Chương 595: 558. Days In East Port

Adam and his companions spent the rest of the month hunting down aurochs, for they were plentiful in the area, and proved fierce foes. One auroch was still frightening, as these beasts were perhaps the strongest mundane creatures around, and their horns could still prove deadly even to the likes of Adam. However, Adam didn't want to push his companions too much, so made sure they each took a day off between adventuring, and checked up on the others, who were relaxing within the city.

Jeremy and Remy drank their ale, wondering if they really should be sitting out while the six adventured out to slay aurochs. It was their job to porter, to pick up the creatures and to bring them back, and yet they were told to remain at the guild.

"Are you sure you want us to remain behind?" Rick asked during one of Adam's days off.

"Just enjoy yourselves here," Adam reassured.

"I'm sure the library in this place is much more extensive than the library in Red Oak."

"It does," Rick confirmed. Seeing that Adam wasn't going to budge, Rick just thanked the Half Elf and decided he may as well take the time off. They had been working quite hard recently, so he supposed he could spend his free time without guilt. After the first day of adventuring, Adam explored the market, scanning through the area to find some weapons.

'Should I buy him one after the tournament? Speaking of which, I'll need to buy… Hold on, he won't use a sword any more, right? What would he use? A shield? No, that's silly…' Adam sighed when he returned from the market, noticing that Jaygak was wiping down a new sword she had bought.

"I guess I'll buy him a shield then." Jaygak's ears twitched and she smiled.

'Right. Adam is Adam.' One morning, as the group was preparing to leave, Vonda approached.

"Shall I come with you?"

"We're going off to kill stuff," Adam replied awkwardly, exchanging a look with the Priest of Life. Vonda bowed her head and let the matter pass, allowing them to enjoy themselves as they went to kill. She knew better than to convince Iyrmen and Demons from killing. As the last week approached, Adam wondered if he should really spend it slaying aurochs.

'Might as well, since we're not making the full amount from the kills. I still need to up the party fund, make sure it's healthy…' As the last few days of the month approached, Adam gathered his group together. They wondered what he had in mind as the Half Elf sighed, no doubt reminiscing about"The tournament begins in only a few days so lets spend the time relaxing as we prepare," Adam said.

"You want to stop working?" Jaygak whispered, almost in an accusatory tone.

"I still need to figure out tomorrow," Adam admitted.

"Tomorrow?" Jaygak asked.

"I'm going to need your help." Adam felt awkward asking Jaygak for help, since it was Jaygak. Jurot and Kitool he didn't mind, since they were nice, and sensible. Jaygak? Jaygak was Jaygak. The Iyrman smirked at Adam, crossing her arms.

'Look at how the mighty have fallen!'

'She's probably thinking something stupid,' Adam thought. Omen: 2, 5"I mean, he doesn't need a sword, does he?" Adam asked.

"Or a shield."

"No," Jaygak admitted as they scoured the market, trying to find something to buy. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Why did I have to…" Adam began, though the guilt quickly filled his gut.

"No. He should do what he likes." Jaygak thought about Adam's influence on the Iyr, and how he was teetering on the precipice of getting himself killed. The fact he had been given permission to return to the Iyr after it had closed its gates was already shocking, but the fact it had been for the reason of celebrating his Goblin twins' first birthdays was ridiculous.

"We could buy some wood," Jaygak said.

"Wood? Why does he need wood?"

"It can be carved."

"I can't carve wood."

"…"

"I suppose I could ask Jurot?"

"…"

"What?" Adam asked, noting the way she was looking at him.

"I don't know anyone else who can work wood."

"…" Adam remained staring at her, wondering if he was missing something obvious. Then he twitched, reaching up to his forehead, rubbing it gently.

"I don't want to admit it, but you're a genius, Jaygak…" Jaygak raised her brows, before the pair made their way around to buy some wood, and other trinkets for potential gifts. Omen: 3, 5 Adam explored the town with Sir Vonda, tasting the local delicacies with her.

"You know what, the fish in that other town wasn't bad, but the roasted auroch here is pretty good."

"The spices in East Port are unique," Vonda agreed.

"The seas brings great many visitors, and a great many goods. There are many from Aswadasad, but there are some who come from further away."

"Do you know much about Aswadasad?" Adam asked, noting how she called it by its native name.

"Not much, but a little," she admitted.

"I have spoken with Dunes, who has put to rest some misconceptions I held. I have heard many of his tales, and the tales which are passed through Aswadasad."

"What about East Port?" Adam asked.

"Any interesting tales about your city?"

"I know a few," Vonda said, walking towards some shade to one side, the noonval sun having reached its zenith.

"Several Dragons have made alliances with East Port at one point or another. It once had an Ancient Sea Drake protect it, but it was killed during the Demonic Devastations."

"Damn," Adam whispered.

"A shame."

"It is fortunate that East Port has always held a great military tradition, and that its fleet always remains one of the greatest within the region."

"It always comes down to military, eh?" Adam chuckled.

"I'd assume it would have a decent navy, considering it one of the greatest port cities of the region."

"There are some ships the Order of Life's Rose can claim when they are called to action," Sir Vonda said.

"I have yet to be called to action in such a way."

"How influential is your order, anyhow?"

"We can do as much as the people allow."

"Which is?"

"We have been allowed to enter the battlefield to tend to the wounded on either side of a war as we please, for there are few who wish to offend Mother Soza."

"Does your order often go to war?"

"Yes. We can decrease the number of the dead by our presence alone, and if there are those who are heavily injured, we can assist them. When one looks to the west, they will find seven rays of hope." Vonda smiled.

"We will send a Hope, seven Rays, and a dozen of our youth to assist during a war."

"What's a Hope and a Ray?"

"Our Seven Hopes and Forty Nine Rays are our greatest warriors, sent out to assist regions which need Mother Soza's touch. Our Seven Hopes are the greatest, besides our Mother Priest and High Priests. Our Forty Nine Rays are weaker than the Seven Hopes, but each are at least an Expert."

"You're awfully powerful for some healers," Adam joked.

"It is rare that we must draw our blades, but there are times we are forced to do so." Vonda frowned.

"We can only pray we must not need to fight."

"Yeah, I get that." Vonda thought about her strength at the moment, which matched that of an Expert. If she wanted to, she could apply for a position as one of the Forty Nine Rays. She glanced towards Adam, who was slowly nodding his head as he thought.

'There is still work to be done.'

"If the Iyrmen respect you for your strength, then I have no doubt that your order is powerful enough to hold sway across the land," Adam said.

"I should go check it out one day."

"I hope you will."

"If you're hoping something from me, you'll find yourself sorely disappointed."

"Have you ever disappointed me?"

"I'm sure I've disappointed you at some point," Adam said, a wide smile appearing on his face.

"If I didn't, I'm not doing a very good job at being me."

"Do you always put yourself down like this?"

"I have to keep my ego in check when the Iyr can't." Vonda stared at the Half Elf. She could feel the gravity within his tone of voice.

"Why?"

"So it doesn't happen again." Vonda remained silent, before returning her attention back to her food. She stared down at the grilled vegetables, picking at them slowly.

"The tournament is soon."

"That it is. Will you be betting on us?"

"I will bet that you will place high."

"You won't bet on me to win?"

"I am certain you will all place high, but winning?" Vonda threw him a look.

"Are you allowed to win?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Many of those who will participate in the tournament will be of noble blood." Adam winced at the words she used.

"Right? Ah. Right, right." Adam slowly nodded his head.

"I'll have Sir Littlesea helping me out, but I suppose he's the third son of a Baron, so even his influence doesn't go too far."

"Be careful, Adam."

"I will."