"This is a bit embarrassing to say, but my fiancée used some harsh words to tease me when she found out that I got injured during the hunt. You see, she has a poisonous tongue and any man would find it hard to keep themselves calm under her verbal attacks. I momentarily lost my senses and lashed out saying I would bring back the corpse of the scarlet bear as a trophy. We argued back and forth and somehow, things ended up being the way they are." Zach narrated his story and ended it with a short cough.

Vincent found the story somewhat funny. Not only did Zach and his fiancée not get along, it seemed as if they couldn't stand each other. It really made one wonder how their marriage was arranged. "I see, that is certainly an amusing story. I am willing to help you if the safety of our hunting party is assured. Scarlet bear is a dangerous beast after all."

"Haha I knew I could count on you Vincent. The valiance and sense of strength you exude just by standing makes it clear just how reliable you are. I hadn't expected anything less from you since the moment I first laid my eyes on you. You don't have to worry about our safety, it is pretty much guaranteed. So, what do you want in return?"

The words that flowed from Zach's mouth surprised Vincent. He found it difficult to keep a straight face even if he was only listening. No one knew how Vincent could exude a sense of strength and valiance just by standing, especially after looking at his pale countenance and lean figure. He couldn't imagine how thick skinned one had to be in order to utter those words. An unspeakable sense of shame had already taken over everyone present except Zach. Vincent tried his best to calm down his twitching cheeks and spoke, "How about a spell model of second circle spell? I won't claim anything else from the hunt if we are successful."

Zach nodded without any hesitation. A spell model of second circle would cost around five gold coins. The total price of a scarlet bear's corpse would come around ten gold coins. Though he would have to pitch in from his pocket, he didn't mind since the measly gold coins would save his pride and dignity. He could also use this opportunity to get back at the vile woman he was supposed to marry. A second circle wizard would also be one the strongest member of the party and it would increase the chance of succeeding by a lot. This hunt would also present a good chance to befriend Vincent and strengthen his relation with Nathan and Casper.

"So, where does your confidence about our safety come from?" Vincent asked the question he wanted answers to the most. Not only did Zach sound confident, Nathan and Casper seemed assured of their success as well. This time, it was Nathan who answered instead of Zach.

"Bruno, the village's hunter will be joining us. I believe you are already acquainted with him. Two other hunters from the neighboring villages will be joining us as well. All of them are tier one warriors. With their help, we won't have to worry about most matters. Casper is a tier two warrior and with his strength, it won't be a problem to keep the bear occupied. Young master Zach has also brought three magic gears of second grade and a single third grade gear. With your addition, it is highly unlikely that we will have an accident."

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Vincent nodded to show his understanding. Three skilled hunters with much experience accompanying their group of two wizards and two warriors could put up a decent fight against any second grade magical beast. Furthermore, Zach was willing to use magic gears of second and third grade. The group could only blame their incompetence if they still failed to take down their target even with such extravagant equipment and lineup.

"We will head out early tomorrow. You should prepare everything you need by then. You should rest well and not use too much energy on that shy little girl hiding over there. You might be young, but you never know when your body might fail to keep up. Alright, we will get going for now." Zach laughed out loud and left the house. Vincent wanted to say that he wasn't doing anything of such sorts with Alba, but the boisterous laughter of the fat Zach drowned out his voice and left him no chance. Nathan and Casper bid him farewell and hurriedly left as well. The former even managed to pat his shoulder and drop a sentence before leaving, "It's nothing to be embarrassed about. You are at that age after all. We will meet at the forest entrance at six a.m."

Watching the trio leave on horseback, Vincent sighed and gave up on resolving the misunderstanding. Sexual relation between a master and his servant was pretty common after all. Trying to change the preconception people had formed was even harder. Alba slowly came out of her small room and glanced at the departing trio. Looking at Vincent's unnatural face made her feel that she had inconvenienced him. She felt a little guilty as she couldn't restrain her curiosity and peeked earlier. Zach had seen her as a result and spoken those words.

"I am sorry master Vincent. They got the wrong impression because of me. I.. I will make sure to not repeat this mistake again." Alba apologized as she bowed her head. Her voice was shaking and she seemed a little scared.

Vincent waved his hands dismissively and said, "It's alright. They were already aware of your presence since yesterday either ways. I will head out early tomorrow. No need to prepare lunch for me since I will probably return late."

"I understand." Alba nodded and watched Vincent as he began handling various herbs he had recently bought from the villagers. The plants were skillfully processed and mixed until a viscous green liquid was formed. Vincent smelled the concoction and proceeded to store it in a bottle. His leather armor, crossbow, bolts and first aid medical equipment were then checked and readied.

Vincent set out the next morning all geared up. Upon reaching the rendezvous point, what greeted his sight was two well built men he didn't know along with Bruno and Casper warming up. Nathan and Zach looked sleepy with the latter even yawning from time to time.

"It seems like I am the last one. You guys sure arrived early." Vincent greeted everyone as he checked the time with his pocket watch. It was still 5:50 at the moment.

Nathan introduced the two new faces to Vincent and vice versa. Everyone familiarized themselves with each other and made the plans for how they should proceed with the hunt. After discussing for half an hour and making sure of each details, the group finally entered the forest.