33 Hairline Fracture (2/2)

”I'll only take what we agreed upon. You don't need to add extra.”

”But I am grateful for your services and I really like the quality -”

”Is it because you pity me?” Aima's remark hushed Jin as he placed the money pouch on the table and looked down. ”sigh. Everyone in our party feels bad for what happened to Becky but that is what being an adventurer is. She is my friend and we have been through so many things together. At the risk of sounding calloused, I have been to many parties which have had more terrible results. Unfortunately, it's a harsh reality in this world we live in. That is what being an adventurer entails.”

Jin took a sip of his tea before speaking. ”I understand that. That's why I continued to take quests and earn my rank. I don't want that to happen again. I need to get better and be prepared.”

”That's really impressive and I commend you for it. You continued to take a step forward when the others took a step back. However, you won't be able to stop the people around you from their deaths. There will always be a situation that will overwhelm you.”

Providing some sort of relief, the food came at that time. With the steaming hot food in front of them, the two ate in silence, without even realising what the food tasted like.

After the meal, both placed down their utensils as they wiped their mouths with the table napkin.

Jin took the money pouch again before removing a few silver coins out. ”I understand what you're getting at, Aima. Here's the agreed amount - 150 silver coins. You can count it if you want.”

With a smile, Aima received the pouch before opening it and counting it. ”Thank you. What's your plan now? Are you still going to continue taking quests by yourself? There's only so much you can do by yourself you know.”

”I'm only taking simple quests like gathering or hunting simple animals. My guard duties and training take up most of my time.”

Aima held a cup of tea in her hand as she swirled it around. She was lost in thought before she continued. ”Did you guys ever know why Becky wanted to party up with you?”

With a start, Jin perked up in his chair. He didn't expect her to talk about Becky after the earlier exchange. ”No, but I do know that she was extremely harsh with us if we did something wrong or lacking.”

”There was also a reason for that you know?” Aima smiled as she closed her eyes as if to recall something. ”Her party before you were all killed in Calberry Cave. It was supposed to be a simple quest, however, they didn't expect the number of ice bears and sonic bats in the cave.”

”So she was the only one that survived?”

Still closing her eyes, Aima continued. ”Yes. She said she continuously used [Shadow Step] to get away from the place. Her other party members had said that she would scout their escape route and they would follow her but they collapsed the cave behind her. They were badly injured so they couldn't make it out even if they tried. It left her traumatised and bitter after that. The smiling and cheerful girl was gone as she devoted herself to training as soon as she was able to wield her daggers again.”

Jin's eyes widened. ”Wait, she was smiling and cheerful back then?”

”Ahaha. You can't imagine it right? We had similar personalities back then, that's why we got along very well. That's why she wanted you both to get better quick. She was badly itching to go back to Calberry Cave and avenge her party members. Do you still remember our quest back in Korinne Cave?”

”Hmm? Ah yeah, you both wanted me and Sebastian to plan it right? You were also harsh with Mel back then.”

Aima finally opened her eyes as she took a sip of the warm tea before continuing. ”Becky and I decided that we wanted everyone to have a feel in cave exploration. We both wanted everyone else to train in fighting and managing themselves in a cave setting. She felt frustrated that you and Sebastian's skills were still lacking, but I reminded her that there was a bit of progress.”

”I... I didn't know she went through a lot. Even though I feel that she took out a lot of her frustration on us, she had a larger goal in mind.” Jin paused as he looked down and stared at the empty cup in his hand.

Aima called the food server's attention as she signalled for her to refill their cups.

”Can I ask you though, was there a time when Becky acknowledged our efforts?” Jin asked as he looked up.

”When we went to investigate Erimead Village and stuff happened, do you remember when Becky and I destroyed the empty rat imp burrows?”

”Ah yeah, when Sebastian and I were recovering in the warehouse right?”

”Yes, that time. I asked her if she thought you were all improving, and she did say that she was pleased. Especially with Sebastian for using hand signals and in using different methods to scout the surroundings. However, by that time everyone was on edge with her and she actually found it hard to compliment you guys. Every time she said something, the rest of you would be tense.”

”I... We... We didn't know.” For the rest of dinner, they both sat in silence again as they finished off their tea. Aima was the first to stand up as she placed a few coins on the table.

Jin looked at the coins and stood up while opening his own money pouch. ”No need Aima, I invited you out here so I'll pay for it.”

”You don't need to. You can pay next time if you want. I feel that this dinner was good for me in a lot of ways. Let me know if you need anything else smithed or upgraded.” Placing her coat over her shoulders, she went out of the restaurant first.

After making sure that the amount on the table was correct, Jin picked up his upgraded armour as he also went out. Snow continued to blanket Wildecross City, giving the city a dreary and morose look. ”Winter has indeed arrived.” Jin strapped the bag over his winter coat as he walked into the street.

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