The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 105: Preparations Made

[00 Months: 10 Days: 01 Hours]

The sun was high in the sky as I strode towards the Adventurer's Guild, a steady rhythm in my steps.

I had made my decision, and now it was time to share it.

My heart pounded in my chest, matching the tempo of my boots against the cobblestones.

As I approached the familiar guild building, I straightened my posture, steeled my nerves, and stepped inside.

The guild was abuzz with activity as usual. Adventurers were bustling about, accepting quests, sharing stories of their latest exploits, and negotiating terms with guild officials.

Through the sea of commotion, I headed straight for Benard's office. I had business to settle.

Pushing open the office door, I was met with the sight of both Seraphina and Benard waiting for me.

Seraphina sat at the edge of her seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Benard was standing by the window, his silhouette cutting a sturdy figure against the daylight streaming in.

"Luke, you're here," Benard greeted, a hopeful glint in his eyes as he turned to face me.

"Yes, I am," I replied, my voice steady. I took a deep breath, glancing between the two of them.

"I've given it some thought..." I started, "And...I've decided...I'll take the deal."

A silent moment hung in the air before it was broken by Seraphina's gasp. Her face lit up, relief flooding her eyes.

"Thank you, Luke. Thank you so much," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

'She was really that desperate, huh?' It almost felt like she would break down in front of me. I could see how important my choice was to her.

Benard, too, let out a breath he seemed to have been holding, his broad shoulders relaxing. A grin stretched across his face, his eyes sparkling with unspoken gratitude.

"Well, Luke, let me be the first to say...Welcome to the team," he said, extending a firm hand toward me.

"What are you saying that for? It's not like you'll be joining as well."

The moment I said this, I saw a sharp glint in Benard's eyes, as well as his lips curling upward to form a smirk.

"Don't tell me…"

"That's right! I've decided to join the Expedition as well. Can't let you have all the glory, can I?"

Benard was grinning from ear to ear, and I could tell he was really proud of his decision.

"Whoah, really? What about the Guild?"

"Andre can handle things while I'm away. Besides, after that encounter with Fenrir and those bandits… I've been feeling a little restless. I must have gotten rusty after being sitting in this office for so long."

'This guy…' A smile began forming on my face, and I looked a Seraphina for confirmation. "Is it true?"

She smiled, rising to her feet while nodding. "That's right. You and Guildmaster Benard… will be coming with us to the Expedition."

"H-hey, you didn't believe me? Why did you have to ask Seraphina?" Benard protested, making suns I could only consider as cute.

"Haha! It's not like that. I'm just processing your decision is all."

"What? You don't want me to come with you?" He narrowed his gaze, rubbing his bearded chin as he stared at me with a grin.

"Well… haha…"

'I mean, if Benard comes, that means there'll be less rewards for me. Why would I be happy he's coming?' I maintained my positive smile, though.

Benard was a Guildmaster, so even if he was weaker than I was, he had a strong reputation among the people of this world. If that was the case, then I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have someone of his caliber having my back in the Expedition.

'I don't want to deal with annoying things…'

"Well? You won't shake my hand? You're leaving me hanging." Benard's voice woke me from my inner thoughts.

I had been so engrossed in analyzing the new information and how it would affect my plans that I forgot all about the handshake.

"Haha! Surely you jest…"

As I reached out to shake his hand, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my decision.

'I guess this is the point of no return.'

I had no idea how Seraphina was able to convince Benard to join the ranks of the Lyma Family Expedition Team, especially since he didn't participate the last time, but I could suppose we were in this together.

'If, by some unfortunate incident, Benard dies… will his rewards be given to me?'

No. I doubted it.

It would probably be given to a next of kin, like his wife or kids; basically his immediate family.

Using that rationale, there was no specific reason to target him during the expedition.

'No. Even if that wasn't the case, I don't think I would harm him. Haa… hopefully this is all worth it.'

"So, Luke," Seraphina began, a newfound lightness in her voice, "We'll be leaving Terance this evening."

I blinked, taken aback by the sudden news. "This evening?" I echoed, my eyebrows raising slightly.

I hadn't expected things to move this quickly, but then again, given the gravity of the situation, I wasn't too surprised.

'No. It's better this way. The sooner we conclude this, the more time I have for other things.'

"Yes," Seraphina confirmed, nodding. "We need to get back as soon as possible."

I mulled over her words, considering the implications.

We'd have to travel through the night, but I was used to such journeys from my previous expeditions.

I nodded in response, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Alright, I'll be ready."

Benard, who had been silent up until now, cleared his throat. "I still have some business to take care of here in the Guild," he announced, shifting his gaze toward me.

"So, I'll be joining you later at the Lyma Family's manor. I assure you, I'll be there before the expedition officially starts."

I glanced at him, noting the firm resolution in his voice.

"I have no doubt you will, Benard," I responded, my smile widening. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there was an underlying excitement that I couldn't quite shake off.

As our meeting came to a close, I felt a strange sense of peace wash over me. I knew the road ahead would be difficult, filled with obstacles and dangers.

Yet, I was confident in my decision. I was ready to embark on this journey, ready to face whatever awaited us in the Wild Lands.

So, as I left the Guild, I felt a surge of anticipation. I was eager to see what the future held, and I was eager to face it head on.

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After all, this was just the beginning. And I was ready for whatever came next.

'Oh yeah, I was wondering about something…'

How many people would be participating in the Expedition? Considering the fact that the Lyma Family most likely sent delegates to other areas, there had to be some substantial results from those ends as well.

'Just how many of them will come back alive?'

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[A/N]

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