A slow and relaxed walk later Rex was in front of the small building that Light's Oak lived in. Hearing no activity, yet aware that the girls were still inside, thanks to a small mana pulse of his, he decided to sit on one of the garden stools that were placed between the small buildings, waiting for his new party members to start moving around. And as he did so, he allowed his mind to roam, considering other ways he could employ his skills and unique talents to speed up his growth phase. Sure, he was strong when compared to low level adventurers, but Rex was well aware just how much might can a single entity posess and staying weak in comparison to that was not acceptable.

While brainstorming and contemplating, he did not forget to use mana sonar every now and then to keep track of his party. Around an hour later, after yet another sonar he finally sensed change in their locations. The girls were starting to move around. Yet another thirty minutes later, the door to their lodging opened, as the ladies exited one after another, each carrying a bag of their own.

"Ah, Rex. You are here early." Spoke Samanta once she noticed him slowly standing up from the seat he had taken, eliciting the attention from the rest of the party.

"Would'nt want to delay the party on my first day as a member." A soft reply came from Rex, as he gestured with his hand "Shall we?"

It took them another fifteen minutes to reach the smithy. The group had seperated in two to maximize the efficiency of their time. Rex, alongside Ria and Veena had gone to the smithy, while Samanta, Alurial and Meru went off to finalize their carriage needs for the road. With the six of them, they would still need two carriages, and by the time Samanta would bedone with that, Rex should have aquired his new weapons as well.

Rex did not foll around, walking straight over to the smith, explaining his needs and interests. The man in charge looked at Rex for just a moment before asking to see his current weapons. Inspecting them for a moment, he nodded with satisfaction and brought them over to a selection in a seperate room that was not open to the public. 'A proper care this one takes of his tools' were the words the smith spoke before revealing the limited stock, each and every weapon screamed of skill and devotion spent in their creation. Luckaly, there were only few spears among the collection, saving Rex quite a bit of time, just like with shields. There was only a few base types he could chose from, especially with his fighting style. With swords it took notably longer, the selection being the largest among the weapons. Still, Rex spent as little time as he could in the smithy, well aware that the weapons he buys now would only be used untill he condenses and crystalizes his own blood based versions. Unlike steel, the ones he creates himself would be akin to an extension of his own body, allowing him to infuse his own mana with terrifying efficiency.

With Rex having aquired everything that he wanted, their needs for sleeping and whatnot being covered alongside their carriages, he followed Ria lead to purchase some additional rations for their journey and with that done, they walked towards their destination. A dozen or so minutes and an extra few bags in Rex's hands later, they met up with Samanta's group, who had finished everything on their end as well. Two decent looking carriages awaited them, loaded and prepeared for a week long journey.

Since they wanted as few people as possible to know their destination, there were no other carriages, or people, besides the two coachmen of course. And as a part of their own special 'guild' of sorts, their lips were sealed, unmoved by any kind of money. And for those fools who tried to forcibly open their mouths, said 'guild' would ensure that no one in their direct line would later live to tell the tale. of course, just as great of a penatly was inflicted upon those coachmen who did sell their knowledge to whoever was buying, with the exception of the people of interest actually asking, or at least noting that they dont care, should said information was sold. A special marker was in the pocket of every coachmen, should he meet such a user of their services.

And so, a few moment later, the two carriages left the town, quite a few people scrambling to prepeare a party or two to track them down. Neither the greedy rogues, nor lordlings henchmen wanted for their ticket to riches to dissapear, yet they had been too elusive lately to actually try anything against them. And now, they had skipped the town, clearly aware of their perpetual stalkers.

The carriages were split in the same manner as the groups that were taking care of the last few errands, with rex sharing a cabin with Ria and Veena and the other three girls taking the second carriage. For almost thrity minutes, a comfortable silence permeated Rex's cabin, his eyes closed as he meditated and lightly strenghtened his body forging art. While their chosen route was not overly dangerous, or traveled for that matter, it was never wise to fully take oneself out of commision, fully relying on ones temporary allies. So, while he was expending both mana and spirit, he did so in a measured manner, saving more than enough for some pretty serious business, should such a need arise.

veena however, not able to hold back any longer, finally had decided to let it all out. Her gaze locked on Ria, a mischievous grin on her face as she leaned slightly forward in her seat, earning the blondes attention.

