"I'm sorry Ms. Sophia but we can't allow you to meet Ms. Isther for a moment."
"Huh? Why is that sister?"
Sophia is talking to one of the attending nuns managing the quarters. Far from the two are the rest of Grand Ecstasy waiting for them to finish.
Claustrine is observing the row of rooms as she feels condensed mana eminating ftom the walls and doors.
"Because Ms. Isther is currently unstable right now. I can't guarantee the safety of everyone once inside the room. I'm so sorry." The young nun sadly relays the reason.
"Ah... I see..." Sophia looks down as she excuse herself then walk towards her friends.
"I guess it's not the time to meet your Grandma." Beltrand softly speaks.
"I don't understand. Why I'm not allowed to even have a glimpse of her?"
Mateo gives a worried sigh.
"Because of the nature of the disease your Grandma is having right now Sophia."
"She's just being senile Mateo. Isn't that normal?"
"After hearing the tales from the nuns. I believe your Grandma Isther is suffering from Alzheimer's. And with those agitation and confusion your fellow sisters on the orphanage told, she's currently in the middle stages."
"Al Zamers? What are you talking about Mateo? I don't understand." Sophia is confused after hearing unfamiliar words.
"I believe the nuns are truly being concerned about our safety as individuals suffering on that disorder are unpredictable. We should understand them Sophia." Mateo added.
"What they being concerned about Mateo? Are you saying that we're incompetent?" Sophia asked with frustration.
"You know that's not what Mateo mean. Just look on the walls of the room and you will understand why."
Sophia follows Claustrine and look on the row of rooms. She didn't notice the mana radiating from the walls earlier as she's more focused on meeting her grandmother.
"Inside of those rooms is full of what I assume are mana nullifying instruments. Huge condense mana are being held inside for some reason, if mages like us went inside, we can't use our spells in max proficiency or not use magic at all."
Sophia's eyes widen after realizing what Claustrine was implying.
"Ahh... No wonder the nun refused to let us in." Mateo commented .
"Because we might affect us right?" Claustrine asked.
"No. A person with Alzheimers who suffering from memory loss, confusion and agitation is tragic and painful. But if a powerful mage suffering from it? I can't imagine the chaos that can unfold."
Everyone is surprised. Sophia is in devastated as she understand why Isther doesn't want to meet her.
"I'm sorry Sophia but there's nothing we can do but to wish Grandma Isther gets a day of lucidity." Mateo pats Sophia's shoulder.
"Mateo... It seems that Earth is knowledgable about that disease. Does the people on your world also find a cure?" Sophia looks at Mateo, her eyes are pleading.
Mateo avert his gaze with sadness.
"No. Alzheimers is not curable Sophia. What we do on people suffering on it is to give them a good life on the best of our abilities until their last days."
The air felt silent. Sophia makes a pained smile.
"Thank you Mateo for being honest."
"Sophia..." Claustrine look at her with sadness.
Sophia wipes the tears forming on her eyes then she shows a Sophia who strong and smiling.
"Party Leader."
"Yes?" Mateo is surprised that Sophia calls him with a title.
"I want to take a leave for a week. I wish you allow my temporary absence."
Mateo makes a satisfied sigh then he smile.
"Approved. Be sure to have a proper talk with your Grandma Isther."
Sophia is so delighted that she hugged Mateo.
"Thank you Mateo. Yes I will spend it well."
.
.
.
Everyone leaves the orphanage without Sophia and they travel towards the Nattunia market. Until they reach the newly built but small diner.
"Mateo... I want to request something." Beltrand speaks as they enter the building.
"I also have a request Party Leader." -Shirna.
"Oh! It's been a while!" The teenage girl is elated to see familiar faces.."
"Yeah. It's been a while. How are you."
The teenage girl gives a sweet smile.
"I'm doing fine! I wish the same to you guys."
Grand Ecstasy nods.
"So? You want the usual right?"
"Yup."
"Ok! Five huh? Four bowls of meat stew! Got it!"
The girl leaves to prepare the food.
"She's a strong girl." Claustrine said with a smile.
"Yeah. I'm glad she's doing well after that incident."
After waiting for a while, Grand Ecstasy now enjoys the stew and bread eagerly.
"Hmmm... I kinda miss this despite all of the delicious food from Earth." -Beltrand.
"Same here. The flavors kinda feel nostalgic. By the way, you guys want to say something to me right?"
Beltrand and Shirna looked at Mateo.
"Ah yes... You see Mateo. I want to train further."
"You want to go on Mr. Gilmore's home and do a Mana Potency training?"
"No not that. I know it's absurd but... If you allow it... I want to study the martial arts of Earth."
"Ohhhh... Because of the Aswang Leader?" Mateo is surprised and amazed.
"Yes. I never felt humiliated by unarmed combat before especially after seeing such refined techniques. So I want to study such skills to be included on my fighting tyle."
