Chapter 32 – Anthony (2/2)

Gravis narrowed his eyes, and Anthony felt even more pressure. This continued for some seconds until Gravis sighed, and the atmosphere returned to normal. ”I know,” he said with a sigh. ”I know that I am using up all your work. I know that you all need this money to survive. I feel ashamed by not leaving you all anything,” Gravis clenched his teeth. ”But I need money!”

Silence descended on the hall again, but this time, for a different reason. Gravis was no longer releasing his Will-Aura. For the first time, the hunters found something on Gravis that they could empathize with, even if it were only one thing. Just like them, he needed money. Gravis had also shown shame about what he had done, which made some hunters sigh in bitterness. Everyone needed money.

”How much do you need?” asked Anthony now more relaxed. He felt like he could understand the young man. Why was Anthony hunting low-grade demonic beasts, even though it always endangered his life? It was because he needed money for his son. Just like him, Gravis also only needed money. Maybe in all their bitterness, the hunters forgot that Gravis was a human, like them.

Gravis smiled bitterly. This was the first time the guild has seen any kind of smile from Gravis. ”About 50 Gold,” he stated.

A collective gasp of shock echoed throughout the guild. Why did he need so much money?

Anthony's mouth opened wide. He thought about pooling together some resources to lend Gravis some money to get this whole fiasco over, but 50 gold was impossible. Gravis had already made tens of gold by finishing all missions, yet he needed about the same amount again. This was ridiculous.

”Why do you need so much money?” asked Anthony.

Gravis sighed. Just because he was always acting coldly to other people didn't mean that he didn't feel alone. He always felt alone, but he couldn't get close to others. He might be able to survive having no karmic luck, but others won't. Yet, even though he knew that, Gravis' loneliness overpowered him, and he opened up a little today. ”I need seven more Skin-Pills to temper my skin,” he confessed.

Another gasp echoed throughout the guildhall, this time, for multiple reasons. First of all, Gravis was hunting low-grade demonic beasts without tempered skin. Without tempered skin, one couldn't temper their muscles. So how did he actually kill all those beasts? The other reason was the crazy amount of Skin-Pills he needed. One pill was generally enough to temper the skin. Maybe, someone would need two, but that could be replaced with some months of training.

Anthony was just as shocked, but he started to rub his chin in thought. ”Hm, maybe we can do something about that,” he muttered but continued thinking. After a while, he nodded and turned to Gravis. ”I think we can help you, but only if you stop hunting for a while. We are a lot of people,” Anthony gestured to the whole guild. ”If we put our minds together, we may find a way for someone of your strength to earn some money.”

Anthony smiled and offered his hand. ”What do you say? Friends?” he smiled at Gravis.

For the first time in this lower world, Gravis felt a brotherly warmth. He had taken the living of tens of people, yet, Anthony was offering to help him. Anthony could have been stubborn and could've said that this had nothing to do with him. Gravis probably wouldn't be able to be so cold-blooded that he would continue. He already felt enormous shame because of his actions.

Gravis felt warmth, and his insides were shaking a little. He felt his eyes producing some tears but suppressed it. Finally, He took Anthony's hand and shook it.

BANG!

The door behind Anthony opened and smacked him in the back. He stumbled forward, but Gravis quickly supported him so he wouldn't fall.

A young girl and an old man were looking at Gravis with interest.

”This is him,” the girl heard her teacher's voice appearing in her head.

”Hello, I'm here to offer you a trade,” the girl said to Gravis with a smile.