It was noon when Alma finished her story and Ryousuke stifled a yawn. He didn't get much sleep the night before and was extremely sleepy. He started to slowly walk towards Brightcloak. Alma was still happily humming the to herself as if the loss of her tribe didn't bother her. Though she stopped when she saw him leaving.

  "Wait, take me with you!" She pleaded while teary eyed. He pondered for a while before sighing. Despite his cold attitude towards others, he wanted someone to talk to. And he really needed someone to take watch when he's asleep. He could've asked one of his step brothers but he doesn't want to trouble the Cliffs anymore. Alice on the other hand... He doesn't really want to think about it.

  "Perhaps I can bring you, but with the condition you don't get in my way or I'll just leave you alone." He paused briefly before staring into her eyes. "And you need to earn your meals." Alma started to tremble while looking downwards. She then suddenly grabbed both of his shoulders and saying thank you. Ryousuke just pushed away her hands and stood up.

  He left her cheering behind him while thinking of her when she attacked him. Her behaviour right now was completely different than the coldness he felt earlier. As if this is another person replacing her. He can't even sense the dark-ish atmosphere she emitted when they fought.

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  "Hey! Wait for me!" She ran towards him in heavy armour. It made a lot of noise and Ryousuke winced a lot. "Can't you not make any sound?!" He held the bridge of his nose as his head started to hurt. Alma just stuck her tongue out at him before the armor dissipated into thin air. He just sighed and refrained asking her about it.

  They continued walking in silence for a while before she asked him. "Aren't you curious about what I did just now?" Although the town was just right ahead, he stopped and made a fake cough. "I'm not much of a talker so I'd prefer if you stop talking about unimportant things. Unless you want to seperate from me right this instant." He was looking at her with a made up smile and his eyebrows are clearly twitching.

  "Hmph..." She pouted in protest before nodding. Ryousuke went through the inspection gate while Alma trailed behind him. As the city is still understaffed, the guards stationed are just to look out for monsters and shut the gates if something went out of control. Their destination was The Adventurers' Guild, currently the only place with decent management.

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