Common is the man that is more pleasant while intoxicated.

"Ah, it's already evening, huh?" Eric sighed, his hands locked behind his head.

"Sure is. The ride home is gonna be tiring." Nea hopped on the boulevard in front of the dungeon exit, that was on the opposite end of the entrance. The asphalt street had considerably cooled down, as it reflected the crimson hue of the evening sky.

"Nyaa~" Kou chimed in with a tired purr. His weak voice was almost buried by the soft din surrounding us.

Seeing them, I quickly recalled how I was doing in the money department. The gold I had handed over to the manager put me in a tight spot, especially since my great merchant skills, which were already limited by the situation we were in, had to be invested in some other avenues. But I ignored that.

"Let's just stay at a hotel for today," I said. I wasn't being kind, it's just important to take care of your companions. That's all.

"For reals? No 'important preparations' today?" Nea asked.

"Man, don't make me change my mind. Let's just go." I pushed her towards the grandest-looking place around along with Eric and Kou.

The seven-story structure had some pretty expensive plans going for itself. This was the place where most of the support crew for most raids stay. Raids were yearly cleanups that the country sponsored, in case the monsters or beasts inside end up becoming a threat to the nation. There were even special plans for expeditionaries, like fake insurances.

I booked our rooms from the front desk, took the keys, and went over to the rest of the group.

"Nea, you take Kou with you. I'll share a room with the sad fuck."

"Hey, hey! I never agreed!! What are you planning to do with me?!"

"Ah, this fucking drama queen. You look good, Eric. But I'd prefer a mirror over you any day."

"Woah, big brother. You didn't have to do him like that!"

I waved my hand and handed Nea the keys to her room. We decided to meet in a few hours and have dinner before I dragged the still complaining Eric with me.

The room we took was a spacious one. Eight tatami mats were spread over the room, connecting to a small veranda. A short four-legged 'chabudai' table occupied the center of the room with 'zabuton' cushions spread around it while some 'futon' mattresses. The traditional Elisbani setup made a refreshing contrast with the chair and table set placed over the veranda. Each room had a washroom attached to it.

"Freshen up first, I'll settle our luggage," I told Eric and plopped down on the tatami mats. The man gave me a firm nod and went to take a bath.

After he came back, I too went to take a quick bath. Washing off 2 days of sweat and grime left a satisfactory feeling behind as my quick bath evolved into a long one. I came out of the bath to be greeted by an oddly serious Eric. He had ordered some sushi and sake Elisbani alcohol, while he sat on one end of the square table with his legs crossed.

"What's this? I thought you were the one that could've been attacked?"

"Don't get snarky with me and sit. You are much more pleasant when you are drunk."

"Haha!" I took a seat across from Eric. For a while, we drank and ate in silence before starting a conversation about each of our experiences. We completely forgot about meeting with Nea for dinner. Well, she must be too absorbed with her food to even notice that.

The conversation jumped from topic to topic, from what we used to do, to what world politics is like. We even talked about the possibility of talking dogs and how easy it would be to feed them.

"It would be crazy if someone's unique spell was to understand animals! Is that even possible, sir magic theorist?"

"As surprising as it sounds, that is very much possible, sir magic tool maker!"

"That is crazy..." Eric said. "You know, Ivan."

"Hm? What? I probably do, but tell me anyway."

"For all the knowledge you have—" He leaned towards me, his eyes thin and tone deep. There was something serious about the atmosphere he gave off.

"—How come I've never seen you use magic?"