Construction Mage - Chapter 29: Recruit

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Witnessing the sight of the orphans before him, Clay couldn’t help but have second thoughts.

Perhaps I drew my conclusions too soon? Malik isn’t so money-hungry purely because of greed. Based on how skinny they are, they are probably struggling to get by.

Dozens of small reasons mixed together, edging Clay closer toward exploring the idea of inviting Malik to be his porter. It would help the young man and his family, and at the same time, Clay was already acquainted with him. It made trusting him easier, but whether it was enough remains to be seen. There was also the question of what the teenager could bring to the table. After all, he wasn’t in a position to hand out charity. 

There was never going to be a clear-cut answer for the first question, but having learned about his background was a start. As ugly as it sounded, Clay now knew where to go to seek grievances if the young man wronged him somehow. The fact that he now knew where his home was—where the people he cherished resided—increased his trust in the boy. After all, people thought twice about betraying someone who knew their weaknesses. It was the best he could hope for at the moment.

As for what he brought to the table, that was hard to say. The boy had somehow become a Delver using some illicit means, but that didn’t matter anymore. He could level up and get stronger. However, Clay couldn’t think of what the boy could bring to the table in his current state. He would have to take care of the loot and confront those scary chests himself without any particular advantages.

From Clay’s perspective, it shouldn’t matter that much, but the thought of seeing someone taking on unnecessary risks disturbed him. It was like watching an uncertified co-worker mess with the electrical wiring with their bare hands. Tragedy was just waiting around the corner.

Still, these were all his presumptions. He didn’t really know much about Malik besides his gig as a guide. That’s why he immediately moved to address the lack of understanding.

“Malik, do you think you could spare just a little time to talk?”

The pale orphanage caretaker was already ushering the younger kids back into their abode. Clay’s words barely made it in time to stop Malik, freezing him in his tracks. He turned around, eyes full of hope for a split second, before he quickly reined in his optimism.

“Yes, how may I help you? I should be free for the entire day tomorrow, but if you want to keep those requirements of yours, it may take me a few days before I find suitable candidates.”

“No, it’s not about that. I want to ask about you. What class did you take, by the way?”

“...Me?” the young man’s face slowly lit up. “Are you going to give me a chance? I’m still level zero. I’ll change into any class you need!”

“I won’t make the decision for you. It’s your choice. I just need someone to carry stuff around for me. You can think of it as a training camp opportunity to prepare you for the future when you delve with a real party.” Seeing the young man’s hopeful eyes growing brighter, Clay cleared his throat before continuing. “Still, I haven’t finalized my decision yet, so don’t get your hopes up.”

“Of course, sir. Ask me whatever you want.”

“First, tell me honestly. What will you do with the money you earn? Spend it on yourself?”

“Partly—I also want to make sure none of the kids here go hungry again, but I’ll also need gear so that others will take me seriously.”

“Next, what do you think you can bring to a Delver party? Be precise about what you excel at.”

“Um, I’m fast? I never lose in tag against the kids. Among those that are still here, at least.”

“And what’s your greatest weakness?”

“That—is probably my inexperience? I’ve never held anything more than a knife before, but I can learn quickly!”

Clay held his gaze on the young man, trying to discern any falsehood from him. He wanted to ask even more questions, but seeing the hale caretaker in the background waiting for Malik, he made himself scarce.

“That’s it for now. I’ll come find you at the plaza tomorrow after I think things over.”

With daylight fading soon, the streets were sparse as everyone rushed to return home. A few establishments along the main street of the third ring could afford more than the minimal lighting needed to continue their business into the night. This gave Clay a smooth journey back to the inn.

Once in the comfort of his room, he lit the candle and plopped himself onto the bed. Despite not having anything to do, he just couldn’t get into the habit of sleeping so early. As a result, he spent his time in contemplation until the sky fully darkened.

Am I really making the right choice here? Bringing that kid with me is a lot of responsibility. I could get him killed. In fact, the reason I wanted an extra person to tag along is to deal with any traps for me. I’m literally having him bear the risks in my place.

In the first place, do I really trust him enough? Well, he’s probably better than the jaded adults I’ve seen.

