13

After a few more days of traveling, a few more days of the usual bickering and childish attempts at bullying from Clam and his goon squad. Albeit now reduced to a lesser degree, considering I've been helping out with the daily hunts for food and when compared to the meals back at the orphanage, our meals now can be considered hearty and filling. Mostly rabbit meat and occasionally rats... Yup, for the sake of survival I braced my stomach and consumed rat meat. Better than nothing I guess.

"Boss! Look there!" Clam's sudden uproar interrupts my line of thought. I glanced towards where he's pointing to take in the view.

"Keke, yep. Boys and girls, Ladies and strongmen, this is the Crystal Quarry." Looking proud of safely bringing us here, Alex places his palms upon his hips. Nose strung high and a big fat grin. Well, I guess he would. Crazy dude would charge headfirst into battle every time we encountered any vargs or hostile wildlife. Although after watching their supposed battle tactics, I'm sure of it now. They're all trying to impress Mel... I guess some things never change, no matter what world men will be men.

"Oi, you lot. Check your gear, make sure we have enough dry food and water. The Quarry is empty, no monsters dwell within. It will take half a day for us to traverse deep enough into the caverns to reach the crystals. There, you little ones will begin to mine the stuff whilst we older and more capable seniors will ensure your safety!" He glanced towards everyone. receiving a quick nod in return. No complaints from me either, I knew what I was signing up for. These crystals apparently sell for a decent amount. Although the crystal market is regulated and restricted. Only registered guilds are given mining rights, and the guild must sell the mined crystals to the royal family. Out of curiosity I raise my hand.

"Question, May I?" Alex's gaze lands on me. He nods. "If these crystals are worth coins, why are we the only ones here mining them? Wouldn't there be many other guilds fighting for the resource?" He nods again, approvingly.

"Good question Asai," Clears throat* "Ahem, these crystal quarries require time to replenish its gifts. The crystals bestowed upon us humankind are a gift from our maker Loha. It was just last year that this quarry was emptied out. The kingdom had to wait, for the crystals to regrow and replenish itself. And why we're the only ones here? That's because our guild the Crimson Graves." His nose went a little higher as he paused for dramatic event. Perhaps if I tried a bit harder I would hear a drumroll. "Was specially chosen by the Royals to mine the crystals, and to return safely."

"So, we're basically scouts?" I questioned. Emmanuel prodded my shoulder with his fist and nodded.

"Right on the money kid. If our guild successfully mines a good amount and returns to Einhoren safely. The Royals would be elated to begin their mining operations again. You should count yourself favoured by Loha, getting this chance to mine the crystals and making big coinage for yourself." A big grin encroaches his face.

"And when we get back to Einhoren, whores and drinks are on me! HA!" Alex roars. Clam and Co are more than eager to begin it seems. The promise of women and booze are enough to ignite morale it seems. Mel's reaction seem to be one of indifference. I can only assume that men of this world or perhaps adventurers are like that in general.

Strangely, I noticed Colem has been rather quiet. Wasn't he also eager to enter the limelight and impress Mel? I glance over to him, receiving only a glare in return.

After a moment of respite, rest and checking our tools and luggage, we begin to traverse down the quarry. Our goal, the cavern at the bottom.

I glance towards the sky above. Perfect weather, I glance around before following them down. Nothing for as far as I can. It seems I really did hit the jackpot? What can I say? fortunes favours the bold. The long march here was worth it!

What could go wrong? Brimming with enthusiasm I follow them down.