Chapter 59 - Jungle Expedition Part 1
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"You guys," I hand out Lily, Luna, and Seia the 『Antipathy Gloves』 one by one.
I had forgotten that I still have the 10 『Monster Bags』 I got from defeating those 10 『Real Abominations』. There's too much even for us so I'm planning on giving everyone I'm acquaintance with—since it feels like a waste selling them somewhere. Besides, I still have plenty of money in my pocket, so I don't really feel the need of doing that. Moreover, money is the least of my problem.
[I can just duplicate them if I want to]
Though, it will probably cause some problems in the economy, so I guess I'll need to plan some alternatives.
"Oh, isn't this the 『Antipathy Gloves』 you got before, Master?" Luna asked when he remembered something. "Don't tell me, you fought that monster again?"
"That's right, I fought it when I went to the Ebonland." I replied.
"But that many... How did you..." Luna frowned, realizing something. "Don't tell me... Did you fought that many monsters alone...?"
At Luna's comment, Lily and Seia who also realized looked at me a bit surprised.
I don't really want to tell that incident to them since they're probably going to concern it too much to them, but I can't also lie since they'll notice right away. Moreover, I expected Akari already told them about it.
"It's not a pleasant story so I won't tell." I implied. "Besides, we're going on expedition, so telling you an unpleasant story might affect your performance for later."
Luna paused for a moment before replying. "I see... But please be careful later, okay?"
"Roger." I replied wryly.
The three displayed a concern expression to my dry answer. Well, they probably already know—but for now let's set those things aside.
The preparations we're going smoothly just like I planned. I've already brewed the potion thanks to my crafting ability—and also managed everyone's equipment we we're using in this expedition. For instance, I gave the 『Sword of Imbalance』 to Luna since I already have the 『Demon Sword』. I even exchange my 『Hermes Boots』 to her 『Steampunk Boots』 so that Luna can do ⟨⟨Double Jump⟩⟩ since I already have that skill thanks to my armor set bonus.
Lastly, I gave the 『Nihilist Cloak』 for Lily. You probably forgot about its information, but the 『Nihilist Cloak』 gives the wearer an increased movement speed and reduced the user's presence when equipped—which perfectly fitted for a bow user like her.
Overall, this is what the team information currently are:
『Sai Crimsonheart』
『HP: 240』
『MP: 200』
『Armor: 27』
『AGI: 275-550』
『DEX: 100』
『ENDURANCE: 250』
Armor: 『Demi-Armor』
Weapon and Equipment:
『Imperfect Demon Sword』 『Spore Staff』 『Beaver Shark』 『Polarity Shotgun』 『Musket』
Accessory:
『Steampunk Boots』 『Antipathy Gloves』 『Dart Scarf』 『Diamond Hook』
Skills:
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Battōjutsu⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Bloodlust⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Double Jump⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Passive: Dodge⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Adrenaline⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Dash⟩⟩
* * *
『Luna』
『HP: 220』
『MP: 200』
『Armor: 24』
『AGI: 375-750』
『DEX: 100』
『Endurance: 250』
Armor: 『Radiant Armor』
Weapon and Equipment:
『Scimitar』 『Sword of Imbalance』
Accessory:
『Hermes Boots』 『Antipathy Gloves』 『Arm band』 『Diamond Hook』
Skills:
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Double Jump⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Dash⟩⟩
* * *
『Lily Helianthus』 current stats:
『HP: 360』
『MP: 200』
『Armor: 19』
『AGI: 361-652』
『DEX: 120』
『ENDURANCE: 280』
Armor: 『Radiant Armor』
Weapon and Equipment:
『Platinum Bow』 『Radiant Bow』
Accessory:
『Steampunk Boots』 『Uriel's Quiver』 『Nihilist Cloak』 『Antipathy Gloves』 『Diamond Hook』
Skills:
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Dash⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Passive: Precision⟩⟩
* * *
『Seia』
『HP: 400/400』
『MP: 200』
『DEF: 19』
『AGI: 592-1184』
『DEX: 150』
『Endurance: 320』
Armor: 『Radiant Armor』
Weapon and Equipment:
『Boomstick』 『Musket』
Accessory:
『Thunderboots』 『Magic Holster』 『Antipathy Gloves』 『Diamond Hook』
Skills:
⟨⟨Gunslinger: 1/3⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Lock-and-Load⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Triple Jump⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Dash⟩⟩
* * *
『Akari』
『HP: 100/100』
『MP: 200/200』
『DEF: 0』
『AGI: 125』
『DEX: 100』
『Endurance: 250』
Skills:
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Umbral Collision⟩⟩
To my surprise, Lily got a skill that I didn't know until later. She probably obtained it thanks to the teachings of Rina-san when they had their practice together.