Maybe it’s not such a bad idea after all. It’ll help the kid earn some money while he’ll accompany me into the dungeon, so I don’t have to enter alone.

With many thoughts coursing through his mind, Clay eventually fell asleep.

***

The next morning, Clay spotted Malik in the Delver plaza right away. It was hard not to when the teenager in question was vigorously waving his hand at him.

“Good morning, sir! Have you come to a decision?” he said as soon as Clay was within earshot.

“Tentatively, yes.” Seeing how the young man was able to leap into the air in joy, he quickly continued. “We’ll be grabbing you some gear and making sure you’re comfortable with them first, though, so don’t get too excited. We won’t be heading into the dungeon just yet.”

“Understood! Umm—but, there’s just one problem, sir,” Malik hesitantly said. “As I said before, I don’t have any money for gear.”

“I’ll cover it for now. It won’t be much, as you’ll only need a suitable pack to carry things for now anyway. I’ll slowly deduct a small portion of your pay until it’s covered, then it’ll truly be yours.”

Without giving the young man a chance to argue or bargain for more, Clay briskly headed to the leather workshop that had taught him how to skin. There were quite a few customers in the shop this time, so they browsed the display while they waited for someone to assist them.

Clay knew from experience that these retail workers preferred customers who knew what they wanted, so it was better for them to get an idea of their choices first.

The shelves in the inner area of the store had mostly smaller articles like gloves, caps, belts, and other miscellaneous items, while larger items like cuirass and cuisses were placed along the walls. The backpacks naturally belonged to the latter category.

With three rows of packs before them, Clay and his new tagalong wordlessly scrutinized each option. They both had the same serious expression, as they carefully regarded every little detail.

It was only when they had examined every type of bag available that they began discussing the selection.

“So, what type do you think is the best option here?” Clay asked in a tone that made no attempt at hiding how his question doubled as a test.

“The backpacks. They can carry the most and won’t affect my balance.”

“Oh, does that mean you already have a choice in mind?”

“Yes, any of those over there would work.” Malik pointed not to the largest or most expensive section, but to ones that seemed unremarkable at first glance. They had no embellishments or features that made them stand out. They neither carried the most nor were the lightest. Each and every one of them in that row was of a similar size—a nice medium among all the options present.

“Why?”

Malik grinned, as if he had been waiting for the question. He instantly narrowed the distance to one of the backpacks before turning to his new employer.

“It’s the largest one available that matches my size.”

Clay nodded as he alternated glances between the teenager and the backpacks behind him. It wasn’t hard to see that they were the closest match to the young man, as the bag’s height matched the length of his torso.

“Pick a suitable one, then. We have a lot to do today.”

Malik didn’t have the most imposing physique, but he was still close in size to most adults. As a result, the backpack that would fit him set Clay back quite a bit. All the leather and workmanship involved meant that the mundane backpack cost over three thousand Lyons more than any individual piece of armor Clay had.

Masking the pain he felt, the two then retreated to Clay’s makeshift home out in the fourth ring.

“This is your house, sir?” a voice skeptically asked.

“Once I’ve gotten together some basic furniture, yes. For now, it’s where you’ll be training.”

“Training? You’re teaching me how to fight?”

“No, you’ll simply be carrying around that new backpack of yours, filled with these bricks, until you learn your limits.”

“What?”

It was only then that Malik bothered to pay attention to the stack of bricks, made of the same material as the house, in the corner. He winced at the arduous and boring task ahead of him.

“Umm, I have to answer nature’s call first. I’ll be right back.”

Just as he was about to step past the empty doorway, a large hand pulled him back. He turned to find his towering employer flashing him with a smile.

“In that case, I have a privy here. Feel free to use it.”

“A privy? Aren’t nobles and rich merchants the only ones who bother to construct them? Why would you have one when there’s so much empty land around you to do your business?”

Instead of a reply, Malik found himself dragged into one of the rooms, where there was a strange seat waiting for him. 

That day, Malik was introduced to a new way to answer nature’s call and came to understand a bit more about the frivolous spending habits of the rich.

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