Javier smirked, stretching his arms as he looked at the cavern entrance. "Well, buddy, let's buff up, shall we? No telling what's lurking in there!"
He raised a hand, activating his skills.
"Barrier!" A faint shimmer enveloped him and the Pekko, creating an invisible shield.
"Physical Boost!" His muscles tingled with energy, his body feeling lighter and stronger.
"Magic Enhance!" He felt his magic power surge, ready for any spells he might need to cast.
"Trap Detection!" A soft glow emanated around him, pulsing as if to warn him of hidden dangers.
Satisfied with his preparations, he carefully approached the cavern, his eyes scanning for anything suspicious. As he stepped closer, he noticed the walls glittering faintly in the dim light.
"Wait a second…" Javier's eyes widened as he ran a hand along the cool stone surface. Embedded in the walls were shimmering veins of precious ores, glowing faintly in various colors.
"This isn't a dungeon…" he whispered, excitement creeping into his voice.
"This is… an ore mine!!!"
"Uooooohhhhh!! Jackpot! Let's camp here tonight! Ehehehe!"
His Pekko squawked in agreement, stomping the ground enthusiastically.
"Buddy, how about we set up camp today? Ehehehe!" Javier grinned, patting his loyal mount. "We've hit the mother lode, and I'm not leaving until I loot every last scrap of ore!"
"Alright, let's get some firewood,You keep an eye on the cave, buddy, and don't let anything sneak up on us!"
The Pekko puffed out its chest proudly, as if promising to guard their newfound treasure.
With a spring in his step, Javier headed into the nearby forest, humming a jaunty tune.
"Ehehehe... Tonight's going to be the best ever!"
Javier smirked mischievously as he raised his hand, mana swirling around him like a commanding aura. "Alright, time to call in the cavalry! My loyal puppet knights, come forth!"
With a brilliant flash of light, his personal army of 150 puppet knights materialized before him, standing tall and imposing. Equipped with full plate armor, gleaming weapons sheathed at their sides, and shields secured on their backs.
"Look at you all, ready for action," Javier said proudly, crossing his arms as he surveyed the lineup. "Alright, let's divide and conquer. You three over there,"—he pointed to a trio of knights—"go gather firewood!"
The three knights marched into the forest.
"Now, you twenty." He gestured toward a larger group. "You're on perimeter duty. Stand guard around the camp and make sure nothing sneaks up on us, especially goblins or wild monsters. Got it?"
The knights spread out, forming a protective ring around the area.
"And the rest of you," Javier said with a grin, "grab those pickhammers and mining tools. Your job is simple: mine this place dry! If anything dares to pop out of the shadows, destroy it on sight! We don't stop until we've stripped this mine of every last ore, gem, and crystal. Got it?!"
The remaining knights saluted in unison, their glowing insignias giving off a faint light as they moved toward the mine.
Javier laughed gleefully, watching his army spring into action. "By the time we're done, I'll be richer than any of those uptight nobles! enehehehe!"
He leaned back against his Pekko, who squawked in approval. "Buddy, this is the life, huh? A camp under the stars, treasure to loot, and an army at my command."
The Pekko squawked happily in response, clearly enjoying the moment as much as its master.
As the firewood was neatly stacked, Javier flicked his fingers, a small spark of flame shooting out and igniting the pile effortlessly. A warm, crackling fire roared to life, casting flickering shadows over the camp. He plopped down next to the fire, his Pekko settling beside him with a contented squawk.
"Well, Liana doesn't seem to care much after what happened. Probably doesn't even miss me." Javier poked at the fire with a stick, letting the embers dance. "No use heading home if I'm going to be ignored. Might as well make myself useful here."
He rummaged through his magic storage, pulling out a slab of pristine meat that looked as fresh as the day it was harvested. He grinned, skewering it onto a makeshift spit before holding it over the flames. "Good thing my storage magic stops time for everything inside. This is going to be the juiciest roast I've had in a while."
As the aroma of grilling meat filled the air, Javier turned to his Pekko, who was watching him expectantly with its wide, curious eyes.
