CHAPTER 105: USELESS WATER

Gara and Fian listened quietly. Though the elf looked like he was only half-listening out of formality

From Kian’s explanation, Gara learned that each Liner had to supply 100 liters of water per day.

There was an uncontaminated mountain spring in the next village. Liners fetched water from there, using their Talents to make the task easier.

Of course, most Talents didn’t help much with that kind of work.

Which meant water-producing Talents were the most valuable of all.

Perfect for Gara. To him, a hundred liters was nothing. He was used to producing over six hundred liters daily, not including the extra water he used for herbs in his yard, bathing, and his experiments.

"When can I start providing water?" Gara asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"You can start today. But the others have already returned from the mountain. Normally, we ride the guards’ carriage to reach the next village. With just the two of you, though, I doubt the guards will allow it. Better to start tomorrow. For now, focus on familiarizing yourselves."

The smile never left Gara’s face. "I don’t need to go up the mountain. I can produce water."

"Oh, right. I remember one of the new Liners had a water-based Talent. So that was you. Still, a hundred liters is too much. What if you end up hurting yourself?" Kian spoke with genuine concern.

"No need to worry. I can handle a hundred liters just fine. I’ll also provide water for Fian, but only for today. Tomorrow he can join another Liner on the mountain run."

"Two hundred liters? You can really create that much water?"

Kian’s shock was obvious. After all, Narin—one of the best water-based Liners of their generation in county—struggled to produce even ten liters in one attempt.

That was why, despite her Talent, she still had to trek to the mountain every morning with the rest of them.

"You’re amazing, Gara, being able to make that much." Narin’s voice chimed in from behind, dripping with admiration. "It’s just a shame my water can neutralize poison, so I can’t produce as much."

She batted her wide, clear eyes at him with innocent sweetness.

Was this what’s known as lying low to rise high?

"Yup, every Talent has its own perks," Gara replied calmly.

Narin nodded gracefully, "One could save live and another for... washing clothes?"

Just now, was she subtly belittling Gara’s water?

Gara almost burst out laughing. It had been a long time since he’d seen a green-tea act in person.

Ten months surrounded by straightforward, honest people had nearly made him forget how many different kinds of humans there were.

Luckily, he’d dealt with enough of that back in the office.

"Really?" Gara’s eyes lit up as he turned to Narin. "So... with how incredible your water is, does that mean you can purify all the contaminated water in this village?"

It was a ridiculous question. If she could, these Liners wouldn’t even need to gather here in the first place.

Gara pressed on, voice bright. "Oh! Yup, that must be hard."

"Then, what about purifying a river?

Or maybe a well?

Or even just a bucket...?"

With every word, the innocent look on Narin’s face faltered bit by bit.

"Too much? Then how about a cup?" Gara asked without the slightest trace of guilt.

Silence.

At last, Loka spoke up honestly, "That’s not it, Gara. Narin’s water doesn’t cleanse outside sources. It only neutralizes poison once it’s inside the human body."

Gara clapped once. "Oh, I see. So it’s completely USELESS for purifying actual water supplies."

Narin’s face turned scarlet. "I-I’m sorry my water is useless."

Eyes brimming with tears, she turned and hurried away. The men heard her quiet sobbing as she left.

Down so easily? Gara held himself back from smirking.

Meanwhile, Loka looked uneasy. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, Loka. She just needs more training," Kian replied bluntly, then returned to the main issue. "Gara, if you can really do it, I’ll take you to the water storage."

And just like that, the four of them continued to walk as though nothing had happened, though Loka still kept thinking about Narin’s sobs.

The moment they stepped outside, they were met with cold stares from a dozen Liners lounging in front of the camp, especially the men.

In the middle sat Narin, tear-streaks still visible under her eyes.

The only one not glaring was Orman. The dark-skinned man walked straight over to Gara and the others.

"You’re incredible, Gara," he said simply.

"What’s this all of a sudden?" Gara asked, confused, though he already had a rough idea of the cause.

Orman explained that Narin had stormed out earlier, telling everyone that the new Liner—Gara—had called her Talent useless because he could create two hundred liters of water.

Everyone rushed to defend Narin. Among the water-based Liners who had come to this village, she was the strongest, a C-rank Liner.

Producing ten liters at once was already impressive. If it weren’t for her duties as part of the investigation team, she could easily reach a hundred liters after resting, without having to fetch it from the mountain.

No one believed anyone could outmatch Narin, especially a newcomer. Most of those assigned to Bota Village were also newbie Liners carrying out their initial missions.

Only a handful—investigators, healers, or senior Liners guiding rookies—weren’t.

Their pride couldn’t accept the idea of someone at their level being stronger. Even the women, who usually complained about Narin’s fake innocence, now stood at her side.

That was why Gara and the other three received so many hostile glares.

"As long as you can finish your tasks, just ignore them," Kian said, clearly used to Narin’s behavior.

Loka, however, was more agitated. "Still, Gara, you really shouldn’t have said Narin’s water was useless."

Gara glanced at him, then walked toward the cluster of Liners.

Their eyes immediately sharpened with suspicion, while Narin in the middle looked like a frail little chick.

Let’s start the drama!

...