"But Beltrand. Studying one martial arts alone would take a very long time."
"I know that of course. But on how you explained the internet. I wonder if I can gain some skills by just watching the movies and videos alone."
Mateo is put on deep thought as he considers Beltrand's proposal. He can't deny that Beltrand is already a skilled combatant being a former knight and with real fighting experience. So he wants to see if Beltrand's idea can fruit good results.
"Hmmm... I didn't expect that. But are you confident that you can really garner those skill by visual learning alone?" Mateo's serious question.
"That's why I want to try. I'm not gonna lie that it's quiet absurd to learn on such unorthodox way but still. I gonna do my best."
Mateo smile.
"Very well then. I give you seven days. Lets meet on my home so I can send you back. Just ask Shiva for help."
"Thank you brother." Beltrand gives a gratitude smile.
Mateo then looks at Shirna.
"I guess you also want to get a temporary leave right?"
"Hehe yes... I gonna return to my village to refill my ammo. Also, my friend says that she already improved the designs of my weapons."
"I'm amazed that friend of yours not only understand but also created a copy by only using an Elven Ironwood alone. It make me want to meet her." Claustrine's piqued interest.
"Maybe we can go to my town some time. But it kinda difficult to convince them to have humans visiting the village." Shirna scratches his head.
"Understood. I accept your leave. Come back after seven days ok?"
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
"Yes Mateo. Thank you so much."
"How about you Trinne?"
Claustrine chuckle.
"Nah I'm good. Besides, you need some help resuming our records on the guild or they kick us out."
"Ah right. We didn't take any mission for two months. Mr. Hilgurd must be angry right now."
"Shall we go to the guild after eating?"
"After I sent Beltrand back to Earth. Beltrand, if I find out that you just's slaking there, I gonna punish you. Got it?"
"Also, no Earth Brothels for fuck sake." Claustrinne added.
Beltrand laugh joyfully.
~~~~~~°~~~~~~
"Where are the others?"
Emma is looking confused as he see Grand Ecstasy only consisting of Mateo and Claustrine.
"Extended their vacation Ms. Emma. Those three are doing some personal matters." Mateo casually speaks as he scans the guild hall. "Still lively as before."
"I don't know if you can update your guild status with only you two."
"Because we need the participation of all members?" Claustrine asked.
"Not really. A party represents itself so updating your status despite having only few members is fine, it's up for the members to deal with their internal affairs afterall. But with only you two, you might find difficulties completing gold rank missions which what required to update." Emma explaines with clarity
"I see... I guess we just need to do an easier Gold rank mission."
"I afraid that's unavailable as all low Gold missions are already picked up. All that remains are these."
Emma place 3 posters which Mateo and Claustrine examined intently.
"Eliminate a horde of Miasma frog. Nope this is out of our league for now." Claustrine speaks as she gives back the Miasma frog mission.
"Escort mission to the Northern lands. This one is not an option either." Mateo gives the paper.
The two then looks on the last mission paper.
Scouting of Reverse Tower's layer 8
"The Reverse Tower is open to the public again?" Mateo asked.
"Since yesterday. But the adventurers are still unsure especially on everything that happened there so there's still low entry counts for now. And the first brave ones who tried quickly backs out."
"There's still an anomaly?" Claustrine raised his eyebrow.
"Yes Claustrine but only specific on Layer 8. Many scouts discovered a new creature lurking the bloody ice."
"Ah new apex?"
Emma shakes her head.
"No. Just read it to yourself."
Emma gives a written report from one of the scouts. The two reads it with concern on their face.
.
.
"2nd day of our Scouting mission. I saw it with my very own eyes. A silhoutte of a armored humanoid figure walking through the blizzard with ease. I almost attempted to follow it but my fear prevents me when I saw it got surrounded by 30 white stalkers. They didn't fight but from what I observe, the white stalkers are following the figure's command."
"Day 3 of our scouting mission. I spotted the anomaly. The weather is clear so I have a quick glance of it before I flee after my spot got detected. The anomaly is like a white knight in appearance with its scale skirt armor. And I don't know if this is correct but I see what looks like a tail."
"This doesn't make any sense at all! The humanoid anomaly is unnervingly similar to the white stalkers with its scales on its armor looking like the ones possessed by those vermins! Even the tail. That very long tail is like from an Apex White Stalker and IT USING IT AS A SWORD WITH A PROFICIENCY OF A SKILLED SWORDSMAN after I saw it kill few monsters of Layer 8!" And just like the previous reports, the pack of White Stalker seems really following its orders.
I will not consider it as an Apex. That anomaly is completely different and so peculiar that it make me think that reopening the tower is not a good decision."
.
.
"What the?" Mateo is dumbfounded.
"I know right? This situation is absurd in so many levels."
