Arad and Jack pushed Alcott back to his home, where Ginger awaited them. “Did you finish today’s training?”
“Yeah,” Arad replied, “I only did some basic training,” He smiled, getting Alcott into the house.
Ginger approached them, looking at Jack, “How are you doing? Getting used to your new limbs?”
“Yeah, how did you know?” Jack replied, smiling.
“We’ve been visiting you for the past five days.” Ginger smiled, “Old man Cain is something else.”
“Of course he is,” A voice came from the kitchen, and Merlin walked out. “I was awaiting your arrival.”
“What are you doing here?” Jack gasped, “Shouldn’t you be working on the heater?”
“I’m here to mix Alcott’s medicine. I have more experience in that field,” She smiled, showing them the boiling pot. She then cracked her neck, “I also took a big hit trying to stop that meteor. I need some time without magic.”
“What meteor?” Jack glared at Arad, confused.
“Sit down. I will get you back up to speed.” Arad smiled, sitting beside Alcott. He then started explaining what he remembered from the fight.
Jack got both confused and scared, “You mean that bone pile didn’t die after I cracked his phylactery?”
“Lichs are tough. Especially Xaviin. He was a master necromancer in his life.” Ginger looked at them, walking back to the kitchen to help Merlin.
Jack sighed, “To think Lydia had to finish Xaviin off.”
Arad smiled, “She recovered in the past days and is back to top shape.” He patted Jack’s shoulder, “She’s been going to quests with Aella lately, hunting medium monsters like bulldeers and giant spiders.”
Jack smiled, “I should be back up as well,” He cracked his neck, “Let’s take a mission. I want to test my new fingers,”
Jack crackled his fingers and then looked at them, “But it’s annoying that they aren’t silent.”
“I’m sure Cain would have a solution for that.” Arad smiled, “Let’s test them first and get back to him later,”
“Don’t take too many risks when you’re testing new things,” Alcott said with a smile, looking at them. “You need a safety net if they break,”
“You’re right,” Jack nodded, “Let’s take a small quest.”
Alcott scratched his chin, “I was thinking what type of quest would be effective…” He looked at them, “Did you ever raid a stronghold?”
“A stronghold? That doesn’t seem simple.” Arad stared at Alcott.
Alcott smiled, “Because it isn’t. This isn’t your usual bandit camp or goblin nest. It’s when they are far bigger and organized with tactics.”
Arad looked at Alcott, “So, you’re suggesting we take one down?”
Alcott nodded, “They have a lot of enemies and are a good experience grind. Just be careful not to get surrounded.”
Arad stood, and so did Jack.
“We will go to the guild then, come Jack. I’m sure Lydia and Aella are there as well,” Arad turned toward the door, and Alcott waved his hand.
“Be careful, and drink a lot of water.”
“I know,” Arad smiled, and they left.
It didn’t take them long to notice people staring at them in the streets. Words have got around about Jack cracking the lich’s phylactery, and they also heard that Arad brawled with the monster.
It wasn’t just Arad anymore, the people around him began to change, and people noticed.
Thud! Arad stood before the guild’s door, slowly pushing it open and walking in with Jack behind him. The adventurers moved out of the way.
“Did you hear? rumors say Alcott is retiring and that Arad taking his place.” An adventurer whispered.
“No way, he’s just taking a break to recover,” Another one sighed.
“Arad!” Abel waved his arm, calling Arad with a smile. He sat on a table beside Merida, Lydia, and Aella faced him. “We’re here. Have a seat.”
Arad and Jack approached the table and sat down, “Since when you’re here,”
“I just came here. Those three were here before me.” Abel replied, looking at the three girls.
Lydia smiled, “Couldn’t you wait for me to visit?” She approached Jack, taking a look at his face.
“I don’t want to remain in bed for a long time. I will get out as soon as I can.” Jack smiled, “But thanks for worrying about me.”
BAM! Arad smacked Jack’s back, “You’re still alive and well. I heard the explosion when you used your arm.”
“Wait! You already tested that thing?” Lydia growled, glaring at Jack as if she wanted to kill him. “Can’t you just wait till you’re healed?”
“You’re not the one to speak. Blasting vampires and lichs while half dying,” Jack flicked her forehead.
“An Oath is something, and you being reckless is something else,” Lydia sighed, rubbing her forehead, “I had to do it to save people. You probably blast a harmless inanimate object which doesn’t have any merit.”
Aella looked at Arad, “How about you? How did your training with Alcott go?”
“He’s a good instructor,” Arad smiled, “I hope we get the items soon though,” He sighed.
“I asked Merlin and Mira. Apparently, there is a lack of supplies.” Aella looked at Merida to explain.
“Merchants got scared by the dragons and undead, so they put their trips to Alina on hold. It will take more than time to elevate their fear.” Merida looked at Arad, “That weird girl is also stuck in the city,”
“What weird girl?” Arad looked at her.
“I’m talking about Roberta. She’s been looking for you.” Merida smiled, “She sold all the jewelry and was looking to get more. Apparently, you’re her only supplier of good products now.”
“Why I wasn’t told anything?” Arad looked at Aella.
“She only came this morning,” Aella replied, “I told her that she must speak to you for more jewelry.”
Arad nodded, “Yeah, we should meet her.” He smiled, standing up. “But first, let’s check the quests. I want something easy and straightforward.”
Everyone stood, “Then we will help you look through the quests.” Aella smiled.
“It doesn’t matter what rank the quest is, does it?” Abel gazed back at the board.
“As long as it isn’t an S-rank or an A-rank that Nina think is dangerous,” Arad replied.