Chapter 64.

Did the Body Enhancing experiment bring any advantage to the team this time ? Absolutely not. Was it useless or pointless ? Again, absolutely not. The test information gathered was valuable, as it contained clues on how to make more critical modifications. It had been a good idea to begin with something small and insignificant, as a failure on actual limbs may have crippled one of them to an extreme degree. With this joyful event over, the trio prepared for another day of hunting in the untamed tunnels around Sephayis. They did not feel like rushing such a dangerous procedure before being entirely sure of success. Actually, they probably would never be sure of anything, but maybe as sure as one can be ?

(Enora) Let's get a good meal before going. You coming Pink ?

Nick did not even give her the pleasure of answering. Well, he could not hide his annoyance and embarrassment really, but he did not physically react. Maybe it would go away with time. On another subject, the three humans had taken Ischyra's advice to heart and lowered the Nexus of Mind's intensity to a minimum during sleeping hours. They discovered a good outcome : it appeared that a mental burden they had not even realised existed was alleviated. They felt less irritable or tired. That detail made this new day a great one, to the point where Enora felt like thanking the barmaid !

Once in the large dining room, something immediately caught the trio's attention : there were more people than usual, and more importantly, they seemed very focused on some gossip with low voices. None of them could hear it, but an event must have happened recently for everyone to be this lively. However, it did not seem to be positive. Grave faces and clenched jaws appeared here and there. At the counter, they asked Ischyra what she knew about this general unrest.

- A militia squad has gone missing on its way to the nearest outpost., she said in a calm voice. They were supposed to go there and take the shift but never arrived. The Captain and all wonder what could have happened. You know : monsters, robbers, rival army from another city.

- Rival army ?, exclaimed Rose in surprise. Has it happened before ?

- Never., categorically answered the barmaid. There isn't enough to steal here. But unknown situations tend to stimulate lost minds.

- You don't seem worried that much., noticed Enora.

- Been there, done worse., the Palisci said on a lazy tone. You don't live as long as I did without getting into serious trouble. More importantly, you will never age if you worry all the time. Worry is a deadly disease.

- But what could make an entire squad of trained soldiers disappear ?, wondered Nick. Are there unique creatures in the tunnel that we don't know about ?

- 'Trained soldiers' !, Ischyra laughed lightly. That's a bit of a stretch. They're not called 'militia' for no reason : it's just civilians with basic training. If they were more than that they would be called an army, you know ? Anyway, if you thought that Aaterpas, Batereli and Catergas were the only monsters around these parts, then you are quite naïve. You've got those nasty quadruped dog-like creatures that can skin a man with their tongues …

- We've fought some of those in the Trial !, rudely interrupted Rose.

- … good for you., answered an annoyed voice. Apart from that, there are many rarer species of dangerous beasts hidden everywhere. Some close, others in the depth, feeding off of the weakest of the bunch. Maybe one of those migrated closer to the Desert Road and stumbled upon a delicious squad of militia from Sephayis. Or they just got overrun by a few dozen little grey shits, who knows ?

The three mages looked at each other intently.

(Nick) Maybe there is a reward for finding out what happened to the squad ? That would be a way to get on the good side of the Captain too.

(Enora) Maybe, we'll have to see. I say we keep going with our schedule and keep our eyes open.

(Rose) Even without the reward or anything, we should 'keep our eyes open'. For our own safety.

They nodded in unison, making Ischyra's mouth twitch into a slight smile.

- You want to go and see what happened, right ? There is indeed a reward for it, ten gold and, depending on the actual threat, more is negotiable. You should be careful though : the tunnels are already dangerous enough without this unknown threat.

- Your worry is very touching., said Nick jokingly.

- Well., the woman looked a bit annoyed. You guys may be interesting but, more importantly, you pay good money.

On that note, Enora, Nick and Rose had their meal at their usual table, listening as best they could to the nearby whisperings of anxious voices. It seemed like a normal thing to do for the people, to go to the inn and exchange this kind of gossip. Yet, not a single word was uttered about seriously going in the tunnels and finding out what happened to the 'poor bastards'. That was the militia's job.

With a dangerous day in perspective, the companions went ahead and did some shopping. Nick had no need for much, as his hooded hauberk protected most of his body, head included, while chain gauntlets helped for his hands. He still went to that jerk Magnire for a chain legging. Enora bought a new large shield, a spear and mail coif, putting aside her sword for the time being, while Rose was the one that needed the most equipment. It was time for her to get her own set of armour.

However, all that stuff was damn pricey, and the previous expenses already amounted to several gold nuggets. Knowing that, they settled for a lamellar leather armour. It was a kind of plastron made of many small patches of boiled leather tightly woven together, making it visually peculiar. In a nice way though, as it looked cool. Magnire specified that an upgrade could be made to it : he could add metal pieces under the leather plates. It would be quite costly and time-consuming, but the result was worth it according to him. They kept the offer in mind for another time, preferring to complete the set with some light gauntlet that would not impede Rose's bow skill, leg protection and a helmet. It was the least expensive equipment at Magnire's Forge, yet it cost them a hefty amount of precious metals. Hopefully, they would not regret it.