"So this anomaly is the main focus of the scouting mission?" Claustrine looks on the reports more profoundly.
"Exactly. Any information regarding the anomaly is valued as it would help the guild and the kingdom to decide on potential measures."
"This is risky... Is there any bounty missions?"
Emma shake her head.
"All the bounty missions below Platinum are already finished Mateo. In fact, that person just reported her results yesterday."
"Ah I see... I guess we have no choice. We gonna take this mission then." Mateo then picks the Scouting mission paper.
"Are you sure guys?" Emma is worried so Mateo gives her a reassuring smile.
"We're gonna be fine Emma. We gonna make sure that we only observe the anomaly and gather information."
"No! I'm more concerned on you two fighting other beasts?! What if you encounter an Apex on your way there?!" Emma's sudden stern disapproval.
"How about we join them on that mission?"
Mateo is delighted to hear a familiar voice and he lookd back to see a very close friends.
"Graham! Monica! Boltz!"
"Yo! It's been a while!" Graham's greeting.
"Claustrineeee!"
Monica almost hug Claustrine but she prevent it by pushing Monica's forehead with one hand.
"Please Monica not no-"
But Monica's strenght prevails as she succesfully hug Claustrine and pin her on her breasts.
"Ugh..." Claustrine just grunt in annoyance.
Few seconds before eveyone calms down and finish their greetings. The talk resumes to the main topic.
"So you guys also gonna take that mission right?" Graham asked pointing on the mission paper.
"Ah yes. Wait you also gonna take this?"
"Yup. That anomaly intrigues us and we want to see it on its full glory." Graham's proud words.
"You just want to test your abilties to it. Geez." Mateo is unamused.
"Hehe. So anyway, Ms. Emma. You don't allow them to take this mission because they lack members right?"
Emma nods eagerly.
"You know... Ms. Emma is kinda right. Venturing through the reverse tower with only two members is suicide. That's why the minimum of entry there is three and even that does have a chance to get denied." Monica's explanation.
"How about Sir Gilmore?" Mateo asked which make the Wanderers laugh.
"He's a Platinum. Of course he's allowed."
"The scouts?" Claustrine's follow up question.
"They're in the groups of 3 and they're trained primarily to just observe and avoid combat." Emma's quick question.
"But if we didn't take any mission now. Our guild membership might be revoked tommorow." Mateo scratches his head.
Emma sigh.
"Look... If you're that concerned about your guild membership. I have an idea."
Both Grand Ecstasy and Wanderer looks at Emma and wait for her proposal.
"How about you two parties have a joint mission?"
"Ah that's right. We can collaborate on this. What do you say Mateo?"
Mateo smiles.
"Ok. Lets do our best."
"Hihi... It's been a while since the last time you join us Mateo. I feeling nostalgic." Monica pats Mateo's shoulder.
"Ah right. You're previously a Wanderer member. I'm looking forward to fight alongside-"
"Nuh-uh! This is a scouting mission. Avoid any unnecessary fights as possible!" Emma interrupts Claustrine.
"Ugh... Fine." Graham's mild annoyance.
"But to be honest. You don't need to panic Mateo. Given your current reputataion, I'm sure the guild master would be lenient enough for you guys."
Mateo shakes his head.
"Nah Ms. Emma. We want to be fair. Besides, we already indebt to Mr. Hilgurd enough."
Emma smiles and she stamps the scouting mission paper.
"Very well then. Good luck on your mission Grand Ecstasy and Wanderer. May the Goddess bless your journey."
As the two parties leave. The murmur of the other adventurers are audible as they didn't expected that the two most notable gold rank parties are teaming up to enter the tower.
Two adventurers wearing East Yhigressian desert garbs are chatting on one of the tables.
"Are they trying to hunt the anomaly?"
"Seems like it."
"But if those two parties, I guess it's fine."
"Yeah... But I can't say the same to the previous party who take that mission."
"Because they might also encounter it? I think you should not worry about it, Ameron Party is not stupid to fight such monster." The younger shrugs.
But the older adventurer is still serious as he's more concerned on the young lady Ameron party recruited before they venture to the Reverse Tower.
~~~~~~°~~~~~~
Mateo and Claustrine is now walking back on the market street to prepare for their departure tomorrow. Wanderer leaving them as they have something else to do.
"It's quiet now that those three are gone." Claustrine chuckle.
"For real. But still, I missed their liveliness."
"I guess I also miss them." Claustrine smile gently.
As the two stroll the roads. Mateo notices something which make him stop.
"What's wrong?" Claustrine asked.
"This shop is not here before right?"
The two looking in the front of a clothing store named Adventurer's Boutique
.
.
.
"Welcom- Ah! Mateo! Claustrine!"
The mood of lady in the register quickly change to from business politeness to happiness as she see her customer. She quickly stand up and excitedly walks to the pair.
