My shenanigans created a bit of distance between me and the people in the first few days, but as time flew, and I didn't repeat the same theatrical performance, they kinda relaxed around me.
To my surprise, Leonel, who was scared because of what he saw, quickly turned that fear into admiration for me. I seized it, giving him little clues about how he was doing during hunting. Our relationship definitely gained some momentum because of that. With Carmelita, the situation was slightly different. She couldn't shake off the feeling of fear from that moment and became more reserved around me.
I wasn't the only one who spotted that, as Tihana immediately reacted by pulling her closer to me as the father by engaging the two of us in shared activities.
Celestine and I had a long conversation about everything too. She was terrified at first, but then as we talked more the feeling turned into something very positive. She began understanding that I was a protective wall, which would protect our family from anything, and that made her... Let's say more appreciative of everything I was doing for our family.
Like that, an entire week passed. During this time I collected 14 173 000 more points, which put me at a total of 19 196 400 because I had a few expenses along the way too. The class points hit 57, since I wasn't spending them at all.
This marked a change in the approach to hint, as I was no longer to help the rest with clearing the goblin cave. I still went with them, to make sure nobody would die, but the fighting was out of the question unless the situation would become too dangerous.
So after the clearing of the forest, we all gathered by the cave. Led by Tihana and John, they all marched in. Despite protesting, Leonel got placed at the very back of the procession, alongside me and Carmalita, who didn't protest at all.
My daughter and the brat were both very experienced according to our standards. Supported by the best fighter from the second line, they were able to easily deal with the horde that got blocked in the tunnel.
I didn't even have to provide light for them, since the torches were enough. We decided that I shouldn't give them any support, to make sure they would be able to clear the cave on their own in the future, without my constant assistance.
It progressed well, and Tihana led them to the floors below, where the situation got a bit tougher, but nevertheless, her strategical approach, and ability to lead people, proved to be enough, despite the very limited experience and upgrades amount your hunters.
Like that, slowly but surely, we got in front of the door leading to the boss where we all took a break to eat, drink, and rest. I gave out the food to the members of my family, as I still was working as a backpack, carrying a substantial amount of what they brought to eat with themselves in my vault.
- I'm a little bit nervous - Tihana whispered to me, as I have her a bottle of water.
- You already killed this one - I pointed out.
- Yeah - she agreed as she opened the bottle and took a sip. - But It was always with a boost from you.
- You will have john to help you. He did it with his pals, so he will know what to do, and the rest will take care of the guards. There is nothing to worry about. Besides, if something goes wrong, I'm still here - I said.
She nodded and spotted away, but It didn't look like she was fully convinced.
- She wants to be able to do things without your intervention - said Celestine, as she approached me just after that with her hands crossed on her chest.
Her leather armor was obscuring the shape of her body, which was unfortunate, as I really liked to stare at her.
- Yeah... I think she can, but the lack of confidence might influence her to the point that she actually won't be able to do it - I agreed.
- If not today, then the next time. We don't need to rush everything - she added. - Just make sure, she won't get hurt.
I nodded, making sure she would know that I had my hand on the pulse.
The break ended soon after, and everybody approached the door. The plan was simple. While Tihana and John were to deal with the boss, the rest was supposed to kill the guards, then retreat, giving the two the necessary room to be able to act freely, without worrying that the boss might attack somebody else.
The door got open, revealing a familiar oval-shaped chamber, with multiple bowls filled with burning oil. The two immediately charged in, followed by the group who spread to the sides to deal with the guards in rusty breastplates, armed with also rusty weaponry. Tihana and John, without hesitation, got to the boss and attacked.
My daughter was first to swing her sword at the creature, which easily dodged, immediately responding by swinging its jagged swords, but those got blocked by her shield.
She gasped under the impact, which almost made her lower the shield to the point it hit her head. She escaped to the side, tumbling on the ground, and dragging the boss's attention with her, creating an opportunity for John.
He had a brand new spear with him, and immediately used it thrusting with all his might, but the boss was fast enough to deflect it, with one of the swords. He ignored Tihana, and charged at the man, jumping at the last moment and bringing down the blades. John was able to take the impact on the spear, and then push both sharpened pieces of metal to the side, while pulling the spear a bit towards himself, to utilize the pointy tip to scratch the cheek of the monster.
The boss showed a nasty grin full of sharp teeth as the blood showed up.
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