Caleb sat on the chair slowly, then eyed the two members of the hunting party carefully. When he saw the appearance of the man closely, it reminded him of a weak uncle, but actually strong in stories that he had read. If not for the aura of confidence he was giving, he wouldn't even know that the guy was someone who hunts wild beasts.
He has an unshaven beard, rough around the edges. Droopy eyes, along with his rough, scarred skin. He also wore a dirty brown leather shirt and pants, which looked as if it had experienced horrible weather. And lastly, the guy looks lazier than a sloth because of his slightly hunched back posture.
'This guy must be Dunn.'
Recalling Clifford's description of the members of the hunting party, Caleb quickly determined.
Dunn patted Caleb on the back with his big, strong arms and laughed unreservedly.
"Hahaha! Good kid! Come eat. If you want to become strong, what you gotta do is to eat meat!"
Caleb felt the force on his back. Unfortunately, it didn't manage to push him even a little due to his physical strength.
A look of surprise appeared on Dunn's and the woman's face. The woman gave Caleb a look of wonder while a wide smile emerged from Dunn's.
"What a strong back! Although I didn't use too much force. You have a good gene, kid! How about trying the test to join the hunting party?"
When the woman heard this, she glared at Dunn.
"Isn't it a bit early? Do you want to put his life in danger? I don't think that he's ready. Even for us veterans, hunting wild beasts posed a danger. Not to mention, if we encounter Apokalips..."
Caleb looked at Dunn with a serious look.
"Let me... I might not look like it, but I think I did have an awesome blood coursing through my veins."
Hearing this, Dunn's eyes lit up and gave the woman a wide grin. He retracted his hand from Caleb's back and coughed. As he did so, his expression shifted from funny to serious.
"Anyone who manages to pass the test is ready and qualified enough... Giving him the opportunity to become strong is up to us, but the answer will come from him. Joining us might put his life in danger, but that is life. This world is cruel, and only competent ones have the chance to survive."
Calen cleared his throat, his mouth twitched, and he gave Dunn a doubtful look.
"Really?"
"Don't take this bastard's words seriously," Rina interjected before Dunn could even say his piece. "Or you're in for a world of misfits."
Dunn clutched his heart, his face contorted in pain.
"Ouch! My heart! Rina, for you to say such things... I'm the most honest person in this house."
'Pretentious bastard!'
"A-hem!" Caleb cleared his throat. "So, when can I take the test?"
Dunn's expression turned serious again. He reached his hand on the table under Caleb's gaze.
The succulent meat sat on the plate, a visual masterpiece that effortlessly drew the eye. Its surface boasted a golden-brown hue, the result of a perfect sear that promised a delightful contrast of textures. The meat's outer layer glistened slightly under the light, hinting at the juices locked within.
Small rivulets of natural moisture traced their way down the sides, evidence of the succulence that awaited beneath the surface. These glistening trails seemed to emphasize the tenderness and flavor that had been meticulously preserved during the cooking process. The edges of the meat were slightly caramelized, offering a tantalizing suggestion of the exquisite flavors that lay within.
A delicate wisp of steam rose from the meat, carrying with it an enticing aroma that spoke of seasoning and charred perfection.
"Erica had really perfected her craft." Dunn praised.
The woman on the side, who had served the food, also the one who cooked it, trembled. Her face beamed with joy. "Thank you, Milord, for such a praise."
'The status of the hunting party is really high in this damned house.' Caleb sighed as he saw the small interaction between the two.
Dunn smiled, then he turned his attention to Caleb again. "To answer your question, we will do it later. The captain and the others are outside. Captain Fushigiro will personally supervise your test. Of course, let's finish eating first."