Chapter 19: Resolving the Issue

Suddenly, the sound of an engine drew everyone’s attention.

All eyes turned to the direction of the sound, but no one could see anything. They continued to stare until they could make out something heading towards them at a decent speed.

“Is that a car?” a person muttered.

Several other people whispered at the possibility as an idea struck Luke.

If it were really a car, it might solve all their current problems. The only question was if the driver was willing to help out.

Luke walked around until he was standing in the path of the car and waited. Many people gave him worried looks, yet he was not daring to say anything as the car got closer and closer. The car slowed the closer it got until it stopped a few feet away.

The driver stuck his head out and snapped, “Move out of the way. Can’t you see I’m driving here?”

Unfazed by the driver’s words, Luke walked straight to the car as he said, “Sorry about this, but I need a favor.”

“You sure have a way of asking for one,” the driver muttered darkly.

“I know this is asking a lot, but can you possibly drive me to my location and bring me back here?” Luke asked, earning an incredulous look from the driver.

The driver’s eyes roamed over the gathered crowd and wagon before bluntly saying, “No way.”

“Sir, I understand this is a huge request, but lives are at stake,” Luke insisted, refusing to step away.

“It’s not my problem, and I don’t want to know what your problem is,” the driver said, backing up.

Luke quickly followed the car, refusing to let it pass.

“We can pay you,” Luke fibbed, and it did the trick.

The driver stopped backing away and eyed Luke warily as he said, “You’ll pay me.”

Not wanting to lose this chance, Luke nodded and said, “We’ll pay you for driving me back and forth.”

“How much?” the driver asked.

At those words, Luke glanced back at the townspeople. The moment his eyes met theirs, they immediately looked away and fell into a discussion.

Given how far he was from them, he couldn’t quite make out what they were saying.

The driver impatiently tapped on the steering wheel as they waited for an answer. Right as the driver was about to lose his patience, one of the townspeople rushed forward with a bundle.

“We’ll give you all of this,” the person said, revealing the pile of money.

However, despite looking like there was a lot, Luke didn’t miss how they were mostly small change.

He hadn’t expected that.

From what he remembered, their town should have a decent marketplace. Their wealth shouldn’t be this little. Then again, they had fled the town to get away from the monsters. They likely didn’t think to grab money while running away.

“If you really want my help, you’ll have to pay me more than that,” the driver said, leaning back in his seat.

The townsperson looked devastated, staring down at the money as they muttered, “This is all we have.”

“Then tough luck, I guess,” the driver said with a wave of his hand.

Before the driver could make another attempt to drive away, Luke held a hand out to the driver and said, “Hold on. This is only the upfront amount. You’ll get more after the job is finished.”

His words caused the townsperson next to him to snap their head in their direction while the driver stroked their chin.

“I don’t know. How can I be sure you’ll keep your word?” the driver said.

“I’m a monster hunter. I won’t lie,” Luke said, hoping it would be enough to convince the driver.

The driver’s eyes narrowed at the words monster hunter. They didn’t say anything, considering their offer before coming to a decision.

“Fine, but the pay better be good or else,” the driver said.

The townsperson by Luke’s side blurted out, “Thank you so much. You won’t regret it.”

Then they ran off to inform the others of the good news, leaving Luke and the driver alone.

“So what’s the job? Am I supposed to drive you to where the monsters are?” the driver asked.

“You’re strangely calm about this,” Luke pointed out.

Luke had been worried that the driver would change their mind after learning Luke wanted to be driven to where the monsters were. He hadn’t expected the driver to be so relaxed about it.

“You said it yourself. You’re a monster hunter. The only reason you would ask for help would be because of monsters. You still haven’t told me what you need me for,” the driver said.

They had a fair point.

He quickly gave the gist to the driver, who listened without interruption. Once Luke told him all the necessary information, the driver huffed.

“Just my luck that I got dragged into something like this. I’m sure the guys back home would be laughing at me now,” the driver said.

“Then?” Luke prodded.

“Get in. I’ll take you to the town. You better deal with the monsters fast or I’ll charge you extra,” the driver said, pointing a thumb at the seat behind them.

Luke didn’t need to be told twice and quickly informed everyone what he intended to do.

While the people on the wagon were hesitant to let him go, he reassured them that it would be quick. With a car, he would be back within an hour or two. After some more persuasion, they reluctantly allowed him to go.

One of the townspeople stepped up and volunteered to go with him to help, which he readily accepted.

He needed someone who knew the area to help him track down the monsters, or else he would be wasting a lot of time wandering. Admittedly, he hadn’t thought anyone would volunteer themselves, so it was a huge weight off his shoulders.

Without wasting a moment, they rushed back to the car and hopped into the backseat. As soon as they were buckled in, the driver took off down the road towards Waldbhau.

Luke and the townsperson glanced back to see everyone watching them leave.

Their figures slowly grew smaller and smaller until he could no longer see them. Then Luke faced forwards as he mentally prepared himself for what lay ahead of him.