"Sooo? How are the dates going?" she questions, expressively glancing in Rex's dirrection. All girls were aware of the changed deal Rex had demanded for their chance to participate, and while less explicit when it comes to the details, it had a boatload of other juicy tidbits. During the last week, while Rex was training Meru, he had also found the time to take Ria on one of the promised dates, something the rest of the party girls learned about only after the fact. Ria, of course, had remained mute on the subject, though veena had seen a slight, if barely noticable traces of smile on her face whenever the outing was mentioned.

"I believe I have mentioned that it is a matter for me, and me alone." Ria replied somewhat coldly, but Veena noticed the slight tug at the corner of her lips as her eyes moved upwards, as if recalling a rather pleasant memory. 'Tsk.' Veena clicked her tongue, clearly annoyed by the continiues secrecy of her friend. 'Could I guilt trip her into coming clean?' a devious thouoght began hatching in her mind. A light prank to be pulled off, all for the betterment of the world, of course. Before she could finalize her plans and take action, Rex's voice interrupts the momentary calm.

"i took her to a few places in the city, after which we had a nice and relaxed dinner, all the while talking about her and the rest of the party. There was nothing spicy for you to latch on to, so I would apreciate if you werent so curious about things that do not concern you in general."

"Then why is she clearly smiling, no matter how small said smiel appears to be? I will have you know that my eyes are quite sharp."

"A number of possible reasons, one of which could have been the way I treated her as a person with character, not just meat that I will eventually conquer. Something I have noticed more than just a few adventurers atempting over however little time I have spent exploring the city. She is kind, gentle and quite well read about the various herbs and potions that can assist in healing ones wounds and ailments. As someone with a slight interest in the art of alchemy, I find that rather remarkable. Why would I not enjoy a pleasant conversation about a topic that has earned our combined interest."

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Veenas eyes were still focused on Ria as Rex spoke, quickly noticing the small smile on blondes face growing just a little bit more pronounced. Ria was clearly happy with the praise she was recieving. 'Damn! Did not know you were this easy girl!' Veena exclaimed in her mind, clearly suprised by this side of her friend. Though she could also see just how fast Ria schooled her expression, returning to her previous calm demeanor.

"Well, learned enough?" Ria asked, a certain glint appearing in her eyes. The blonde was not going to take it lying down, so she shot back rather akward questions as well, putting Veena on the spot. Ria looked like a mature and kind woman, but she had her own little ways of acting childish. She was the haughty elder sister that everyone needed in their life, living by the creed 'Only I am allowed to tease my younger sibblings', replacing sibblings with party members in her particular case. And while Veena recieved a special course of said teasing, Rex was having the time of his life, laughing quite a bit at the archer blushing and complaining time and time again. Ria only stopped some thirty minutes later, when it seemed that any more would bring Veena to actual tears.

"That will teach you to tease your elder sister. Hump." Ria huffed, winking to Rex who was looking at her with a slight smile on his face and a raised eyebrow.

"I am liking you more and more, o magificent maiden." he spoke as a lull of silence took over the carrriage, his gaze firmly locked on the healer.

"You will still have to wait untill our next date either way." replied Ria, her haughty elder sister mode still entirely on.

"Woud not have it any other way." a reply came from Rex as he winked back at the blonde beauty, shortly after closing his eyes once again and returning to his meditation, not forgetting to use mana pulse to feel out their surroundings every now and then. One who is aware is that much more safe during their travels after all and Rex refused to be caught of guard.

The rest of their first day of travel turned out to be rather bland, nothing but the rattle of their carriages and an occasional stop to let the horses rest, as well as a conversation every now and then about general topics. Even the places that were chosen as the resting spots felt mundane, consisting of either a small pond by the side of the road, paired with some fields of grass that horses were allowed to graze in for a short while, or a small forest clearing with similar conditions. And while it looked serene and calming, no other signs of human life around besides the road, Rex could not find it in himself to care all that much about any of it. He had flown on the back of a giant bird and seen sights that would take ones breath away. What could such mundane sights bring to him? Nor was he exploring these places with one of his dear girls. 'I wonder, would I be able to bring them over here to enjoy a rather simple but new adventure, once I reestablish connection with myself?' Rex mused at one of these stops.

