In the morning Nadia attempted to escape to work, but I did let her and informed her she got a free day, granted by Hatta. During yesterday's evening, we were too busy to talk, so I didn't mention that previously.

- So, what's the plan for today then? - she asked.

- Will and the rest are back in town, so why don't we grab a few drinks in Velvet Lotus?

- That's a plan for the evening, but what we are going to do before?

- How about we look for a place to settle in? Our new house. I have some points, we might even be able to buy it right away, and then discuss how we will change it. Does it sound fun for you?

She laughed.

- You are ridiculous, Peter. Do you think we can pick up something in one day? Not to mention other things, like changing the walls, room assignment, furniture, and decorations? That will take days.

- Nah. We can do it today. We have the magical device.

- Even with the device, we won't do it today. We might look for a place, but that's it.

- Ok. Let's only look then.

- There is no rush Peter. It would be good to have a place for our own, but there are more important things right now. Blue has an army of werewolves now.

- We fixed that problem with the equipment deal.

- We are talking about a guy who outsmarted Aisha, who outsmarted you.

- She didny outsmarts us. She betrayed us. That's a difference.

- Name it as you want. The truth is, he for sure is taking countermeasures, so you should focus on those.

- Maybe you are right.

- I'm always right.

I laughed.historical

- Yeah, sure...

She turned to kiss me.

- Ok. You are always right - I finally agreed.

- That's the spirit. Ok, let's wash, eat and go looking for the best place for our house - and she jumped out of the bed.

I observed her as she was dressing up. She did a little show for me. Then I myself got out of the bed, dressed up, went to wash, and eat. With Tam obviously. He was accompanying me with everything those days.

A mighty black rooster. Herald of destruction.

All three of us went to take a stroll through the city. I swung by the device, to grab a bit of grain for Tam, and fed him as we were looking through ruined buildings in the vicinity.

Nadia wanted a bigger, two-story-tall building, with enough rooms to allow our friends to do a sleepover, and maybe later also for a bunch of kids. The problem was that ruins close to the city center were already mostly occupied, and those who were not, were also too small.

Most of the day passed like this. Eventually, we stopped looking, left Tam in my room, and went to find Will and the others. I knew where to look for him and Boris, but had no idea where to get the rest of our lovely bunch. Nadia did though. This way we delivered the invitations, and when the evening finally came, met by the entrance to the Velvet Lotus. The canyon hunting group, me and Nadia.

Everybody except Hailwic, since she was on bouncing duty. Well, technically she was there, just in front of us. She looked tired sitting on that stool, be the door.

- How are you? - I asked her. - It's been some time.

- Yeah. I'm tired. I went for two consecutive months to that canyon. But look at those guns - and she flexed her biceps on me.

Nadia just burst into a laugh. Just as Boris.

- Ok, ok. Guys... Come on. Let's get inside - said Will, and started pushing everybody inside.

Martin sneaked to the side.

- Go ahead, I'll hang here for a moment - he said.

We left them and proceeded inside. Alice was behind the counter, and she collected any weapons people had on themselves. The pink-blue duo was playing cards on the bench, as usual.

Inside we found ourselves during some kind of concert. A lovely lady was singing in English. The sang was very, very nice, and I bet many came just to listen to her. The main hall was crowded because of that reason, and we had to use our connections, to get ourselves a table.

Fortunately, Shavonne didn't have to be persuaded.

We ordered some drinks and started talking.

- So, tell me... How did it go? I heard you had to evacuate since those orcs kicked your asses - I started.

- That was a tactical retreat - said Boris.

- We will get them back. Don't worry - said Nil.

- Yeah. We were kicking their asses so hard, that we actually felt sorry for them, and that's why we returned - added Midnight.

Even Nobuo smiled at his words.

- So, how real was it? - I asked him since he was the first one to stop shitting me, and tell the truth.

- It was hard Peter-san. Much harder than when you were with us, but we also were much stronger. Next time we will hold longer.

- Sure thing. Did Hatta tell you about the equipment deal we made with Jayadeva?

- He did. I can't wait to try my new katana when the young Rishi-san will finally finish it.

- You did a commission?

- We all did - said Sanders. - I'll be having a nice pair of new knuckle daggers.

- No armor?

- Only Martin wants armor. The rest of us settled just for weapons - said Will. - How about you, Peter? I heard you are the main investor.

- I'm waiting. Rishi wants to get better at this before he takes my order.

- What will you get? That strange sword on a stick? - asked Nadia.

- It's called pudao, and yes. I'll be taking that.

- It's a Chinese type of weapon - Nobuo quickly explained.

- You should also get something - proposed Boris.

- I'll ask for a nice desk - she replied with a smirk on her face.

Then suddenly something happened, and people started yelling. William was the first to stand up, and look.

- Fuck.... - he said.