Perhaps the escape had simply been too harrowing, but Fekro couldn't squeeze out another word about what followed. He merely guzzled his drink, panting in heavy gasps.
For a moment, silence settled over the church.
Fekro seemed thoroughly shaken; by the time he finished recounting the tale, his face was pale, and he occasionally mumbled nonsense.
Cecia sat in her chair without speaking, gently stroking Vesper's head.
Starfolk.
Grey Reef.
An underground city hollowed out beneath the island.
Was she really supposed to slaughter her way all the way to Grey Reef and eliminate the source of the Starfolk by force? Give her a break—Cecia was still only a Rank Zero magic apprentice. There was no way she could substitute for the Inquisition to resolve the crisis threatening the entire coast.
The main quest was simply too difficult; Cecia even considered abandoning this Spirit Realm Excursion altogether.
After all, she hadn't received a single prompt for this Spirit Realm Excursion. Who knew what depth she was even at? When she crossed over, there hadn't been any notification whatsoever.
Cecia felt a bit frustrated. For now, it seemed her only option was to look into the prison, investigate the town's history, and see if there was another way.
Nothing was going smoothly. At the moment, the only comforting thing within reach was Vesper's fluffy head.
Perhaps Cecia had unconsciously squeezed a bit harder, prompting Vesper to let out an uncomfortable whimper.
“So...”
Lan leaned against the wall, her long saber glinting with a cold gleam.
“There are even more of them over at Grey Reef?”
Robert had a grim expression, his face obscured by the flickering, dim candlelight.
“White Sand Reef already has powerful Rank Three enemies. The sea monsters Grey Reef can spawn will only be stronger.”
Lan fell silent. As much as she loved battle, she wasn't so senseless as to throw her life away for nothing.
Rank Three was no longer something that could be overcome with sheer grit.
What was worse, that Rank Three tending to the brood might not even be the strongest.
Mia lowered her head to treat Horn's injuries while nearby nuns assisted her.
Mia had a nun bring holy water and then carefully tended to Horn's wounds. Although they had already been bandaged, the rocks on White Sand Reef seemed to have been coated with a thick layer of unknown slime by the Starfolk.
This had caused Horn's wound to become infected, and he likely wouldn't be able to move for quite some time.
Each time the holy water cleaned the wound, Horn winced in pain.
“Don't squirm.”
“I know, I know.”
“Don't participate in any operations until your wound is completely healed.”
“I understand.”
“You say that every time.”
Fekro was still sprawled on the floor, his lips twitching slightly. “Hey, old man, this mission was far too dangerous. I burned through a full twelve explosive rounds—can I get reimbursed?”
“If not, count me out. It's way too dangerous.”
Robert's expression remained hidden. “Of course. The intelligence you brought back is crucial. If you keep working, your compensation will only increase.”
He turned around and produced a chest from behind him, filled to the brim with gold coins.
“Take this and divide it among yourselves first. When the commission is complete, you will only receive more.”
“Hell yeah.” Fekro looked considerably more energized.
It felt as if his earlier weakness had just been an act to raise the stakes, all for a few extra gold coins. Then again, they were desperadoes willing to pay any price for money.
Amber said irritably, “You guys split it. I'm backing out of this commission.”
“Huh? There's still plenty of gold coins and rewards left.”
“Are you blinded by greed? Not only was there a Rank Three magical beast, but even the Sea God's familiar showed up! You still dare to take a commission like this? Are you insane?”
“The bigger the storm, the dearer the fish. As long as we stick with this old man, there's coin to be made.”
“Leave if you want. Only a fool turns down free money. We'll just split your share evenly.”
Fekro drained his cup in one go, looking as carefree as could be. To him, losing a competitor was cause for celebration.
Amber was amused by his shameless smirk.
“Fine. I hope you look just as cool the next time you're being chased by Kraken.”
“Hmph, don't worry. I cheat death every time. It's nothing.”
Amber took her share of the reward and left shortly after. Robert made no attempt to make her stay.
Fekro waved goodbye with a grin.
It was no big deal. A commission was merely a contract and transaction; since it was clear she couldn't fulfill it, forcing her to stay would serve no purpose.
Cecia also received her bounty—a heavy pouch of gold coins.
The meeting did not end with Amber's departure; everyone continued to chime in and discuss the next steps.
“What are our plans moving forward? Are we still going to Grey Reef?” Mia asked.
“No, we absolutely cannot go to Grey Reef. The monsters on White Sand Reef are already dangerous enough,” Robert objected. His pure white cowl covered his face, but his tone brooked no compromise.
“So our only option is to patrol the beach?” Lan asked.
Robert answered, “Yes. I have already written to the imperial capital. The Inquisition will soon learn what has happened on the coast and send people to resolve these troubles.”
Cecia asked, “How many letters have you sent now?”
“This is the third,” Robert answered in a rapid cadence. “I've clearly dispatched three letters already. The first was given to a messenger a week ago, and today was the third, yet there hasn't been a single reply.”
“I don't know how much longer we can hold out. The barrier is on the verge of collapsing as well.”
Cecia pressed on, “Why not tell the townsfolk and let them evacuate quickly?”
Robert said calmly, “Telling the townsfolk would solve nothing other than inciting panic, only causing them to die faster. Until then... Lord, please forgive my deception.”
The meeting ultimately concluded in utter silence.
The surrounding atmosphere, however, left everyone feeling uneasy.
After all, with no news from the imperial capital, Tide Town felt like an isolated island.
Mia helped move Horn into the infirmary to tend to his injuries, while Lan grabbed her saber and headed to the coast to patrol; she truly loved fighting.
Robert, needing to maintain the barrier, remained alone in the church.
Vesper complained of hunger, clamoring for something to eat.
However, Fekro caught up with them from behind.
His complexion looked much healthier now. Money truly was the best medicine in the world, Cecia mused.
Rate on N.U.
