Chapter 39: Nun
"One two! One two!"
The sound of soldiers and heavy machinery sounded loudly on the horizon.
Tanks drove through the paths and mortars were being set up in a far proximity from the gate.
Buses filled with Climbers from all over the continent kept coming and not that much later, the once-empty field turned into a busy camping spot as the different groups prepared themselves.
"The white house is going all out on this gate."
Leo said while the two of them were sitting on foldable chairs and drinking tea. It was still very early as the sun didn't come up, but it felt like a rush hour.
"That's to be expected, if we don't stop it, the damage will be devastating."
A group of noncombatants began to set up a huge tent in front of them, blocking the view and making the two of them scoff.
They decided to pack their stuff and head inside, where Nyssa and others were preparing to go out now.
"Thank you for it Zeph, I think I needed it."
He chuckled while going towards the group, starting to explain to them where they were and what the current plan was.
"So we can do pretty much whatever we want inside the gate for the next week?"
The Fearmonger asked while floating above them, laying on the air like it's a mattress.
"Until the 12th of January in 7 days, when we will have to prevent the breach."
After straightening it out, he turned to their driver who was very anxious about this whole thing. So far she has taken part in every gate, however this one she didn't look so sure of taking part in.
"You are staying behind Zeph, you will just make things harder for us."
Leo stated unapologetically before he left the van. The butler didn't even look up at him, sweat still falling down her face.
His action shocked everyone else, especially Nyssa who stormed off after him.
She pushed him against one of the buses and prevented him from going away.
"Why do you treat her this way after all this time!? Do you think it's okay?"
He slowly stood up while massaging the sore spot left behind on his shoulder. Something inside her realized for a moment just what she did and how terrible that was.
Their eyes met and she could now see the deep hurt in Leo's eyes and that his body language didn't scream of confidence as usual.
"She needs it..."
It was obvious that she didn't understand what he was talking about when he realized that he sighed loudly and declared.
"Just give her some time alone, it will do her good, especially right now."
They both nodded at each other in silence, understanding that it's for the best for her right now. Lively sounds of the non combatant area took their attention.
[You can do whatever you want for the next few hours, just stay away from the van.]
On top of giving his summons freedom for the day, he had also left them a sack of gold in case they wanted to buy something nice for themselves.
Due to Climbers from all over the continent being pulled here, the number of different shops and tents made the merchant district in Japan look like a flea market.
"Leo, come buy enchantment scrolls with me."
Nyssa stated while looking at all the colorful armor sets and accessories being made and sold. Climbers walked past them while bartering for better deals and sparks from anvils flew like shooting stars.
"Sorry, I signed an exclusivity contract back in Tokyo."
He wasn't sure himself if that deal was still in place, but the thought of getting high-tier enchants for cheap or free made him almost drool.
She needed to get a few anyway, so once he walked her to the enchantment scroll store, they decided to split up.
'Now what to do next... Cien do you think they can work with the artifact part?'
That was to be expected since he got it from a floor 5 levels higher than the ones currently accessible, but it stung nonetheless.
'But that remark about my gold was uncalled for.'
It's not like he was running out of money. It was just hard to build up wealth since most of the gates he had completed gave him nothing.
Then the only thing left was to find a team to venture into the gate with since he wasn't going to come an inch in without anti-venom.
Amelias Alchemical Antidotes
A small tent with a hand-drawn red cross and no customers sat on the outskirts of the area. He entered it and shocked the woman working there.
"Woah! Is that the legendahry chreatuhre from sis Bella's books?"
She ran up to him, eyeing every inch of his body with drool going down her face and a red blush on her cheeks.
On her face were a pair of oversized glasses that were so thick it was impossible to tell what lay behind them, and on top of that there was a spiral on them.
Her attire resembled that of a nun and her hair was long and unorganized.
"You mean a customer?"
Leo tried to make a joke, but she didn't seem to take that one lightly, speaking through her teeth while fixing the position of her glasses.
"Akshually I meant a man, vile monshter that would viohlate any unsuspecthing maiden!"
He was taken by surprise with that. His face became red in an instant as he held his breath, doing his best not to laugh at her.
The nun ran up behind the counter took out a vial of water and held it up like it was a deadly weapon.
"Don't come khloser or it won't end up good foh you!"
That last action made him burst into laughter, dropping him to his knees faster than the Ifrit or Sea God could ever do.
'I wonder what kind of stats a climber like that has.'
[Mind Archive]
[Amelia Branderwurst - Level 31]
[Class: High Priestess]
[HP 1 500/1 500]
[Mana 2 020/2 450]
[Strength: 20]
[Agility: 1]
[Stamina: 15]
[Magic: 50 (+43)]
In an instant, his mood changed, that name was only mentioned once in the entirety of his Tower Encyclopedia.
BUT.
That one time was in the library of strongest Climbers in each one of the main roles.
The very same Amelia was right in front of him, acting like a sheltered girl who got her information about men from an otome game.
[Mind Archive]
Amelia transcended for the 3rd time as the 41st person in the entirety of history, which wouldn't be anything extraordinary, if not for the fact that she was the only healer/support with that achievement to her name
He needed her, not just for this mission, if he played his cards right he was looking at getting the best support money could pay for.
"Sorry, I think we got on the wrong foot, my name is Leo...."
HISS!
Like a cat, she hissed at him and threw the water all over his face.
"Don't khome chloser you vile chreature!!"