Chapter 49: Village Chief's Task

Due to the generous reward, George was eager to complete the task. However, as is often the case, a larger reward comes with a greater challenge. Completing this task was not going to be easy. George had no idea if Sky Mountain even existed or where it might be, let alone what dangers lay ahead. Despite the enticing reward, George knew he couldn't rush. Hurrying could lead to disaster. After bidding farewell to Pharmacist Li, George was about to leave the village when the Village Chief called him back. "Village Chief, do you need something from me?" George asked, puzzled. It was usually George who sought out the Village Chief, not the other way around. Was something big happening today? "I do," the Village Chief said with a mysterious smile. "And it's good news!" "A task?" George asked, his eyes lighting up. Tasks in the village were rare. Most days, George would be lucky to get even one. But today, two in a row? "A task? Sort of," the Village Chief replied. "You're aware of the demon energy invasion, right?" "I've heard you mention it," George said. The Village Chief nodded and continued, "The Demon Realm is a world similar to ours, but it's filled with demon energy that makes its inhabitants incredibly violent. Since last year, that energy has been leaking into our world, causing some animals to mutate and become aggressive. There are infected creatures in the forest near the village." George nodded. The first monster he killed in this world had been a Demon Rabbit, a creature corrupted by demon energy. "The situation has worsened," the Village Chief continued. "It's no longer just energy leaking through—people from the Demon Realm have crossed over too. They've established cities and are expanding their reach." George raised an eyebrow. "What does this have to do with me? Are you expecting me to attack those cities? I can barely handle the infected animals. Fighting people from the Demon Realm is out of the question." He was a level-three novice—no match for beings who thrived in a demon-energy-rich environment. "I don't expect you to fight them," the Village Chief said with a snort. "That's for the imperial army. However, due to the invasion, the imperial court is drafting soldiers." George's eyes widened. "You want me to join the army? To fight the Demon Realm? I'm not going." He had no interest in becoming cannon fodder. He was better off staying in the village, farming, and dealing with small monsters. "You don't have a choice. I've already signed you up," the Village Chief said with a grin. "What? Without even asking me?" George was furious. "If you want to go, be my guest. But I'm not going." "If you don't go, I won't renew your lease for the back mountain. You haven't paid rent anyway, so it's up to you," the Village Chief said nonchalantly. George clenched his fists. The back mountain was vital to him, not just as a place to grow crops and raise livestock, but for its valuable metal walls. There was no way he could give it up. The Village Chief remained calm, knowing he had George cornered. "The imperial court requires one person for every ten households. Our village doesn't even have ten households, so we need to send one person. Besides you, who else is young enough to go?" George knew he was right. There was no one else. Still, being forced into service didn't sit well with him. "Don't look so glum," the Village Chief said. "You won't be on the battlefield. You'll most likely be handling logistics—transporting supplies, doing manual labor." "It's still dangerous," George muttered. "Staying here would be much safer." "Look at it this way—you're representing the village. We won't leave you empty-handed," the Village Chief said. "I'll delay your back mountain rent for six months, and you'll only need to pay 2,500 gold coins per year. Plus, I'll have Blacksmith Sun craft you a full set of equipment before you go." "Really?" George's mood lifted. Halving the rent and delaying the payment made things much easier. And getting equipment from Blacksmith Sun, a grandmaster-level blacksmith, was a major bonus. George could forge some basic items himself, but nothing came close to what Sun could produce. "Of course. Would I lie to you?" the Village Chief said. George hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'll go. When do I leave?" The Village Chief had forced his hand with the back mountain, but the benefits made it somewhat worthwhile. Besides, as a "player," George knew he couldn't truly die. Even if things went south, he'd come out ahead in the end. "Report to the county office in three days," the Village Chief said. "Got it," George replied. "How long will this service last?" "It's a temporary draft, so about three months. It could be extended or shortened depending on the situation," the Village Chief explained. "Three months? That's manageable," George said, relieved. It wasn't ideal, but he had no choice now. At least he could make the most of it.