Though, I must say—Akari isn't looking good having a base status and almost having no equipment to fend herself but let's just hope nothing happened bad. I feel bad for jinxing it but I'm pretty confident in my skills so let's leave it at that.
Since the girls we're taking their time, I decided to wait outside of the Villa. The sun was already rising in the horizon as I take a walk through the garden—as the fresh air lingers in my nose—making me calm for some reason. Morning really is the best!
Though as expected, sitting idly here isn't really not for me.
I supposed to cut some wood since the Villa place beaming with many trees. The place was pretty far from here, so woods are a necessary for us to camp outside. Unfortunately, we're trekking on the 『Jungle』 which is a place full of trees—so cutting one here is unnecessary. Besides, I don't want to destroy the place, so I'll just wait for them...
(5:50 AM - After 10 Minutes or so)
"Sai! we're here!"
After patiently waiting for the girls, it was time for them to finally finish their preparations. Damn, it took longer than I expected. Normally, I was always the late guy since these girls woke up earlier than me.
"Hm!" I put my hands on my chin, smiling. "Looking good."
The girls wore their clothes fitted to their ideal class.
Surprisingly, Luna wore the Maid Clothes we bought last time we had our date in the capital. The materials made from the clothes were high-class. It also looks comfortable and easy to move which give a good factor to Luna whose main focus is Close Quarter Combat. She also wore maid clothes in the game, so it gave me a satisfied impression overall.
Next is Lily who's looking like your ideal Ranger. She wore a fitted medieval black hunting clothes that sets a good dynamic to her 『Nihilist Cloak』 combined with the 『Uriel's Quiver』 at her back, easily recognizing her as a Hunter. Although the color completely conflicts to her golden hair... Fortunately, the effects of the 『Nihilist Cloak』 are still viable no matter how striking your appearance may be so it's still applicable, nonetheless.
Seia on the other hand, was different from the rest. She kept the 『Radiant Armor』 exposed while only adding a black jacket coupled with a black skirt into it. It was unexpected, a shining light armor combined with a modern clothing is an unusual fit but actually looks good. I would actually mistake her for a warrior if only for her jacket and the 『Magic Holster』 strapped on her body carrying two guns at the back.
Lastly is Akari, who unfortunately is still using the black robe she's been using since the time she had it. all right, I've decided. I'll buy her clothes after we're done with this expedition.
"It looks good on you all." I shot them a smile before changing my demeanor. "Shall we go then?"
"Eh? That's all?" Lily protested—pursing her lips, pouting. "Stingy..."
I started to walk while making a brief laugh, the girls also followed instinctively after. "Well talk about it more on our way there." I turned my sight to them, smiling. "You girls ready?"
"YES!!!" The girls shouted in unison.
* * *
Our journey went smoothly starting from there. From going carriage to carriage, into walking our way to reach some certain town to call our day.
I was expecting that we'll get bored in our travel eventually, but these girls had a ton of stories left to tell that it feels like they've done so much in their past months in the academy. The three had a great dynamic in telling stories that I felt like I'm listening to a podcast while I took my time appreciating the beauty of every place we've ever passed into.
The days were always the same unfortunately. Conversing to each other was our only mean to pass the time but it was fun nonetheless. Until week had passed throughout our journey.
The sun had already set when we finally reached it—but we're currently staying to an Inn to the town called 『Covert Woodland』 which is our last checkpoint in trekking our way to the 『Jungle』. This town pretty large, buzzling in lights—and is blooming with greenery. As a guy who's fond to the beauty of nature, it was truly a sight to behold.
The inn had a large room that can manage at least 5 person which is very fortunate for us. During this past week, our relationship stated to grew stronger so I'm pretty comfortable sleeping with the girls, thus we decided to rent it.
Well... how do I say this... A week worth of journey mostly just idling on a carriage can sure worn you out...
"Fuwah...!" Seia who looks worn-out hastily dived into one of the beds in satisfaction. "A bed... Finally..."
"Yeah..." Lily timidly replied, making my way into the bed. "I don't need dinner so please don't bother waking me..."
I who was carrying Akari who's sleeping in my back laughed it off. "I feel like there's no one of us that will even bother to eat their dinner tonight."
Even Luna whose always reserve just jump into one of the beds and didn't bother to answer anymore.
I lay Akari down who is in deep slumber into one of the beds. She sure we're very carefree which I find to her very charming.
Though, looks like the fatigue is also starting to accumulate in both my mind and body so I switch the lights off before heading to the mine.
"This is one hell of a journey..." I mused.
Perhaps what I said might just be an instinct in response to my fatigue. Little did I know that it will also become one with the premonition. The time I jinxed something regarding our safety might be the reason our fate in accumulating dangers to ourselves will come into fruition.