Chapter 62.

However, as terrible as the pay was, to get back out there and fight was a surprising pleasure. To exert one's body and mind, to explode in magical power while sowing death everywhere : that was a profoundly satisfying activity for the three mages. They had been lured into the city, getting at each other's throat for little nothings and making drama where only cooperation used to be. Well, mostly. But then and there, with the sharp fangs and glaring red eyes of death all around, everything made sense. There was no discussion or infighting, only adrenaline.

They woke up from the drunken feeling of safety the city of Sephayis had intoxicated them with, realising how comfortable it was to stand side by side against the tide of danger. This realisation physically took them farther than they thought it would, and they quickly found themselves using wild magic to fuel their limbs with stamina instead of taking breaks, whipping Grey Devils with flaming ropes and bright beams of light. The enemy was as weak as it used to be in the Maze, to the trio's enjoyment. After an unknown number of hours, they stopped : Enora felt exhausted.

(Enora) Sorry, guys. Think I haven't as much Basic Energy as you do. I focused on fire too much …

(Nick) Waiting for you again, aye ?

The teasing and good mood were back, as weird as it may sound. Killing made them feel better. Ignoring Nick, Rose answered the woman's excuse :

(Rose) Don't worry. You are more efficient with fire than us anyway, so you make up for it. And we needed to take a break regardless : we've been going at it for many hours already.

The two older mages finally noticed that fact, smiling apologetically at the little blond for forgetting her smaller build drenched in sweat. They decided to stop for fifteen minutes before going back to the city and a soothing bath. It would have probably been way smarter to stay in the tunnels for a few days straight of hunting, but they were doing all of it to pay for their room at the inn. What was the point if they did not enjoy that comfort ?

On their way back to Sephayis, Rose counted the number of Grey Devils they had slain through the little bag of tongues in her hands. Why tongues ? Because it was not rare for those creatures to miss an ear, and eyes were just disgusting. No one had ever seen a monster with a missing tongue though. It was easy to remove, and very distinctive, with its pale blue colour and bulbous ridges. It looked sickening but still less than eyes.

Finally back at 'home', Rose, Enora and Nick first went to the guard's Captain, claiming their reward without delay. The tower was still filled with the angry roar of the man, probably admonishing one his men again. After waiting on the ground level and discussing with the few guards that were on break at the time, they entered the Captain's office. He looked ever so pissed.

- You again ?

- We were wondering who would pay us for the monsters we kill., said Enora. Is that your job ?

- Yeah. How many ?, he asked, ready to note the number down.

- Twenty-five for today., answered Rose on a calm tone while holding out the small stinky bag they had bought before leaving.

With a distrustful look, the towering man took it, quickly checked the inside and gave it back, unfazed. It seemed like the exact number did not interest him, only a rough estimate was enough.

- Good work, folks., he soberly congratulated while scribbling on a paper. That will amount to one silver and twenty-five copper. Not bad for a first foray. No Batereli or Catergas ?

- None, it was disappointing., answered Nick in a bad mood.

- Wanna die so young ? You said you fought a few, but the big fuckers are more dangerous than you give them credit for. I won't say you were lucky before, but don't underestimate an enemy. That's a direct path to pain.

Taking the money they were owed, the three mages prepared to leave. However, the Captain stopped them with these words :

- There is another way to make quick gold in the tunnels, one that can be a little less dangerous.

Looking at him with suspicious eyes, Enora nodded to hear the rest.

- If you ever find a large gathering of those creatures, you can just report it to me for rewards., his tone was serious. And I don't mean groups of a few dozen, I don't give a single shit about that ! I mean large camps, hundreds of them in one place, something you can't take care of by yourselves. That would be dangerous for everyone, and a great help to notice in advance.

- Does it happen often ? For the monsters to team up in great numbers ?, curiously asked Rose.

- Not that much, only once every four seasons I'd say. But if we are not aware of it, they will begin raiding the Desert Road and militia outposts set up further in. We can't afford to lose the few trade caravans that dare travel here.

- We'll keep an eye out Captain., assured Enora after a few glances with the other two.

- Good. Now get out.

Once outside, the group smiled back at the passing Simmis, probably on her way for her daily report, before heading back home.

(Rose) So the monsters can coordinate. The mining operations were one thing, but actually getting together like raiding parties feels like something intelligent races would do.

(Enora) Intelligent ?

(Nick) Relatively speaking, I guess ?

(Rose) Of course. It also means that these tunnels can be way more dangerous than we anticipated. We would look mighty stupid if we stumbled upon a Gray Devil rave.

They mentally laughed at the sight the little blond imagined, relieving a bit of the stress built up by that new information. They were used to taking risks in an unknown environment with minimal details, but it had already cost them many scars that still itched from time to time. Like most people, they did not want to expand their collection.