Chapter 155 - Day CDLIX, Part II

- After long talks with Hatta, and considering several options, we came to the conclusion that taking advantage of your arrangement with Blue is the best option. We can get the necessary class points, and also crystals for skill upgrades. This combined with your new hunting ground discovery - he briefly looked at Hatta, probably for approval - would bet more than enough in both fields.

- So you want to hunt with me in the wolf's den? Do you even have the slighted idea of how strong the werewolf is? He is gonna tear you apart.

- Uhm...

- You already killed it once by yourself - Will quickly pointed out.

- Ok, fine, but how about the spawning? I can't do it, so we need at least two new people.

- I'm available - said Amit. - I still didn't kill it.

- And it wouldn't be me going with you, but my son, Rishi - added Jayadeva.

I sighed, heavily.

- And when will we have the window to go there? Did you already talk with Blue? - I asked looking at Hatta.

- Two weeks from now, but I believe you should all go and hunt those bears in the meantime, to get enough crystals so Rishi can upgrade his skills, and start working as soon as possible - was his answer.

- I hate you people. I really do. From the bottom of my heart. Pack your shit, and be ready to depart in thirty minutes - after those words, I started shoving the rest of my curry rice in my mouth.

- Let's go Jayadeva - said Amit, and without waiting just left.

Craftsman quickly followed, awkwardly saying quick goodbyes. Will just smiled at me.

- With good equipment, we might again be at the top - said Boris. - But it has to work first.

- Yes. It's a risk, but the one worth taking. If we can make our armors harder, and weapons sharper, that might be an incredible advantage towards monsters, and Blue's soldiers, since they seem to only use their claws and teeth - said Nobuo.

- Oh, I already said I'm all behind this, just saying it might not work, so let's not put everything on one card.

- We still have canyon - said Hatta.

I finished the food, left the bowl on the desk, and just went outside, as they kept talking. It was a bit annoying that I had to leave so soon after my return, but we really needed to keep moving if we wanted to at least keep the balance of forces in the city.

At the very first I went to look for Nadia, to say my goodbyes. I actually found her in her room. Over some papers.

- What's going on? - she asked after I entered the room.

- Those assholes had another genius plan and I have to go. I'll be back in three weeks.

She smiled sadly.

- If you have to go, then go. I'll be awaiting here - she stood up, to give me a kiss.

- I really don't want to go, but that bastard Blue... We need to do something. We need a response to his moves.

- Didn't you put him behind bars for like a week? - she asked a bit surprised.

- Yes. Temporary solution, but we need a permanent one.

- Ok. Go then... But... How about you take a bit of a break after? Like a week? Just the two of us... in bed...

She smiled while biting her lower lip.

- You don't have to convince me. When I'm back, I'll stay for a week even if the whole city will be set on fire.

- Then we would have to put the fire, and I would rather spend this time on something else. Go now. Go before I'll find a way to stop you.

I couldn't hold my smile and really left.

I went to find my cart. Hatta's men as usual took care of it. I grabbed the handles, and made my way straight to the device, to do some shopping. Amit was there, filling his own cart with provisions, and not too far from him stood Jayadeva, with his son. A rather young fellow. Teenager. Standing next to yet another cart, filled with equipment and food.

He was thin, and had a storm of black hair on his head, standing in every possible direction. To put it simply - a mess. Simple clothes, with sturdy-looking leather armor on the chest, and a broad sword fixed to his belt. A boyish face, that had a lot of resemblance to his father's, and two big brown eyes.

- Good morning - he said when I got closer.

- Not anymore - I replied and extended my hand.

He shook it with a confused smile.

- Suck it up, Peter - Amid said from behind my back. - When the problem is fixed we will give you a break.

I snorted.

- Just promise me to take good care of my soon - said Jayadeva.

He was clearly worried, and it seemed to be a hard decision for him, to let the boy go. Youngster on the other hand was pretty happy about the incoming adventure.

- He will stand behind us, and nothing will even touch him. I promise.

Even with how annoyed I was about the situation, I had to put it all to the side, and answer him sincerely.

- How far are we going? - asked Rishi.

- Two days' worth of travel.

- How dangerous it will be?

- Very.

- Cool.

I raised my eyebrow at his words.

- My dad never allowed me to leave the city to hunt. So... I'm really excited - he explained.

- Just follow Amit's orders, and stay behind. I'll be too busy to watch over you.

He nodded. Amit came closer as he finished his shopping.

- I will take care of Rishi. Don't worry. Both of you - at first he looked at Jayadeva, but then also at me.

I shrugged my shoulders and turned around to buy the necessary stuff. We needed some torches, plenty of food and water. I invested 1200 points in all of that.

During my shopping, they kept up the conversation but ended it as soon as I returned.

- Let's go. We need to really push it - I informed them.

- Ok. Let's go - Amit agreed.

I shook hands with Jayadeva, just as Amit. Father hugged son, and we headed out.. At first in silence, but then Rishi really bombarded me with questions.