“Wait,” Joe's eyes were widened when he allowed Sophia's words to sink in. “Did you just say Chloena participated a few years ago?”

“Yes, I think it was 3 years back if I remember correctly.” Sophia said, with one hand touching her chin as she looked to rekindle her memory. ”Chloena participated but she didn't win anything that year, she was still an unknown to the rest of the world at that point but she has grown to be a world wide name.”

“That doesn't make any sense.” Joe took a step back from the counter, trying to organize the whirlpool of thoughts and questions swirling in his mind. “It's impossible. There's no way Chloe could've been in Grisha 3 years ago. It hasn't even been 2 days since Earth was destroyed.”

Joe's heart thumped against his chest, “Maybe it's not Chloe.” Joe thought to himself, but he quickly shook his head and dismissed the thought. “No, It's her. if she looks just like Chloe and their names are almost Identical it has to be her.”

This was his only lead, he had to belive it was Chloe. He just had to, at least untill he saw Chloena with his own eyes.

“Syr, help me out here. Is it possible for an Outsider to have arrived in Grisha 3 years before I did? Does that even make sense? Chloe and I were both transported on the same day Earth was destroyed. It shouldn't be possible.”

[Remember We're Dealing With Primeval Gods. When It Comes To Them, Anything Is Possible.]

Joe had mixed feelings after hearing Syr's words. On one hand he was relived to find something like this was possible. It meant that Cloena could still be Chloe. But it also brought another host of questions, if Chloe had been in Grisha for at least 3 years, what did that mean for the other Outsiders? What did it mean for his mother Grace? How long had she been in Grisha? 3 years? 5 years? 10 years? The possibilities were endless. Was she even still alive?

And what about him? Why was he transported 3 years after his sister? Did the Gods do this on purpose? If so, why?

Joe didn't know the answers. Once again he was left helpless, beings way more powerful than him were making decisions, decisions Joe could not control. He was weak, helpless.

He gritted his teeth, his nails digging into his palms despite him wearing his protective gloves. His fingers made crackng sounds, Joe wanted to break them, he wanted to break them so badly.

“Are you ok?’ Shelly asked, looking at him with worried eyes.

When Joe met her eyes, his shoulders fell down. He exhaled and his hands unraveled. “I'm fine.” He said, with a strained smile. He took his seat, his mind still bubbling with questions.

“Sophia, you said The Hunt is an event where adventures compete for the King’s treasures, what do you mean by treasures exactly?”

“It depends on what you consider to be a treasure. Is it a powerful mana tool? A dangerous potion? A large supply of gold pieces and jewels? Or the fame to be recognized all over the world. Chances are you'll find it, if you participate in The Hunt.”

Joe couldn't help but find the idea exciting. Could you really get all that just by participating in some tournament? With prizes like that, adventures all over the world would probably flock to the capital of Tania. Chloe was bound to be one of them.

Shelly was done with her meal and she gave her plate to Sophia who cleared the counter without a problem. She turned to Joe, unsure of what to say exactly.

Joe turned to her with resolved eyes, “Let's do it Shelly! Let's go to The Hunt!”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Shelly smiled, “If that's what my leader wants, then i guess we're going to The Hunt.”

The two did another fist pump, confirming their next objective.

“If you guys are thinking of going right now I'd advise against it, you should recover and rest before you make your way to the capital. Trust me you'll need to be in top condition for the journey ahead.” Sophia advised.

Joe couldn't argue with her, he had been fighting for nearly two days straight. He needed to rest and recover some of his mana.

“We have rooms upstairs,” Sophia said. “They have comfortable beds and pillows, it will help you both relax and recover peacefully. And here's the best part, you can get both rooms at 40,000 gold pieces. A bargain, considering I normally charge 80,000 each.”

“You aren't worried about us, you just want to strip us of every gold piece we have!” Joe said, not impressed by Sophia's greed.

“Those are some wild accusations boy, I'm just looking to make sure you're both rested and ready for the journey ahead. Am I wrong for being such a caring individual?”

Joe's forehead twitched, he could feel his veins popping out in frustration.

“It's fine I'll pay for it.” Shelly said.

“What?” Joe turned to her. “Don't listen to her! She's trying to squeeze us of every gold piece we have.”

“We need to recover Joe, from here to the Capital it's going to be a long journey. I'll take care of the expenses, we just need to take it easy for tonight. We'll leave first thing in the morning.”

Joe relented, Shelly's mind was made up. “Fine, we'll do things your way.” He glared at Sophia and her smug face was infuriating.

“The Hunt is a week from now, you have enough time to make it to the Capital.” Sophia said, trying to reassure them.

Joe didn't say much after that. Both he and Shelly went to the rooms upstairs. Each took their own room and slept easy throughout the night. For the first time in what felt like a while, they both just relaxed and allowed their dreams to sweep them away.

….

Morning came, Joe and Shelly got ready before heading down stairs. Joe was fully rested and his body showed, he was more energetic and his muscle pain went away. His senses were sharpened to the extreme, this was the best he felt since arriving in Grisha.

He checked his mana pool and was pleased to find he regained [+3500 Mana Pool Points] during his 10 hours of sleep. He wasn't sure If this was the normal rate for mana recovery, but he guessed he would be able to recover mana quicker if he continued to leveled up. He also wondered If a person's class determined how quickly their mana recovered. He tried not to think about it too hard, [3500 Mana Pool Points] was still a substantial increase.

They both reached downstairs and Joe was surprised to find Sophia still working behind the counter. Did she even sleep?

A lot of adventures who were drinking last night passed out in their chairs and tables.

Shelly and Joe both stood in front of the counter ready to say their goodbyes to Sophia.

Sophia had to stop what she was writing on her screen, “I see you guys have slept well.” She said cheerfully. “Are you already heading out?”

“Yes, the sun is already out” Joe said glancing at one of the windows inside the Guild. “If you ask me, we've already slept too long.”

“There's no need to be in such a hurry, why not take a seat and have some food before you go.” Sophia offered.

“We don't have any gold left, you took all of it.” Joe said, a little bitter.

Sophia smiled faintly, “tell you what. Why not take these for the road.” She said, writing something down on her glowing screen

[+5 Loaves Of Bread Have Been Added To Your Inventory]

[+4 Bottles Of Wine Have Been Added To Your Inventory]

“Think of this as my gift to you.“ Sophia said with a smile.

Joe was surprised, he didn't think Sophia had the ability to give anything. Yet she was generous enough to offer them food that would them the duration of the trip. He was lost for words.

“Thank you very much” Shelly said, bowing slightly.

Joe did the same, showing his gratitude.

Joe and Shelly turned around preparing to walk to the exit, but Sophia stopped them. “You guys never gave me your names. I saw them on your licenses but I want to hear them from you directly. “

“It's Joe.” He said, waking away.

Shelly turned and introduced herself politely.

Before Joe walked out the guild, he took one last glance at Sophia, “I hope you become an adventurer once again someday. If you don't, you'll lose my respect for giving up on your dream.”

Sophia smiled, “you still owe me for that door you know?”

Joe turned to the open entrance. Without saying anything else he exited the guild. “Man I have way too many debts.”

“Hey wait up!” Shelly quickly trailed behind him.

Sophia was left with a somber smile. “That boy… I've met many Outsiders during my time but something about him is different. Maybe he's the one who will finally shake this stagnant world of ours… but I guess only time will tell. Goodluck to both of you, I hope we can see each other again.”

....

Joe and Shelly marched forward, they left the town of Perina behind as their journey to the capital began.

[Adventure's Guild Arc - End]