Chapter: 83

At this, the annoyed soldiers collectively smirked and went back to guard duty.

“Yes, sir.” Mark and the other adventurer said, reluctant but not angry – they recognised that they deserved it for keeping everyone waiting till dark.

With that, Michael went to the fire Jay and Anya were sitting at, pouring some water on it before announcing in a loud voice “Ok everyone, back to the village. I’ll take the lead, while I want adventurers walking in the middle.”

The class trainers and soldiers all formed 2 marching lines as they walked back side by side with Michael on the front. Other than a brief moment where Michael paused to analyse the blood stain still colouring the path, the marching troops maintained a constant speed.

Along the way, Mark made conversation with Jay. Jay thought he was a friendly guy who seemed to care about others – though he did have his lapses in consideration for others.

To Jay, Mark seemed like a guy who cared about others but was just a little forgetful. “Perhaps he has his own demons” Jay thought.

“So what do or did you do?” Mark asked.

“I used to run a butchery but… well, my father left and I wanted to become an adventurer so I was considering finding someone to run it for me. It’s been hard alone but I am now used to it.”

“Oh cool. My father was a mason, he used to design bridges for the kingdom but he eventually decided to settle down here in the quiet countryside.”

“Bridge design huh? So you must be kinda rich?”

“You would think so, but he invested in some… unfortunate businesses… After everything that happened we were almost homeless.” Mark looked at the ground with sad eyes “But my mother held on and worked hard as a maid, and we were able to stay off the streets.” Mark’s eyes seemed like they could produce a tear if he blinked hard enough.

Jay was instantly encouraged by Mark. ‘How does he have such a positive attitude after what has happened to him?’

Before Jay could finish his thought, Mark continued.

“It was hard… ” It seemed like Mark could’ve gone on, but he decided not to over-share.

“That’s rough.” Jay didn’t know what else to say, so he decided to help. Not that Mark was a charity case.

“Man, if you’re interested, I’m planning to do some more grinding in this dungeon. Wanna come?”

“Yeah! Thanks man!” Mark smiled broadly “Is it cool if Kel comes too?”

Mark pointed at Kel – the other adventurer that Mark had left the dungeon with.

“Yeah sure, I don’t see why not.” Jay shrugged.

Kel looked back at Jay, a bit of an introvert – Jay was the one to introduce himself.

“Hi, I’m Jay.”

“Hi. I hope it’s all good if I tag along with you sometime” Kel smiled. She had a warm smile as she looked at Jay, with a small stature and curly brown hair, she carried a cheap-looking wand as she walked.

She noticed Jay looking at her wand. Holding up it, she explained herself “I just want to be prepared” she smiled.

Jay chuckled as he turned to Mark “So how did you end up with a manacrafter instead of a ranger?”

“Well, I just had trouble finding a ranger” Mark laughed as he scratched his head, Jay laughed along with him.