NOVEL NEXT Chapter 252: Different Struggles Part 2
"And what did the elf want?" Josh asked as Jack returned to their group. They were all lounging in their reclining chairs, chewing on freshly grilled meat. There wasn't much else to do except make noise and pretend to be busy whenever a scout from the other factions dropped by to ask how things were going. Each time, one of their warriors stationed near the corridor fork would sprint down to fetch someone from their group. That person would then jog back up to claim they were fighting valiantly against an endless undead horde. This time it had been Jack's turn, and everyone waited eagerly to hear what had happened.
This wasn't just their usual elite squad lounging around. Nearly a hundred people were gathered in this stretch of corridor alone. Some had even summoned flying carpets, hovering lazily in the air under the high stone ceiling. The arrival of an elf scout had been a rare and curious event, making Jack's story all the more intriguing.
"He wanted to know if we were dealing with vampires and whether the undead elites had joined the fight," Jack began casually. Then he raised his voice with dramatic flair. "That fool actually tried to sense me. I told him, as politely as I could, that I would welcome the chance to fight something other than vampires. A single undead beast would've been a blessing, I said. But alas, we're only beset by these pesky vampires."
The group erupted into laughter, his sarcasm painting a vivid picture of the elf's confusion. A new wave of conversations broke out around the catacomb as people chuckled and debated the real issue at hand—how to smuggle better food down to their cozy hideaway. Spatial rings tended to ruin the flavor of cooked meals, and theories were flying about how to preserve the taste. Some argued for transporting food in barrels, while others suggested grilling it right there.
"We definitely picked the right guy to deal with the elves," a wind mage chuckled from one of the floating carpets. Others joined in, hooting in agreement.
"I say we try the barrel idea," another man added, still laughing. "That meat soup with the long noodles from that new tavern? Absolute perfection. I'd give it two Michelin stars."
"That's too risky," a female warrior interjected from her sofa on the ground. She was munching on seasoned ham and sausage, sipping wine like it was a summer picnic. "If anyone from the other factions finds out what we're really doing down here, we could get into serious trouble—especially without Lord Thalion here to cover for us."
Alcohol wasn't a major concern thanks to healing magic, but Evelyn, their only healer, had refused to spend her day running around curing hangovers. They were forced to rely on health potions for now. Hard liquors like Kargul's vodka were strictly forbidden, but wine passed under the radar.
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"If you'd tasted that soup, you'd be on my side," the man argued, his tone more playful than serious. It was all friendly banter, a way to distract themselves from the tension thickening in the air like smoke.
"Can't we just put it in a spatial ring?" a curious mage asked. "Does it really make that much of a difference?"
"To put a masterpiece like that soup in a spatial ring would be a crime," the man on the carpet declared dramatically. "One of the worst I've seen during this entire tutorial."
"Maybe it's because the soup isn't sealed," someone else suggested. "Has anyone tried putting it in a barrel first, then into the ring?"
"Enough already," Evelyn interrupted, cutting off the debate. "No more experiments for now. We'll probably have to help one of the other factions soon if they can't deal with the undead. I want no trouble until then. If you want to sneak food in, do it shortly before we're called to battle."
Their chatter masked a quiet dread. Everyone knew that when the real fighting started, not all of them would walk away. Even if they survived the undead, there was always the risk of betrayal by the other factions. The banter, food debates, and board games bought from the system shop were their last fragile attempts to pretend everything was normal.
"Do you think the elf bought your story?" Josh asked as Jack leaned back on his golden throne, clearly pleased with himself.
"Absolutely," Jack replied with pride. "You should've seen the way he strolled over after talking to one of Kael's men, probably thinking we were having a lazy afternoon while the undead elites took a nap. After I laid out my story, the guy nearly teleported back to his camp to warn his commanders."
"Yeah, Josh, you really shouldn't question the mighty Squidman," Kargul laughed, then added in a more hushed tone, "You're lucky he hasn't told the lonely women around here what you're capable of."
"Please don't," Josh sighed.
Before anyone could pile on more teasing, a quiet signal echoed through the corridor. Someone was approaching. Likely another messenger. But when Evelyn turned and spotted the newcomers, she jumped to her feet and ran over, throwing her arms around both of them in a warm hug.
"Jakob, it's so good to see you again," she said excitedly, releasing them at last. Her embrace had probably been learned from Kargul's overly affectionate nature. "How have the last few weeks been treating you?"