As Caleb reclined in the plush chair, the painting above the desk caught his attention—a masterpiece that echoed the richness of the room. The serene landscape seemed to be a portal to tranquility, a perfect counterpoint to the dynamic city beyond the window.
"Johan, why didn't you invite Andre and the others to the festival? It would have been lively that day."
Hearing Rozho suddenly speak made Caleb stop for a moment. He looked at the others behind him and said: "There's just no way. Those three visited Fatty yesterday. They are quite busy since they already earned the required amount of contribution points to exchange recipes."
Suddenly, Kidd's eyes lit up. "So did they finally ascend or what?"
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Caleb sighed. "Dunno. I've tried to invite them but they just told me about it. I also wonder if the three succeeded."
Kazuto patted Caleb on the shoulders with a reassuring smile on his face. He knew that although Johan didn't show it. He was actually dead worried for his friends. "I'm sure they succeeded. The side effects of the ascension of the Hunter path from Tier 9 to 7 aren't that severe."
Thinking of the resolve and the willpower of Luna, Andre, and Clifford made Caleb nod three times. Yes, in their time together, when he first reincarnated in this world. He saw their desire and determination to grow stronger. The mere side effects wouldn't stomp their will.
"Well, how about inviting them to celebrate their success?" Rozho smiled.
Rekka, on the other hand, suddenly spoke after being silent for a while now. He cleared his throat and looked at everyone's face. "I'm not joining their celebration. I have better things to do than waste my time on such things."
"It's fine..." Rozho nodded with understanding. "No one is forcing anyone. Still, why did you decide to go with us if you don't have time to waste??"
Kazuto, Kidd, and Caleb turned their heads at Rekka at the same time as if waiting for his answer.
"Why bother?" Rekka snorted and went to the bed at the corner of the room and covered himself with a white blanket. The only sound that they heard was the latter's snoring.
Clifford chimed in, "And we owe it all to the training and guidance we received here."
"Looks like you're not the only one who succeeded," David remarked, nodding toward Luna and Clifford. "And yes, due to him choosing Shadow Path, his side effects are far deadlier." David shook his head and continued: "If he believed me in the first place. He wouldn't have had to suffer. Though that kid was a different breed. His will isn't something a kid at his age should possess. To answer you another question, the murmurings are just the result of the pill causing chaos in our psyche."
David stood up, offering a hand to help Andre up from the floor. "You've proven your mettle, all of you. Tier 8 is a significant milestone, but remember, the path to greatness continues."
As the recruits gathered themselves, Luna couldn't contain her excitement. "Let's celebrate! How about a feast at the Chong's Restaurant? My treat!"
The proposal sparked enthusiasm among the tired recruits, and they exchanged glances, silently agreeing with Luna's suggestion.
...
Back in room 202, Caleb listened intently to Rozho's suggestion about inviting Andre and the others to celebrate. The bond among the group was evident, even with Rekka's tsundere tendencies.
"I'm in," Kidd declared, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I heard the Fireworks of the Mad Shrine are quite the spectacle. How about we go there next time? Count me in for some celebration!"
Caleb nodded in agreement. "It's a great idea. We should definitely join the festivities. Besides, it'll be a good opportunity to congratulate Andre, Luna, and Clifford on their ascension."
"Well, that is, if they succeeded." Rekka, who was supposed to be asleep, chimed in. Then, snoring was heard again soon after.
'Bastard...'
Caleb cursed.
Kazuto chuckled at this, "And perhaps Rekka will join once. We'll definitely convince him."
The group shared a collective chuckle. In their opinion, convincing Rekka was worthy of having a B-rank mission difficulty.