Eventually, they reached a small clearing with lodgings, clearly established for travelers to spend the night, ensuring their journey remains as safe and relaxed as it can be. Still, since they were in the middle of nowhere, there was still a need for a nights watch, lest they fidn themselves rather stiff and dead in the morning, and that would be in case they got lucky. With the number of girls in the party, a horde of goblins was of a much greater worry for them, so much so that Samanta had spoken clearly about what should be done if they were to be overwhelmed and about to lose. 'End my life if that ever happens. I would much rather die than be defiled and broken in their pens.' were her exact words regarding the matter. Rex did note that before they ever go there, they should keep going untill at least he falls, no sooner. Only he himself knew just what kind of devastation he could bring to the world were his back trully against the wall. As such, he pointed out that he has quite a few tricks up his sleeve should they be pushed to the end, none of which he was willing to expose at the moment. ''Trust must be earned, not demanded." he explained to the group as they were having the talk awhile eathing their supper.

As for the night watches, he offered to take the middle shift, allowing the remaining party to get a proper nights rest, explaining his willingness with the fact that he had rested during the days travel time, something that his two carriage co-hosts easily confirmed, noting how most of the path, his eyes were indeed closed. In the end, Samanta agreed, but on the condition that she would take it alongside him. There were six of them, so a nights watch split in three parts, two guards per shift, and since she was the one who ussually took the shift alone, it was only normal for the arangement. Rex just shrugged and spoke"Suit yourself." before retiring to one of the three tents that were set up beforehand. One of the tents was for the coachmen, the other two for their party.

The first true challenge was about to comence, since two of the girls would be sharing the tent with Rex. Samanta, as one of the main supporters when the idea about Rex joining their party, had volunteered herself, with Ria raising her hand to offer herself as the second, only to be beaten to the spot by an excited exclamation from Alurial of all people. Thus, Rex's tent companions would be Samanta and Alurial. Not that Rex cared much, since he was in no need to release any pent up desires any time soon, nor was he interested in complicating the party dinamic. Sure, he was taking Ria out on a date every month or so, but it was more of a way to mess with the girls innitially, than any proper courting.

Entering the tent, Rex took the sleeping back on one side, sitting on it, crossing his legs, covering his body with a blanket and closing his eyes, setting himself an internal clock to stirr awake from the meditational trance slightly before his shift starts, or in case of a commotion. What he was not aware of however, was the speed with which his second tent mate would join him inside, quickly occupying the middle sleeping back, ever so slightly moving it closer to him. Since there was no hostile aura or intent in the actions of the small girl, Rex remained blissfully unaware.

Samanta, upon entering and noticing the situation inside, lifted her eyebrows, clearly suprised by the situation, as well as Rex's chosen position to rest in, though she said nothing. Each person had their own kinks and oddities after all. Who was she to judge the pose one took to rest for the night, no matter how weird it seemed. The light blush on the half hidden face of Allurial, as she had moved he sleeping bag right next to Rex's was more interesting to Samanta though.

She quietly walked over, her ranger training allowing her to move with deadly silence, and just as quietly took her own sleeping bag. Then, she subtly moved it closer to Alurial, and once settled in, she whispered to the smaller girl.

"You do know that he is taking Ria on dates?" Allurial simply rolled her eyes, the reddish tint on her cheeks not dissapearing one bit.

"Its fine, I am willing to share withe her."

'The dressing down that Rex gave her back on our way to the raid location has served her well.' Samanta thought as she smiled back to the half elf, a mischievous idea surfacing in her mind.

"Hoo? And what about me then? Would you share with me too?" a quiet whisper that managed to bring a bit more red in Alurials face, likely imagining how that would look. Though her eyes did half closed in suspicion a few moments later, sharply eyeing the party leader.

"I will think about it." came yet another whisper.

Samanta just smiled back and left it at that. She was more than willing to wait for more and better opportunities to tease her friend. Soon after, the two girls drifted to sleep.

A few hours later, Rex slowly opened his eyes, aware that his shift should soon come. He did notice almost immediatly the two delicate hands of a mage that had clung to his blanket.

'Well, well. well. Someone has started to act upon their desires. Good luck on that, young lady.' Rex smiled slightly, wishing all the best to the ambitious girl in her pursuit. She was after all seemingly chasing afer a god candidate. Cant be aiming much higher that that as a relatively new adventurer. Samanta had also scooted closer, though surely to keep an eye on Alurial, lest the girl finds too much courage. Regardless, the future was shaping out to be fun as all hell, so who was Rex to deny such an opportunity. He would live it as he sees fit, providing boons to his friends and miserable time to his enemies. Ready for his own shift, he slowly and quietly left the tent, noticing the two girls on watch duty as he exited, earning himself light smiles from Meru and Ria.