It was a common trap for survivors who relied on hunting for survival points.
Fighting was faster and more rewarding in the short term, but crafting provided independence in the long run.
A survivor who could make their own equipnt didn't need to rely on vendors or the uncertain loot drops from monsters.
Reidar made a ntal note to work on his professions once the current situation was over.
He didn't know if he'd be able to level up more, but without opportunities on the horizon, improving his crafting skills would be the natural next step for his survival.
He reached the town's eastern gate just as the sun went below the horizon. The guards were changing shifts, and their attention was on the change itself rather than the survivors passing through the gates.
Reidar slipped through the gate without particular problems, and once outside the walls, he went through it. The underbrush was thick but didn't pose a problem for him or his summons, and the ground was covered with a carpet of fallen leaves and pine needles that muffled his footsteps.
Reidar walked for about an hour before finding a suitable campsite. It was a small clearing surrounded by very dense bushes with a fallen tree in the middle that provided a natural windbreak and a place to sit. Plus, a small stream ran nearby, so it was the ideal place.
The area was also invisible from more than ten ters away because of the vegetation, which was a plus for Reidar.
He set up a basic camp but started no fire or did anything that would attract attention.
As he settled against the fallen tree, Reidar let his thoughts drift.
He paused.
The public sentint was firmly on the Church's side, as the fear of the monsters outweighed any uneasiness about the Church's thods—a classic protection racket, but on a global scale.
The door to the tavern opened, letting in a draft of cold air and the noise of the street, and Reidar looked up to see a familiar figure walk in.
Kara.
She looked tired, her helt removed to reveal hair matted with sweat and dust, while her armor was scratched with fresh marks crossing the old ones as she scanned the room, looking for an empty table.
The caravan guard leader spotted him imdiately, which surprised Reidar until he rembered she had seen him before; the Stealthy Presence perk made him unremarkable to strangers, but people who already knew him had an easier ti.
Kara blinked, then walked over and pulled out the chair opposite him, sitting down heavily.
"Reidar," she said. "I was wondering if I'd run into you again. I figured a high-level hunter like you would be in the VIP lounge at the Mayor's estate or already back out in the wilds."
"I like the silence," Reidar said. "And the VIP lounge attracts too much attention."
"Fair point," Kara said. She signaled a serving girl and ordered a stew and a beer. "Most of the inns are packed with refugees. I'm sleeping in the open tonight."
There was a pause.
"How are you?" he asked.
"Better than expected. The caravan made it to the warehouse with no more incidents. The rchants are happy, and I got paid." She signaled the barmaid for a drink. "What about you? Where have you been staying?"
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