Steven had no reason to refuse this kind of gathering. In fact, judging by his real age, he should have long been categorized as part of the senior group. As long as there were people to talk to and stories to hear, and he didn't have to stay alone, he was always up for it.
Before long, following Outcast's lead, they arrived at a room noticeably larger than the others. It was clear this wasn't just any regular dormitory.
"Seriously? You're having a gathering in a place like this? Isn't that a bit... odd?"
Steven glanced up at the sign hanging above the door, which read "Trade Station." This didn't look like a place for hosting a gathering.
"Ah, you just don't know how to make flexible use of things," Outcast chuckled. "When Rhodes Island is on the move, trading is naturally impossible. We're just making the best use of the space available."
Steven gave her a thumbs up. He liked dealing with people who were practical and adaptable like this. It was far more enjoyable than talking to cryptic people like Kal'tsit.
"Besides," Outcast added, "we rent this trade station. As long as we pay, the person in charge here couldn't be happier."
With that, she opened the door and led Steven inside.
The moment he stepped in, Steven was greeted by the strong aroma of alcohol.
Inside the trade station, a few makeshift tables and chairs had been fashioned out of cardboard boxes. Sitting around them were several figures in Rhodes Island uniforms, each holding cups filled with an unknown liquid—the source of the intoxicating aroma was obvious.
"Outcast! You're finally here! This is your welcome-back party, after all. Without the guest of honor, it's been missing something," a tall, black-haired cat-eared girl greeted enthusiastically. She handed a drink to Outcast before casting a curious glance at Steven.
"And who's this?"
"A guest invited by Dr. Kal'tsit to Rhodes Island. As for me... I'd say he's someone I get along with quite well?" Outcast replied, glancing at Steven.
"Of course, a friend," Steven said with a hearty laugh, confirming her words. For him, a friend was simply someone he could talk to comfortably. Age didn't matter; he wasn't here for matchmaking, after all.
"Well, hello there! I'm Blaze, an elite operator at Rhodes Island. Welcome to Outcast's return party!" Blaze said cheerfully. After confirming Outcast's trust, she immediately warmed up to Steven.
She brought over another cup of the aromatic drink from the makeshift bar, handing it to Steven with a grin. "Care for a drink?"
"It'd be my pleasure."
Without hesitation, Steven accepted the cup and downed it in one go. The spicy flavor stung his mouth—a sign of its low quality—but it was enough to lift his spirits. After all, it had been a while since he'd had a proper drink.
"Good! I like straightforward people like you. You'll fit right in with us," Blaze said, slapping Steven on the shoulder with a grin. She led him and Outcast to the others gathered around the cardboard tables.
"Sorry about that," Outcast whispered to Steven. "She's just like that—very outgoing. To be honest, we're all like that in private. We tend to let loose."
Steven didn't mind at all.
"It's fine. A little enthusiasm and friendliness never hurt anyone," he said, smiling. This was his kind of atmosphere—a lively, laid-back gathering rather than some stiff formal event.
"Name's Steve. Well... just a wanderer, currently working part-time as a doctor. Nice to meet you all," Steven introduced himself confidently.
"Relax! If Outcast brought you here, it means you're trustworthy. Over here, we've got Ace, an elite heavy operator, that cool-looking Sarkaz over there is Scout, and those two are Touch and Pith, top-notch caster operators," Blaze said, pointing to each of them.
Each person raised their cup in a friendly gesture toward Steven. Blaze was right—if Outcast vouched for him, that was good enough for them.
"So, where's everyone else? Just the few of you here? Or have you already drunk the others under the table?" Outcast asked, amused.
"Come on, this little bit of alcohol isn't enough to knock anyone out," Blaze waved dismissively. "The others are either busy with work or out on missions. Otherwise, who'd miss Outcast's welcome party?"
Steven couldn't help but notice how casual it all seemed. Aside from the initial "welcome back," the gathering felt more like a senior drinking club than a welcome party.
"That's just how we are," Outcast explained with a chuckle, noticing Steven's puzzled look. "You'll get used to it. Also, are you just sipping? Come on, don't hold back."
As if on cue, the others joined in, urging Steven to drink. After all, a new face at the table? He was the perfect target for some good-natured drinking fun.
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