Chapter 21 - Depart

Sion thought long and carefully about Nethenial's questions as well as the many things that he had been through for the past few days, all of which were quite unfamiliar to him in many more ways than one, he knew that if he wanted to survive in such a world, he had to do what it takes and all that was necessary, for at the time, he had nothing to call his own, with no background, which only made matters a lot more difficult. 

Sion glanced at Mei, who was looking at him expectantly and lowered his gaze a bit before looking up at him. His eyes narrowed, showing his impatience and curiosity about Sion's answer to his question. 

"Yes, I am willing to risk my life," He said, firmly with an unwavering gaze as he looked at him, with his eyes fixed.

Nethaniel's brows raised in surprise for he was not expecting that, especially from someone, who he saw as a newbie in many more ways than one as well. 

"Are you certain of your answer, Sion?" He asked and Sion glanced at him and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. 

"Yes, I am certain of my decision, I know what I want and need to do and I will do it, without hesitation," He responded and the corner of Nethaniel's lips twitched, as he held back a smirk and gave him a firm but small approving nod and the others smiled a bit. 

"Great, now that all of it is settled when that is concerned, let us make one more thing clear, no matter what, defend yourselves and if necessary and drastic measures need to be take, if you all understand what I mean, then you have my permission," Mei said. 

They all exchanged slightly surprised glances, but also understood the need for such actions, for the world within a dungeon, once ventured in, your very life was being sentenced to whatever peril was inside of it. 

"You mean kill if needed? Even humans?" Sion asked and Mei and the others glanced at him, realizing that he never took a life before and Mei exhaled deeply as she looked at Sion. 

"Yes, Sion, I get that the idea of doing such a thing, is new to you but even if this was not your field, in this world and these days, it is something that is common, I am not saying life is not important, it is, but there is good and bad, some that are willing to take life without the blink of an eye, just to get what they want, greed and power can drive people to become something unimaginable, but we are going to need to take, if we want to survive and protect ourselves and those around us, do you understand that?" Nethanial asked as he looked at him, directly in the eyes. 

"Yes, I understand, it is necessary, in order to survive, you need to do what is necessary," Sion responded and he nodded in agreement, for it was a concept many had to break into, despite their reluctance, for if they did not, death would come knocking at their door, much faster than normal. 

"Good, I am glad you understand what needs to be done, if such a time comes, Sion, now, back to the matter at hand, now that you all know the risks as well as what you may need to do in there, are you guys still willing to go in? Are you still willing to do this commission?" Mei asked them and they exchanged glances before turning back to her. 

"Yes," They responded in sync and she smiled upon hearing their confident answers, there was not a single falter among any of them, not even Sion. 

"I am quite pleased to hear that you are all certain. You guys finish off your breakfast then, come and see me. You will be given the necessary equipment and survival materials needed for each of you to go in there with before you leave for your trip," She said, and they nodded before she got up and walked away to complete the preparations.

After she left, they continued eating their breakfast and while doing so, Sion thought about all that was discussed and knew he needed to work harder in order to get stronger as well as increase his current abilities and potential, but he knew it was not going to be easy, nothing ever was when it came to him. 

"Hey, do not push yourself more than necessary, if you need help, for the time being, we are your team, you can ask for it, you are a newbie when these things are concerned, if you need lessons ask," Ash said to him and he looked up at him and he smiled a bit and Lilian chuckled. 

"He is right, I am not really much good in combat, but I have basic survival skills, we can help you," She added as Sion stared at them, a bit surprised they were offering to help him, despite not knowing hi well. 

"Really?" He asked and Lilian nodded with a chuckle, seeing his slightly confused expression. 

"They are right, ask if you need it, by the way, where are you from? You seem new to most things," Sano chimed in and Vicana nodded in agreement with him on that notion, though that was a question, Sion did not really have an answer to, for he was too far from there, a place there was no going back to. 

"I am from a very far away land, more isolated, I never really traveled before, not so far, it is my first time and my home was destroyed," He responded and Sano frowned a bit. 

"Sorry, did not mean to bring up bad memories," He said. 

"It's fine, you did not know, somethings cannot be changed and some things happen for the best I guess," He replied and he smiled then nodded, glad he was not feeling bad. 

After they finished eating, they got up and went to where Mei was standing as well as the other guild masters and their bags were already placed there, waiting for them. 

"Are you guys ready?" She asked and they looked at each other then nodded and they handed them their bags. 

"Good luck in there and be there for each other. We will be waiting for your successful return. Be careful," She said to them with a small smile.

They all thanked her, then took their bags. The other guild masters wished them good luck as they left the guild, departing in the direction of the dungeon, a path of uncertainty ahead of them.