15 – Outside

While Celia was asleep, Alan thought about every detail of her coming to that floating sky, looking for clues that could point to what really happened. He felt that if he didn't unravel the mystery of this place, then he couldn't rest easy.

Is it true that preparing that crystal will take that long? Don't they have any in stock? And what did the residents actually feel? He still couldn't guess their expressions. Their faces only changed when they were frightened by Brunch.

The young man yawned and stretched his body. But, the more he thought about all that, the more headache he had. Everything is like tangled threads that are difficult to fix.

He got up to wash his face, and that's when he froze. His gaze fell on Celia, who was sleeping with her mouth open.

Her pajama pants sagged to reveal her white underwear. Alan didn't understand how she could be like that.

Not wanting to wake that girl, Alan decided to cover her with a blanket instead of fixing her pants. There might be a misunderstanding.

Just as he did so, Alan heard footsteps outside of the house. He moved to the window and parted the curtains slightly.

People walk the streets with torches. Everyone participated, young or old, men or women, adults and children. They all headed in one direction.

Of course, it made Alan curious. This could lead to the answer Alan was looking for.

So, the young man left a message to Celia through the in-game chat, then rushed out. He descended the stairs, then headed for the exit with a half run.

However, when he opened it, he did not find the key that should have been in the knob hole.

"Where do you want to go?" Paul spoke from one of the front room couches. The warrior sat relaxed and took a sip from his small metal bottle. "It's already late. You should rest."

Alan didn't know when that man came into this place. Paul said he would leave Celia and Alan alone.

"I was just wondering why so many people were walking outside," Alan replied with his back to the scarred man. The young man knows there's no point in evading.

"That is none of your business." Paul continued. "They will only have regular meetings once a week with our priestess Hilda."

Finally, Alan faced the man. "Even the kids are coming? In the middle of the night like this?"

"You're asking too many questions, kid." Paul took another sip of his drink. "Please, I'm in a bad mood today. Can you go back to your room and sleep with your bitch again?"

Alan had already opened his mouth to argue, but he knew it was pointless. They might fight, and Alan would be at a disadvantage. Paul seems to be on a much higher level.

"Okay, then," Alan replied in a cold tone. "I won't ask anymore and will sleep instead, just like you said."

"Good." Paul leaned back. "Sleep well."

Not answering anymore, Alan climbed the stairs to go to his room.

Not that the young man has given up.

As soon as he was sure Paul wasn't following him, Alan came into the room and shook Celia's body. The female fighter opened her eyes, then sat with her eyes half closed.

"Fried rice with double egg, please." She mumbled, still affected by her dream.

Alan put his index finger to his mouth, then typed something in his chat feature. Celia checked all the messages through her game UI. At first, she read it without enthusiasm, but after a while, she frowned.

"This…" Celia couldn't believe Alan's detailed explanation. She straightened herself up more, suddenly finding her pants sagging. The young lady fixed it with a red face but didn't bring it up and asked instead. "W-where are they going?"

For the second time, Alan motioned for Celia to be quiet, then typed again.

[That's what we'll find out. This may help reveal what really happened. I already have a plan…]

The young man then explained the plan thoroughly.

[But you can stay here if you don't want to do it. I can't accompany you. I have to guard in case Paul knocks on the bedroom door]

Celia gave a thumbs up, and they moved to the window. Alan slightly opened the curtains and pointed at a large tree in the distance.

Celia typed back. [I have to jump into the leaves of that tree, huh? To muffle the sound of my falling?]

Alan nodded. Celia has the skill to jump higher and farther. Alan is sure she can do this.

He hoped the tree landing was a success. The sound that occurs will be muffled by the lush foliage. Even if there is a shaking later, people will not bat an eye. They would think that it was because of nocturnal animals.

The people on the streets were gone. However, Alan wanted to avoid Paul hearing Celia's landing.

[Let me change first. These pants are so baggy for me. It won't be funny if I do this infiltration mission with my underwear exposed to the world] Celia communicated with the chat feature again.

Alan formed a circle with his index finger and thumb.

[Great, you are an amazing boss for me, Alan]

The young man doesn't understand why giving permission to change clothes makes him the boss.

Celia climbed onto the window sill after changing her pajamas into her usual clothes. She deliberately didn't wear her armor to speed up her agility, as well as prevent unwanted sounds when she landed terribly.

That's all Alan's suggestion.

"Keep updating me." He tapped his friend on the shoulder. "And tell me if something happens, I will come to help you immediately."

"Here we go." Celia took a deep breath, focused on her two legs, then jumped with all her might.