That day, Broken spent his time accompanying Polly, Pawpaw, and Blaze as they hunted in the nearby forest. He rode alongside Ivana, each of them on their skeletal fiery horses, exploring the woods and seeking out monsters to hunt.
It was pretty clear that Polly was acting more lively with Pawpaw around. It almost seemed like Polly was beginning to feel she had found a new friend, despite the constant threats from Pawpaw to eat her, as he often complained about the monsters tasting awful.
In the afternoon, Broken returned to the village to check in with the Knights and assess their progress. Karl, Yann, and Anna were all demonstrating impressive growth, especially given their current levels. They had even developed new skills that perfectly matched their chosen weapons, showcasing just how far they’d come.
Meanwhile, in Slumdon, Igor and the other Knights had also gained valuable experience from battling the intruders. Karl and the others would soon gain even more during the upcoming expedition. Who knows what dangers awaited them in Faery territory?
After ensuring that everyone was ready and that all the equipment was in good condition, with no durability issues, Broken logged out once again. He then set up the schedule for their journey the following day.
The next day, early in the morning, Broken and the others were ready to continue their expedition. They had ensured they had enough playtime to reach the planned post without any trouble.
“This playtime rule really weighs us down, doesn’t it?” Maylock remarked to the group with a faint smile.
Toberry responded, “Whoa… imagine if we could stay online in the game for 24 hours
straight, Maylock. People like you would probably never log out and completely forget about real life, ha ha ha.”
“What do you take me for? Single and unpopular with the ladies like you?” Maylock retorted. “I’ve got a beautiful wife and an adorable daughter! And, as you know, I don’t even fully use up my playtime. I spend way more time outside with my little girl.” fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cm
“Kha ha ha ha… you really are straightforward, aren’t you?” Toberry laughed, then draped an arm over Broken’s shoulder. “I think you need to teach me your secrets for attracting women, Broken. Ha ha ha…”
Broken looked at Toberry. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m single too,” he chuckled in response.
“You say that so innocently, while plenty of people envy how close you are to Princess Alora, or even Ivana―with her kindness and cooking skills,” Toberry teased, chuckling.
Ivana smiled and giggled at the joke. “Yes, Broken has already stolen my heart. You should make him share his secret with you,” she said, playing along.
“See, Broken?” Toberry nudged Broken in the side, laughing.
Starfall also let out a soft giggle, covering her mouth with her hand. “I’m sure Broken wins women’s hearts with his natural charm, not some secret like you’re suggesting, Toberry.” “What’s Natural charm? Like he was born to be a playboy?” Toberry teased.
“There’s no such thing as a single playboy like me,” Broken replied with a sigh.
Anna then joined in with a giggle, “Ha ha ha… My Lord Broken really is a conqueror of hearts… I love you too, My Lord.”
Karl gave Anna a light tap on the back and said sternly, “Anna… mind your words!”
“Oops, sorry…” Anna said, quickly stepping back.
Broken smiled. “It’s all right, Karl, take it easy. We’re on the same expedition-we’re here to help and protect each other.”
“Yes, My Lord. But I still can’t let Anna speak so carelessly. I’ll teach her better manners,” Karl insisted.
Broken smiled and patted Karl on the shoulder. “Thanks. Please keep an eye on the team, especially since Igor isn’t here.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
After confirming that all the preparations were complete, Maylock spoke up again, “Alright, I think it’s about time we get moving. Enough with the chit-chat, everyone!”
He then turned to face Broken. “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to take the lead?”
“Yes, I have no objections. I’m not familiar with the area we’re about to venture into, so I’d appreciate your guidance, Maylock.”
Maylock nodded in acknowledgment. He then projected a transparent map in front of them. “We’re currently here,” he said, pointing to a spot on the map. “And we’re aiming to reach this area. This is where the Eternal Flame was discovered by adventurers long ago. It will take us two days to get there. Along the way, we should take turns logging out of the game, so we can all stay together when we resume the journey.”
“That’s a great idea, Maylock,” Toberry exclaimed. “Ha ha ha… Let’s go!”
Broken nodded in agreement with his plan, ready to proceed.
The group set off immediately, sticking to the formation they had planned. Maylock took the middle position with Starfall and Ivana beside him, while Yann, Karl, and Anna led from the front, guiding their path. Livelywood and Broken followed at the back, ready to defend against any potential attacks from behind.
Broken also let Pawpaw and Polly roam freely around them. The two beasts kept chasing each other, darting around the group. Occasionally, Pawpaw would leap as if to attack Polly, prompting Polly to jump away and seek refuge near Ivana.
“Ivana, let me eat that fox,” Pawpaw growled.
“Don’t worry,” Ivana replied in a soothing tone. “There are plenty of monsters here. You’ll get your fill, alright? We won’t take your share. Just eat as much as you like.” “Really? Hahaha, I’m happy,” Pawpaw said, then dashed forward to match the others’ pace.
The forest around them was dense, filled with towering trees whose branches reached up to the sky, letting beams of golden sunlight filter through in sporadic bursts. Everywhere they looked, the trees seemed endless, requiring them to weave carefully as they journeyed deeper. “Let’s move with stealth,” Maylock commanded. “We don’t want to waste time battling hordes of monsters.”
The air that morning carried the sweet scent of fresh earth, mingling with the pungent musk of wet bark and rotting leaves, alongside a hint of dewy wildflowers that gave it a crisp aroma.
“How can you be so skilled with a sword, Livelywood?” Broken asked.
“Ah… haha…” Livelywood chuckled awkwardly. “I started learning when I was four. My grandfather taught me. It’s something I’ve always loved, and now, in this game, I get to use my swordsmanship skills to their fullest.”
Broken nodded thoughtfully.
“You’re also quite skilled with the sword… and the spear too,” Livelywood added. “I’ve seen the way you swing your sword and spin your spear-very efficient, and you minimize any unnecessary movements in battle. Plus, your parrying is impressive. Did you learn to use a
sword in real life as well?”
“Hm…” Broken muttered softly. “Yes.”
“Really? Since when?”
“Since… maybe the last two or three months.”
“No way! But how? Even a pro like Booba needed time to get used to this game.”
“Is Booba really that good with a sword?”
“You haven’t seen him fight?”
Broken slowly shook his head, realizing that, indeed, he had never actually witnessed Booba
using his sword skills firsthand.
“Monsters!!!” Pawpaw’s sudden shout shattered the quiet of their journey, instantly grabbing
everyone’s attention.