Hard negotiations

This time, Eve didn't catch the winds of the whereabouts of the beasts for a long time. Despite roaming around the forest for a good half an hour, our troubles didn't bring us any of the desired outcomes. If not for her serious and troubled expression, I think I could assume that she was just leading me by my nose in hopes that I will eventually get tired of this fruitless endeavour and ask her to go back to the sect.

"If we can't find any proper groups of monsters here, maybe we should go to the higher ranking arenas?

If the quantity can't be satisfied, then we should aim for the quality! Considering how my system followed all the RPG tropes that I could think off, if the monster presented a higher level of the threat to us, it was bound to bring a lot better rewards!

"No way! We are still roaming the Soul Hazard locations, where the demonic beasts are forming groups for this level of opponent. The mind menace area is known from monsters that are roaming free, but are many times stronger in comparison! It's like you took the entire group that you defeated before, combined their strength into one and multiplied it by two! Do you still think that we should head out there?"

Whit every word, Eve's expression soured while mine brightened! I didn't forget about this requirement of some high-class path! If what this lovely girl said is true, then I might be able to unlock it! Seeing how helpful was the sword dancer in my struggles against the monsters, how effective would executioner prove to be?

"Come on, it's not like we are weak! We don't have any problems clearing the local beasts here, so why can't we go there?"

Already feeling the touch of this path in my palm, I can't let go of this opportunity! Who knows when another chance will present itself like that. I don't know if the sect master will even allow me to enter this place even once! But going head to head with Eve would probably prove ineffective. From the small fire burning in her eyes, I could tell how strong was her determination. Sadly, without her help, I will never be able to find the right location. Wandering aimlessly through the forbidden forest would be otherwise highly dangerous! Even if I can keep up easily now, there is no telling how I will fare later!

"As I said, I can't let any harm come to you. As a soul hazard cultivator myself, I can barely cope with monsters there, making me unable to guarantee your security. Can you prove to me that you could overcome the trails that will await us there?"

She has a point here. I have no idea how strong I am in comparison to her or any demonic beast. This entire journey was supposed to show me the prowess of my windslord, grinding for levels was initially just a side task that I could take care in the meantime. But there is nothing more infuriating that lack of enemies to fight!

Stepping on the road of martial arts, one had to surrender his entire life only to glance at people that are at the very top. That's why everyone looks forward to distinguishing themselves before vying for the spot near the upper echelons.

When joining the sect, everyone thinks that they struck gold, receiving access to the various textbooks and ancient manuals. If one is patient enough to actually read all of them, they would only realise how hard it is for someone devoid of any social connection to grow. A simple herb that one can make into an energizing tonic, would require an equivalent of over thirty hours of a typical cultivator work to afford it!

What others took for an easy walk in a park was, in reality, a slugfest between the different cultivators ducking out between themselves who is the most worthy of the sect resources. Thanks to my system, I can escape this pointless struggle and manage on my own, as long as I will be able to use the scraps that Sect needs only for training!

"Listen, we both got new weapons for ourselves. During the first fight, I noticed how you held back. Can we just go in for a single beast, and if any trouble arises, we will immediately back out?"

All my chances for a quick levelling lies in her decision. I need to get her to agree by any means!

"Ehhh… It seems that if I won't go with you, you will just try to go there by yourself. Just a single monster, deal?"

Noticing how persistent I am to get to the next area, Eve suddenly gives up. I can't guess what goes through her head, but saying that I'm surprised would be a great understatement!

With the joy bursting from my heart, I jog to the girl, grab her in my embrace and grace her with a delicate kiss. As our lips connect, I once again feel the insanely soft fabric pressing on my mouth. After a quick pecker, I distance myself a bit from her.

"If everything goes all right, when we will get back to the sect, do you want to accompany me a little longer?

"Blop!"

"Charm levels up!"

"Charm levels up!"

At this point, I can't even be bothered by the Bonger anymore. All I can see is a dreamy look in Eve's eyes and a shy bloom on her cheeks, perfectly contrasting with her dark, blue pupils.

"Yes…"

Unable to break the eye contact, the girl put her hands behind her back while she lowers her head.

God damn it! She is just too cute! Ignore the system, just Eve would make me a happy man if I were to spend the rest of my days with such a lovely girl!

But to protect those that I want to keep close, I need to be strong! Stronger than anyone else at that! This world is governed by the rule of power. It's kill or be killed. Make others submit to you or become a slave yourself! If I want to have a peaceful time with Eve, I need to create a safe haven for us first!

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