Testing Resolve

The time to head out came upon us faster than I expected. But perhaps it was because I was so focused on making potions with the limited bottles that I had. I had to make careful choices, not sure what we were going to be running into. It was easy to just make six healing potions and call it a day. But with a standard healer in the group, I could consider other options.

The ingredients that the Markets made available to me for the mission opened up my options more than I expected. There were so many new recipes and even ideas that I hadn’t even considered yet. But it showed me how flexible the craft could be. It generated new ideas for me in the future.

It was also during this that I remembered I hadn’t set my new stat points. The danger that we faced even in scouting had me considering dumping everything into Vitality. But I spread it out to Vitality, Magic and Magic Attack, with more in Magic Attack. We had to clear out the monsters on the way. I wanted to be useful and this would increase my offense and healing potential.

And like before, when I applied the changes my body seized up for a few seconds. Training wasn’t required like with everyone else, but my body changed from these points. That was my only assumption I could make now.

But almost exactly on time, a group of four appeared at the steps of the Markets. Denica and her Thorns, everyone that I saw outside during the curse attack. Calina stood out in front of them. “Remember this is only a scouting mission, don’t engage with the demon. This isn’t about glory or fame, it’s about lives. Come back in one piece, everyone one of you!”

“We will!”

The Thorns had friendly looks about them giving me a bit of a knowing look. They probably remembered us from before. Denica motioned with a thumb pointing back to her group. “These are my boys. Your situation has already been explained. Derik Yeso, he’ll be providing you additional support in healing. He knows his way around the sword better than he does the ladies.” That gained a few chuckles from the Thorns before she continued. “Might have you questioning things, but he’s a Sword Meister.”

A healer using swords was a little unique, but I had to guess it was some hybrid class. But if his weapons were long developed then probably could be a strong healer. Better than me, that was certain. I focused back quickly as she continued the introductions. “This here is Ferin Tembolt, our mage able to sling fire and water like he was breathing. And then you’ve briefly met before, but this is Renold Garicon, the best scout in Ala Pena. If he doesn’t want you hearing him you won’t.”

With the end of introductions, Denica faced Eri’Sol looking down at her. The look in her eyes was clear enough that this wasn’t going to be a simple matter. “You should stay behind, Eri. We can look after Minoru.” I understood why she said that, but it felt like I was only being included because of my status. Much like Eri’Sol I didn’t belong either. We were too inexperienced to be of use.

“I’m going with you! I must!” The same look that she used on me to make me eventually fold went to Denica now. Though it had little effect on the woman. Denica just stared back.

“Emotions and bravado won’t be enough, Eri. You’re not ready for this. Earlier proved that.”

That hit her really hard. The memories and doubt grew larger in her that it started to curl her body. Part of me wanted to step in, but it was smarter to keep her out of it. There was no intention of fighting the demon, but that didn’t mean the worst couldn’t happen. It would be safer this way. I think she understood that.

In her silence, it seemed that Eri’Sol accepted the answer. Denica turned away, motioning to her party. This was the way it had to be.

A crushing of stone suddenly interrupted everyone. We looked back to see that Eri’Sol’s massive sword pierced into the plaza tile. She looked back up at Denica with anger. “Yes, all I know is emotions! But I also don’t have the experience you have and how do you expect me to get any if you send me away at the slightest danger! I might be weak right now, but I need to overcome it to be ready to stand at his side. Right?”

I didn’t really know Denica very well or Eri’Sol for that matter, but it still made me nervous because I was seeing that determination bubbling back up. Denica already looked settled, so I didn’t know how rough she might get. “You’ve always had a stubborn streak about you.”

“It’s how I forced you to teach me.”

“Not many have guts like you. Set on this path, eh?”

“He’s my friend. I made a promise.” I wished she’d stop saying that. It didn’t mean what she thought it did. She decided that one sidedly.

There was a bit of an inclination that Denica’s mind changed before she said anything. The hardness in her eyes faded. I didn’t know if it was a soft spot for her apprentice or seeing what she wanted out of Eri’Sol. “You’re not wrong about needing experience. If you’re coming, you’re in the front with me.”

“Of course!” And it was decided. I wasn’t going to try to sour the mood, not that I could win an argument with her anyway. I certainly was more guilty of having a soft spot for her than Denica. This was still a dangerous idea, but we also had this debate earlier. Which I gave into as well. She got what she wanted.

Renold went out ahead as we finally headed out. The two tanks of our party stuck together as agreed upon. The path to the cave took some weaving. Whenever I saw Renold pop in he had new intel to relay to his leader. Avoiding a fight was a relief. They probably wanted to remain in top condition for the cave.

Denica turned to face everyone as we finally arrived at the entrance. The lighter tone and features she normally carried disappeared. She narrowed her gaze, speaking in a heavy voice. “If past reports are anything to go by, there will be plenty of monsters inside. A veritable monster’s nest. Be swift and strike to kill.”

Miss Calina already warned as much, but hearing it repeated with the cave in front made me freeze up a little seeing it. They didn’t really say what sort of threat the monsters would be, but it felt like whatever it was would be beyond anything I had faced so far. An endless spawning of creatures, for the heroes this would be an excellent place to farm for exp.

“Eri, you’re with me at the front. Renold takes the rear, make use of those keen senses of yours.”

“I’ve got your back, boss.”

While they settled on the format, I looked around the menu again. ‘It wasn’t as much of a problem when it was just the two of us, but if I’m going to be in a proper party I need a better way to track everyone. It’s got everything else, there should be something.’ I hadn’t pressed too hard on it before, but I dug around looking for anything that would give me displays. It wasn’t like a game where there were display settings, I needed something else.

Buried down two menus, I found the party list. Naturally, it was currently empty. I looked around at the others trying to focus on them. They needed to be added, but not even Eri’Sol who had been with me for a couple days now was recognized. ‘What do I need to do?’

When thinking or speaking their names didn’t work, I tried to poke at the party menu. There was only a way to leave without any sort of add or remove feature. This was such a terrible system. I was really wishing for a tutorial at this point. But Eri’Sol came over leaning into my view.

“Minoru? Is something wrong?” She reached out and touched my forearm where I was keeping the screen up in my view.

The moment that her fingers hit my skin I saw a system message appear.

‘Do you wish to add Eri’Sol Finrow?’

It was that simple? I had to touch everyone to add them. That made me sigh a little to her. “Oh just everything. It’s fine. I solved it thanks to you.” She didn’t understand, but smiled, grateful to be helpful. A green bar now appeared in my vision along with her name. Now it was starting to feel a little familiar.

I went around explaining the situation and getting their permission to add them. To my surprise, there was a degree of customization I had with the UI allowing me to move around elements in a way that I was comfortable with from my raid times. I moved them a little closer to the center of my vision so it wasn’t on the edge anymore. Habit told me I need to turn to see the periphery, but that wasn’t how it worked when it was in my eye. It never got closer no matter how much I moved.

As I finished my prep, I saw Ferin tightly holding on to their staff like their life depended on it. “There’s a foul smelling mana coming within.” Curious if mana did smell, I leaned closer. It was subtle, but a hint of sulfur and rotting fruits with an odd spiciness hung in the air.

“Then it seems like we found our demon’s home!” Denica said maintaining the same serious confidence. She looked around to everyone. “Remember, this is recon only. We’re going to peak on our intruder, not pick a fight.”

I swallowed roughly, feeling it drop like lead in my stomach. There wasn’t even an idea of what the demon could be like and I was already scared. We were out of our depth.

The cave invited us in.