The sun was starting to set by the time John, Mary, and Mr. Meyer arrived in the new town.

The first thing the group did after entering the town was checking John into a medical ward in the adventurer’s guild.

John tried shirking off getting treated but Mary insisted, saying how it wouldn’t do any good for him to be in less than prime fighting condition. Especially with Ashur gone at the moment and without a clear idea on when he’d be able to catch up.

Mary and Mr. Meyer’s were sitting a couple feet away from John as he lay unconscious on the bed that was prepared for him. The two looked at him as the doctor came in and started dressing his wounds.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?” Mr. Meyer inquired.

Mary turned to him with a conflicted expression. It wasn’t a look of uncertainty, she knew the answer but it bothered her nonetheless.

“I don’t believe he’ll be killed if that's what you're asking but, I can’t picture him coming out unscathed. That woman’s presence was so powerful that I wouldn’t want to fight her personally, that's for sure.”

He looked at her slightly surprised at her response. “Is that answer something I can really count on, Mary? That he won’t be killed, because it seems like Ashur would be the only one who could handle someone of her caliber, being an A rank adventurer after all.”

The doctor finished and after exchanging a few words, walked out of the room which left Mary and Mr. Meyers’ to continue their discussion.

She nodded while wearing an assured look on her face. “I guarantee he’ll be back. I’ve known him since we were kids and I’ve seen him get stronger and stronger. While that woman would be in a different class from me or John I could see him beating her.”

Mr. Meyers’ gave a sigh of relief. Mary knew that he had to be under the most stress out of all of them.

Not only was his decision to support the candidate risky in of itself, but he had more to consider than just politics. He had a family, a daughter he had to get home safe too and Mary didn’t want to forget that. Not for one second.

“Argh…”

The two perked up after hearing the slow muttering nearby. They glanced over to see John, slowly rising in the bed.

Mary quickly reached over, gently helping him to sit up fully. “Are you alright John?”

His upper body was completely covered in bandages and while his lower half was still bleeding slightly, it had been sewn shut as well as possible.

“Yeah. I think so, we can get going now.”

“Huh?” Mary had a shocked look on her face. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. She assumed that John was experienced enough to know when rest was needed but she might’ve assumed wrong. “No John, you have to rest okay? You’re in no condition to be moving right now.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

He shook his head stubbornly. “On the contrary, I agree that rest is important, but staying still is the worst thing we could do right now! That woman was super strong, not to mention she might not be the last fighter of that caliber they’ll send our way, so I think it's best to leave at once.”

Mary started to open her mouth to disagree but stopped briefly. She knew his reasoning was right but she still preferred he rested more before they headed out again. She didn’t want him to rest just for his sake though, she was thinking that by the time it took John to recover, which she guessed to be a day or so- Ashur might show up. That way their party would be full and they could leave with little to no worries.

She sighed, frustrated that she couldn’t really counter his argument, from a logical standpoint he was completely right.

However, she felt strongly in her reasoning for him resting. “While I won’t say that’s a bad reason to want to leave so soon, I think that’s equally as bad. Let’s say we leave now and there are more fighters of that woman’s caliber. That just means to get to Mr. Meyers they’d have to go through a woman whose ability is purely passive and a wounded man who couldn’t take on even one of their underlings.”

Mary balled up her fist; at that last bit she said about fighting an underling John’s face contorted with shame as he looked down.

She didn’t mean to be so blunt but she was firm in her belief, if they left right then and there Mr. Meyer would surely be killed. She continued, “Honestly we could both be wrong. This is a really tough call to make.”

Mary turned towards Mr. Meyers', “The choice is yours as our employer. We’ll do whatever you choose.”

John raised his head now, intently looking at Mr. Meyer, who at this point was looking down deep in thought.

“Before you decide I want to apologize, truly.” John’s words snapped Mr. Meyer out of his thoughts for a moment.

“It’s quite alright John. You’re still young, you have time to improve as an adventurer and a fighter. The only thing I’d ask is that you do your very best, it’s crucial that I reach Albaede. At the very least I’d like to announce my support and give my contribution if I am to die over this decision of mine.”

“Thank you, Mr. Meyer…” He looked at him in admiration. Of course he was still ashamed that so far, he’d been carried through this mission either by luck, or Ashur. But seeing Mr. Meyer so serious and full of resolve strengthened John’s resolve as well.

“Now, about my decision.” He paused a moment before continuing, “Mary, John?”

The two both nodded in unison.

“I’ve decided we’ll stay- if just for the next day. That way Ashur may catch up and John could get some well deserved rest.”

“Yes, Sir.” The two said in unison.

Mr. Meyer stood up, “Would you be fine staying here on your own John? I was thinking I would turn in for the night at an inn or hotel in the town.”

“Absolutely. You enjoy your night sir.”

He nodded and with one movement walked out the door of the medical wing. Mary started to follow but on her way out she paused at the door, turning slightly so he could see the side of her face. “I truly hope you can get some good rest John and I’m sorry if my earlier comment came off as rude. I just don’t like seeing people get hurt or die in front of me.”

He smiled and shook his head. His expression had a bit of gratitude written on it. “No, I’m glad you care so much and the next time I fight. I’ll prove my worth, but then again I hope we don’t get into a fight like that again.”

The two chuckled lightly in agreement. Mary smiled warmly back at him, “Well, I’ll see you later John. You have a good rest.” She exited the room in a rush, to catch up with Mr. Meyer as quickly as possible and now, all alone.

John clenched his fist firmly. [Whatever happens tomorrow, or the day after that, no matter what it is. I’ll do my best!] And with that last surge of inspiration imbued in him, John simply slumped under the covers quietly to take a well fought rest.