The Way Back

Niva is confused with this man's audacity. He just met with this man once and Lynel somewhat acts like Niva is his best friend. Wisteria Household is famous for its straight to the point, no bullshit, and talk as they please demeanor. But Niva does not think that it's this severe.

"How about you, huh? I think that yours is not that good either?" challenge Niva as he crossed his arm. Not doubting the bigger guy in front of him one bit, the blue haired boy just wanted to ease his temper.

"They call me level 5 for nothin'" Lynel excitedly hovers his slate system. "I present you … my stats."

[Name: Lynel Friga Rukhtansi Wisteria]

[Class: Tier 5 Tracker]

[Skill: Shadow Walk, Swift Blade, Footwork, X slash, Track]

[HP : 650]

[EP : 435]

[Atk : 75]

[Def : 50]

[Spd : 130]

[Agi : 156]

[Equipment]

[Torso: Yellow Thin Cloth - Def + 2, Brown leathered vest - Def + 6]

[Pants: Beige Leathered Shorts - Def +3]

[Shoes: Brown Leathered Boots - Def +5]

"What do you think? these guns do not lie, huh?" boast the Wisteria boy as he flexes his biceps in the air while making silly faces.

"Okay you win," Niva chuckled. Seeing the boldness unfold before him somehow reduced his temper. He always wanted muscles like Lynel, like all the physical offensive class have. But it will mostly just be for show and ego booster for a support class like him.

His skill in possession does not stack with [Atk] or 'Attack' stats. It is an indicator of how much damage he will inflict to the opponent from a physical attack. One needs to workout and engage in a physical intensive routine to increase this stat.

But there is a more pressing matter in his mind.

For a week before Krilo wakes up, Niva has to spend 70% of his pocket money just to cater to their daily needs. Immediate jobs are hard for people like Lula who is a stranger to the village. Especially since she is a convict with a fresh criminal record.

It is not the case with Niva. He visited this village several times before acquiring the slate. Assuming another identity when interacting with the people there. Lynel, however, can see through the blue haired boy's guise even though it's his first time meeting Niva.

Too bad he cannot share the experience with Krilo. The yellow compfreund is too serious and his mind seems fixed to somewhere else, or maybe in another time. Weird. 'Why the hell my compfreund asked about a vassal of Gewjory Kingdom that had already been deceased for 650 years?"

'It is way further into the past than that from The Fall of The Beast Era, The Scorching Darkness Era, and The Uprising Era combined.'

The more he thinks about it. Krilo does not go through the usual phase of a living creature's growth. He didn't act confused or unaware of his surroundings during his newborn phase. It's as if he is Niva's deceased step brother.

"Hey wake up!" A finger snapped in front of Niva. "What were you thinking spacing out just now? Forest spirit here may possess you y'know."

"Don't do that Lynel. There is too much on his mind." Unsuspecting Lula grabbed Lynel's wrist when the boy tried to bump Niva's shoulder.

Her attention shifted to the gloomy blue-haired bard. "Are you alright? Maybe we should rest and prepare ourselves in the village. Our current weapon is not sufficient for this sudden expedition."

"Yeah you're right let's visit the weapon shop first I'll pay for the weapon we need," declared Niva as he regains his composure. The two listeners unconditionally nod. They already know that the amount of preparation is highly needed looking at the situation they will be facing.

His pocket money is leaking as time goes. In a week or so his living condition will be uncertain with the amount he has left. Even if Krilo would be found, there would be expenses to treat his paralyzed body and also a mouth to feed.

He already paid extra for the doctor to keep his abnormal yellowish condition a secret. Even when he and the doctor were already acquaintances. The doctrine and potential bounty from The Holy Order makes it hard to avoid the temptation.

Another alternative to cover up his expenses is to borrow from Lynel. But it is not a guarantee that he is in any possession of a hefty amount as of now. Especially when he has been banished from his house for 3 years due to his disobedience.

Only one solution if there is a situation for drastic measures.

"Hey Niva!"

"Hmm?" responded Niva looking towards Lynel beside him.

"I am sorry for what happened to your Richter," mumbled the blonde-haired boy. It truly throws Niva off guard.

"Yeah. Thank you Lynel." Niva answers moderately. The way he spoke earlier really contrasted from the usual Lynel happy-go-lucky personality.

This is not the first time when The Richter overcame its crisis. As the most sophisticated contraption known to man, trouble always comes in one way or another. For example, hordes of bandits almost took over the city when the defense mechanism was in the state of repair. Forcing all kingdom's elite personnel to avert the situation.

Like ants surrounding the source of sugar. The Richter somehow is the bandit's ultimate plan to gain victory against the kingdom. So much of our kingdom fought against The Beast as in the past. There is no way they would hand to the wrong hands pretty easily.

They stumble upon a commotion in the village gate. The three of them quickly walk away from there and hide.

"Hey!" Someone whispers really loudly near the trees they are hiding. "Follow me!"

Without hesitation, Niva follows the source of the voice. It's one of the watchguard who was secretly escorting them out of the village. They have no choice but to follow her instruction to slip detection. One of the ways is through the escape hatch that ends up in the forest outskirts.

"Nice to see you again!" greet Lula to the brown skinned lady watchguard as the two boys tried to close the heavy underground cellar door behind them.

"The sleeping victim has already woken up. You guys might want to hear what they are going to say. It might be related to his compfreund disappearance." exclaimed the lady guard as she points her index finger to Niva.