A few days have passed since Eric’s and Phisola’s argument, and things settled into a steady rhythm.

“So, how long are we going to do this?” Eric asked out of the blue.

“Do what?”

“It’s been days now, and we keep on doing the same thing again and again and again. You told me it would take two hundred years to collect the necessary blood like this.”

“Yes I did. So?”

“I don’t have two hundred years. I have just a few decades before I become a liability to you. And something tells me you won’t be taking care of me in my old age.”

She exaggeratedly nodded her head: “That’s true.”

“And I’m certain there has to be something we can do about it. Gathering rodent blood is cool and all, but certainly, we can do some hunting besides that.”

“You mean I can, because you never go hunting. By the way, how do you think we always have meat on the table? How do you think we get our food? Do you think I conjure it out of thin air?”

“No, no,” he waved his hands defensively, “I see and appreciate the work you’re doing very, very much. But don’t you think we could speed the process up if we’d do the hunting on a greater scale?”

“We?” She tilted her head sideways.

“I am willing to help. I’ve been thinking about it, and while you’re right and I should stay out of harm’s way as much as possible, I don’t have the luxury of time. I won’t get any stronger than I am now, I’ll only get weaker.”

“You remember that short conversation a few days ago, right? I know you’re trying to look useful, but you don’t have what it takes to survive.”

“Then teach me.”

“I can’t teach you magic, silly.”

“Then I deserve to die!” He threw his hands up in the air, “I’ll die anyway! Of old age or whatever. I don’t have a hundred years to wait.”

“And who will be donating blood when you die, hmm? How will that speed up the process?”

“Makes no difference to me! It’s still not enough to get me out of here during my lifetime.”

“I understand you’re upset, but you won’t live long out there.”

“Or … or how about this? You’re a much better fighter than I am, there is no doubt about that, but why wouldn’t I carry the stuff for you? There are only so many carcasses you can bring on your way back. With me, we could bring twice as much in one go!”

“I can’t guarantee your safety. What if we run into a pack? I can’t kill them all instantly, so some of them will go after you, and then you’re fucked.”

“But you have this … dreadful aura, right? Beasts are scared of you.”

“There are far more dangerous creatures out there. We’re in the lower levels, so you’re damn lucky you found nothing but gustercine. The beasts are the least of our concerns down here.”

“More dangerous creatures … creatures like what?”

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“Creatures like me.”

“Are there other sentient creatures in here? Besides the adventurers, I mean.”

“Yes, but few of them are as friendly as I am.”

“Oh, yeah. That club to the head was very friendly.”

“It’s certainly friendlier than eating your entrails while you’re still alive.”

“Are there cannibals in here?” Eric asked with horror plastered all over his face.

“Not every sentient creature is humanoid, you silly. Beasts can be sentient, too.”

“So … are you saying there are sentient beasts out there?”

Phisola rolled her eyes in annoyance: “Yes, that’s exactly what I said.”

“Sentient beasts …” Eric tapped his chin while in deep thought, “… if they’re sentient, then perhaps they can be reasoned with.”

“Are all people reasonable where you come from? Can they all be reasoned with?” Phisola asked in an ironic voice.

“All sentient creatures want something. Maybe we could cooperate with them?”

“Yes, all sentient creatures want something. And some of them want nothing else but to kill and destroy. Do you really think that Dungeon Master brought meek, reasonable creatures in here?” She turned her palms to face upwards, “What would be the point of creating a dungeon where everyone gets along? That would be boring as fuck! Who would even want to watch that?”

“But look at us! We’re getting along! Sure, our relationship is toxic to the max and could use some improvement, but we’re working towards the common goal, aren’t we?”

“You’re the first person who has lived for several days near me, and that’s only because you’re a submissive coward.”

“But you have a mother. Surely …”

Phisola closed her eyes while sighing heavily, making him stop mid-sentence.

“I’m talking about here, you idiot!”

“Ok, ok. I’m sorry. I was just thinking …”

“You think way too much, but all of it is wrong! Listen … you know what?” She looked him dead in the eye with a cold expression he never saw before, “You know what? You actually managed to convince me. How about we go right now!”

She went and got herself the same club she used to hit him over the head.

“How about we go right now and do some hunting? You and me, we go there. I hunt, you gather. And if I get overwhelmed fighting multiple enemies, you’re on your own!”

“Calm down, I was just …”

“I’m perfectly calm! Congratulations, you’ve just succeeded in convincing me that you should come with me. Your arguments were so well made and logical that I can no longer argue against them. I’m certain we’ll get all the blood we need in no time, so let’s go. You want to get out of here before you turn into an old timer, don’t you?”

“Wait, wait. Let’s sit down first and talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about! You’ve convinced me! You won the argument, so let’s go!”

“But why the sudden change of heart?”

“Because you’re a grown-up adult and not some kid. Who am I to argue if you know you have what it takes? And on top of that, I’m fucking tired of your whining! So if you get eaten, good! I’m done with this shit! Why can’t you males be normal for once? Why do you have to be either overconfident pricks with nothing to back it up or whiny bitches who nag, bitch, and moan all the time?”

“We’re just talking.”

“Yes, and now it’s time for some action! Since you can’t be bothered to listen, you’ll learn on your own! You will either sink or swim, just like everyone else. So, come on, let’s go! This is exactly what you wanted, isn’t it?”

“Let’s make a plan first. We can’t just go out there without a plan! We should also start making a map of our surroundings so we don’t get lost or run in circles. And I also have no weapon at all! How am I to defend myself without a weapon?”

“I don’t know, but you’re so eager to go, aren’t you?”

“Ok, I was being rash, and I admit it! Let’s plan it out first!”

“What is there to plan? We go, we hunt, and we bring back more blood. It’s not philosophy we’re talking about.”

“Yeah, but what am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to strike or defend?”

“That doesn’t matter. If you find yourself in a pinch, your instincts will take over. And if they don’t, you shouldn’t live in the first place.”

“Can’t you teach me a few things before we go?”

“I could, but I don’t want to. Besides, it would be a waste of time. You’ll forget everything I taught you the moment you get scared, so it’s for the best that you learn it on your own, through experience. And you aren’t supposed to be fighting in the first place. You’ll just carry the carcasses for me.”

“But what if they run past you?”

“Well, that’s funny. That didn’t bother you just a moment ago. It’s really funny, isn’t it? How people’s attitudes change the moment the reality hits them. All of a sudden, they start caring about things they were dismissing not so long ago.”

“Ok, I get it. You have a point. But let’s not be rash about it. Your life will be on the line too, not just mine.”

“If it comes to that, then I’ll just use you as the bait. I bet I run faster than you do. At least I don’t have silly, useless clothes restricting my movements.”