Amphibious Race X Trade

Moon Bay.

Outside the port.

Kevin, Melusina, Netero, Piyon.

The four people were waiting here.

Kevin squinted, gazing quietly at the calm sea.

After a short while, as if sensing something, it gazed into the distance.

There, they could see the water swaying, and two waves rushing towards them.

The water ripples approach.

The waves broke apart.

Two figures leaped out of the sea and landed on the pebble beach.

The group stared at the two creatures before them.

It was a completely inhuman monster.

Its body is hunched over, and its lower body has limbs that resemble a snake, but upon closer inspection, it looks more like the hind limbs of some kind of fish than a snake.

On its smooth skin was a slightly viscous fluid under the sunlight, and at the tip were fin-like structures resembling a fish tail.

The upper body is hunched over, with smooth skin, strange spots, and the same viscous liquid.

It has a long snout and a flat head, somewhat resembling a fish head, but also somewhat like Crocodile.

The dorsal fin extends all the way to the tip of the tail. It has no arms, but its sides are fan-shaped fins that spread out. However, four tentacles extend from below the fins, two on each side.

The two tentacles on the left are bound to a weapon that looks like a harpoon.

Can use tools.

They are clearly intelligent beings.

A hint of panic flashed in the slightly bulging eyes of the two creatures when they saw Kevin.

The lower limbs lose support, causing the entire upper body to sag downwards.

Although I don't understand the meaning of this gesture, I can tell from this demeanor that it is a kind of etiquette to express respect or similar sentiments.

"My Lord, please forgive our unannounced visit."

In plain language.

The two intelligent beings were speaking human language.

Of course, the tone was slightly flat, and it also had a strange bubbly sound.

But it's clear that this method is speaking human language.

"Interesting, you speak our language? Did you learn it on purpose?"

Hearing Kevin's question.

The two fish-like creatures straightened their bodies again.

"This is what we learned from the King; he learned your language and taught it to us."

King?

It also had a system similar to feudalism.

Without a doubt, these are two different concepts: a group of civilized beings and intelligent beings from the Dark Continent.

"Alright, you're guests from afar, and you mean no harm, so this isn't the place to talk."

"You should be able to move around on land for extended periods, right?"

After listening to Kevin's words, the two fish-like creatures nodded repeatedly.

"I can handle it for a while."

Although it's unclear how they learned their language, this way of speaking clearly leans towards the overall language of human civilization, rather than a simple comparative learning or text translation technique.

It is a way of communication that requires in-depth learning after understanding human civilization and culture.

It's clearly not a language learned through normal learning methods.

This is the message conveyed by Piyon.

And so, the group, carrying the two snake-fish creatures, headed towards the port.

The port was right next door; it wasn't far to walk.

At this time, the port only had some supplies piled up and giant ships docked there.

The rest of the people are not here.

Meanwhile, the two snake-fish creatures behind were surveying the area from both sides.

Until they entered an open room.

Kevin sat in his seat.

"I'm not familiar with your culture and etiquette, so I'll be frank: what brings you here?"

"I remember when we first crossed paths, you guys should have shown very obvious resistance."

After listening to Kevin's words...

The two creatures' voices were somewhat distorted, and they quickly spoke.

"That's because your power instilled fear in us."

"Yes, please forgive our offense."

Kevin looked at the two creatures.

If we're to be honest about strength, these two beings are roughly equivalent to 200,000 Nen in human terms.

They are hardly considered powerful life forms on the Dark Continent.

They're at the bottom of the food chain; not the absolute bottom, but they can't afford to offend anyone.

Moreover, judging from its body structure, it is clearly an amphibian, but leans more towards an aquatic organism.

Their living areas are mostly concentrated around the ocean.

In other words, the Folded Zone may be a body of water, or the area may be predominantly water.

Kevin simply nodded in response to what the other person said, without adding anything further.

Kevin was unfamiliar with the other person, and it was clear that the other person had a unique understanding of humanity.

"I'm curious, this should be our first time meeting, but why do you seem to know us people so well?"

These two creatures had clearly communicated beforehand and seemed to have had a plan in place for this.

"This is our first meeting. We have never seen any creatures similar to you before."

This area may indeed have been inhabited by humans in the past.

But clearly, no humans stayed there for an extended period of time.

Humans' brief existence meant that only powerful, territorial creatures in this region could possibly know of it.

The other party is hidden within the Folded Zone and is clearly not included in this category.

"Our king is an equal to you. He knows of your existence, and therefore knows of humanity. He also the Church us human language."

Upon hearing this, Kevin couldn't help but exchange glances with the people around him.

A certain powerful ability.

Through certain simple media or information, it is possible to directly obtain more hidden information.

This suggests that they are very likely to be unilaterally transparent with each other regarding information.

This information asymmetry is clearly not conducive to their communication.

Kevin frowned.

Another creature quickly said, "We mean no harm. As you can see, we are not strong enough to leave our home."

"Furthermore, if you would like, we would also like to invite you to visit our home."

The other party is clearly adopting a very humble attitude.

This also directly acknowledges their information advantage.

Kevin frowned at this statement.

If you understand humans well enough, you'll know that such a humble attitude is not a good thing.

Whether you need their help or not, communicating with them on an equal footing will not bring any misfortune.

There are only two possibilities for this to happen.

Firstly, the other party had limited information, which led them to this conclusion.

Secondly, the other party has obtained more information than expected and is looking forward to the future.

It's even possible that the other party learned about Kevin's habits through some channel.

This feeling is quite unsettling.

However, even if the other party acts as an equal, they will still harbor suspicions in this regard, which can also make people feel uncomfortable.

