Chapter 724 (1/2)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Hopes carried his suitcase to the accommodation arranged for him by the mining department. This was a four-man room, and one of his roommates had already arrived and was reading a book on his bed.

Looking at his roommate’s soft and silky hair as well as his pointy ears, Hopes could tell that he was of elvish descent. He was probably from a long line of elves too as he could sense the natural magic revolving around his roommate.

As a quasi-caster in the direction of the druid, Hopes could demonstrate a few tricks of natural magic but could not carry out high-level ones. He could sense that his roommate was definitely stronger than he was and was either a natural wizard or druid of a certain class, at least middle class in fact.

What was a mid-class druid doing here as a miner? Hopes was confused but felt too awkward to ask, and thus, he simply greeted him politely.

The roommate, Sid, was a quiet man. After introducing himself, he sat quietly and continued to read without any intention to make small talk. Luckily, Hopes was also not a talkative person, and he decided to mind his own business and explore his surroundings after storing his luggage.

As it had been a rather spur of the moment decision, he had only brought along a few simple belongings. Upon hearing Clito explain that they would be undergoing training for a period of time, he decided to buy more lifestyle items that he would need.

Toothpaste and a toothbrush, easy-to-wash underwear, a washbasin and other simple toiletries, and a hot-water bottle that was easy to use but not convenient for long-distance transportation… When he returned, a second roommate who had just arrived stared on in shock.

“Why… why do you have so many things?” the thick and dark man asked.

“Is it really a lot? The four hot water bottles are for us, one each. The other two are for common use. The four washing basins are also for the four of us, just as the toothpaste and toothbrushes are. However, I only bought underwear for myself, if you all need that, you will have to buy it yourself…”

The man had the sudden realization that Hopes was being extremely generous and thanked him frantically and offered to pay for some of it.

“It’s alright. We can make claims for the purchases we have made, so these are not on my own expenses. If I could, I would, but I don’t have that much money to treat everyone!” Hopes bantered and winked.

The big man couldn’t help it and laughed as well, and this broke the ice instantly.

His name was Ruby, and he was an immigrant from the Commonwealth. Unlike Hopes and Sid, he was not a science graduate, technical worker, but rather a retired explorer.

“Retired? Are you very old?” Hopes asked in confusion.

“No, I’m only 30 years old. However, I became an explorer when I was 16. It has already been 14 years… I wanted to earn some quick money and return to my hometown to enjoy a nice, quiet life but earning money is tough. When I finally earned enough, in the end… sigh!”

Evidently, he had a sad past. Ruby sighed and said, “Anyway, I’m retired. I came here because I learned some wilderness and survival skills in the past, and thus, I signed up as a miner. I’m not really sure how I got selected for this trip though.

“You must be extremely talented then!” Hopes exclaimed.

“Talented? Compared to Sid, I’m nobody. He’s the true talent.” Ruby shook his head in disagreement.

Hopes was caught by surprise, and he turned to glance at Sid with admiration.