014

I gather my things then start heading out towards our house in the outskirts.

Though I say house, it’s just a wooden house we purchased as our base.

It’s rather crude but it’s quite warm.

We don’t leave our valuables in it.

It’s just a place for us to rest and sleep after all.

I see our base with the lights on from the distance.

Good. They’re here already.

I knock on the door.

*Knock* *Knock*

I hear footsteps.

A few moments later, the door opens to reveal the face of a rascal.

“You’re finally here.”

Chako greets me impatiently.

“Yes. I’m finally done. Is everyone here?”

I ask calmly.

“They’re waiting inside.”

I nod.

I enter and proceed towards the living room.

I hear Chako close the door behind me then walk towards the same room where I’m headed at a brisk pace.

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I enter a warm room to find my team wearing casual clothes while sitting near a round table.

They nod towards me.

“Good to see everyone here.”

I took a seat.

Chako follows after me then takes a seat as well.

Facing my team, I ask them.

“What are your results? On my part, I’ve gathered the necessary intel as well as records of the various incidents that are similar to this.”

I reported my results first.

Chako follows.

“I managed to gather some rare intel. Apparently, the bandits from regions near Riverdale Village have shown some abnormal movements. Moreover, a merchant with the same features has also appeared in those regions in the months following the events surrounding our hometown. I couldn’t get his name.”

“A merchant and bandits? A shady connection. Noted. What was that merchant’s features?”

“He had a rotund belly and black hair. There was also the symbol of a serpent on his left leg.”

“Hm. We should take that in mind.”

I note those details to myself then proceed.

“I did find some intel but not that much better than Chako’s. Still, I did find out that there’s an old demon hunter that lives in a village on the way towards Riverdale Village.”

“Oh? Good. We should meet him then.”

I proceed to note that down in my mind.

“So, what did you achieve, Julian?”

I ask my good friend.

“I managed to turn in our equipment to a trusted blacksmith. It’ll take three days until he finishes his work.”

I raise my hand to my chin.

“Three days? That should suffice, I suppose.”

I took a deep breath.

“There’s no need to confirm anything else. We’ve already discussed what we need to do. For now, I’ll say what my plans are.”

I lean forward.

“First is our preparations. But that’s already taken care of. Our move for now should be to meet that old demon hunter on the way. After that, we will head to the village. Julian and I would meet with the adventurers already present there. Chako and Adrian, you two should meet the other locals. Given your origins, they should be more willing to talk to you and divulge more details. Also, please draw a map of the area. The maps they’re selling is far too outdated.”

I told them my plans.

“Our objective is gathering information and returning alive. But our secondary objectives are to save as many as we can and stop their plans as much as possible. But that’s not realistic. We simply need to gather as much information and prevent any more deaths at least until the army arrives.”

“Any objections?”

They shook their heads.

“Good. Then, let’s proceed!”

I place my hand in the center of the table.

Julian follows.

Chako is next.

Adrian is last.

“No matter how, we shall succeed!”

We chat a bit more before heading to bed.

With these members, I’m confident of at least retaining my life.

Proceed to 015