Chapter 42 Promise

After the misunderstanding was cleared the party decided to rest for now. Cleo plan on hunting some monsters just in case they might need the extra gold for the auction. To protect Anna from an untimely death, Valerie assisted her to buy a dress from the same luxurious shop where both her and Leah went.

Cleo wants to assist Anna himself since he wants to have both eyes in their party. Him guarding Anna while Leah watch over Valerie just incase one of them is plotting something however Leah's killing intent is too high for that plan.

After an hour the party met up at the front gate to prepare for the hunt. Leah calms down a little however once she saw Anna she gave her a glare while clinging to Cleo's arm. Anna felt the stare and just blow a flying kiss to her.

"Alright since we're all here. We have two days to earn gold through hunting and while were at it increase our levels." says by Cleo, cutting the tension.

Valerie then brings out her makeshift map so they can check where is the most efficient hunting grounds for their levels.

"When you're gone I checked with the locals. Unlike Lavierre Kingdom, Zirracanians hunting grounds are made of dungeons and there's one near here." explained by Valerie. "The monster's levels is manageable with our current party's power." she added.

The party heads out to the dungeon. After an hour of traveling they arrive at a cave like entrance with two tall pillars on each side. The entire surrounding is being covered by moss and heavy vegetation.

They then enter the dungeon through the hole between that two pillars. The inside is made of cobblestones. The only source of light were the pre lit torch in the walls.

The deeper they go the stronger the stench became. A rotten stench invades the party's nose. Unlike the other three whose familiar with this stench. Anna is a fairly new adventurer so she can't help but to gag and nearly vomit her entire breakfast.

"W-what is this smell?" says by Anna while covering her nose.

"You'll get used to it." replied by Valerie.

After a few minutes the party halts their movements once they saw a person idly standing.

"What's wrong?" asked by Valerie to the person in front of them.

When she got no reply for a few minutes. She approach the person and tap him in the shoulder to get his attention.

The person turn around however to Valerie's dismay it was an Undead Soldier. Its face is rotting the same with its entire body. An eyeball is dangling in front of its face.

[Undead Soldier]

Valerie jumps backwards to create distance from the undead soldier. Cleo and the rest noticed her reaction so they all assume battle stance.

"Valerie get its attention, Anna stay at the back and prepare for fire enchantment while Leah and I will attack each side." command by Cleo.

The undead soldier pose no threat to them and made a quick work of it. The dire wolves they fought back in the outer area is more difficult.

[you killed an undead soldier] [+400exp]

However this is not the time to be complacent. Cleo read about the undead at the public library back in Crestfallen Town. They might be weak alone but their true strength lies in numbers.

The party prepares for another battle. The plan is simple. Valerie will be the bait since she can tank using her shield while Cleo and Leah deal the damage. Anna will be the support enchanting their weapon with fire element and occasionally casting fire balls.

They also made a quick work against the horde of undead soldier. The difference between their levels is too high.

After the first wave Cleo, Leah and Valerie stops receiving exp but they did not stop since they need the gold and if they got lucky a fragment that they can use or sell.

Anna on the other hand is enjoying being carried and since her level is too low she's still getting exp.

'Fuck! This is the best! After I cast Enchant:Fire I can just relax at the backline.' says Anna inwardly while smiling from ear to ear.

This is the first time in her life to not exhaust her mana in a hunt. Mage are recruited to be one of the main damage dealer so most often than not they are the most exhausted after a hunt.

'Once I get stronger I'll teach those bitches at the Magus Guild a lesson.' says by Anna inwardly while still grinning like an idiot.

After two hours of non stop fighting. Cleo decided to set up camp to rest. The enemies are weak but their numbers is too high, eventually they feel fatigue from moving around.

They set up two tents far enough from the stench coming from the undeads. Cleo and Leah will occupy one while Valerie and Anna will occupy the other. Anna clicked her tongue with the pairings however once she saw how strong both Cleo and Leah in the previous fight she considers to change her approach.

Valerie took the first watch. She took out a pile of wood and ask Anna to cast a weak fireball to make a bonfire.

After a few minutes Leah comes out from their tent.

"You, come with me." says by Leah while pointing at Anna.

Anna tilts her head sideways wondering what's the red headed woman wants with her. They clearly doesn't have a friendly enough relationship.

Valerie was also confuse with Leah's action but her naive self believes Leah will not do anything bad to her.

'This might be my chance to butter up with her.' says by Anna while following Leah from behind. 'I can't let them kick me out from this party.' she added.

Both of them walk for a few minutes only stopping once the camp is out of sight. After a few minutes of silence one of them speaks.

"You're in the party, correct?" asked by Leah with a serious tone.

"Yes?" replied by Anna while tilting her head in confusion.

"Good" says by Leah. "You want to know a secret, you can't tell Cleo ok?"

'Secret? Does she trust me that much?' says by Anna inwardly. 'Can't hurt to know I guess.' added by the idiot.

"Sure Leah trust me I won't tell master!" says by Anna enthusiastically.

Leah's eyebrows twitch at her reply but she keep her composure.

"Promise?" says by Leah to get another confirmation.

"I promise!" replied by Anna.