However, Kevin only thought about it for a moment and didn't pay much attention to it.

Because he had a pretty good idea of why these people had come.

Everything was too coincidental.

"So you need something from me, right? You want to trade something with me?"

Upon hearing Kevin's blunt words, the two creatures exchanged glances and then nodded very seriously.

"Yes, we request to make a deal with you; we are willing to accept any price we can pay."

This doesn't seem like the attitude of a transaction; it's too straightforward, too obvious, completely laying everything bare.

Kevin is more inclined to believe that the other person has some means of understanding their personality traits.

Is this it?

From the ring, Kevin took out the Immortal Bone, which had already been placed in a huge, specially made glass jar.

That is, the most valuable material obtained from the Double-tailed Snake.

The two creatures clearly exhibited a strong desire, nodding their bodies repeatedly.

"Yes, this should be it. This is what our king wishes to trade with you."

It really is this thing.

Kevin had just gotten his hands on it and learned about its properties when he started thinking about how to use it. He didn't expect the other party to arrive so quickly.

The coincidences made it hard for Kevin not to think in that direction.

"I did indeed consider trading this. Your king should know this as well, so do you possess..."

Is this what I want?

Being able to trade at this time, and clearly having the ability to obtain information, is a given.

The other person must possess something that you desire, something comparable to what you have.

"The king invites you to visit, where you can choose what you wish to trade."

Kevin frowned as he was told to go directly into the spatial interlayer.

To be honest, this is not safe.

However, he didn't rush to speak, knowing the other party would surely realize this.

Sure enough, the creature next to them tore off a piece of what looked like fish skin from somewhere, and the fish skin had eye patterns drawn on it.

The eye pattern is certainly not authentic, but it retains the essence of the most authentic one.

It can be called a token of love.

"This is— the Seal of God. You are the acknowledged Lord, and the King has commanded us to present it to you."

Kevin reached out and took it.

Indeed, it shares the same origin as the mark on his own hand; without a doubt, it is the mark bestowed by the Overlord upon another recognized Lord.

This Lord was clearly much more familiar with the use of the mark than I was.

This copied mark doesn't have much power, but it allows Lord like himself to clearly understand that the other party is a recognized Lord.

Simply put, basic security is guaranteed because everyone is one of the Overlord's subordinates.

They are all recognized Lord.

They each have their own territory, so there's no need for conflict.

Lord Gelan and the Wearer Ghost both demonstrated this.

Just as I had guessed, I was able to create a mezzanine area within the territory of the Overlord.

He must be a recognized Lord.

Otherwise, how could the Sky Overlord allow something so beyond his control to occur in his territory?

"If you are willing to come and trade, please come to the cave entrance on that shore; it is the only entrance, and we will be waiting to welcome you there."

The other creature also bent down slightly.

"Then we'll take our leave."

After saying that, Kevin didn't stop him and left directly, heading straight for the sea. He fell into the water, leaving a trail of water in front of everyone, and disappeared from the area.

Everything seemed quick and simple.

"Although they are clearly imitating our behavior and etiquette, they cannot hide their true nature."

Piyon analyzed from the side.

As an ancient text Hunter x Hunter, in addition to absolute expertise in writing, his understanding of writing systems, civilizations, and races is also top-notch.

Through a brief exchange, Piyon was already able to discern that these two creatures, resembling Demonic Beast, possessed their own civilization and behavioral habits.

The conversational attitude and behavior that were previously displayed and accepted by humans all had an imitative and performative nature.

This is normal.

After all, the two sides are of different races, and even if they have civilizations, they are worlds apart.

Their behavior already speaks volumes about their attitude.

This demonstrates sufficient respect and courtesy to the other party.

Whether driven by fear or by some desire, at least on the surface, they put on a good show.

"Judging from their behavior just now, they have a sense of fear and apprehension towards the Dark Continent. Their civilization is not an aggressive one; it is more likely a form of civilization that is content with the status quo."

Especially at the end, there was a behavior that showed an eagerness to leave after completing the task.

Even though the other party tried their best to restrain themselves, they still couldn't hold back.

"Judging from their current performance, they don't pose much of a threat, and besides, this is the Dark Continent, where direct conflicts of interest are unlikely."

After Piyon finished explaining his observations, he looked at the others.

That's how the Dark Continent is.

There is no geographical conflict at all. From a racial perspective, most social creatures seek only a stable environment for themselves.

"Are you going?" Netero asked.

"Of course I'll go, there won't be any major problems."

As he spoke, Kevin opened his palm and waved it.

To be honest, in terms of safety, all the conditions have fully demonstrated that the outcome is safe.

Even though it was somewhat dangerous, Kevin didn't want to give up such a good opportunity.

After all, this was the first civilized native species they had encountered on the Dark Continent.

It exhibits clear characteristics of cultural exchange.

This is something that will inevitably happen in future explorations.

Not to mention that the other party is a neighbor.

Kevin has always maintained a good relationship with his neighbors.

The people Wearer Ghost, the Resentful Eater Snake, and Lord Gelan— are all on pretty good terms.

Moreover, based on what they just did, and without a doubt, the other party is definitely less dangerous than the Wearer Ghost.

"Please be sure to take me with you when you go, that's my most important request!"

Piyon eagerly grabbed Kevin's hand.

I can't wait any longer.

"Of course, you're the expert in this situation, who else would I take along?"

Kevin reassured the other party.

"I'm interested too."

Netero said from the side.

"That won't do. Although nothing dangerous is likely to happen on this trip, we should still be on the safe side."

Kevin refused without hesitation.

Although Netero had considered this, he still smacked his lips in dissatisfaction.

"Let's go back and discuss it first."