Closer to her goal.

It was already two in the afternoon, Anna realized. She felt suffocated by the confines of her small unit, the walls closing in on her and causing a tightness in her throat, as she was already used to the wide plains and open sky above her head.

The idea of getting back to the game was her only driving force. Despite her exhaustion, she found solace in the thought of soon returning to the game. The sheer thrill and excitement it brought kept her pushing her weary body to carry on.

It took her some time to sort out her thoughts. It was easier to rely on Tameka. It was easy to follow her lead, she didn't need to worry about making a bad decision anymore. Tameka will take care of everything.

After finishing the last bit of her protein brick, she wasted no time in preparing a fresh one, eager to log back in soon.

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"We are still waiting for Ab, he is probably still eating," Rihn said and played with some tall grass he picked up a few minutes earlier. 

Anna decided to use that time to prepare some ointments from that pumpkin fruit and handed two to Tameka in case she will ever need a boost.

Advanced Pumpkin ointment

+ 2500 HP

175/min mana regeneration for 12 hours

*Thank you, it's really nice of you.* Tameka smiled and started to tap on Abhay's forehead out of nervousness.

He looked straight into her eyes and stuck his tongue out to spook her out, which didn't work out as he planned. She had no idea what he was doing, so she poked it and showed him her teeth with a wide smile.

"Let's pack it up, before I can die of boredom," Rhin said after watching the exchange of those two and stood up.

It took only about half an hour to get to Rogan. Tameka waved to the two when they arrived and stepped into the first shop to look around.

"Anna, right?" Rihn asked her "We will try to sell loot we don't need, would you meet us here in 30? To share the gold?"

"Keep it. We can't wait that long, so don't rush and try to get a good price out of it," She smiled and followed Tameka inside, but she met her between the doors.

*Cheap bastard.* she whined and Anna just laughed and followed her inside of another shop.

They found an old alchemist behind his work desk, with his skin covered in small dapples of red rash. He was obviously tired, but also very dedicated to his work.

"It's closed for today. I'm mixing powders. Come back in the morning," He said without even looking up from his table.

"Sorry for interrupting your research sir. I'm experienced herbalist and I have few hard to get ingredients you might find interesting. I'm currently looking for a buyer, would you like to look at my goods?" Anna purred and put her carrier down.

He looked up and nodded.

"Sure, I need a lot of things for my mixtures," He said, stood up and walked to a bare table in the middle of his shop.

"Please put your things here, I'll make you a good price," He asked her and waited.

They ended up selling well over ⅔ of their inventory. He was so excited he paid double for every legendary item and even waved them off with satisfaction written all over his face.

*Well done, that was smooth.* Tameka smiled and spined on the spot, looking for the gate.

"I have like an hour left, before the dinner. Should we rush toward the capitol, or do you want to stay?" Anna asked but as she waited for answer, Tameka has already stepped aside, holding her hand and dragging her toward the northern gate she just saw.

*We don't have time for this.* Tameka explained and let her go soon after. But her own anxiety quickly escalated as she realized that if this human couldn't reach safety, her plan would be ruined and the chances of success would diminish.

Lost in their own worries, they reached the valley just as an alarm began to ring.

"I have to go, please be safe," Anna said and laid down to log off.

Tameka looked at the woman's face. She saw a glimmer of kindness in her eyes that she hadn't noticed before. Suddenly, she realized that maybe there was more to this woman than she had initially thought.

Tameka was so lost in her thoughts she didn't even reply.

She is so naive and stupid. But also loyal. And kind. Tameka was so confused. She started to genuinely like this one. But why? She is just a tool. Useful one, for sure. But nothing more than that.

As she lay there, Tameka couldn't help but wonder why she felt this way. She closed her eyes and tried to rest, hiding both of them under a blanket.

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Anna had over an hour, she drank some water as she checked the restaurant location. She really liked the dress she bought, despite the fact that Dean will be probably less thrilled by her choice. She cleverly hid her long dress under sweatpants and a shirt, before rushing to catch the bus.

Anna even managed to force herself to send him a text: "I'm on my way. Please, be sober,"

As she got closer to the restaurant, she determinedly brushed aside any thoughts of Bugak. However, no matter how desperately she tried to focus on her task, his haunting presence persisted, testing her sanity at every step.

She arrived just in time, he was already seated and waited for her with a glass of water on the table.

The man by the door who was asking for reservation led her right to him. Dean chuckled when he saw her. This dress was even more conservative than the first one.

"Did you had trouble finding this place? You are two minutes late," He said and took another sip of water.

"Let's just eat and get it over with," she said in a hushed tone. "I'll accept your apology if you treat me to an ice cream after we finish our meal,"

Anna knew why she picked this one. Ice cream was the cheapest option. She felt indebted enough already, but she still wanted to try it.

"Forgiveness for a bit of frozen cream, huh? What am I getting for chocolate?" He asked with eyes roaming all around her neck.

He wanted to squeeze it till ugly bruises show up and tears runs down her pretty cheeks. But he also wanted to kiss it at the same time. It was so confusing.

"Diabetes," She smiled and turned to waiter who just approached them

Dean ordered a different menu for both of them before she even managed to speak up and leaned forward with his hand stretched over the table.

"Don't press me that hard this time, it was quite painful," She said before she gave him her hand to hold.

"You were supposed to buy a dress I might like," He said with his eyes on her lips.

"This is the last time I'm seeing you, so it doesn't really matter, does it?" She shrugged her shoulders and straightened a small fork on the table.

"You look pathetic," Dean said, let go of her hand and leaned back.

Anna smiled and closed her eyes for a moment. She was disappointed and angry. He wasn't supposed to die. They could see each other in less than three weeks, but it was gone. And last time she checked, he didn't even left the Orc's territories.

She missed him like crazy.

"I guess I do. I was looking forward to something very important, but it got delayed, or maybe even canceled. It hurts, I was really excited," She said without even looking at him, her longing for the reassuring embrace of Bugak's powerful arms overwhelmed her to the point where her heart ached with desire.

Dean didn't gave a fuck about her excuses, but it still - felt weird. He tried to make her angry, he tried to make her react at least a bit, with any other reply than sarcasm or ignorance. Yet she looked like she might burst out crying any moment now. He had no idea what to do with this situation.

But her answer seemed to be honest and it made him even more confused.

Anna was relieved when their food was promptly delivered, though she couldn't help but feel let down by the small portion on her plate. Despite her disappointment, she made an effort to concentrate on the waiter who proceeded to explain the perfect wine pairing for their meal, pouring it before he left.

Her face lit up as she took the first gobbet.

"It's delicious. You should try it," She said and held the fork with the duck's meat above the table.

He knew how it tastes. He ate it like once a week, but obediently leaned forward and opened his mouth.