Only My Weapons Level UP

Gustavo’s mind raced as he weighed the potential benefits against the cost. The overlord relic was a valuable asset, a symbol of power that could tip the balance in any conflict. But power suits were a game-changer as well, offering technology that could potentially change the course of battles.

Finally, Gustavo’s lips quirked into a wry smile. "You know, Terry, a deal like that almost sounds too good to be true." His gaze sharpened as he looked Terry in the eye. "What’s the catch? Why are you offering this?"

"Just trying to avoid two future problems, having to fight you and your people if you do something troublesome to keep them safe and also to avoid jumping the gun," Terry explained. "Like I said, there aren’t enough people around and if you guys aren’t here, then some overlord might be able to raise an army here while no one is aware of it."

"... Well, while that seems like an interesting offer, there are too many factors to consider, we can’t risk losing our strongest tool," Gustavo said.

"That is fine, in the end, it is just risk management," Terry replied. "I can’t just get rid of all risks even with all the preparations that I can do."

As the group continued their search through the camp, their steps were measured and deliberate. Gustavo’s soldiers, once tense and ready for confrontation, now seemed more at ease as they went about their tasks. The initial tension had given way to a sense of camaraderie as they witnessed the interactions between their leader and the outsiders.

Terry’s analytical gaze scanned the surroundings, his mind working through various scenarios. He knew that the situation was far from simple. The absence of any concrete evidence only fueled his determination to uncover the truth. Vanessa and Rebecca were equally focused, their expressions reflecting a mix of concern and determination.

Gustavo’s occasional explanations about the camp’s layout and operations were met with nods and thoughtful expressions from the group. He seemed genuinely invested in assisting them, despite the initial tension between them. Terry couldn’t help but acknowledge the irony – here they were, cooperating with a group that, not long ago, they had considered a potential enemy.

As they completed their inspection of the camp, it became apparent that their efforts had yielded no substantial leads. The guild masters remained elusive, their whereabouts a mystery that continued to gnaw at Terry’s thoughts. The feeling of frustration was palpable, a reminder that their path forward was far from clear.

"Are we clear now?" Gustavo asked.

"I suppose so... sorry for making you waste time" Terry said while rubbing his chin thoughtfully and looking to the side.

"No problem, this also made me understand a few things," Gustavo said. "Is the offer to find your friends still up? I want one of those armor and it also would be a waste to let such Powerful people die when they can protect the world."

"Sure, I bet you know the area better than us anyway," Terry said.

"Okay, I need some things to prepare, but I can leave the camp in twenty minutes," Gustavo said.

"We will meet at the gate then," Terry said.

The group split and the guards returned to the wall while Terry, Rebecca and Vanessa were waiting on the gate. They didn’t seem to be watched, but Terry and the others didn’t drop their guard.

"Do you think that we can trust him?" Rebecca asked. "I didn’t find any traces of the prisons in the camp... but maybe there is a portal hidden even deeper than I can check and they were put there."

"You are starting to sound as paranoid as Terry... but that idea doesn’t seem impossible, actually," Vanessa said.

"For now, I am keeping a neutral stance, I need more information, after all," Terry said. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Terry’s instincts had served him well throughout his life as a hunter. He had learned the hard way not to let his guard down, even in seemingly harmless situations. His initial distrust of Gustavo had been rooted in that ingrained caution, a survival trait that had guided him through countless dangers.

However, as the day progressed and the group worked alongside Gustavo and his soldiers, Terry found himself in a position of cautious neutrality. He wasn’t ready to extend full trust to someone he had just met, but he also recognized that hostility and suspicion without concrete evidence could be counterproductive.

Terry’s internal conflict was evident in the way he carried himself. His posture was relaxed, yet his senses remained sharp. He watched and listened, absorbing every detail while maintaining a measured distance. He knew that their mission demanded diplomacy and cooperation, even if he couldn’t shake his reservations entirely.

As the group prepared to depart from the camp, Gustavo and Fernanda emerged, ready to accompany Terry and the others. Their arrival caught Terry’s attention, and he couldn’t help but observe the scene with a critical eye. He had expected them to be accompanied by a substantial number of guards, given the potential risks involved in leaving the safety of the camp. However, to his surprise, it appeared that Gustavo and Fernanda were relying more on their own abilities than on an entourage of soldiers.

Terry couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at this display of confidence. It was clear that both Gustavo and Fernanda possessed a level of self-assuredness that allowed them to face potentially dangerous situations without relying heavily on external protection. Whether it was due to their skills, experience, or some other factor, Terry found it intriguing.

This confidence might have been born out of necessity in a world filled with monsters and threats. Survival often required individuals to have faith in their own capabilities. As a hunter, Terry understood this mentality well. He had faced countless challenges where his own skills were his primary defense.

"Shall we go?" Gustavo said. "If you don’t know where to look, I know a portal that made all the people in a wide area disappear..."