Chapter 2020: Departing for the Desert Mission

The next day, their group congregated to the plaza next to the Western gates. They were a group of about twenty or so people, including the couple, who were surprised at the number of escorts.

They didn’t post a mission or pay anything, so they only expected a few people to guide them. After all, even if there were troublesome mobs, they could just run away from them. Going in large groups could even attract more monsters.

Of course, if the group were capable, then the trip would indeed be safer and could even be expedited. Hence, it came down to the matter of quality.

When the couple saw Maika and her team, they couldn’t help but be surprised, but also a bit reassured because with them here, the quality should not be lacking.

Maika herself was in her level 30s, and her coordination with her team was better than most. Most importantly, her character was not bad, which was already saying a lot.

The couple couldn’t help but look at each other, asking if the other paid extra to Erol behind the other’s back, and got even more confused when the answer for both was negative.

A bit confused, they walked over to Erol to ask if they were all their companions.

Erol looked proud. "Well, I promised that you’ll reach the wall at the shortest time we can, and I plan on doing that."

"This is too much..." Althea said, a bit embarrassed. But at the same time, they really needed this, and it would be impolite to turn it down now. "Thank you."

She truly appreciated it. Althea was the type who disliked owing anything. So while it remained to be seen how valuable this help was, she wanted to do something for the other party anyway.

"In exchange, my husband and I will guarantee your meals during this trip."

A certain group of people reacted first—and they reacted passionately.

"YES!"

"OHYES!"

"I’m so glad I got assigned to this mission!"

"My life is complete!"

These were people from Maika’s team.

"..."

Erol’s team was confused. Why were these guys more excited than they were?

Erol smiled. He knew that what could excite Maika and her team must be very good.

"Then we won’t be polite! Thank you in advance." Their spaces did have some food, especially jerky and some restaurant bread, but it was a good thing to save up money and save up these consumables for emergencies.

In fact, he didn’t even expect them to provide them with all the meals. Just once a day at most, which was what was required for people of their level to survive anyway.

At this time, he had no idea how good it was. It was to the point that even the underlings who had been questioning his decision until now would later look at him in reverie.

The foresight is amazing!

...

Land beasts were not very good in sand, so they didn’t bother with beast carts. The monsters in the sand could also be very unpredictable, so the most trustworthy mode of transportation was on foot.

Interestingly, just as the group exited the gates, a few people blocked their way. There were two people in the middle, but there were also five guards around them, evidenced by their identical clothing.

Most people immediately became guarded, wondering if they were sent by other factions. Unexpectedly, Althea recognized them.

"Medusa? Sinnan!"

The two smiled and went straight to Althea and Garan. "We’ll be joining you on this mission," Sinnan said, and Medusa nodded.

The closest mercenary hall to Dune Town was actually in Metteo Town, so they already knew the way.

On foot, carried by level 30s, they could dash to the Town in less than two days.

"I’m happy to see you, but you seem a bit tired from the rush," Althea said with a smile, but also one of concern. Primarily, she looked at Medusa.

Medusa, however, was intent on coming with them regardless of her level.

When they received the post that Lady Althea and Garan were in Metteo Town, Dune Town had already mobilized to send assistants. They had no idea whether they’d even be needed, but as allies who owed the other territory a lot, they were willing to send forces even if they were not going to be used at all.

In fact, they already knew the couple was heading to the desert even a month before, while Alterra was preparing for the long trip. Dune Town had long offered its services if they needed assistance.

However, even after a month, no such message was received, which made them feel useless. Hence, when Sinnan’s group received news a few days ago that the couple landed in Metteo Town, they were eager to join in.

Sinnan had long wanted to help them somehow, but there was never anything they needed from him. He owed Alterra his life, and his home owed Alterra its survival and prosperity. Now that the couple was in his region, how could he really stay still?

Even if the job was as porters, they didn’t care!

And so, Sinnan brought along five late level 20s and early level 30 guards along with him, which was a good portion of Dune Town powerhouses. They should provide some assistance, at least against beasts.

Not to mention, since they were from the desert, they were more familiar with the Undead than the solid land dwellers.

Even if the distance between the Undead walls between Metteo and Dune was not much different, the Undead preferred to travel in the desert and were faster there, so they encountered much more of this creature.

Sinnan believed that they would be useful!

Medusa, on the other hand, wanted to see more Undead in their ’natural habitat’, just because.

Sinnan swore to be in-charge of her protection, so Althea and the others didn’t have to worry about her.

Althea thought for a while before nodding. The more the merrier, right?

Besides, more eyes might offer different perspectives and paths.

For such a vague mission with vague clues, they would certainly need a lot more insight.

Like this, the party added a few people, finally leaving the safety of the walls.

Althea looked at a distance, seeing a portion of the desert dunes just beyond the horizon. It was finally time for them to face the desert.