Demanding

“We got the goods!”

We arrived with the ingredients we had bought and started cooking. Azuno and I left it to the others to prepare the meal. Our skills we showed when we had to cook the curry weren’t sufficient enough.

As we waited, I learnt many other things about him. He was pretty good at chess, so while we waited we played a few games. I had no idea about any strategies so it wasn’t a surprise I lost 15 games in a row.

The skewers and fruit were done being prepared and after a long day of work we could finally relax. The lake glistened from the sunlight as we enjoyed the meal. The skewers were cooked to perfection. The meat was nice and tender and melted in the mouth, while the bright coloured fruit were sweet and refreshing.

“You know, I’ve come to realize how amazing of a cook I am. These skewers are amazing,” Walker said, as he stuffed his face with 2 at the same time.

“And you still have those horrible eating habits,” Rei replied, slightly disgusted by her childhood friend.

“You know, it’s pretty cool how there’s 2 sets of childhood friends here in this group. We have you two and Ivey and Sefilio. Azuno and I feel kind of jealous that we don’t fit in.”

“Speak for yourself. I don’t care.”

“Aw, Did you want to be more than just childhood friends? How cute~!”

Everyone burst out laughing as Sefilio grinned mischievously, resulting in her receiving a cold hard stare from Azuno.

As we continued to enjoy our lunch, the atmosphere started to become bubbly. It felt like we had always been friends.

After cleaning up, we gathered some more data before heading back to our rooms. We had collected enough information and took probably more photos than we needed too. I was going to leave my room to get a drink when Walker stopped me.

“Hey, there’s something I want to ask.”

I wasn’t too sure what he wanted to ask about, so I simply nodded.

“You and Rei… Are you guys really close?”

“Huh?”

“Well I saw you guys together before and… Nevermind. Sorry for saying something weird.”

He left the room, leaving me quite confused. Lix, who had been lying on his bed, started laughing. He noticed me staring at him confused and sat up straight.

“Sorry, it was a bit funny seeing something like that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you know how Walker and Rei have always been close. Well he’s definitely slightly overprotective. Don’t let it get to you though, he’s just looking out for her.”

At around 6pm, the councilors had summoned us to the center. One of the leaders stepped forward, dressed as a witch.

“Here yee, here yee, it is I the great Mage of Mount Bone. I have summoned all of you to take part in a quest to walk the path that will lead you to find the great treasure hidden deep in the mountains.”

She seemed to be enjoying her role a lot. A few giggles could be heard from us.

You must make a formidable team of 4 that will be able to beat all these challenges that await you. After you have finalized your team, please make your way to the beginning of your journey. We will be waiting…

Everyone started to split into their groups.

“I guess we need to find 2 more people.”

Ivey, who had been next to me scanned across the field. Azuno had already formed a group with his other friends. They seemed to be from another class because I hadn’t recognized them.

“Can I join your group?”

Sefilio had emerged from the crowd, and was slightly tired. Ivey had a smug look on his face.

“Don’t have any frien-”

Before he could finish his snarky remark, a swarm of students emerged. Sefilio immediately turned around to face the crowd.

“Sorry everyone, I promised to be in a group with these guys.”

With a simple sentence the crowd dispersed and Sefilio sighed.

“That seems a bit rough. You’re pretty popular.”

“Yeah… it gets a bit tiresome. Anyways, Ivey what were you going to say?”

“Nothing.”

Just when we had thought the ruckus was over, another crowd appeared within our vicinity. Sefilio was shocked and confused.

“Wha? But I already told them I joined you guys!”

“Please join our group!”

“Sorry, but I promised I would be with them!”

Rei had come running out and grabbed Sefilio’s arm.

“Quick, let’s run to the start!”

We made a run for it and the crowd ended up fighting itself. We had our names marked down and set off for the course.

“Did the crowd also have high demand for the Rei Sakasa?” Sefilio asked.

Rei nodded.

“It’s always like that. I’m glad I found you guys before it got worse.”

“Why didn’t you join Walker’s group or your other friends?”

“I got separated from the group. And I also wanted to join you guys.”

As the two continued to talk, Ivey and I hung back. He had a bit of a worried look on his face.

“I feel like something bad is going to happen…”