"Hey, buddy," Javier said with a mischievous grin, "how about we camp out here until this ore mine is completely depleted? Just you, me, and enough treasure to make every noble in the kingdom jealous. Sound like a plan?"
The Pekko squawked happily, hopping on its sturdy legs as if giving its full approval.
"That's what I like to hear," Javier said, flipping the meat over with practiced ease. "We'll feast, mine, and live like kings out here. No nobles breathing down my neck, no bratty kids clinging to me... Just freedom and profit. Ehehehe!"
The meat sizzled, its juices dripping onto the fire and sending up a tantalizing scent that made Javier's mouth water. He leaned back, gazing up at the stars just beginning to peek out.
"Yeah... This is the life. Who needs fancy banquets when I've got all this? Right, buddy?"
The Pekko squawked again, leaning in as if hoping for a bite of the roasting meat.
"Patience, patience," Javier chuckled, waving the spit teasingly. "You'll get your share, don't worry. We've got all night, after all."
Javier chuckled to himself as he expertly turned the spit, the meat sizzling to perfection. The aroma was rich, smoky, and mouthwatering. He reached into his magic storage again and pulled out a bottle of fine wine.
"Rules? Pfft," he muttered, popping the cork with a casual twist. The sound of the cork popping echoed in the quiet camp. "Who cares about rules saying kids can't drink wine? I'm not a kid. I'm still Junichi. A grown man, thank you very much."
Pouring the crimson liquid into a cup he retrieved from storage, he swirled it thoughtfully before taking a sip. The wine was smooth and fragrant.
"Ahhh... Now this is living," he sighed, leaning back and savoring the taste. "Fine wine, freshly roasted meat, the open sky, and no one nagging me about responsibilities or etiquette. Ehehehe."
The Pekko squawked curiously, eyeing the cup in Javier's hand.
"Don't even think about it, buddy," Javier said, wagging a finger at the bird. "This is strictly for the boss. You'll stick to the roasted meat and... whatever else you like eating."
The bird squawked in protest but quickly turned its attention to the sizzling meat as Javier carved off a chunk, letting it cool before offering it to his feathery companion.
"There you go. Can't have my loyal partner starving, now can I?"
As the Pekko happily devoured its share, Javier raised his cup toward the stars, smirking.
"To freedom, riches, and a life with no brats clinging to me." He took another sip. "And to me being smarter than everyone else who thinks they've got me figured out. Ehehehe...."
The campfire crackled softly, the shadows dancing as Javier enjoyed his meal and wine. The night stretched on peacefully, the perfect backdrop for his self-declared victory over the chaos of noble life.
Javier leaned back against a makeshift log seat, swirling his wine as a satisfied smirk spread across his face.
"No one needs to know about my wealth... ehehehe," he muttered, his amber eyes gleaming in the firelight. "Everything is safely stored inside my magic storage. Gold coins, jewels, rare ores, mana crystals... all mine! Ahahaha!"
He took another sip of wine, the rich taste amplifying his triumphant mood. "I'm probably the richest guy in this kingdom right now... uhhh, probably. Whatever... it doesn't matter! Ahahaha!"
The Pekko let out a cheerful squawk, tilting its head at Javier as if sharing his amusement.
"Exactly, buddy! Let those nobles play their boring games while I rake in the real wealth out here. They'll never know." Javier chuckled darkly, setting his cup down and carving another piece of meat for himself.
Stretching his legs out toward the fire, he sighed contentedly. "Rich, free, and way too clever for any of them to catch up. Yeah, life's pretty good, don't you think?"
The Pekko squawked again, this time fluffing up its feathers as if in agreement.
"See? Even you get it." Javier raised his cup toward his feathery partner. "Here's to us! The smartest duo around. Now, let's keep it that way, buddy. No leaks. Ehehehe..."
The campfire crackled, and the night wrapped around them like a cozy blanket as Javier plotted his next move, basking in the satisfaction of his hidden fortune.
( End of Chapter )