Chapter 31: Tunnel Vision

Chapter 31: Tunnel Vision

Weve talked for a while, but now its time to go. Where should we be going? How is this going to work?

Ai looks up at the ceiling, moving a hand through her hair. She seems a bit absentminded at my question.

Well, there are several places that we could buy the ingredients at. However, the place that you are likely to find the manual at is at the roadside human market. They should also have ingredients and hopefully dead seeds. One thing to note, is that this is still the poorer side of the city and they are adept bargainers. Though, if Lin is the one negotiating, we shouldnt have any issues.

Lin nods, as if this is an established fact.

I suppose if you are the one having to go out and buy, steal, or bargain for supplies for a weakened sister, youd learn how to get the best deal over time.

Gong speaks up, I actually know of an alchemist shop that you can go to. He wont look too into our situation, as long as you seem competent and not a demi-human. There is also someone I have to meet with in the area, to notify about some of the changes of what has happened.

Wait is she going to tell them about us?

At everyones shocked faces, she quickly responds, OH not this stuff. Im talking about the spiders. She knows Ive been trying to get spiders to obey me. Once I tell and show her, this will make things much easier overall for us, over the next month. Ill also be able to have spiders patrol the areas around our entrances. Worst-case scenario, we can bring them with us as extra security.

She hesitates, before continuing, We should be ready for there in case there is an attack from gang members near that area. We must be cautious and keep our eyes open.

Ai and Lins eyes flash, but they seem to already have an idea of what shes talking about.

I guess Ill have to use my larger scan during this period. They seem pretty serious about that possibility.

We should get moving soon though, it is nearing midday and well want to get there before it gets dark. You should know though, after we do this, we will need to take the long way back, to lose any pursuers. Well likely get back after it gets dark.

Putting on cloaks that Gong provided, it also obscures our faces, preventing others from easily seeing them.

With this in mind, we actually dont leave out from the main entrance, but instead head deeper into the caverns.

Before they leave the cave together, Ai stops in place and turns to the wall. She is studying the painting representing the two of them.

I dont know why, but I really like this art piece, as you called it. For some strange reason, it calls to me.

Gong nervously rushes her out.

I cant help but chuckle at this sight.

Gong ends up striding ahead of the group, leading us down a tunnel I actually havent been down yet. Spaced every few meters are one of the glowing light stones.

If I think I can get away with it or am strong enough Im going to heal people. Discretely, of course. I cant and wont live like this.

With that in mind, as we walked past various injured people, I extended out my healing aura. With some practice, as we continued to walk around and past them, I think Im able to make it so the healing does just enough to stop festering wounds and promote natural healing.

I cant do much but I can at least do this. This will also help my stats. This is just to get stronger.

*BOOOOOOOM*

A shockwave from an area to our right shudders through us, vibrating the ground and interrupting my thoughts.

Gong, Lin, and Ai rush in, practically lifting me off the ground and hold us against the corner of an alley. They close in together around me, our backs facing each other.

Silence.

Nothing else moves for a moment. Everyone around us is on alert.

Demi-humans and humans alike begin to scatter for cover. Seeing their actions, I shake out of my shock and activate my scan. To get a better idea of the situation, I use the pulse mode for both around us and also in the blasts direction.

Okay.

Nothing around us. Now for the blast. There seems to be two people fighting or was. Looks like one person has his hand around the throat of another guy. Looks like the throated guy is saying something.

Ah, pleas of mercy and take what you want. Looks like thats good enough for the other guy. Hes just taking his bag and tossed the weak guy aside.

And flies away.

I whisper to our group, I think its all safe now, looks like it was a fight of some sort.

Gong gives me a disbelieving look, but then we can see two kids on top of one of the nearby buildings. One kid points to her and they jump off, running over to her.

Gong immediately heads over to them, clearly trusting them. They each whisper in her ear, speaking quickly. After some nods and some whispered words back, she gives me a quick glance of surprise, catching my eye.

Looks like they might have seen a little of it themselves. From what I can tell, they might be some of her informants.

Lets see what theyve discovered.