[00 Months: 10 Days: 01 Hours]
The sun was high in the sky as I strode towards the Adventurer's Guild, a steady rhythm in my steps.
I had made my decision, and now it was ti to share it.
My heart pounded in my chest, matching the tempo of my boots against the cobblestones.
As I approached the familiar guild building, I straightened my posture, steeled my nerves, and stepped inside.
The guild was abuzz with activity as usual. Adventurers were bustling about, accepting quests, sharing stories of their latest exploits, and negotiating terms with guild officials.
Through the sea of commotion, I headed straight for Benard's office. I had business to settle.
Pushing open the office door, I was t with the sight of both Seraphina and Benard waiting for .
Seraphina sat at the edge of her seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her eyes bright with anticipation.
Benard was standing by the window, his silhouette cutting a sturdy figure against the daylight streaming in.
"Luke, you're here," Benard greeted, a hopeful glint in his eyes as he turned to face .
"Yes, I am," I replied, my voice steady. I took a deep breath, glancing between the two of them.
"I've given it so thought..." I started, "And...I've decided...I'll take the deal."
A silent mont hung in the air before it was broken by Seraphina's gasp. Her face lit up, relief flooding her eyes.
"Thank you, Luke. Thank you so much," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.
'She was really that desperate, huh?' It almost felt like she would break down in front of . I could see how important my choice was to her.
Benard, too, let out a breath he seed to have been holding, his broad shoulders relaxing. A grin stretched across his face, his eyes sparkling with unspoken gratitude.
"Well, Luke, let be the first to say...Welco to the team," he said, extending a firm hand toward .
"What are you saying that for? It's not like you'll be joining as well."
The mont I said this, I saw a sharp glint in Benard's eyes, as well as his lips curling upward to form a smirk.
"Don't tell …"
"That's right! I've decided to join the Expedition as well. Can't let you have all the glory, can I?"
Benard was grinning from ear to ear, and I could tell he was really proud of his decision.
"Whoah, really? What about the Guild?"
"Andre can handle things while I'm away. Besides, after that encounter with Fenrir and those bandits… I've been feeling a little restless. I must have gotten rusty after being sitting in this office for so long."
'This guy…' A smile began forming on my face, and I looked a Seraphina for confirmation. "Is it true?"
She smiled, rising to her feet while nodding. "That's right. You and Guildmaster Benard… will be coming with us to the Expedition."
"H-hey, you didn't believe ? Why did you have to ask Seraphina?" Benard protested, making suns I could only consider as cute.
"Haha! It's not like that. I'm just processing your decision is all."
"What? You don't want to co with you?" He narrowed his gaze, rubbing his bearded chin as he stared at with a grin.
"Well… haha…"
'I an, if Benard cos, that ans there'll be less rewards for . Why would I be happy he's coming?' I maintained my positive smile, though.
Benard was a Guildmaster, so even if he was weaker than I was, he had a strong reputation among the people of this world. If that was the case, then I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have soone of his caliber having my back in the Expedition.
'I don't want to deal with annoying things…'
"Well? You won't shake my hand? You're leaving hanging." Benard's voice woke from my inner thoughts.
I had been so engrossed in analyzing the new information and how it would affect my plans that I forgot all about the handshake.
"Haha! Surely you jest…"
As I reached out to shake his hand, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my decision.
'I guess this is the point of no return.'
I had no idea how Seraphina was able to convince Benard to join the ranks of the Lyma Family Expedition Team, especially since he didn't participate the last ti, but I could suppose we were in this together.
'If, by so unfortunate incident, Benard dies… will his rewards be given to ?'
No. I doubted it.
It would probably be given to a next of kin, like his wife or kids; basically his imdiate family.
Using that rationale, there was no specific reason to target him during the expedition.
'No. Even if that wasn't the case, I don't think I would harm him. Haa… hopefully this is all worth it.'
"So, Luke," Seraphina began, a newfound lightness in her voice, "We'll be leaving Terance this evening."
I blinked, taken aback by the sudden news. "This evening?" I echoed, my eyebrows raising slightly.
I hadn't expected things to move this quickly, but then again, given the gravity of the situation, I wasn't too surprised.
'No. It's better this way. The sooner we conclude this, the more ti I have for other things.'
"Yes," Seraphina confird, nodding. "We need to get back as soon as possible."
I mulled over her words, considering the implications.
We'd have to travel through the night, but I was used to such journeys from my previous expeditions.
I nodded in response, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Alright, I'll be ready."
Benard, who had been silent up until now, cleared his throat. "I still have so business to take care of here in the Guild," he announced, shifting his gaze toward .
"So, I'll be joining you later at the Lyma Family's manor. I assure you, I'll be there before the expedition officially starts."
I glanced at him, noting the firm resolution in his voice.
"I have no doubt you will, Benard," I responded, my smile widening. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there was an underlying excitent that I couldn't quite shake off.
As our eting ca to a close, I felt a strange sense of peace wash over . I knew the road ahead would be difficult, filled with obstacles and dangers.
Yet, I was confident in my decision. I was ready to embark on this journey, ready to face whatever awaited us in the Wild Lands.
So, as I left the Guild, I felt a surge of anticipation. I was eager to see what the future held, and I was eager to face it head on.
After all, this was just the beginning. And I was ready for whatever ca next.
'Oh yeah, I was wondering about sothing…'
How many people would be participating in the Expedition? Considering the fact that the Lyma Family most likely sent delegates to other areas, there had to be so substantial results from those ends as well.
'Just how many of them will co back alive?'
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[A/N]
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