Chapter 67

Really? Silvias eyes rounded, and her face brightened.

Does that mean you will still help me clear the cave? Silvia asked, voice soft and a little imploring. Her tone was always proud, but ever since what happened with the Horned Rabbits, her voice took in a softer tone when talking to Ren without her even knowing it.

If you want, Ill pay for your services, equipment or not.

Ren shook his head. Weve already established our deal. And besides, I was the one who insisted on having a tank in the group. As long as hes good, and I get an equipment fit for me, then I dont mind having lesser loot.

Silvia briefly closed her eyes and released a breath.

Thanks. I hope that youll still listen to me even if Im not the leader, she joked.

Ren just glossed over her relief and said with a monotone voice. Youre my client. Youre the one who employed me. Ill only listen to you no matter who the leader is.

. . . Silvia caught her tongue, and her eyes went wide at Rens words. What happened to him that he was suddenly acting like a knight with principles and not just some money-hungry, blackmailing mongrel looking out to exploit her at every chances he got, like what happened at their first meeting?

Was this his way of making amends for what he did in their first encounter?

Or was she right all along in a.s.suming that he might be into her as well?

Silvia suddenly saw Ren in a new light. Could it be that he was not such a brute after all? For once, he was acting like a gentleman.

Anyway, I hope you dont forget our deal, Ren said when Silvia was busy prying for his face while thinking about his actions.

Huh?

Ren raised a brow. The equipment if theres any and the money if theres none. We just discussed it not even seconds ago.

Silvias mood plummeted, and all her good thoughts regarding Ren completely went down the drain. She waved her hand in annoyance. Fine. Fine.

She then paused like she remembered something. Oh, and another thing, besides all that I mentioned, hes bringing some of his friends along with the raid.

Ren was silent before he asked. How many?

Not much. Only two people. One healer and one DPS.

*DPS (Damage per second) in this case. It pertained to players who have a high damage output.

Ren looked at the girl with short golden hair beside Pamela and the other male loitering close to Robert with clothes and a weapon akin to a Human [Swordsman].

Ren had a bad feeling regarding about this, but he kept his mouth shut. He didnt want to say anything that would cause mistrust and discord amongst the group.

And besides, Ren wasnt sure if he was going to be right with his thoughts. He was aware that he was too suspicious and always thought of a grim outcome. He needed to release some of the tension. It was exhausting to always overthink.

He needed to give at least a benefit of the doubt though he would not be complacent either.

But if he was right . . . Rens eyes turned cold, looking at Robert, who was enjoying talking with the ladies.

Ren still wouldnt say anything about it.

If Silvia was going to put up a guild, then exposing her to all kinds of treachery would do her good. Experience is always the best teacher.

Is that alright? Silvia asked Ren.

Ren dodged the question and brought up another topic. Speaking of which. Ill bring someone with me too.

. . . Huh?

Before Silvia could say anything more, Ren cut in, Hes a Monk and would be a great help to us. Dont worry about the loot. Weve already talked. As long as he gets EXP and gil, he doesnt care about the rest.

Why didnt you tell me that there would be an extra person? Silvia wasnt against the extra person, but she was more annoyed that Ren didnt tell her beforehand.

I just met him a while ago by chance, Ren simply said. If youre against it

Silvia immediately shook her head. No. Its fine. Just tell me this early so I can tell the others beforehand. I have no qualms with it, but you know that even an additional person could be an issue since . . . you know EXP and gil would get reduced if there are too many members in a group. Silvia even had to reduce her number of members to accommodate Robert and his friends since she was thinking of the EXP and gil.

Ren knew that he had his fault for not telling her immediately and not confirming with her about Nikolai. He just simply forgot since all he could think about was clearing Vulcans Cave, whatever it took.

Failure was never an option since the EXP penalty would surely be huge if they got wiped out.

Sorry. It wont happen again.

Egh? Silvia was stunned yet again. She surely didnt expect Ren to apologize.

He portrayed himself to be prideful and confident and wouldnt admit any fault.

Silvia guessed that she had judged him wrong and re-evaluated Ren in her mind.

He was indeed prideful but knew how to apologize when at fault. She didnt know any men who were like that except Ragnar.

Come to think of it. She was surrounded by arrogant and prideful young masters all her life who didnt know what apology or defeat was. Her father, her relatives, her friends.

Silvia took a deep breath and changed the topic. Where is he anyway? So I can introduce you to the others.

Ren s.h.i.+fted his gaze and searched for Nikolai. When he didnt spot him, he left him a message.

[Ren: Where are you?]

Mister!

Ren and Silvias attention flickered at the incoming tiger pup, who was wagging his tail and flapping his ears as he squeezed himself from the crowds.

Ren breathed easy. He thought Nikolai had ditched him. Good. You made it.

Sorry. Sorry. My sister had held me against my will. I had to make so many excuses for her to let me go.

Nikolai caught his breath the soonest he was in front of Ren.

Its fine. Im glad that you showed up.

Nikolai took in a large air intake before facing Ren with sparkling eyes. Of course! I wouldnt miss this for the world! This is my first-time dungeoning, and Im so excited I could hardly breathe!

Ren just shook his head while Silvia squinted her eyes at the kid.

Nikolai?

Both Ren and Nikolai looked at Silvia.

Oh! Big Sister Silvia! Youre here too?

Silvia stifled a laugh, and she pointed at Nikolai while looking at Ren. Dont tell me that Nikolai is the Monk you speak of?

Ren nodded. You know each other?

Yes, Nikolai answered. Big sister Silvia is my sisters friend.

Is that so? Ren then faced Silvia. Isnt that great that youre both acquainted.

Egh? Nikolai s.h.i.+fted his head between Silvia and Ren. Dont tell me that the group you speak about is Sister Silvias group?

Yes.

Nikolai burst into a smile. Thats great! We can play together! then his smile fell right off his face. If only sister . . .

Does Sumeri know that youre attempting a dungeon?

Yes.

Silvia grinned and raffled Nikolais hair. Tell her that youre in my team and that we had a blast so that sister of yours would get jealous, and she would start playing again.

Nikolais downcast face turned brighter once more. Yes!

While Ren stood on the side like a statue, who didnt know what was going on with the conversation.

-

A/N

Electricity and Wifi was out yesterday because of the rain and thunder. So Ill try to publish four chapters today.

CHEERS!

PS.

I post A/N after I publish the chapter so the coins would remain the same even after I add one hundred or thousand words.

A/N doesnt add to the coin price.