Chapter: 181

“Besides, I’m too old for these silly feelings anyway…” he thought as his spectacles were starting to get foggy.

Hodley had to encourage himself like this nearly every day; no one else would. He wasn’t sure if he was either getting used to the world seeming to be against him and treating him poorly, or if he was actually being worn down, little by little, piece by piece.

The bath was a multi-ruby bath type so it heated much quicker, but the water still took time to fill it. After the temperature was right, he went to tell Matheson the bath was ready before returning to his meal.

The room was stinking and his breakfast was cold, much of the oil had run out of the eggs making the whole plate greasy and gross.

“Why…” Hodley looked at his food.

“Did he plan this?” he wondered as he sat down. Matheson’s timing was perfect; frightening the old man when his guard was down eating breakfast, but right before he could even get half-way through his plate.

The meal was ruined, not just because of the coldness but because of the smell which Matheson brought back, still lingering on.

He opened a window and finished his meal anyway, not letting the food go to waste. He knew things would get harder soon as Matheson would be around less and less, meaning the mansion’s budget would decrease.

After bathing then eating like a king, Matheson went to bed, sleeping until midday before he planned his next outing.


In the courtyard of the adventurer association, an officer was looking over a crowd of adventurers who would soon be joining the military.

These were the new recruits from Losla, and Michael stood by the officers side.

The second officer was sitting behind a desk outside as he recorded their names, level, class and that they were from Losla village before making a report for the other officer.

“Hmm… according to our records there is usually more… You have been saying the script right?” the officer enquired of Michael

“Of course” Michael smiled, pulling out a note as he used an overly enthusiastic voice, so enthusiastic that it sounded almost sarcastic, as he began to read it before the officer:

“Working in the military is an opportunity to serve your country, your king, and achieve greatness. You will be given the proper training to achieve your potential and become a brother among many!”

He put the note away with a shit-eating grin, knowing that he read it with the most dull and boring voice he could muster when he initially read it.

The officer sighed “Hmmh, very well.” He could smell Michaels bullshit from a mile away.

“There were going to be two more as well, but they are on a short mission. We’ll be sending them at our own expense directly to a military hub.” Michael added..

“I see, good. Everything’s in order so we’ll be leaving in a few hours.”

“Okay. If there’s anything else, speak to Margaret at reception.” Michael pointed to the building.

“Thanks. We’ll see you in a year then.” said the officer bluntly, looking at the other one as he made a hand sign, signalling him to start getting the soldiers to pack up.

The soldiers began to herd the adventurers, getting them to pack up first before they put their own tents away, dismantling the various cooking objects over the fire pits and filling in the holes.

Other adventurers did the same while one of them flattened the earth again before leaving – he had made himself a whole dirt house to sleep in, to the envy of some of the other adventurers – though a few befriended him as they thought they could get an advantage by being his friend.

– – –

Viladore walked into his office, ready to start another day of research.