22 22: Rina and Dunn

Caleb sat on the chair slowly, then eyed the two members of the hunting party carefully. When he saw the appearance of the man closely, it reminded him of a weak uncle, but actually strong in stories that he had read. If not for the aura of confidence he was giving, he wouldn't even know that the guy was someone who hunts wild beasts.

He has an unshaven beard, rough around the edges. Droopy eyes, along with his rough, scarred skin. He also wore a dirty brown leather shirt and pants, which looked as if it had experienced horrible weather. And lastly, the guy looks lazier than a sloth because of his slightly hunched back posture.

'This guy must be Dunn.'

Recalling Clifford's description of the members of the hunting party, Caleb quickly determined.

Dunn patted Caleb on the back with his big, strong arms and laughed unreservedly.

"Hahaha! Good kid! Come eat. If you want to become strong, what you gotta do is to eat meat!"

Caleb felt the force on his back. Unfortunately, it didn't manage to push him even a little due to his physical strength.

A look of surprise appeared on Dunn's and the woman's face. The woman gave Caleb a look of wonder while a wide smile emerged from Dunn's.

"What a strong back! Although I didn't use too much force. You have a good gene, kid! How about trying the test to join the hunting party?"

When the woman heard this, she glared at Dunn.

"Isn't it a bit early? Do you want to put his life in danger? I don't think that he's ready. Even for us veterans, hunting wild beasts posed a danger. Not to mention, if we encounter Apokalips..."

Caleb looked at Dunn with a serious look.

"Let me... I might not look like it, but I think I did have an awesome blood coursing through my veins."

Hearing this, Dunn's eyes lit up and gave the woman a wide grin. He retracted his hand from Caleb's back and coughed. As he did so, his expression shifted from funny to serious.

"Anyone who manages to pass the test is ready and qualified enough... Giving him the opportunity to become strong is up to us, but the answer will come from him. Joining us might put his life in danger, but that is life. This world is cruel, and only competent ones have the chance to survive."

As he said this, Dunn narrowed his eyes and gave the woman a solemn look.

"Yes, we are protecting the kids and everyone in this house. However, all of this can disappear one day. No one is sure what will happen in the future and if we can remain safe for years to come. Giving a person a fish is different from teaching him how to fish. The former is good for a short-term, but the latter would benefit the person for a lifetime."

Hearing this, the woman looked down in shame. The indifferent expression on her face crumbled for a moment and said in a low voice:

"Well, if he could really pass the test, then be it..."

Such mature words, Caleb didn't expect Dunn to have such insight.

'As expected, guys who behave like uncles were the ones that hide deeply and were actually wise.'

Then Caleb studied the woman who didn't want him to join and risk his life. He couldn't help but lose his breath for a moment.

She has hair as colorful as a red rose, brown eyes, a unique eye area that would make anyone who looks at her entranced, and plump lips that almost look as if tainted with blood.

On her ears, two small earrings housing two green gems. She has two huge peaks and a streamlined body. Her silver armor failed to hide the slender tone physique underneath.

She looked like a knight to Caleb because she had a breastplate, emerald cuirass, steel vambraces, silver gauntlets, and brown pauldrons, but he realized she wasn't because she didn't have any kingdom to serve or the insignia that Knights usually have. Not only that, inside the silver armor, she wore undergarments such as gambeson, chainmail hauberk, bracers, and undercoat.

'So this is Rina.' Caleb mused. 'Well, she has quite the presence.'

If he was on Earth, with Rina's beauty, she would be considered a supermodel, without a doubt.

"Ehem... Like what you see?"

'Crap...' Caleb immediately shifted his gaze to the table. He didn't expect his mind to wander while staring at the woman. What a horrible mistake! 'I hope they won't misunderstand.'

Fortunately, Rina didn't seem to mind. As if she was used to being stared at by people in such a way. On the other hand, Dunn kept his usual grin on his face.

"Boy, don't worry about it. You're not the first time to be entranced by Rina's beauty. In fact, almost all members of our party, including women, have the same reaction."

Calen cleared his throat, his mouth twitched, and he gave Dunn a doubtful look.

"Really?"

"Don't take this bastard's words seriously," Rina interjected before Dunn could even say his piece. "Or you're in for a world of misfits."

Dunn clutched his heart, his face contorted in pain.

"Ouch! My heart! Rina, for you to say such things... I'm the most honest person in this house."

'Pretentious bastard!'

"A-hem!" Caleb cleared his throat. "So, when can I take the test?"

Dunn's expression turned serious again. He reached his hand on the table under Caleb's gaze.

The succulent meat sat on the plate, a visual masterpiece that effortlessly drew the eye. Its surface boasted a golden-brown hue, the result of a perfect sear that promised a delightful contrast of textures. The meat's outer layer glistened slightly under the light, hinting at the juices locked within.

Small rivulets of natural moisture traced their way down the sides, evidence of the succulence that awaited beneath the surface. These glistening trails seemed to emphasize the tenderness and flavor that had been meticulously preserved during the cooking process. The edges of the meat were slightly caramelized, offering a tantalizing suggestion of the exquisite flavors that lay within.

A delicate wisp of steam rose from the meat, carrying with it an enticing aroma that spoke of seasoning and charred perfection.

"Erica had really perfected her craft." Dunn praised.

The woman on the side, who had served the food, also the one who cooked it, trembled. Her face beamed with joy. "Thank you, Milord, for such a praise."

'The status of the hunting party is really high in this damned house.' Caleb sighed as he saw the small interaction between the two.

Dunn smiled, then he turned his attention to Caleb again. "To answer your question, we will do it later. The captain and the others are outside. Captain Fushigiro will personally supervise your test. Of course, let's finish eating first."