I Wasn't Scolded

The boss monster was probably a peak B rank monster. It would be a lie if Ezra was to say anything about it going easily, as the only thing that didn't happen during the entire face off was him having a limb ripped off.

"How did it go?"

"Alright. Everything's done here." Ezra responded to the leader of the hunters outside.

It would be difficult to notice anything from the way Ezra carried himself. The only thing different were his clothes that once again, were torn apart quite badly. They left the area where the gate was and headed towards the second gate that Ezra had raided. There was really no need to guard a cleared gate, as it would close by itself in about an hour.

Ezra had to wait a little since the excavation team and the other teams were still not done with their work. When they finished on their part, he entered the dungeon and did his thing. This time he didn't bother changing his clothes as he would just destroy more of his precious clothes. Money didn't grow on trees after all.

It took a while, but after a few hours, Ezra was out of the dungeon. Again, there was no indication of how difficult the encounter would have been for him since he looked and acted normal.

"It's getting late. You still up for one more, or you chickening out?" Kyle, the leader of the hunters outside asked.

'Yeah, I would love to, but now's not the time.' "We'll leave the rest for tomorrow. Early morning, 5. I won't wait for anyone." Ezra responded and then left.

Though he would love to kill more monsters and get his level up, the trouble he had caused with the Earth Claw Gang was still very much present. He had already ignored it for an entire day, he could no longer pay it no mind any further.

…

"Margaret?" Ezra let himself into the house through the back door he knew would be open at the time. It led into the kitchen.

"Margaret, are you in?"

"My boy. What's with the urgency? You sound tensed, is everything alright?"

"Thank God." Ezra said under his breath.

"What?"

"Never mind that. Is everyone alright? They are alright, right?"

"Yes, everyone's fine. First you need to tell me what has you all pumped up."

"It's nothing much. I might have accidentally angered a small group of people who might be out to get me. And if they really want to get me…"

"I understand. Then we are in danger as well."

"Yes."

"I wondered what made you forget the entire secrecy part, and just come bashing into the house."

"It's ok, I knew they weren't home. Anyway, I heard these guys are very vengeful, so I need you and everyone to move away for a bit." Ezra told Margaret what he had in mind. Initially, she rejected the idea saying they would be fine, but once Ezra mentioned the name of the people involved…

"MY GOD… How in the world did you get entangled with such people! Did you steal from them?!" Margaret was genuinely shocked and couldn't keep her calm persona.

"No? I didn't steal… I just- killed some of their guys." Ezra said the last parts hastily and quieter.

"KILLED? You killed SOME, of their guys?"

"It was an act of self defence, they came at me first." Ezra tried to explain his actions so as to justify what he did. Margaret, however, did not doubt Ezra, after all she had raised the boy and knew when he was telling the truth and when he was not.

"More importantly, when are we leaving this place?" Margaret asked. She took in a deep breath and then let it out before taking a seat in the dining chair. The heated temperature in the room seemed to have come down a bit as the wall clock ticked in the background.

"The day after. I don't think I can turn to Lee, since he is involved with them, so I will ask another associate. You guys should be safe in Lantan city…"

"No, Lantan won't do. Down south is safer. Mushin is much better, that's where we'll go. I know a place there too."

"Ok, you know best."

"Also, it's ok to ask Lee, he isn't part of them. I'll make the calls. You don't need to worry. Before noon tomorrow, we should already be gone." Ezra nodded. 'Sometimes, it's hard to remember that she was once-'

*footsteps approaching the front door.

'Through the back too.' Ezra thought to himself. He looked at Margaret briefly and gave her a gentle nod before vanishing. He escaped through one of the room windows upstairs, the one he was sure would be open.

"You guys are back! Guess what? We're going on a little trip tomorrow! Everyone, go park your things."

…

'Now, that's taken care of, next step.'

"Actually, I'm more shocked that I wasn't scolded for committing murder, that's a serious crime. Or maybe… Nah… It's not impossible though."