Chapter 361 (1/2)

“Hmph,” Paolo crossed his arms, his squad gathering up behind him. “As if a simple test of courage could cause I, the great leader of Squad III, to feel fear.”

“Hohoho… then why are so slow to agree? Any member of Squad II would gladly throw themselves in the line of danger. Your hesitation… is unbecoming. Perhaps in your age-” Kayle said, his tone teasing, his Squad too gathering up, but he was interrupted.

“Choose quick. Boring.”

Dinesh tried not to tremble as the huge giant Bone Wurm rumbled down at them, weaving its head back and forth. Her. Her head, Dinesh had been told. He resisted the urge to say a small prayer.

Initially, Dinesh had been secretly overjoyed that after their joint exercise in the North, against the Skeleton Knight, Paolo and Kayle invited him and the rest of the 23rd Squad to join them for a “celebration”. Very eagerly, they had agreed. It wasn’t rare to see the Numeral Squads around, but it was an usual thing for them to fraternize so openly with a Squad in the 20s. This could be a big move for them.

And Dinesh had high hopes of making friends, learning secrets, and working to improve himself in his Squad. To his chagrin, the final thing had come true.

Their version of celebration was an elongated practice session designed by the Dusk Spider, Mrs. Hamilton, to draw out the entire physical potential of the exerciser. Primarily, it increased the Physical Fitness, Empower, and Herculean Strength Skills, which most of all of the Classed individuals had. Even Dinesh, who was a mage focus, as well as his Squad, had them.

However, his mage focused squad was a long, long way of being able to keep up with workouts with this group of individuals.

Tired to the bone, the 23rd Squad of Donnyton had stumbled back while Squads III and II and walked back in high spirits, laughing and cheering the 23rd Squad on. Although it had been one of the most intimidating experiences in his life, Dinesh had gained 5 Skill Levels doing it, which spoke to its effectiveness. So finally, his spirits were starting to life. Truly, the way of life of those at the top was completely different.

That was, until they stumbled on the Bone Wurm, Neveah, who was bored, sitting at the edge of the Village while Donnyton figured out how to let her wander around a little.

Kayle had admired her size. Paolo had pointed out her larger-than-her-body head. Kayle had commented on her sharp teeth, his grin growing. Dinesh had a bad feeling.

Kayle bet that Paolo wouldn’t dare get inside the creature’s mouth, and let her close it.

To Dinesh’s horror, the monster had seemed profoundly excited by the prospect, and was practically preening at first under the attention. She generously opened her mouth as wide as possible, displaying at least 60 rows of jagged bone teeth that could rip anything not made of metal to shreds in a heartbeat.

Dinesh privately believed that mouth was a portal to hell. But Paolo and Kayle had unhesitatingly walked over, inspecting the mouth space, poking her tongue, discussing the relative comfort that it offered. And both of their Squads went right along with it.

The men and women of the Squads resembled their Captains. Paolo’s 10 were stocky, stoic, and had noses broken from fist fights; meanwhile, the teammates of Kayle were lithe and graceful, with longer hair. They all wielded different weapons, but it was clear that each Squad had an identity, a specific method for defeating the enemy. It was… extremely enlightening, and it made Dinesh consider his own Squad. How should they cast themselves, going forward…?

Currently, Paolo was scowling at Kayle. “You are all talk. The minute I exit Neveah’s mouth, you will have long gone, retreated to your small hovel to shiver in fear.”

“More talking… so little doing…” Kayle countered. The two glared at each other.

“Both at same time!” Neveah announced, her oddly hollow voice flowing over the entire crowd. Everybody paused and thought about this for a second.

“Acceptable.” Paolo said, crossing his arms, grinning at Kayle. Dinesh could tell that the man was just glad that the weight had shifted to his rival.

Kayle, for his part, had the humanity to remain silent for 3 seconds. Then he said yes.

So it was, that the three Squads sat and watched two of their leaders climb into Neveah’s mouth. Before she closed it, they both looked out at Dinesh.

“Dinesh, shall we make this a Captain’s outing?” Paolo asked, extending a hand. Then he exchanged a sparkling glance with Kayle.

“Kukuku… truly, this will be a wonderful bonding experience,” Kayle said, his own wicked smile growing. “Neveah, can you fit him too?”

“Yep!” Her cheer was that of a psychopathic murderer staring down her next victim.