Chapter 573 Relaxing Hunt (1)
The colorful patterns projected onto the elaborate mosaic floor by the morning light in the guild hall resulted from the light shining through the stained glass windows of the building. After entering, Erik didn't have to look very hard to find Mira; he found her right away. She was already there, her sharp eyes sweeping the bustling hall, and when they landed on Erik, they lit up in recognition. She knew immediately that he was the person she was looking for.
"Morning," she greeted him with a grin, her usual spirited energy evident.
"Morning to you, too," Erik replied warmly, closing the distance between them. "Did you mention to your comrades about our hunt today?"
Mira shrugged lightly, her dark braid swinging over her shoulder. "I did. I told them I'd be accompanying you. They seemed to be in the mood for a day off anyway, so no objections there."
Erik's relief was palpable. The last thing he wanted was unnecessary tension. "I'm glad it went smoothly. No need for added drama."
After finishing their pleasantries, the two mercenaries turned their attention to the task of selecting a quest to take on. They moved closer to the holographic computer housed within the guild, a technological marvel that presented active quests in real time. Mira's deft hand moved fluidly over the controls as she skillfully navigated the user interface until a specific quest drew her attention.
"Look at this," she said, pointing to a listing. "A request to hunt down thirty Mires. It sounds easy enough."
"Yeah, everything is fine for me." Mira registered them for the quest as a party with a few taps on the console when he nodded affirmatively. They heard a chirp from the computer, indicating that it accepted their choices and gave them the appropriate coordinates and details.
Having accomplished their primary task at the guild, the two made their way to the exit. The mercenaries gathered in the guild hall, which was always a hub of activity, to discuss their plans for the day, do business, or simply catch up on the most recent news. Erik and Mira weaved through the crowd, nodding to familiar faces as they left the building.
Once they were outside, they immediately headed in the direction of the town's gate. The imposing building served as both an indicator of security for those new to the area and a deterrent to those who might pose a threat. After recognizing Erik, the security guards gave him a nod and waved him and his companion through without further incident.
Mira turned to Erik while they were walking inside the gate building with a playful glint in her eye. "So, where are those fancy vehicles you boasted about yesterday?" she asked, a teasing tone in her voice.
Erik chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, about that," he began, a slight hesitance evident, "I'm still searching for a reliable team to manage and drive them. I didn't expect it to be this difficult."
Mira laughed, her mirth clear. "So the great Erik Kay is not as prepared as he'd like?"
Erik smirked, taking the joke in stride. "Looks like it. This means that, for today at least, we'll have to rely on the old reliable porter companies."
Mira nodded, pretending to weigh the options: "Hmm, I suppose the renowned Lustrous Haulers will do."
After finalizing their strategy, the two individuals proceeded to the office of the Lustrous Haulers, located within the gate building. The location was bustling with activity at all times. Porters, loaders, and coordinators were all seen bustling about as they entered. They exited the office after completing their tasks or while the procedure was in progress.
As Erik and Mira approached the main counter, a tall man with a chiseled jaw and a neatly trimmed beard greeted them. "Good day! Looking for a team, are we?"
Erik acknowledged, "Yes," before elaborating on where they were going and the scope of their mission. The two finally reached an agreement after a rapid exchange over prices, which Erik expertly navigated with the deftness he was used to employing in such circumstances.
"A team will accompany you swiftly and safely," the coordinator assured them, pointing to a sleek, armored vehicle. It was one of Lustrous Haulers' best models, with the latest navigation systems and safety features.
Mira whistled appreciatively. "Not bad for a backup plan."
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The truck's engine began to rumble to life as the Porter team boarded it, and the engine's steady hum indicated that it was prepared for its arrival. They received a nod from the driver, a young red-haired woman who smiled at them. "All set?"
Erik nodded. "Go 10 kilometers east from here to the Mires territory."
"Understood. Put on your seatbelts."
They began their journey with a good turn of the wheel. As they progressed further into unfamiliar territory, the scenery around them changed. Many hunters had previously traveled the trail to the Mires region. Yet, each trip presented its own particular difficulties. Like most surrounding areas of Testrovsc's Rest, the terrain was always forest.
While the truck was moving out, Mira and Erik continued a light conversation in which they fantasized about the future and discussed possible plans for the day.
Erik would occasionally steal a glimpse out the window, his sharp eyes searching for any indication that the Mires were around. Even though the beasts were not particularly hostile, anyone who underestimated their intelligence and number risked encountering a dangerous situation.
Before they knew it, the driver announced that they were getting closer to their destination. Erik and Mira gave each other resolute glances, indicating that they were prepared to tackle the challenge of the day head-on.
As the vehicle came to a stop, the great expanse of the Mires' territory opened up in front of them, revealing a world that was both eerie and beautiful but also fraught with danger. And the creatures they sought were most likely dispersed across this vast landscape.
After stepping outside, the two daring adventurers inhaled deeply as the fresh, brisk air filled their lungs.
The vibrant energy of anticipation thrummed between them. With a twinkle of mischief and determination in her eye, Mira looked at Erik. "Let's find these bastards!" she declared fervently, her hands resting confidently on her bow.
Erik chuckled, sensing her spirited mood. "That's the spirit!" he agreed, drawing his own weapon, its gleam reflecting his readiness. "Lead the way, sharpshooter."
The two hunters continued their foray into the region while engaging in this playful banter, which helped establish the tone for their expedition.
Their experience as mercenaries shone through in every move they made, which demonstrated both caution and confidence.
Erik's ears were well trained, listening for the faintest sounds that might betray the Thaids' presence. At the same time, Mira's fingers were always near an arrow, ready to nock it at the earliest sign of danger.
As they approached the dense vegetation, Mira signaled Erik to stop. She pointed to a smudged footprint line leading into the thick undergrowth.
They were fresh. "It looks like we're on the right path," she whispered with a grin.
Erik nodded, his own excitement palpable. "Then let's not keep them waiting."
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