Chapter 742
After Pato was released and Fone was found, Ben focused on giving a fuller explanation of events while Thera worked on healing them all. No one was without injury and even if the chimeras would surely heal on their own, it was better to get it done and over with then as the rest of their quest went on.
A quest that finished easily enough compared to the disaster in the middle, with no great issues presented in the last two demon swarms no matter how on edge they all were as a result, with the invaders numbers cleared out before that second day was through, letting everything come to an end for them to make it back to the gate.
There was no air of victory or success though. Both the adventurers and chimeras had been left humbled by how things had turned out which was felt in Fone’s final words.
“Well, no matter what happened, just remember why we were sent out there,” The oni told them, trying and failing to put on a positive tone. “We’re here to give a report and that’s exactly what we’ll do. As our employer said at the very beginning, you can hand it off to any guild on the gate network once you finish writing it up but otherwise you’re all free to leave. It’s been a pleasure working with all of you.”
With no long goodbye, people began to part, though nearly all of them stopped to give Ben their thanks or a nod along the way for what he’d done until it was only himself, Thera, and Fone left.
“Ah, bit of a shame, I wouldn’t have minded talking to Pato a bit more,” Ben said. “Wonder if I’ll get another chance?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Fone told him. “Rank one quests may not be common but there also aren’t many of us. It wouldn’t be a shock if we’re called to help with something a bit more bloody before the final wave rolls in.”
Final, huh?
That one word was enough to tell Ben where their temporary leader sat when it came to expectations on how it might go but he didn’t comment beyond that, only giving a smile.