After the initial success, we continued our occupation of the orc camp. Gradually, with each battle, people got more and more tired. The fatigue accumulated in their bodies, and movements got slopier, to the point there was no other choice, but to take a break.
We retreated to the safe spot, further away from orc camp, and while those exhausted rested, the rest kept hunting. After four days we were ready for a comeback. This time we lasted only eight days, though. And only testing our luck, because the last battle went terrible.
Orcs broke through our positions faster than usual, and we had to retreat through the whole canyon while I kept attacking, and keeping them busy.
Many got injured, but not badly enough that Will and I couldn't heal those wounds. We didn't manage to get all of them since we both ran out of healing, but we did a fair bit. Enough for people to be able to move.
Our supplies were running down, so there was no other choice, but to return. The whole month came to an end anyway.
On our way back Will and I did the most work at cutting enemies down and making the path for others. We had to support them heavily, so the moving speed was slow. It took us three days to finally get to the cliff. During this time, we kept healing people, eventually bringing everyone back to decent condition.
After setting up a camp, and sleeping through the night, we began to count and split the score between ourselves. We gathered a total of 10 283 crystals. Amazing amount, but after splitting it among ten people, it was less than I and Will used to ern here.
I'm not gonna lie, I was not happy about it, but overall it was a huge boost to the strength of our faction. If we were to keep it longer, then after a year we would be easily on top, even if we had fewer people. The price was my own progress.
I was not willing to pay it. I needed a new hunting ground while they would keep growing here.
If Blue really wanted for us to come back to earth, I had a chance. I still was planning to kill that bastard. Alone, without involving anybody else, so I would be the only one to take the blame. If Will and others would grow in strength in the meantime, making it harder for the rest to challenge them, then we could avoid the war.
Thet were my plans, but as the saying goes: "Man plans, God laughs".
After everybody got their share back on the cart, and we eat a fast breakfast, the time for departure came. There was a possibility of us reaching the city today if we were to move with fast enough pace, but in the current condition of some of us, that was not an easy thing to achieve. We still attempted it though.
Moving through the goblin territory was easy, as others cleared it for us before we went that far. We didn't encounter anybody, since our arrival was late. Hunters already finished and returned. Struggling badly we somehow pushed it all the way to the city exhausting ourselves to the very end.
Some could barely pull the cart as we went past the gate. The local monument, unmoved, greeted us. For others, it was a very reassuring view. I was not yet in that state. I actually felt great with my ridiculous stamina.
We took our time to reach the city center, and as we did those gathered around immediately noticed, looking at us curiously. Probably because of the ridiculous amount of crystals on our carts. I noticed a few people bolt in a couple of different directions. Probably to deliver the information of our return.
Hatta was the first to greet us. He came surrounded by a few of his men with torches.
- Good to finally see you - he said from afar. - You all look terrible. I asked people to prepare baths and fresh clothes for you.
- I love you Hatta - said Will in response.
Boris just laughed at his words.
- Nothing better than hot water, after this hell we went through - said Nil.
- How did it go? Since you are alive, and your carts full, I guess you succeeded? - asked Hatta, looking at me.
- Yes. It was difficult though. If we repeat it a couple of times, you won't need my assist anymore.
- What do you mean by that?
My words grabbed the attention of others.
- I will look for a different spot as soon as you can take care of the camp by yourselves. We need to expand.
- I agree - said somebody from the side.
- It's great you returned - he said with a smile. - There was a bit of slippage, but I guess we couldn't avoid that. Anyway... I just came to tell you I scheduled the meeting for tomorrow morning. We will talk about many important things, so please join us after breakfast.
And he just left. Nobody seemed like they wanted to respond to his words.
- Come. Clean up, eat and rest. We will talk tomorrow - said Hatta a moment later.
- Did he try something funny? - Will asked, moving his head slightly towards Blue, who was on his way back to where he came from.
- No. Surprisingly everything went smooth here. Which means, we should be on high alert, but let's discuss that later. Maye after tomorrow's meeting?
- Good idea, I'm half dead - said Boris.
Hatta noded, and led us towards the bathhouse. Then we left our carts to him and went to clean ourselves up. After that, there was some food provided, and some of us went to sell the score. The others went to get some rest, leaving the crystals under the protection of Wuxia.
Most choose to sleep in the barracks, but others, like Hailwic and Boris, returned to their places. I chose to stay, so I wouldn't have to walk all the way back tomorrow. Before going to bed I sold my earnings.
The long expedition came to an end with 1 646 181 points remaining on my account, and five class points.
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