Chapter 322: Negotiations

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~~~(POV: Jasmine)~~~

~~~(Location: Temporary Home, Border City)~~~

~~~(Time: 6:18 AM)~~~

Never, in my wildest dreams, did I expect to have to get up this early after staying up so late. Only having 5 hours of sleep isn't something I relish, and I'm not going to function like my usual self. Hailey and Cera decided to play some cards, more specifically, The Shattering. The most popular card game in all of Gaia.

Apparently, they have some experience with the game themselves. Long before they met Sally or me, they met at a tavern very far from here. The reason the game went on so long is cause Hailey refused to finish the night without a single win. What I'm most impressed about is how good at the card game Cera is. Using someone else's deck too.

He borrowed mine, and I'll admit, I have some good cards and bad cards. But the times I played against Hailey, I could never win. She always knew what I was going to play, but she can't read Cera as she can read me. "C'mon, we need to be ready for Helda in case she shows up..." Hailey sounds just as groggy as I feel. This isn't a time a person should have to get up.

Even with more than 5 hours of sleep, having to get up around 6 isn't right. "I know... I know... Just let me sleep for five more minutes..." My eyes refuse to stay open, and I curse Hailey's competitiveness with her brother. It's absolutely ridiculous how they are with each other. "This is all your fault, you know..." Even Hailey gets tired and exhausted without sleep.

Her physical body may not get tired, but her mind does. I assume the same thing with Cera since he's supposedly stronger than her. I've yet to see any proof of his power. It makes me wonder what he's hiding. "I'm sorry I kept everyone up... I just can't stand losing to him... It's like he doesn't even try..." Her words are slow and are devoid of any energy and life.

If I were in her situation, I'd act the same way. I hate it when people don't take me seriously, and that's something that she hates too. It's probably worse when it comes from her brother. "Whatever... I'm going back to sleep... Talk with Helda without me... If she even shows up this early..." If she's coming around at this time, I'm going to miss her.

It's not in my priorities to meet this woman, and they'll do just fine without me. "You have to stay awake, Jasmine... If she's going to take us, she'll want to know everyone before we do anything..." The longest and angriest groan I've ever produced since my time with Hailey escapes my lips. She's going to regret making me do this. I'll make sure of it. 

She forces me to stand up on my own two feet, and as we both start to wake up, Sally and Cera come in to join us in the living room... What should be called the living room... Sally looks as tired as Hailey and me, but Cera looks like he's ready for anything. "What are you, a magical puppet or something?" It ticks me off that he's not in the same state as everyone else.

~~~(POV: Cera Adamo)~~~

~~~(Location: Temporary Home, Border City)~~~

~~~(Time: 6:24 AM)~~~

The frustrated face and tone of Jasmine cause a low chuckle to escape from me. I'm used to nights where I lack sleep. It's who I am. As a gamer, you'd understand. "I'm used to having nights like last night. It's not the first time Hailey has done this either." She grits her teeth as her eyes slowly shift to my sister. They're not morning people. 

Sally isn't happy with me either. She knows that I was egging Hailey on. Why? Cause she's my sister, and she deserves to be messed with. I could've let her win a long time ago, but it's too fun watching her struggle and swallow her pride. "If it makes everyone feel better, I can go out and get us some food real quick?" This gets a collective growl from everyone's stomachs. 

There couldn't be a better answer. "If Helda shows up while I'm gone, you can handle it, Hailey. You have the dagger, after all." She lightly nods her head, barely registering my words before I head out the door. A little down the road, fast and soft footsteps approach me from behind. Sally pops up at my side with a smile.

She reaches for my hand holds it in hers. "I'm a little hurt you didn't even consider taking me with you. I'm not that mad with you." Her mocking tone is noted, and I know her better than she hopes. She's coming to make sure I get good food, since last time she didn't get to pick her meal when I went out to get something. She prefers making a choice herself.

She's not as sly as she thinks she is, at least not with me. "Sure, if that's the excuse you want to use to make sure you get food that you want." A massive crimson flush hits her cheeks at how blatantly I called her out. She tries to find a rebuttal. "What? Cat got your tongue?" If angry steam could come out of her ears, they would.

Her hand lets go of mine, and she turns around in a huff, walking back towards the home. She stops and seems to stare down the road. I don't know what she's waiting for. Her head darts around to look at me, and she stomps her way over. "You're supposed to stop me and apologize!!" According to who? Just because that's what another guy is supposed to do isn't what I'm going to do.

My arms fold across my chest as a smug smirk graces my face. She's mixed between embarrassment, anger, and disbelief. "Why do you even expect that from me? You know what I'm all about. I say what I want. I don't hold you to any social expectations. How come I'm held to some?" All the wind is taken away from her anger and disbelief, and all that's left is the first.

Embarrassment looks cute on her, and she looks down. Twiddling her fingers and trying to talk. She's failed to realize that I'm messing with her. "You know I'm just messing with you, right?" She looks at me like my worst enemy would. She rears her foot back and kicks me in the shin, only to regret it the instant it makes contact. 

I imagine it's like kicking metal. "You're the worst! The only reason I'm even coming with you still is cause I want to choose my meal!" Her voice is high and not the least bit intimidating. It's like seeing a kitten get mad. She's too sweet to be mad at me in a way she looks dangerous. "Stop laughing!" I can't help it. I don't get to see this every day.

~~~(POV: Melimora)~~~

~~~(Location: On the street, spying)~~~

~~~(Time: 6:31 AM)~~~

The sight I'm watching would be considered wholesome to some, but I'm here to gather information before Helda comes. I'm giving her my report before she speaks with them later this morning. They start to walk away and towards the part of town that sells food. I keep my distance and make sure I'm unnoticed like I always am.

From where I'm standing, they seem like an okay group of people. Taking chances isn't in our style of doing business, so airing on the side of caution is the best option for right now. The utter amount of food they order is staggering to me. How four people can eat so much isn't natural. They must spend a fortune on food, meaning they have money...

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A/N: Below this line, I'll be keeping Cera's player information. That way, I won't have to place it into the story above anymore. It takes about 180 words up.

[Slayer (Zern) Lvl.193]

[Exp: 3/100%]

[Title: The Son of Arch-Angel Michael (Hidden)]

[Stats] [Strength - 7095][Endurance - 7045][Dexterity - 7215][Speed - 8240][Focus - 19,660]

[Mana aura control: 6/100%]

[Health: 76,560,000,000/76,560,000,000] [Mana: 216,600,000,000/216,600,000,000]

[Stat Points: 30] [Armor rating: 500]

[Inventory] [Dice of Wayland (Divine)] [Hardened Tree sap Armor (Very Rare)] [The Witness (Legendary Sword)] [Fenrir's Whistle (Divine)] [Sally's Dresses 5x] [Camping gear] [Food Rations 4x] [Dried meat 4x] [Fishing poles 2x] [Fish 8x] [Festival Garbs 2x]

[Passive Perks]

[Inheritor of the Sword] [Son of Heaven] [Slayer of Evil] [Holy Willow Trees Savior] [Finder of Legends] [The Divine who has Legend] [Destined for Greatness] [Dungeon Diver] [An Overachiever]

[Active Skills]

[Heavens light Lvl.59 325/5900] [Protected by Heaven Lvl.59 225/5900] [Slash Lvl.77 4600/130000] [Parry Lvl.53 80/5300] [Double Strike N/A] [Kingslayer N/A] [Raging Machine N/A] [Winged Glory] [Angelic Flight] [Divine Pressure Exertion] [Divinity Pulse] [Controled Fun]