Having finished off the armored bear that had assailed them, the members of Wild Wind looked at Marcus with respect before Bryce said, "That was impressive Irene, you have two magic skills and can already infuse your weapon with mana, you said you were a copper adventure but what level are you."
'Was what I did impressive or something all I did was send the magic I usually use to cast spells into my weapon anyone with the magic circulation skill should be able to do it.'
If everyone could have heard Marcus' thoughts, they would have started to cry since getting the magic circulation skill and learning how to channel mana into weapons was considered a right of passage from weak to strong for warriors and was considerable difficult for most.
Marcus then coming out of his stupor told them what his level is.
"Currently I am level ten and imagine all of you are higher level than me right."
Hearing Marcus' level everyone's jaw dropped, they were all thinking how could a level ten have such powerful abilities, most people at level ten would never have so many powerful skills. In fact, the leader of Wild Wind was level fifteen and he had only recently learned how to channel mana into a weapon, and he was considered a great talent.
The leader of Wild Wind then thought 'What a monster she is only level ten, and she can channel mana into a weapon I do not think I have even ever heard of someone being able to do that. Not to mention she is good with magic as well; she must have trained hellishly hard from a young age to be this strong.'
Once everyone had recovered from the shock of hearing Marcus' level, they began discussing what to do next when the young leader of the merchants spoke up.
"Tha-Thank you for protecting us but we really should be going now."
Looking quite disheartened about leaving the armored bear that in all honesty would be worth far more than what their current job was paying the members of Wild Wind begrudgingly fell back into formation around the carts. Jasper noticing that Marcus had not yet gone back to his post called out to him.
"Hey, Irene, I know that the armored bear is valuable, but we do not have the time to dismantle it and carrying it would slow as down to much hurry up and get back to the rearguard."
Snapping out of his deep thought Marcus decided to store the bear in his item box figuring everyone was going to find out sooner or later anyway. When the bear's body suddenly disappeared, everyone began staring at Marcus like they could not believe he existed. After a few moments of everyone's astonished stares Marcus said, "Um I thought we were going to start moving again?"
After Everyone had broken out of their daze, the caravan once again resumed its journey through the forest. They all traveled peacefully for a few more hours before the light of day was beginning to recede, and everyone began looking for a place to set up camp. It did not take long before the members of Shining Ice located a suitable clearing to set up camp in. Once everyone had set up camp and dinner had been served, Bryce asked, "So who wants to take first watch tonight, I recommend that we split it into three groups of three to maximize rest and efficiency.
At first no one volunteered for the first watch as everyone was tired and wanted to get some rest until Marcus spoke up and said' Sure I will take the first watch so who is with me."
After hearing that Marcus would take the first watch the leaders of both Shining Ice and Wild Wind quickly chimed in saying that they would also take the first watch. The second slot was filled with the two girls of Shining Ice and Ari, while the last was made up of the remaining members of Wild Wind.
While on the first watch Marcus began to try to dismantle the armored bear but finding that he had the same problem as before. He could not pierce or pry of the scales that adorned its body and when he tried to infuse mana into his iron knife cracks started to from on it and it shattered into pieces. Seeing this Bryce came over and started talking to Marcus.
"You know iron is one of the worst conductors of mana and breaks pretty easily, so even though bronze is not as strong normally, since it conducts mana pretty well it becomes stronger than even steel. If you want, I can dismantle that bear for you and all I want is the top half of the hide and to share the meat with everyone for tomorrow's dinner."
Thinking about it for a bit Marcus decided to take Bryce up on his offer and pushed the bear over to him. Bryce then began to expertly dismantle the corpse of the armored bear and with a small amount of help from Marcus they managed to finish the work in about two hours. Marcus then stored half the hide and the meat into his item box. He then stared at the magic core he got out of the bear and began appraising it.
'It is bigger and a deeper color of green than the ones I got from the goblins or other magic beasts I beat before. I wonder how much it is worth, I guess when I get to Loursend I can see how much it sells for.'
After he stored the magic core away Bryce looked at Marcus intently before asking him a serious question.
"Say, Irene you are pretty strong how about join our Wild Wind party, we are up and coming in the northern region of Borealia and I think you would make a good addition to the team.
Pretending to seriously consider it for a few moments Marcus responded by saying, "While I certainly appreciate the offer, currently I plan on working solo since I have something I absolutely have to do in Loursend."
Looking at Marcus with a bit of disappointment Bryce thanked Marcus for his time and headed of to another corner of camp. A few minutes later noticing that Marcus was now alone a new visitor approached him.
"Hey there mind if I keep watch with you."
Not waiting for Marcus' response Bodie quickly sat down next to Marcus and continued talking.
"It sure is tough for us copper rank adventures huh, just because we are new, we get looked down on even though most people start out as copper the same as us. So, us coppers need to stay together, what do you think Irene want to join Shining Ice I can tell you that Ingrid and Mia won't mind."
'I really cannot get a read on this guy I do not know if he is truly being sincere or just wants me because he thinks it will make his party strong. Eh whatever either way I am not joining his or anyone's party right now.'
Marcus then told Bodie that he really was not interested in joining any party currently and with that Bodie apologized for bothering Marcus and went on his way.. The first watch soon ended uneventfully, and Marcus set up his mat and blankets and quickly fell asleep.