Chapter 7: Checkpoint
I gathered the bodies and lined them all up together by the side of the road. There was no point in dirtying everyone else's clothing with more blood. I'll ask Tessa to just spray some water magic at me later. The bandit leader especially was still leaking blood. Hina recommended we cut off his head and see if there was a bounty for it at Haldin. I've seen the videos of decapitation. I was shown them to be mentally prepared before deployment but seeing it happen right now, even if it was a dead body already, was more gruesome than I imagined.
Then again, what I did to most of those bandits was extreme as well. I want to say that it was because I was enraged at them for threatening my companions but I'd be lying. I haven't been able to test my strength until now. At least I feel more confident in controlling my strength after this. Too late for these guys though. This was a battle for our lives and only thing that matters is that we survived. When you fight, you fight for the people to your left and to your right. Everything else doesn't matter. That's what they taught me.
Hina assured me since they were attacking us, we would be in the clear. No trial or proof of defense needed. They have magic and tools in this world to easily detect falsehoods and a person's criminal acts apparently. It seems too convenient but considering the laws of physics that work in this world, I'm not surprised in the slightest.
With the last body placed, Hina chanted her spell. The bodies were swallowed whole into the earth, no trace in sight. I had collected some stones in the meantime and prepared a small pile of them right where the new patch of dirt was.
"Did you make a grave for them, Arlan?"
Kleid seemed confused at my actions.
"Yes."
"But why? They're bandits! Who knows how many people they've killed before us! They don't deserve anything!"
"It's less for them and more for myself."
"Why?"
"Closure. People are dead. I'm making peace with this so I can move on."
"I... I don't get it."
"Listen Klein, I don't want to bring all "this" with me forever. I just took these lives and this is my closure for it. Making this headstone."
"It's just weird to be doing this for bandits, you know."
"I get where you're coming from. It seems like I need a bit more respect for the dead these days. I've been fighting even when I was alive, Kleid. I died fighting. And look at me now. This is my afterlife and I'm still fighting people."
Kleid just stood there in silence.
"The day isn't over yet Kleid. But at least tomorrow's gonna be a new day. A fresh start."
Leaving it at that I walk towards Tessa and the carriage. I could see her troubling look again. Out of everyone I think my actions shocked her the most. She must of had an image of me in her mind. She saw me, the golem and the human spirit inside it, but she didn't see the soldier.
Tessa hosed me down with water magic while Hina was talking to the merchant we saved. In her gratitude, she asked if we wanted to join her travelling the rest of the way to Haldin. It'd cut our travel time in half travelling in that carriage and we'd reach the city before noon.
Once we were all accounted for, we hopped into the carriage and set off towards our destination. I'd think it'd be best if I sorted everything out with Tessa now.
"You alright? You got that worried look again, Tessa."
It seems I interrupted her in half-thought. She jerked up a bit in her seat at the sound of my voice.
"O-oh! No.. it's nothing, Arlan..."
"It doesn't seem like nothing to me."
"Fuu~. F-Fine! I-It's just I didn't expect you to fight back so... brutally."
"It wasn't my intention at first. I still don't fully grasp how strong I am right now. In any case, I wouldn't have it either way. That was a enemy engagement and I fought for the people on my left and on my right. What matters is that you're safe now."
Tessa seemed to blush at that comment and buried her face to hide it.
"Oh hoh, I guess our little Tessa is looking at our golem in a new light, huh?"
Our thief can't seem to read the mood.
"Jude, when I make my Golem Empire, you'll be the first to go."
"H-Hey! I told you not to joke around like that!"
He really is paranoid of something like that happening. Well, Tessa seems to be enjoying all this at least. It's best that she feels more relaxed now. For all of us.
"But still, you were pretty amazing there, Arlan! The way you used [Ignite] like that with both hands or when you shot your fist out like a cannon!"
"Yes, the way you fought was quite educational. It seems that body of your is very much suited for combat and it's capabilities are immense. I'd wager if you trained more in magic and weapons, you'd be a force to be reckoned with."
Hina spoke out from the front seat next to the merchant. She was eyeing me with a sharp look about her.
"What do you mean, Lady Hina? You think Arlan could become pretty strong?"
"I'd say he could very well become quite a dangerous individual. One that requires a good look at his character to make sure he doesn't become a threat to the people."
"Master, do you really think Arlan is a threat!?"