"Fleur!" Claustrine is equally happy as she see a familiar face.
"Honey you seem sur- Mateo!" Norm at first is confused but he's overjoyed to finally see why Fleur's suddenly became loud.
"What are you guys doing here?" Mateo's confused yet happy question.
.
.
.
Outside the store, a Close sign is hanging on the door.
"I see... You guys finally setting in."
Fleur prepares everyone a tea.
"Yes. The reward on the Dereia bounty is sizable that maybe it's enough for us to retire. That's why we decide to test our luck on business." Norm's honest question.
"And how it turns out?" -Claustrine.
"Quiet good actually. Our first 2 months is great and we manage to thrive." Fleur happily answers.
"Good for you guys."
"I guess you also preparing to have a family right that you both retired as adventurers and now having a business." Mateo's casual answer but it makes the two blush.
"Y-yes... We're already trying." Fleur's flustered answer.
"Hehe... Good luck on that." Mateo gives a smile then he sips on his tea.
.
.
The group spends their time telling stories while drinking tea and eating snacks prepared by Fleur.
"Why you two leave Bolaire?"
"Geez Claustrine, are you really asking me that especially after everything that happened?"
"Besides, Bolaire is currently on a turmoil right now.
"Tell me more." -Mateo.
Norm explains that the Dereia event added timber to the fire which is the further uprising of the Bolaire slums. The two decides to leave as they feel that a revolution is slowly brewing and they don't want to become a part of it.
"I see." Mateo's only words.
"Uhmmm... Guys. I just wondering, did you somehow encountered Helyna?" Fleur's sudden question.
"She's here?" -Claustrine
"No. What about her?" -Mateo.
The two's expression becomes concerned.
"Yesterday. She came here buying clothes."
"Based on your reaction, it seems that there's more to the story right?"
Fleur nods.
"Helyna is just... She doesn't look like that bubbly lady after that incident happened. Her eyes is like... Lifeless. Even her demeanor changed. She's creepily serious and void."
Mateo and Claustrine is curious.
"But the clothes she buys are different from her attire that day. She suddenly bought a clothes for mage."
"But she's a swordsman..." Mateo added.
"And the mage clothes she buy was too girly when her appearance yesterday is like ragged and battle hardened. Then everything makes sense after I remember the recent news from the guild."
Fleur sips to his tea.
"There's a rumor of an cloaked gold ranked adventurer who sweeping bounty missions everywhere. She's so renowed that the adventurers now called him "The Headhuntress." as she's always bringing the head of the target to the guild.",
"That's metal."
"Huh?"
"Nevermind. Please continue." -Mateo.
"There's also the quiet rumor of an adventurer party that unofficially recruiting female adventurers only for them to..."
Fleur gulps.
"Only for them to rape the victim and kill her inside a dungeon."
"The dead victims are seen inside the dungeons and the investigators find out that they're not killed by any monsters."
Mateo and Claustrine eyes widen.
"No way..." Claustrine is in disbelief.
"Are you telling me that Helyna is the Headhuntress and she's trying to hunt down that party?" Mateo is also on surprise.
"Yes. But that's only a speculation. Still, it's still too plausible to be ignored." Norm's short answer.
"Please. If you see her. Talk to Helyna and put some sense into her. I feel like she's being burdened by something on her mind." Fleur's sad plead.
"We should asked her yesterday but I think she's gonna ignore our words. But if it came from you guys, you might talk to her sincerly." Norm added.
Mateo and Claustrine just stare dumbfounded but they recover.
"We gonna do out best if our paths cross. I gonna make sure that I talk to Helyna." Mateo's resolution makes Norm and Fleur worries lessen.
"Thank you."
~~~~~~°~~~~~~
In the tundra of Layer 8.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! THIS IS FUN!"
A group of 7 men are chasing something. Their expressions is pure malice and desire as they howl with excitement.
"TO THINK THAT THE HEADHUNTRESS WOULD GONNA TRY TO HUNT US! YOU GONNA PAY FOR THAT SOOOOO MUCH!" The leader is screaming.
"HAHAHAHA THE HUNTRESS BECOME THE THE HUNTED! BE SURE TO ENTERTAIN US NOW AND WHEN WE HAVE FUN ON YOUR BODY!" The archer shouts then he shoots and arrow.
The arrow almost hit its intended target but it only strike a tree. The archer recieves a hard slap at back of his head from his leader.
"What the fuck are you doing?! Are you trying to damage our toy?!"
"Sorry boss. It's just the chase is so exhilarating!"
The Huntress wearing mage clothing continues to run away from her pursuers, a blood stained sword on her right hand and a head on the left. She runs to the best of her abilities while the pursuers continues their chase.
Despite everything. The Headhuntress remains cool and collected... Or more like she's devoid of emotion. Her eyes are an abyss looking at the white scenery in front of her.
