The forest grew darker the deeper they went, and Ash could feel the strange hum of corrupted energy surrounding the trees. The leaves whispered, carrying voices that weren't there.
Beside him, Dom was humming cheerfully, flipping a small coin between his fingers.
They walked in silence for a while until Ash's eyes flicked up sharply — movement.
He stopped.
Ash: Don't move.
Dom (confused): Huh?
From the trees, figures emerged, one after another, surrounding them in a half-circle. Roughly ten of them — armed, armored, eyes burning with greed.
Player 1 (smirking): Well, well, look who it is. The little merchant rat finally crawled out of his hole.
Dom (nervously laughing): Heh… hey guys! Long time no—
Leader (interrupting): Shut it. Where's the money, Dom?
Ash glanced at Dom.
Ash: Money?
Dom looked away, whistling like a guilty child.
Leader: We were a team! We raided a Level 5 ruin together! And this greedy idiot ran off with all the loot — over twenty thousand gold coins!
Dom (defensively): Hey! I didn't run off! I just… withdrew early. You know, like tactical retreating!
Ash sighed, rubbing his forehead.
Ash: Just give them the money, Dom.
Dom: I can't.
Ash: Why not?
Dom (dead serious): Because if I give it back... I'll be broke.
Silence. Everyone stared at him like he had just admitted to being the dumbest man alive.
Archy (muttering): Unbelievable… I've met greedy kings, but this one's special.
Leader (furious): Then you'll die with your fortune!
The players raised their weapons — until a dark, rumbling growl filled the air.
Ash's eyes flashed yellow.
He raised his hand and summoned the monstrous shadow of the Wild Boss — the one he had slain in the dark forest. Its spectral form materialized behind him, towering and growling like thunder.
The hunters froze in horror.
Ash (coldly): I wouldn't do that if I were you.
Leader (gulping): Th-that's… that's a Boss-class summon!
Ash: Correct. Now, either walk away or join the corpses in this forest.
The leader clenched his fists, then slowly backed off.
Leader: This isn't over, Dom! We'll find you again. You can't hide forever!
Dom (calling after them): Yeah, yeah, get lost before my bodyguard eats you!
As soon as they were gone, Dom slumped against a tree, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Dom: Hah… That was intense. But, uh, thanks, buddy! You really saved me there, you might not be totally useless poor guy!
Ash: Don't thank me. You're just lucky I didn't let them do it.
Dom (mock hurt): Ouch.
Ash turned toward him, expression unreadable.
Ash: You have all that gold, and you're still wandering the forest starving?
Dom (serious now): Of course! You think I'm wasting my precious coins on food? I'd rather die than spend even a dime!
Archy: That can easily be arranged.
Dom (snapping): Quiet, Casper the broke ghost!
Ash facepalmed.
Ash: So let me get this straight — you're a merchant who refuses to buy anything.
Dom (proudly): Exactly. That's how I stay rich.
Archy: And how you'll stay stupid.
Ash exhaled slowly, staring into the forest.
Ash: You're a useless, miser merchant.
Dom (grinning): Correction — a strategically frugal one.
Ash gave him a side-eye that could freeze lava.
Archy (snickering): I give him three days before you strangle him.
Ash (deadpan): You're being generous.