Chapter 104: Contract (1) (2/2)

”So you finally showed huh?” Fargo was surprised to see the healer he'd spoken to a few days past present as well.

With two familiar faces greeting them and a hospitable atmosphere things were going well. Only one of the trio would feel a sense of foreboding. At the time Ashe dismissed it as simply being the odd man out, but the more he glanced around the more he noticed the occasional glances in their direction.

The second Ashe's eyes would meet with anyone they would smile and avert their gaze, or pretend to engage in conversation. Ashe was skilled in reading lips, so he soon realized that several of the tables were repeating the same conversation over and over. Still, despite this Ashe would never abandon his first and best friend Glint. Seeing Glint's smile as he was welcomed by not one but two of Memento Mori's members was enough to quell Ashe's concerns.

”Come, let's sit down and talk. What brings you to Memento Mori? You're joining I hope? I could really use some Strikers to help out on some tasks I have!” The healer said as he motioned for Fargo and the others to follow him to a nearby table.

The next hour was spent in conversation and idletry. Fargo got to know the healer and even learned his name (Atru) as well as Cyn -- Glint's new honey. They ordered mixed drinks, a rarity in an adventurer's world largely in part because acquiring a plethora of alcohols was notoriously difficult. They spoke about their recent adventures, as well as their troubles ranking and anything else that came to mind.

Finally, after quite some time they found themselves with a proposal to join.

”I've only been here for two or three weeks now, but in that time I've easily gained one or two levels a day.” Atru said as he finally set his beer mug down on the table and wiped his upper lip.

”Really? You only gained one or two levels a day? I thought the experience gains were much higher?” Glint asked, to which Atru just laughed.

”Indeed Glint. I gained those levels by simply hanging around the chapel though. I haven't actually done anything too demanding yet! I'm itching to get out there!” Atru explained.

”Well, I'm sold..” Fargo said, his cheeks blush from the drinks he'd consumed within the last hour. He glanced towards Glint, the person he assumed to be the deciding voice in the matter. Instead it was Ashe who spoke up.

”Glint. Can I speak to you for a minute.” Ashe said, he got to his feet without giving anyone at the table a chance to respond and soon stepped a few meters away.

”I'll be right back.” Glint said as he practically peeled Cyn's arms from around his own.

”What is it?” Glint asked, having met his friend, who was now standing at the end of the nearby bar.

”I'm getting a sketchy feeling. I don't know what it is.. But somethings off here.” Ashe said as she glanced around. The patrons of the chapel, the adventurers Ashe assumed to be members, had long since began to ignore him. However something else stuck out in Ashe's mind as odd -- all of them, with the exception of the bartender and the pair at their table seemed….robotic.

When Ashe pointed this out Glint naturally glanced around. He couldn't sense anything out of order, but then again his sense for danger wasn't as keen as Ashe's -- it was one of the reasons the two became such fast friends.

”Ashe.. I don't--” Glint was interrupted by the woman behind the bar, ”Can I get you boys something? Maybe another drink for Cyn? She seems to really like you mister.” The lady said as she nodded towards Cyn who was waving for Glint to join them back at the table. Fargo was also looking on hopefully, a certain desperation painted on his face. Glint could imagine why, he'd given Fargo such a hard time about joining chapels so his eagerness was to be expected.

”No, not drinks. Thanks.” Glint responded before pulling Ashe to the side.

”Is it something...life threatening?” Glint asked.

”I don't think so. But...it's more like a nagging feeling that something's not right.” Ashe replied. Glint thought things over for a moment before giving his final answer, ”Well. Let's just check it out. If you spot anything let me know with a signal and we'll make an excuse to get out of here.” Glint whispered as he gently punched Ashe on the shoulder. Ashe nodded and the two returned to the table. Moments later Glint nodded, signaling to an ecstatic Fargo that the two agreed to joining the chapel.

”Ah! Great! You guys are a lifesaver! Say-- maybe all five of us can form a party once this is all said and done. That would be great, right?” Atru said, accompanied by a warm smile.