I Became My Healer Elf Character

Salazar came from the desert kingdom of Saladiin. He was a truly self-made merchant, and it didn't take long for the Salazar Merchant Group to make itself known in the eastern provinces. Yet, when he traveled west, he also gained a reputation there. He became one of the few that could get access to the elven forests.

The man had plans to go back there again. That lush forest called out to his adventurous spirit, and he wanted to taste those apples again. As a man from the desert, he had never had such delicious fruits.

Life in the desert was tough. People had to contend with the sun baring down on them all day, and they had to contend with the monsters that could pop out of the sands. Sometimes there were even dust storms that made it hard to see. It would be a bright day, and then the dust storms would turn everyone's vision dark.

This is why it was even more surprising that he became known in many of the provinces. There was a saying back in Saladiin. "Nothing good ever comes from here."

The people of the region led tough lives, yet it seemed almost insurmountable to become someone big. The kingdom had its hands deep in the pockets of the people, so they were taxed beyond measure. It was not uncommon to see someone die of dehydration on the side of the street.

Despite all of that, Salazar opened a stall early on. A traveling merchant had imparted wisdom on him. And that wisdom stuck with Salazar ever since. Though, there was no one who could prepare him for that girl in a holy white outfit with a golden staff.

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Hikari looked over the Salazar Merchant Group. It was about 40 people strong, including a few guardsmen that seemed like hired mercenaries. Salazar himself was way different than his companions.

The elf was awed by his appearance. The man had red muscular skin, and his face was very youthful. She had never seen anyone with red skin prior. The merchant leader wore linen fabric that wrapped around his body loosely.

Salazar was putting the last few barrels into one of the carriages in the rear when he noticed the elf girl and her companion.

He performed a well-orchestrated bow. "Greetings, I am Salazar, leader of this little merchant group."

"Hikari. And this one is Kurayami."

Salazar smiled at the two of them. "Well met," he said before performing a hand gesture. "Come, I will fill you in on your duty on the way to our carriage."

As they walked towards a carriage in the center of the formation, Salazar continued. "You two will be responsible for guarding me. You don't need to fight unless the enemy cannot be dealt with by our guard. I've been told you two are Tier 7, but may I see your cards?"

Hikari nodded, and the both of them produced their cards. Hikari noticed that Salazar didn't have much of a reaction—simply a raised eyebrow before nodding. This made the elf a bit curious.

"I'm surprised you didn't question our ranks more."

Salazar chuckled. "Oh, it is pretty surprising. But, I don't dwell on these things. I've seen plenty of strangeness in my time traveling around. In the elven kingdom there are plenty of mages with small bodies, yet they could blast a hole into the side of a mountain."

He stepped into the back of the middle carriage. This central one had no cargo, and it was only for holding the main passenger along with his escort. The sides were reinforced with an enchantment that seemed to block low level magic spells and arrows. Other than that, it appeared as a normal wooden carriage.

As Hikari stepped forward, she realized that the step almost went to her chest. She was presented with the choice of climbing in or performing a jump.

Yet, Kurayami made a different choice for her. The dragon picked Hikari up by her sides and placed her feet inside. Then the dragon jumped up next to her master.

Hikari glared at her dragon. She wanted to say something, but she couldn't be sure about this Salazar character.

"Master, for these trivial matters, I can always lend my assistance."

Salazar slid towards the front of the carriage, and one more person climbed in next to him.

The woman had wraps covering her face, and the only part visible were her red eyes. The rest of her outfit reminded Hikari of ninjas from her past life, and the girl had a curved sword affixed to her side.

"This is Kahleem. Don't mind her. She doesn't speak much."

Kahleem lowered her head towards the two. "Pleasure."

Hikari gave the same greeting, but Kurayami nodded. In terms of social skills, Hikari could argue that she was still somehow better than her dragon. While Hikari could recognize many of the signals, the dragon seemed almost aloof. However, there were times when she would play along.

The elf had noticed it with the sisters in particular. But didn't she only participate in the teasing?

Salazar seemed to sense the awkward air as he coughed. "The group should begin moving soon. At our normal speed it will take almost a month to get there."

Hikari took the opportunity to make conversation. "Have you been there many times?"

"I've been there a few. Normally our group will take them some supplies from other regions since the elves don't seem to get out much."

"What is it like there?"

Salazar's eyes widened a bit at that. "So you are really not from there? But looking at you, your blood seems very pure."

Hikari shrugged. "I wouldn't know if it is or isn't. In truth, I've never been there. I've only heard a few things in passing, especially about apples, but not much else is known."

"Haha, ah yes, the apples. When it comes to fruit, they are the best I've had. As for the other things, I am not entirely sure. They are a very secretive people. I've been passing through. Coming and going, but I never traveled there with an elf before."

"You're telling me. I haven't seen another elf like me since I became an adventurer. I saw beastkin and…" Hikari looked oddly at Salazar's skin.

The man chuckled and didn't seem to take any offense. "My tribe should come from a branch of humanity. The truth is no one remembers the original name, but nowadays people simply call us the Ahmar. Many of us died off in the catastrophe a thousand years ago."

"I keep hearing about that. Was it any different in Saladiin?"

The back of the carriage open and a man called out to Salazar. "The group is ready, sir."

"Proceed. We will not be resting until we reach Kamir."

"Yes sir!"

Salazar frowned as the man walked away. "They are always like this. I've told them many times I am not a commander."

"It just means they respect you."

Salazar sighed. "Anyway, about your question. What is it you want to know? The history of Saladiin is very deep. There are still cities buried in sand to this day."

"For starters, is there a god you worship?"

"The temples in Saladiin worship Zahareem. He is the God of the Oasis, and we thank him when our thirsts are quenched. Of course, his domain expands outside of just that. The people worshiping him thank him for every bounty. If the mouth can be quenched, the pockets can be quenched, too."

"In that case, I imagine yours have been filled to the excess."

Salazar laughed heartily as the carriage began rolling forward. "No doubt, but I still have much to learn. When you come from the desert, you are always thirsty. Which is why I am also curious about you. Will you impart a piece of wisdom for this parched soul?"

"Sure, why not?"

Salazar and Kurayami both looked at her surprised.

Hikari gave them a little devilish grin. "Brace yourselves. Knowing this might mean the fate of the entire world is at stake."

Salazar gulped. "The entire world?"

Hikari nodded seriously. "If you want to chicken out you can change your mind, you know?"

"Miss Hikari, when you look so serious and say such things, how could I ever chicken out? I will take on the knowledge, even if it means the fate of the world."

"Alright, don't say I didn't warn you." Hikari leaned forward, yet for some reason the dragon at the side could barely contain her laugh. The elf quickly pinched Kurayami's leg right as Salazar and even Kahleem leaned in closely. Hikari lowered her voice to a whisper. "The truth is that Amelia's favorite color is pink!"

Salazar frowned as his eye twitched.

However, Hikari couldn't take it anymore, she began laughing like those hyena's in the dungeon. It took her a few seconds before she was finally able to reel it in.

"I see, Master is still just as funny and cute as always."

"Is it too late to hire new adventurers?"