The next ten days passed by. I kept repeating my hunting routine, and they, in the meantime, trained together. They dulled their swords, to not hurt each other, and kept sparring every day, as I was killing bears.

They seemed to bond rather well. They talked a lot about many things. Life here, classes, hunting, crystals, women, future, and especially what they would do if they could go back to earth. I joined on those conversations on occasion, but it wasn't working nearly as well as it did with Amit.

I had my thick shell you had to crack, and Rishi just wasn't doing that. I tried, but at best it was just awkward. We were just not clicking.

On the eleventh day, we started heading back, to the city. We had two days to get there, sell the score, and go on a werewolf killing spree. There was a lot of work to be done. I summoned my shadows to help with the transportation, so Rishi wouldn't slow us down. By nightfall, we were more or less on the border between the wolf, and bear territories.

We set up a camp there, with all the usual routines, and went to sleep. This time though nobody was on guard duty since we all needed rest before a long journey, and what was to come after. I decided to do that since there shouldn't be anything willing to attack us close by, and on top of that, I had my barriers around the camp, as per usual.

I was not wrong in my assumptions, and the night went by without any surprises.

Something pas midday we get close to the den, and we also saw Blue's men, picking up the last crystals, readying themselves to depart. They notified their boss about us, and he appeared.

- I see you have a decent score - he said, as he got close enough to take a peek at our carts.

- None of your business.

- Don't be like that, Peter. I'm happy for you. Just as I am happy that Wuxia decided to help our craftsmen. - he turned to Rishi. - I know that there was a promise to you father, to help craftsmen acquire some class points, and it actually felt short. It's not my fault though. Right now hunting grounds are very limited as everybody wants crystals. My hands were tied by my own men, but it's good that Hatta found something for you.

Kid first looked at Amit, then responded with an awkward smile. I had no idea what mister lieutenant put into his head, but it for sure had an impact.

- How about we escort you back to the city? - Blue proposed. - You all must be very tired.

- Stick your nose to your business, and leave ours to us - was my response.

He smiled again.

- Wery well then. Go ahead, I won't stop you anymore.

And we, without a word, resumed our match. I actually accelerated a bit, to make more distance between us and them. Amit didn't talk all the way. The same happened with Rishi.

Shortly after nightfall, we reached the city center, and the time to split up the crystals came.

- So, how much are you gonna lend us? - asked Amit.

- How about I get half, and you two also half?

- I'll pay you back my share, but I believe Rishi is gonna pay back the equipment, later on.

- Fine by me.

- I can't wait - said the kid.

We split the crystals. I got my share and sold them for a nice number of 3 557 500 points. That sum was finally something that I could settle with. Combined with what I already had on my account, gave enough to finally really start considering buying that stupid manual that was constantly on my mind.

We split apart. Rishi went to spend the night at his father's place, and Amit and I went to visit Hatta.

- Good to have you back. Right on time. I heard you brought a full cart of crystals back. Tell me, Peter... Did you do something stupid, and tried to clear the entire lair of monsters?

- No. Just a bit, and it was actually a smart move.

Hatta snorted.

- Gamble was worth it, and the kid was safe with me - Amit stepped in. - You might think what you want about this, but Peter's decision was right, and he was strong enough to pull it through.

- Since when you two got so close?

historical

- We didn't. I had my doubts at the beginning, but his guy - Amit pointed at me - He can fight. He is worth a hundred soldiers. I know, because I saw it. And in the meantime, I worked on the boy. He won't side with Blue, ever. He will be loyal to us. We just need to support him, and his father.

,m - Good. Great even. Ok. Go and get some sleep. You earned that much.

I shrugged and went to the door.

- I actually would like to talk about something with you - said Amit to Hatta.

I was curious, but also tired, so I left them alone. I went straight to the bathhouse to clean up, then to the cafeteria to get something warm to eat, and after, finally, to my own bed.

There was a knocking to my room shortly after.

- It's me - said Nadia, as she slowly opened the door.

My room was dark, but she had something giving a very dim light in her hand. It was a candle.

- Hey.

- Hey - she said with a smile.

- I missed you, Peter.

- I missed you too.

She went to put the candle on the table and slowly approached the bed. At first, she sat on it, then lied next to me. Then kissed me softly on the lips. I returned the kiss and my hands wandered to her waist. Then lower, to those firm hips. What happened after... It's private.

The last day came to an end with 6 769 021 points remaining on my account.