Hina's stare kept piercing me to the core. It was only until Tessa spoke up that she relaxed her gaze.
"...No. I don't doubt his character. Someone holding wicked intentions wouldn't build a gravestone for bandits at least. I'll allow you to continue your magic lessons with him, Tessa."
Hina stared right into my eyes.
"Don't prove me wrong, Arlan."
I nodded at her solemnly. I don't like being threatened but I know where she's coming from. I still remember what she said to me in the ruins. I may be a golem, but I'm still human on the inside. And humans are unpredictable.
After a while, we finally reached Haldin. From my seat, I could see the city walls come over the horizon as the farmlands surrounding it passed us by. Even from here, I could tell it was a sizable city. Nowhere big as the cities back home, not by a longshot, but I could tell it was still bustling with people. A small line was formed at the city gates of people waiting to get in. Seems like there's a toll for entering but Adventurers have their toll fees waived and as a new golem, I'd be exempt. We'll still have to wait for what seems like a customs check before entering however.
We disembarked and waved goodbye to the merchant and her daughter. She was going towards the line for caravans while we headed towards those waiting on foot. It didn't take us long until we reached the front of the line. We approached the gatehouse and my group showed the guard on duty their guild cards. He then took a good look at me.
"Hoh, did you find a new golem?"
Hina stepped forward to address the issue.
"Why yes. We found him during our delve into Vulkan's Shrine. An [Event] happened and we found his body. We activated him and found out he's an intelligent golem."
The guard whistled at the story as Hina introduced me.
"That's pretty lucky for you. Finding these kinds of golems are so rare these days. No one's found a new one in a couple years now. There's talk around the crafters and their golem assistants that all the fuctional craftsman golems have all been found already and there's none left. Finding employment is going to be a snap for you, friend. What's your specialty?"
Well, here goes.
"...I'm a combat golem."
"...a what?"
"I fight stuff."
The guard was staring right at me with a skeptical expression.
"You're kidding right?"
Hina stepped in at the right time.
"It's true. In fact, I have some proof here in my bag."
She then opened up her magic bag and grabbed a large slightly soaked bag from the inside. No matter how many times I look at it, it's just so comical to see something like that, regardless of the contents.
Speaking of contents, she put the sack on the table with a large thump. The guard opened it up and was shocked at he found.
"A h-head!? Wait, t-this is.. wait here. I need to grab the Captain for this."
He ran off through the door leading further inside the guardhouse. When he returned an older gentleman in more ornate armor appeared behind him. Studying the severed head, he looked at our group and then at me.
"So... from what I heard, you were the one to take down Dmitri's gang?"
"I had help, you know."
I know you're trying to sell me Hina, but even this is too much! The guard captain gave a hearty laugh.
"Ha ha! I don't believe it! A golem took down Dmitri and his whole gang. They've been a pain in my ass for way too long. And considering our Detection Ball didn't light up red, it seems you're not lying either."
He pointed towards the ball at the center of the table. I was told it was a magic item capable of detecting lies. However, Hina failed to mention that she was the one who did the killing blow on Dmitri. It seems it doesn't detect exaggerations, however. The one thing we didn't tell them was the truth about what I really am. A spirit inhabiting a golem body. It would cause more issues than we wanted. Hina explained to me that it would be best if everyone thought I was just a regular golem.
The guard captain starts stroking his bushy beard with his fingers.
"But still, a combat golem. That's unheard of... is he safe?"
"I assure you I'm capable of abiding by the city's laws and won't harm any of it's citizens unless in defense."
He starts looking at me considerably with an appraising eye.
"...Well, if Lady Hina trusts you, Arlan I don't see any harm in it."
I guess being the only intelligent combat golem has it's perks. With all the intelligent golems in the world being peaceful, I was able to use it to my advantage at least.
"But for now, I'll put you under Lady Hina's guardianship. At least until we get the full deal with how you'll be around town. By the way, there's a sizable bounty on Dmitri. I'll give it to you for now, Lady Hina."
With a nod towards his subordinate, he hands us a palm sized bag that jiggled with coins. Hina immediately hands it over to me.
"You'll need some coins to help you get started here. Not a bad beginning I'd say. 500 gold coins is quite the sizable amount."
We finished our business and were ushered towards the large gate. An avenue lined with vegetation, beautiful flowers and paved road spread out before us.
Tessa moved in front of me, holding her arms out wide along with a smile.
"Welcome to Haldin, Arlan!"
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