Chapter 85 - Banter Between Friends

'What's the difference between using skills as an avatar and doing it in person?' Tom asked, putting this question out. For an entire second, he focused his entire attention on the topic. 

But the answer was obvious. 

It was the details. 

One couldn't feel the tickle of energy caressing his wounds whenever it augmented the body's natural ability to heal. One wouldn't feel the ecstasy of releasing a sea of flames nor the coldness upon casting an icy spell. 

All those small feelings would be lost when exploring the dungeon as an avatar. Obviously, that meant one could learn how to be even better at using those spells, given how he or she could feel the difference and fine-tune it. 

But the fact that one could actually feel magic was enormous. Because unless Tom and Claudia were to somehow lose all their abilities upon exiting the dungeon, they would be able to bring forth the magic in a world that didn't have it in the first place!

And without being able to feel those abilities they were using, what other means were Tom and Claudia supposed to use to bring forth their skills back in their homeworld?

"That's quite insane," Cleo muttered as their group moved through the dungeon's corridors. "I knew you wouldn't slack in here, but still," she said now with a normal voice, looking up at Tom. 

"In a sense, I believe everyone can be far stronger than the avatars they otherwise control," Tom nodded his head, giving up on the opportunity to humblebrag. "It's like... By growing our real strenght, we are able to squeeze way more power out of ourselves than from some lifeless puppets," he explained his idea, shaking his shoulders. "Still, it's great to have someone who doesn't need to fear death," Tom added out of nowhere. "If the worst comes to play, we will be counting on you," he added.

Tom didn't suggest Cleo sacrifice her avatar. It was something that everyone agreed on way before the mission itself started. While originally it was Marvin that was supposed to fill the role, with his injuries, everyone decided he would be better off overseeing the situation from back home. 

For most people, losing an avatar beyond the grade, they could buy was the worst outcome possible. While the online hub offered the service of artificially raising the avatar's level, its cost was just as steep as high were the earnings that such avatar could bring. 

'But we are not some kids playing games right now,' Tom thought, sending a glance at Cleo's avatar. 'What would be a loss for others, for us is just a negligible cost,' he added in his thoughts. 

"Are you down or something?" Claudia asked, moving a little closer to her partner. 

"Huh? What made you think I am?" Tom asked, shrugging in surprise. 'Were my thoughts showing on my face or something?' Tom asked himself, worried that he was lowkey losing his composture. 

"Just a feeling,' Claudia disregarded the matter despite being the one to bring it up in the first place. She also didn't move away now that her inquiry was satisfied. "Anyway, what is our goal right now?" she asked, leaning her head over her shoulder. "I mean, we rushed as quick as we could because we had to meet with your friend, right? But what now?" 

'Right, she doesn't know the entire plan,' Tom stuttered on his feet, suddenly realizing such an obvious yet important detail. "I'm sorry, I forgot to fill you in," he apologized before turning his head to Cleo. "It's fine, isn't it?" he asked. 

"It's plain for everyone to see that you guys slept together," Tom's childhood friend suddenly brought up a topic no one expected. "There is hardly anything more that you could do to ensure her involvement," a chuckle followed her words.

"Piss off," Tom cut Cleo's fun. He then rolled his eyes before moving them back at Claudia on his side. "Right now, our aim is to get as deep as possible. We don't know when and if we will be able to enter this dungeon ever again," Tom revealed the main objective of the plan without even a hint of hesitation. 'After all,' he rationalized his choice, 'with how strong she became, she is pretty much all in, in this mess.'

"Come on, don't be shy," Cleo continued her tease, not minding Tom's protests at all. "Welcome to the world of adults, mister late bloomer," she added with yet another chuckle. 

"As if you had the right to speak like that, you damned virgin," Tom bounced the ball back, casting a jokingly hateful stare at the girl. 

"Huh? I'm not a virgin, though?" Cleo was quick to respond with a faked surprise.

"You are aware that plastic dildos doesn't count?" Tom replied just as quickly, keeping hold of the initiative in the conversation. 

"And how else do you think I could lose my first?" Cleo replied, this time taking a short moment to figure out how to. 

"How is that my problem? It's up to you which way you swing!" Tom attacked once again. 

'With that, she should be able to easily get back at me...ah?' Tom's thought of sacrificing himself in the discussion to kill the potential conflict, later on, was broken when he suddenly felt a presence. 

Yes, just like with his earlier training influencing his ability to swing his spear, the fight with the invisible enemies helped Tom to sharpen his other senses. Before he could see the monster appear, he had already managed to notice its presence.

"I appreciate the attempt, but you know I hate it," Cleo said, already looking in the same direction as Tom. Just like she could read his intention with that last verbal shot of his, she was perfectly capable of seeing him enter the vigilant stance. 

"It's not my fault you don't know how to accept the kindness of others," Tom said, shrugging his shoulders as he made his spear appear right within his palm. "But let's drop it for now," he added, staring into the darkness down the corridor. "It seems that we have some guests to take care of!"