The feast of the kingdom

The three of them used the retreat portal to return and arrived back at their drop-off point, waiting for their ride. "Why do we need to go back? We could just join them," Roxy said. "Listen to why we're going home first," Shaji replied. "I believe the hunters are genuine in their desire to save, particularly in their commitment to rescuing the king's daughter. First, if we go with them without a plan, our chances of returning are slim to none. Secondly, we risk being suspected by the guild if we don't report before the kingdom's festival. Why? They might even discover that we have a conspiracy in the other kingdom.

Even though I don't know much about the kingdom's laws, it's clear to me that this is against the law. The guild knows our location due to the monsters we have captured. One more thing: we need to acquire more equipment, and of course, I'm excited to celebrate with everyone. There will probably be a lot of attractive people there! Hahaha!" "Shaji, you're being shameless," Roxy said, shaking her head. "I thought you were serious, but you're acting crazy." Joyce burst into laughter. "Ms. Roxy, you're taking things way too seriously. By the way, when we get back, we'll go directly to the guild.

then start buying additional items," Shaji said in response to Roxy. It wasn't long before their pick-up arrived, and shortly after, they were in town. They quickly entered the guild house to report their status. However, since many hunters had returned earlier, they noticed a long line at the counter and had no choice but to wait. On the board, they saw the Top Team Hunters leading in points and looked for the name of their team, only to scratch their heads in confusion.

"We didn't make it on the list, Angkol Shaji," Joyce remarked. "Yes, our team isn't listed either," Ms. Roxy replied. Shaji commented, "Right now, winning isn't important; our mission is." Shortly after, Ms. Zuzo, a guild staff member, approached them and said, "Sir Shaji, the guild master has called for you upstairs." They exchanged glances, sensing something significant was about to happen. Inside the office, the guild master greeted them with a smile. "Congratulations again! You've achieved another milestone, Meat Tracker Party," he said, shaking their hands one by one. "Did you know you're fifth on the exclusive list? The list you saw at the lobby is for hunters who caught the most edible monsters, but not the rare ones.

Your team, along with the other hunters, is part of the exclusive list. You are in the fifth spot out of the ten competing for that position. All of you on the exclusive list belong to the confidential Hunters group. Not only that, but your group has risen to Rank A, which means you will bear substantial responsibilities. If the kingdom faces challenges, you will be involved and called upon at any time. I'm not worried about your group; I believe you can handle this," said the guild master with a cheerful laugh. "Anyway, before you leave, here is half of your income: 4,000 gold and your new hunter's card. Keep it up, Meat Tracker, and congratulations once again!"

Outside the guild, while walking down the street, Shaji said, "We were all surprised by the incident. No one expected something like this. But remember, we have a responsibility. Can we stop at the park first and grab some grilled food? I'm feeling hungry."

The plan had changed due to an unexpected event. When they arrived at the park, they were shocked to see so many people gathered there. They quickly cooked some barbecue and ate as they made their way to their destination. Not long after, they got the necessities for their mission and headed straight to their lodging. They each retired to their rooms to rest. Before entering her room, Joyce mentioned that she needed to be left undisturbed because she was preparing for a ritual and making potions. Roxy said she would fetch something from home. That left Shaji, who thought, "Lucky me! I can stroll around the park alone. Hahaha! The night is mine; no one will bother me. Melon babes, wait for Shaji, the strongest man in the kingdom! Grrr..."

After a while, Roxy left, and Joyce locked herself in her room, which had a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Since it was already nighttime, Shaji decided to get dressed and go for a walk outside. He wanted to enjoy the festival in the kingdom. At the park, he was amazed by the number of attractive women. As he looked around, he considered visiting a beer house. "Wow! I miss this. Are they at the beer house? Do they still worry about me? It doesn't matter that I'm alone now. But if sadness creeps in, I'll just remind myself that I'm not alone in this world—just five of us got lost here. The only ones who truly worry about me are my colleagues back there, who are obsessed with women. Miss you guys. Hehe..."

Shaji chose a corner to sit in, and a beautiful waitress came over to take his drink order. While he was drinking, a mysterious man in a hood approached him and said, "Good luck. Don't worry; I'll told her everything hehe…" Before Shaji could respond, the man left, and he was stunned. He wanted to talk to him, but by the time he stepped outside, the man had vanished.

Shaji returned inside to finish his drink and soon decided to go home, feeling a bit dizzy. As he walked, he noticed a very attractive and drunk woman swaying on the road. It turned out she was one of the members of the Juan Flame Party, one of the women he liked. Shaji approached her, asked where she was going, and learned her name was Jessa Dipantai. They chatted and joked while walking toward their hotel, which was nearby. At one point, Shaji helped Jessa, who stumbled from her drunkenness. He was delighted by the interaction and even started singing the Melon song.

The next day, Shaji woke to the sun already high in the sky. When he arrived, Roxy and Joyce were waiting for him. Roxy had a stern look on her face and asked, "Where were you last night?"

"I had a fun time watching the game at the park, and then I headed home after it finished," Shaji replied, trying to come up with an excuse. Roxy caught a whiff of alcohol and frowned. "I'm not sure I believe you. But whatever. What's our plan now?"

"We're leaving after the king gives his speech in the park at six o'clock," Roxy informed him.

The king will personally travel through portals to every town in the kingdom, delivering a message.

The moment had arrived for them to leave for a secluded spot where they planned to use the gateway. Before entering the portal, they changed into all-black hooded clothing.