Chapter 162: Return

In the resting area, the group discussed their next plan to see whether they should sacrifice one more day or just start running to the castle.

"So, what do you think about returning now? We should have one more day to exploit or at least, the rest of this day." Phyrill asked.

As a careful guy and the experience that told him everything might not go his way, Theo had learned from his past mistake and said, "I want to return right now."

The group was surprised by Theo's sudden answer because this was the first time Theo voiced his opinion right off the bat.

Little did they know, the reason why Theo never voiced his opinion first was because he learned from his teacher that a good leader should take others' opinions first.

After all, if the leader gave them his opinion, the people would naturally go with the flow and end up agreeing with him most of the time without even arguing with you like a rival or an opponent. That was why people said your enemies know you the best.

Hence, his teacher always told him that he needed to be the last in a long discussion if he wanted a genuine response.

That was why he agreed with the vote when Sonia and his group intruded. But when there was a crisis, he should be the first person who gave the sense of urgency to them by saying something with a serious expression and a strict tone.

He understood that the urgency wasn't there, but Theo wanted to ensure that his team would always have time to spare to ensure they were not racing against time. Thus, resulting in him voicing his opinion first.

And his master's words were proven in this discussion.

Phyrill actually agreed with him in an instant as he said, "Let's return. Unlike the departure, the return doesn't have much time for correction. Leaving one day early will allow us to change our course if necessary."

Ellen understood his words and showed her approval. "I think that's good. I mean, the rest should have leveled up so much, right? Before that, I think it's fine to confirm your level, no?"

Theo and the others thought for a moment before Ellen told them first.  "I'm level 159 right now."

They also didn't find any reason for keeping their level a secret, considering they would leap to at least level 150 two months later.

Laust opened his mouth. "I'm level 107."

"137!" Phyrill raised his hand before looking at Sihan. The latter didn't care about their rivalry and revealed his level. "134."

Phyrill pumped his fist, but Sihan simply looked away before hearing Alea's answer. "I'm level 175. I'm that high due to the mammoth."

The last one to reveal their level was Theo. After looking closely at their progress during the training and his speculation of their level, Theo thought their level should be around the number they said, so Theo said, "I'm level 103."

With the group revealing their levels, Theo understood they needed to work harder one month later. Phyrill, Sihan, Laust, and Theo shouldn't have the problem in reaching Level 151, so that meant Alea and Ellen needed to go beyond their pace and turned them to be the focus of the group.

Theo understood this and started wondering where he should move the group.

On the other hand, Alea was satisfied with hearing their levels, so she agreed with Theo's plan to come home early. "If there's no problem with our level, I think it's best to go home. We can hunt Champion Rank monsters, so I don't see a problem in seeing any of you guys reaching level 151 within one week in our next expedition."

Theo seemed to agree with her and looked at Laust and Sihan for their opinion.

Laust shrugged and said, "The majority has decided. There's no need to continue the vote."

Sihan supported him and chose to return.

Theo nodded and concluded their meeting. "We will return then, but since it's past eleven, we will rest and have our lunch here before making our way to the Art Beats Castle."

"Understood." The group acknowledged his plan and started dividing their tasks.

Obviously, they planned to celebrate their success in killing the mammoth, so they brought more meat, herbs, and sadly water for a celebration.

They had a feast as they exchanged information on how the fight continued and what Phyrill and Laust encountered in the forest. They didn't have any information about it since they were separated for a while.

After finishing their lunch, they started packing up and left no trash to avoid damaging the environment. Although it was hard to make humanity follow this common sense because they might consciously or subconsciously leave trash in this world, Theo and his group still tried to protect the environment by not leaving anything behind.

They then started running to Art Beats City under Phyrill's guidance.

The group encountered a few monsters on the way, but Phyrill left all the nests behind since Theo didn't want unnecessary confrontations.

Everything went smoothly and the group made good progress within the first day. However, it soon changed on the third day.

With the sun almost set, they reached the Unending Grass Field and prepared themselves for an onslaught of the monsters, so they could make a nice camp on the other side of this field.

With them getting much stronger, their confidence also increased drastically.

Phyrill remembered the trade Theo had from before and approached him before shouting. "Theo, I think I will agree with your trade a week ago. Half-half."

The reason Phyrill shouted was to jolt the others' minds, telling them they should let Theo grab the cards.

Ellen and Alea had obviously become his regular and agreed without hesitation. Unfortunately, Laust didn't share their opinion. He and Theo might be able to get something, but he didn't see the point in getting these cards just for quick money, so Laust didn't agree with him.

Seeing Laust didn't accept, Sihan also chose not to trade with Theo for an unknown reason.

Theo didn't care about it since he didn't know whether he could keep up with them while getting all the cards. Hence, three people might be ideal for him.

However, when they were ready to face the challenge and stepped on the grass, they noticed something was wrong.