Three days have passed since I met with Joanne. Before I left, I spent most of the time with Joanne or the girls.
Joanne and I had gone to an adventurer's shop and bought any tools that would be useful for this rescue mission.
"Charles. Are you ready?"
Joanne had already handed me a teleportation scroll to Destiny Road. There was still a day left before the fissure opened, but it was better for us to leave early.
"Yeah, any time."
We used our teleportation scroll to get to Destiny Road without issues on either side. After being teleported, Joanne was to my right.
Destiny Road had a mesmerizing view. From where we were, it looked like we were in space. I wonder if those small lights are stars. I could see why it was called Destiny Road.
"Surprised? I was the same for my first viewing experience."
Joanne had made me come back to reality. Other than the view, I could see a horde of people. Many dangerous beings were sitting around.
"Our destination is there. Everyone there is a bit antsy, wouldn't you say?"
The way she worded it made it sound like everyone here was nervous. While some of them were, most people were waiting for something.
Hundreds of people were waiting at the exact spot. The gateways to hell and the gateway to the Celestial were surprisingly close.
"Do you think a fight here would start?"
With how shaky the atmosphere here was, I wouldn't be surprised if anyone snapped. Joanne could only give me a wry smile, hearing what I said.
You can't blame me for asking that. Everyone was observing everyone to scout our capabilities.
While waiting for the fissure to open, more and more people began to appear. There was a particular group of people that stood out from the rest. Joanne and at least half of the people here realized this.
"Do you know them? They cut above the rest."
"They're pretty famous for adventures. It's hard not to know them when you're in this scene."
"Who are they?"
Since they gave off a unique aura, it was hard not to ask. For some reason, Joanne smiled when I asked the question.
"They're a group called Flare. All five of them come from the red dragon race. It's rare to see a group of dragons banding together, but that makes them someone you wouldn't want to mess with."
A group of dragons as adventurers was something I wouldn't have expected. They are currently the strongest group of people. Each was near Agnus' power but on a slightly lower scale.
"Anyways, they aren't hostile to everyone in sight. So you shouldn't be worried about them attacking on sight."
"Besides, they have enough people envying them to worry about us. I heard that their haters are a bit too much."
With fame came annoyance. While I had haters, no one was crazy enough to mess with me. I won't be surprised if someone decides to screw with them.
"Look. It's the army."
Suddenly, the number of people around here doubled. A group of people wearing an armored logo appeared before us.
"Men, listen up! This mission here is vital. Be sure to listen to every one of my commands. Any defectors will be immediately executed along with their families. And anyone else who gets in our way won't be spared!"
"Do they have to say that in public?"
The commander of the army had an obnoxious aura around him. He tried his best to intimidate everyone with his numbers, but it backfired, and he earned the hostility of everyone.
"It can't be helped. All we need to do is avoid them."
"Joanne, do you think all of them could survive the fissure? They must be rich to set up an army."
I had intentionally raised my voice. While they could have had the numbers for better odds, those who weren't guaranteed survival looked at the army. One of these soldiers must have an item to protect them from the fissure.
The hostility they gained from the masses had already started because of the commander's loud mouth. And with my instigation, there was more reason to take the army out.
I had worsened the mood around the place, but no one cared about me. I was just one dude that didn't have any fame in a place like this.
Anyway, the soldiers were now on full alert. Anyone here could attack without a second thought. There was still a day left before the fissure arrived.
"Charles. Don't do anything to cause trouble. A fight here could cause us trouble."
For the first time, I saw Joanne angry. While it was only a small one, it was still my first time seeing it.
"Sorry, but the commander pisses me off. I can't help but throw them under the bus."
"I get it, but more trouble wouldn't do us any good if you want to find your lover."
What I hate about it is that Joanne said it was correct. I apologize sincerely if I get her back in a better mood. It was surprisingly nerve-racking to see her angry.
"You're right. I'm sorry."
"As long as you learn. How about you talk about your lover to make it up to me? I'm curious to see what she's like."
"I have six, but I assume you want to know about the kidnapped one."
"You're joking, right?"
"Nope. As serious as I could be."
Joanne's expression was funny. To think of it, I had never told her that I had six. Her mouth was wide open, unsure of what to say.
"I didn't take you for that type of person. I have to watch out for you when we enter the wilderness together."
I couldn't tell whether she was joking or not. Well, I wasn't here to pick anyone up, but when you look at her, she does have her own charm. But let's talk about that another day.
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