I explained everything to Punisher during our trip back to the Verdant Sanctuary. I didn't tell him everything that would happen over the next five years because it would be too much to tell, but I promised him that I would get to everything in time as things happened or if he asked for specifics.
"Okay, so I fucking died?"
"Yes, it was Doctor Victor Trauss. He's a priority target for me during this season and every other one."
Punisher looked upset. "But you told me I was badass at the end, and he literally just karate chopped my head off like I was made of butter."
"Well, those are your words, not mine. He did the same to me, to be fair."
"But you said you weren't anything special and that I was stronger than you."
"Dude, you were stronger overall, but in close combat, I was better."
Punisher shrugged. "I bet I can take you in a fight at close combat."
I raised an eyebrow at his provocation and picked up a stick off the forest floor. I then focused my advanced sword energy into the stick and swung it vertically at a nearby tree. The tree split in half from the top down, causing both sides to split and lean in opposing directions.
I looked back at Punisher. "You were saying."
"Shit man, you're a cheater. Fucking future knowledge is boosting you hard."
I laughed. "Okay, man, just be happy that I'm on your side and not against you."
He nodded. "I guess that's something to be happy about. I mean, you got some good luck. Who's to say this couldn't have happened to someone else?"
"That's true; just never let your guard down then. Also, don't let anyone know that I have knowledge of the future."
"Sure, but why not just let the secrets out on earth?"
"That's because at level twenty, players get to talk to the gods directly. If any of them find out that I know what's going to happen, I'm going to get contacted left and right by gods who want to sponsor me. I'll also have a huge target on my head."
Punisher's jaw dropped. "Wait, we can get sponsored by literal gods?"
I nodded. "Yeah, pretty much. I never got one last life because I was pretty average. I remember that you got a sponsorship from the God of the Hunt."
"Sounds pretty cool; should I try to get one from them again?"
I laughed. "Fuck no, he was an asshole. You always told me that you hated him because he kept messaging you to focus only on one or two different kinds of monsters each season. He would get pissed at you when you didn't listen to him."
"Shit, then who should I accept if a god wants to sponsor me?"
"I don't know; that's an area I'm only a little familiar with. Just check with me when you start getting messages from them."
Punisher nodded. "Okay, I'll do that."
We continued walking until we got to the Verdant Sanctuary. Robert and Heather were both standing by the central fire pit. I waved my hand at Robert as I approached, and he turned to Heather, presumably to tell her that I was a friendly. His sister had a hand on her rifle as we were approaching, but quickly let go of it once her brother was done talking.
"So you're the famous guy at the top of the leaderboards, huh?" Heather smiled at me and extended a hand. "I'm the pretty one, Heather. My brother told me that you're being hunted right now. And this must be your friend?" She nodded at Punisher.
I shook her hand. "Yes, I'm Ronan Wilde, and this is Punisher."
"It's a pleasure to meet you two." Punisher nodded back at Heather.
Heather retracted her hand and let it rest on her hip. "There were a couple of those Alorae eyeing our camp while I was out hunting. I haven't seen a single Veldan though, so I assume that they're not interested in the bounty you've got for being at the top of the leaderboard."
I shrugged as I heard that, knowing that it was probably because of the warning I gave Ashna. Her father is most likely preoccupied with protecting his daughter right now. I also spared his daughter, so killing me would not be a very honorable thing to do. In the first season, as of right now, At'tok Krosfa is the only one capable of killing me on his own. Of course I have a chance at killing him, but that's only because of my knowledge of the future and all the benefits I've taken advantage of.
"The Veldans won't be a problem. Keep an eye out for the Alorae, though. Don't trust them."
Heather nodded, then turned to her brother and gestured for him to take the floor. "Okay, so Ronan, right now you are probably the strongest player humanity has right now. We were thinking of using your name to get more people to come to...
I cut off Robert, already knowing where this was going. "Don't worry, Robert, I agree. Do whatever you can to build up the Verdant Sanctuary. If you need me to make an appearance for anything, just let me know."
Robert looked to Heather. "See? I told you he was that kind of guy."
Heather rolled her eyes and responded, "Okay, but I was just worried. I don't want any kind of miscommunication."
"It's fine, Heather," I said. "I understand that you two want to build something like a settlement for humanity, and I am willing to help you build it. Don't worry about how I feel about it; I don't get angry easily."
I heard Punisher cough the words, "At'tak Crushface."
I looked back at him and glared. I whispered to him, "You still fucking owe me for that one."
Punisher laughed. "Okay, so what now? We going to see that blacksmith you were talking about?"
I pulled out my compass and looked at where the arrow pointed north. I pointed south at a mountain in the distance and said, "Yes, that mountain over there. Time to find an ancient mine."