Chapter 626 - Odd Ranger (Part 2) (2/2)

”Many. How dangerous is it supposed to be?” Lith asked.

”Wish I know. It can go from boring as heck, where the worst thing we have to face is the whining of pampered smarty-pants, to a nightmare where we have to pave our road in blood, steel, and bacon.”

”Bacon?” Lith asked regretting the question the moment he heard himself saying it out loud.

”Well, yes. When push comes to shove, we might run out of supplies, and monsters are meat, after all. A man needs to eat.” His words sent a shiver down Lith's spine and made him check his food supplies stored inside his pocket dimension.

”How are you supposed to evaluate me if nothing happens?”

”I wish I was still such an optimist. Shit always hit the fan, kid. It's only a matter of when. If it's of any consolation, I'm not enjoying this any more than you do. As soon as winter ends, I'm going to retire.” Morok replied.

”Retire? You're what, 25?”

”Being a Ranger it's not an easy job. Most people quit after two years, four tops. I've been a Ranger for six years now. I've done my part and now I'm eager to convert my merits in a noble title, get me some lands, a missus, and dedicate my life to magical research.

”As for you, I heard you are a bounty hunter and now even a Spellbreaker. This mission is the perfect task to put your abilities to the test. When exploring ruins, the real danger doesn't come from monsters or magical beasts.

”The real threat usually comes from the human sitting right beside you.” Suddenly, Morok's jovial mood disappeared. He took a dramatic pause, looking at some point past Lith.

He had the expression of a man who had experienced one betrayal too much and was now lost in unpleasant memories.

Lith felt an odd sense of kinship toward the fellow Ranger. At least until Morok stood up and said.

”Man, the food here is great, but it runs through your stomach as if it Warps. See you in a jiffy.”

Lith sighed, wondering what kind of a moron he had been paired with while pondering Morok's words.

'Interesting. So the army suspects that someone inside the group might be a foreign spy interested in our ruins.' Lith thought.

'Or maybe they want to prevent an internal strife. In case of a big discovery, a lot of people might be tempted to cause an ”accident” to take credit for it. It's not just a matter of fame or glory, but also of the reward that the Crown would bestow upon the one who contributes the most.' Solus suggested.

After Morok returned, they went stockpiling for food and everything they could need during the following days. Once they were done with the preparations, the two Rangers left Letras by flight.

”Our destination is the crystal mines in the duchy of Laroxya. The rest of the expedition should arrive shortly.” Noticing Lith's surprised look, Morok quickly added.

”Do you remember the monster outbreak? Well, some crazy-ass goblins raided the permanent guard post that protects the mines. Normal monsters would have been easily killed, but the little bastards could fire some black rays from their hands that pierced through our defenses like they were made of paper.”

Lith had no idea how to call it, but he had seen Chaos magic enough times to recognize it from its effects.