Invincible Blood Sorceror

Chapter 36: Meeting humans after a long time

The human settlement had indeed expanded significantly during the few days since Jorghan’s last visit.

What had been a temporary encampment now showed signs of permanent construction—stone foundations for major structures, paved pathways between functional areas, and, most telling of all, defensive positions that spoke of long-term occupation rather than temporary exploration.

Yvonne greeted his return with satisfaction that she made little effort to conceal.

”I hoped you would come back,” she said, gesturing for him to join her in what had become a proper command center.

”Your elders need more time to consider our proposal?”

”They want to understand your true intentions,” Jorghan replied carefully.

”The scope of your operations here seems... broader than initially indicated.”

Her laugh held genuine amusement.

”Perceptive boy. Yes, our mission has evolved as our understanding of the regional opportunities has grown. What we initially saw as a simple resource extraction operation has revealed itself to be something far more significant.”

She led him to a large table covered with detailed maps and geological surveys, their surfaces marked with symbols and annotations that spoke of systematic exploration.

”The Matlneite deposits in this region are unlike anything we’ve encountered elsewhere. Not just in quantity, but in quality and accessibility. This could revolutionize magical applications throughout the known world.”

Jorghan studied the maps with growing unease. The marked areas extended far beyond what he had expected, covering not just the borderlands between human and Nor’vack territory but regions that had been clan hunting grounds for centuries.

”The scale of extraction you’re contemplating,” he said slowly, ”would affect ecosystems that have remained stable for generations.”

”Change always carries costs,” Yvonne replied pragmatically.

”The question is whether those costs are offset by the benefits such resources could provide. Medical applications alone could save thousands of lives annually.”

”So... what are we going to do now?” Yvonne asked, her tone playful, though her sharp eyes betrayed the weight of her question.

Jorghan didn’t hesitate.

He leveled his gaze at her and spoke with the kind of clarity that left little room for argument.

”Well, if you want their trust, then show me everything. As much as possible. Simple as that.”

For a heartbeat, Yvonne simply studied him.

Then, her lips curved into an amused smile.

”You know,” she said lightly, ”I would have really liked to have a boy like you under me.”

Jorghan smirked faintly, crossing his arms. ”Too bad. You can’t find anyone like me.”

Her smile widened into something sly.

”Haughty, aren’t you? But I suppose that comes with personality.”

She gestured for him to follow.

”Come then. Let me introduce you to the people around here.”

The encampment bustled with activity as she led him through. Soldiers moved in tight formations, the sound of boots echoed in rhythm, while beyond them, engineers adjusted the runed pylons that powered their equipment. Smoke rose in thin trails from forges and firepits, and the constant hum of machinery made the air vibrate.

First, Jorghan crossed paths with Dr. Revin again, the physician whose sharp eyes missed nothing. Revin gave him a curt nod, clearly still puzzling over the boy’s origins.

Next came the commander general of the troops, a broad-shouldered man named Bartrem, whose stern presence seemed to weigh down even the most restless soldier. He measured Jorghan with a gaze like a drawn blade but said nothing, merely inclining his head in acknowledgment.

Afterwards, Yvonne brought him to a cluster of large tents where the technicians and operators worked.

Here, the scent of oil, steel, and arcane residue mingled heavily in the air.

The group, a mix of men and women, moved deftly among crates of spare parts, magical converters, and fragments of ship hulls.

At their center stood the head of the team, a lean man with sharp cheekbones and soot-darkened hands—Galtar.

When Jorghan introduced himself, Galtar’s eyebrows shot up.

”From the floating isles?” he repeated, disbelief lacing his voice. His reaction drew curious glances from the others.

Few from the sky-lands ever walked among ground-bound soldiers, much less children.

And to think he was a human child fascinated him.

Yvonne only smirked at their surprise before continuing her introductions.

At last, she summoned a young woman from Galtar’s team. She was in her early twenties, with chestnut hair tied neatly at the back and keen, observant eyes.

”This is Nina,” Yvonne said.

”She’ll guide you while you’re with us. She knows her way around the encampment better than anyone.”

Nina bowed her head politely, her expression warm but cautious. ”I’ll do my best,” she said softly.

Jorghan met her eyes for a brief moment, noting the spark of curiosity hidden in them.

He gave the slightest nod in return.