick vines erupted from the ground, ensnaring two of the wolves mid-leap. Their snarls turned to panicked whimpers as the vines tightened around them.

”Earth Spike!” With a stomp, sharp earthen spikes shot up from the ground, impaling one of the trapped wolves instantly.

”Light Blinding!” A brilliant flash of light filled the area, stunning the remaining wolf as it tried to shake off the effects.

The last wolf—a massive, muscular beast—shook its head and growled lowly, refusing to retreat. Javierʼs smirk widened as he canceled his skill.

”Now letʼs test my physical skills,” he said, crouching slightly and waiting for the wolf to make its move.

The wolf lunged, its jaws snapping shut where Javier had been standing just a moment ago. With effortless grace, he leaped over the beast, spun mid-air, and delivered a powerful back kick to its head. The impact was like thunder, sending the wolf crashing to the ground, motionless.

”Too easy,” Javier said, dusting off his hands.

He walked over to the fallen creatures, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Stretching out his hand, he activated his Magical Storage Skill, a glowing portal appearing at his side. One by one, the wolvesʼ remains disappeared into the storage.

”Ehehehe,” Javier chuckled. ” I can sell this later.”

With the area clear and his mana reserves still high, Javier turned his gaze toward the village. ”Alright, whatʼs next on todayʼs adventure?”

Javierʼs eyes lit up as he spotted the bustling village in the distance. ”Ohh! A big village! Eheheh… this is going to be fun!”

As he approached the gates, a guard stationed there noticed him immediately. The man furrowed his brows, puzzled by the sight of a child wandering alone.

”Hey, kid! I donʼt think Iʼve seen you around here. Are you lost?”

Javier tilted his head and flashed an innocent smile. ”Oh, me? Nope! Iʼm just playing around.”

The guard crossed his arms, clearly not convinced. ”Whereʼs your house?”

Javier casually pointed back down the road he had come from. ”There!”

The guard raised an eyebrow. ”And your parents? Where are they?”

”Probably still asleep,” Javier replied with a shrug, keeping his voice light and carefree.

The guard let out a heavy sigh, muttering under his breath about wandering kids. ”Whyʼd you come all the way here?”

Javier clasped his hands behind his back, swaying slightly as he answered, ”Just wanted to see around.”

The guard scratched his head, clearly torn between his duty and the harmless nature of the boy. ”Alright, fine. You can come in. But honestly, kids like you shouldnʼt be wandering around without your parents.”

Javier nodded enthusiastically. ”I know, I know. Eheheh.”

The guard shook his head, motioning for Javier to enter. ”Go on, but stay out of trouble, alright?”

”Okay!” Javier replied with a grin as he darted past the gate.

Inside, the village was alive with activity—merchants selling their goods, children playing in the streets, and the folk bustling about their daily routines. Javierʼs eyes sparkled with curiosity.

”Now… where should I start exploring?” he thought, rubbing his hands. ”Eheheh… this is going to be fun.”

Javier walked further into the village when something caught his eye—a short, stocky man with pointy ears and a beard as thick as a forest, setting up a temporary shop filled with tools, weapons, and trinkets. The burly figure was unmistakably a dwarf.

”Hello, old man!” Javier greeted cheerfully, walking up to him.

The dwarf squinted at the boy, his tone gruff and skeptical. ”Huh? Whatʼs a kid like ye want? Shouldnʼt ye be off chasinʼ butterflies or somethinʼ?”

Javier smirked. ”Do you buy raw materials?”

The dwarf raised an eyebrow, then let out a loud snort. ”Raw materials? From a wee lad like ye? Hah! Listen, kiddo, I donʼt deal in small stones or pebbles fer yer lilʼ toy collection.”

Javier shook his head, still smiling. ”Ah, no, old man. Not toys. Raw materials.”

The dwarf groaned and scratched his head, muttering under his breath. ”Why do I always end up entertaininʼ kiddos who think theyʼre traders? Fine then, show me what yeʼve got, boy. Letʼs see if ye ainʼt wastinʼ me precious time.”

Javier grinned and reached into his magic storage, pulling out five wolf bodies. ”How about these?” he said, laying them down with a thud on the dwarfʼs table.

The dwarfʼs eyes widened as he inspected the gruesome sight. He rubbed his chin, clearly impressed. ”Wait a minute... these are prime specimens! Where in the blazes did ye get these?”

Javier shrugged, trying to sound casual. ”I had a little run-in with a pack of them out in the woods. Took care of the lot—wasnʼt too hard.”

The dwarf shot him a suspicious glare. ”A run-in, eh? Ye ainʼt lyinʼ, are ye, lad?”

”Not at all,” Javier replied, his tone earnest, though the mischievous glint in his eyes suggested he was quite capable of handling himself in a tight spot.

The dwarf let out a hearty laugh, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. ”Alright, kid. Iʼll give ye credit where itʼs due. This ainʼt bad at all. Ye might not be as useless as ye look!”

”So… are you buying or not?” Javier asked, his tone playful but firm.

The dwarf let out a hearty laugh, impressed by the boyʼs boldness. ”Yeʼve got spirit, lad. Alright, Iʼll buy it. But donʼt think Iʼll be overpayinʼ just ʼcause yeʼve got a baby face!”

Javier smirked, crouching beside the dwarf. ”Good! Then letʼs talk prices, old man. Iʼm sure you wonʼt mind paying a little extra for the convenience of a full-body delivery.”

The dwarfʼs booming laughter echoed through the village as the two began haggling. Villagers passing by stopped to watch the strange sight—a young boy bargaining with a seasoned dwarf merchant as if they were equals.

( End of Chapter )