Chapter 11: Ruben

(Authors Note: Had quite a busy day last day so I was unable to write a chapter XD)

(Alexander POV)

With the Frostarm Lawachurl turning into ashes, I moved toward the Cryo Cicin Mage and asked, "Are you all right? Do you need help?"

The Cicin Mage shook her head as she answered me. "I am fine. Thank you for saving me."

"Are you sure? You look bad, it would be better if I escorted you towards a safe place." I said as I thought about the possible reasons for the Fatui to be here.

If I knew something about the Fatui from the game, it would be that whenever they are present shit is bound to happen. There should be a plot around waiting to affect the unsuspecting protagonist but since the Traveler has not arrived yet, I'm probably the one that would take on this side quest.

It would be a wise choice to befriend the Fatui Cyro Cicin Mage to somehow get some insider info, who knows what would happen. The worst case is I encounter La Signora here. I am not sure where she was a year before she stole Venti's Gnosis so better be safe than sorry and acquire information. I DEFINITELY did not save her because she is hot, do not get me wrong. I am a gentleman.

"I am fi…. Kyah" the Cicin Mage tried to decline but as she took one step her still shaky legs gave up. Before she fell face first on the snow I reached out to her arms and gently helped the girl regain her bearing.

With an innocent smile, I said "So this is you being fine? I see. That was a cute shriek btw, so I rate it 6.9/10" With a nod, I teased her a little bit.

Even with her mask covering the top part of her face I could see a red hue on her cheeks. She used her small hands to cover her face and she muttered in a small cute voice, "Please don't tease me. I'm sorry but can you help me return to our camp".

I did not answer right away and simply stared at her as she slowly panicked while looking towards the left and right.

With a chuckle, I lifted her up on a princess carry as I answered, "Sure, where is your camp?"

"Awawawa…" The Cicin Mage got flustered but after a few seconds, she lifted her arms and pointed towards the east.

As I moved towards the east with gentle strides, I thought about the possible reasons for the Fatui to be present here.

Is it the Snow-Tombed Starsilver Claymore? Meh, that weapon was mid so I don't think so.

The Treasure in the Secret Room? In the game, there is nothing important there but since this is real life it would be weird to only find mora and primogems in such a well-secured place.

Durin's Heart? I kind of remember the Fatui appeared when the Traveler was attempting to make the Dragonspine spear.

Is it dragon materials then? or maybe something interesting that the game did not cover.

My pondering was then interrupted by a small voice "Uhm, I am Chloe. Your name?"

I heard her but I pretended otherwise. I enjoy teasing her as she is kinda cute not what I am expecting from a Fatui member. I thought the Fatui would be filled with self-righteous pricks or maniacs.

"What is your name?" She repeated in a louder tone which made her voice crack making her embarrassed.

"Ruben" I answered humorously as I remembered a particular meme.

The reason I gave a fake name was not only to meme but because she is a Fatui. As I plan to steal whatever they are here for it would be stupid to give my real name when they can simply look it up at the adventurer guild which is under the Fatui's control. Aside from the pub owner and Katheryne, no one knows my real name anyway.

While Chloe and I chatted, she mentioned that she was a new member and this was her first mission which explained her naïve personality.

'It's sad to see a naïve girl wasting her life with the Fatui.' I thought to myself as I don't see a Vision with Chloe the probability of her using a Delusion is high. With a sigh, I continued walking.

After a few minutes, we got closer to the camp, and as I was about to let Chloe down a muscular Fatui carrying a big hammer and a fat Fatui with a gun appeared and shouted.

"Who are you?!" Said the muscular Fatui before looking at Chloe in my arms. "Bastard what are you doing with my sister?!" His voice sounded like a third-rate thug as he made threatening grunts while holding his hammer.

The Fat guy also got into a battle stance and aimed the gun at me. I could feel his envy as he looked towards my hands carrying Chloe. I chuckled inside as I thought 'Seriously? An Ugly Bastard Fatui?'.

I was about to open my mouth but before I could Chloe said "Brother! Don't be rude, Ruben saved me."

Chloe then explained what happened which made the Hammer holding Fatui drop his guard and thank me. Chloe then left with the support of her brother but not before I promised her that I would come visit her again sometime. When the two were already quite the distance the Fat Fatui Skirmisher that was left behind looked me in the eye and then said "Kid, I am watching you. Don't go touching things that are not yours."

I did not respond to his provocation and only looked at his back while I thought to myself. 'While I don't have any romantic plans with Chloe I need to get closer with her to get information. This ugly bastard dreaming of eating swan meat is going to be a problem I better find a way to deal with him.' Oops, my inner xianxia is spilling out better contain it.

With no reason to stay standing in the middle of nowhere, I made my way towards the mountains. Gazing up at the sky, I saw the moon was at its highest point so it should probably already be midnight. With no plans to sleep as it is a waste of time, I plan to adapt slowly to eliminate such a need.

"Tonight, I hunt!" I said to myself as I rushed towards the group of Hilichurls.