Chapter 455 456-Howard's Decision
?Howard closed his eyes, the wind carrying a faint scent of fireworks, signaling the approach of dinner time when Breeze City would plunge into the revelry of the evening meal.
This was the most relaxed time for the people here, marking the end of a day's work, followed by unrestrained relaxation.
It felt like a warm ocean, where the minutiae of noise were both amplified and ignored.
Howard felt his consciousness expanding in a fascinating manner, as if observing the world's operations from a divine perspective – life and death, rises and falls, all seemingly detached from him.
This sensation lasted for about fifteen minutes, but sensorially, it felt as long as a day and a night.
As his expanded consciousness retracted, the cacophony of sounds filled Howard's mind.
He frowned, taking a few minutes to adjust before the sounds gradually faded away.
Finally, he opened his eyes.
"What was that?" Howard inquired within, directed at Zero.
He realized that Zero knew even more about him than he did about himself.
"The prelude to the second mode of expansion, current energy insufficient for full deployment."
It didn't sound like something ordinary people, or anyone in this world, would experience.
Howard had his answer but still asked.
"This is an anomaly."
Without further clarification or explanation, Zero provided a definitive response.
Some secret buried within Howard drew the attention of Nula, Dorek, and even the Nameless deity.
This secret made his extraterrestrial identity seem insignificant by comparison.
"What exactly am I?"
"I'm sorry, the current level of administrator access does not permit an answer."
"So, you do know, don't you?
"Yes."
Having something concealed within oneself, yet as an "administrator," Howard lacked the authority to know what it was – this feeling was far from pleasant.
The deity's assurance of Howard's survival was likely tied to this unknown existence.
Or perhaps, it was this very existence that had kept Howard alive through several close calls.
All clues faintly pointed towards this mysterious presence.
Taking a deep breath, Howard stood up and secured his straight sword on his back.
He had finally made a decision.
By the time Howard returned to the tavern, it was nearing midnight.
Walking leisurely under the moonlight and humming familiar tunes, he pushed open the tavern's slightly ajar door.
The hall was filled with a cool silence, a few candles flickering in the breeze.
Howard's gaze swept across the room; Antalya, Greg, Vivia, Ali – everyone except Jelia was there.
"Back now, have you decided?" Antalya was the first to speak.
Howard nodded, paused, and then asked, "What do you all know?"
Leaning against the table, Ali spoke, "I looked into that woman's identity, using the same method as last time when we investigated the 'Old Nobles.' Though it wasn't smooth sailing, I managed to gather some results."
"If my information is correct, that woman should be affiliated with the 'Mystic Star Society,' an organization that was supposed to exist only in legends."
"No one knows from which era their lineage originates, only that they once shared an era with the oldest kingdoms on the continent. Their internal organizational structure, unknown; their membership composition, unknown; their standards and thresholds for joining, unknown. Had they not approached you, I might have gone my whole life without ever encountering them."
This was bad news, but it could also be considered good news.
Being noticed by such a vast organization, if utilized well, could serve as an ace up one's sleeve.
"Additionally, I've gathered some information about you."
Before he finished speaking, Howard's gaze landed on Ali, who met his look squarely.
"I haven't told anyone else. If you're thinking of taking action, now's the time; otherwise, count me in."
"I don't have many friends, but each one is worth risking my life for, and you're one of them."
"Do we need to go to such lengths? We've known each other for less than two months." Howard gave a wry smile, "You all make this very difficult for me."
"Feeling troubled is a good sign. It means you consider us friends, too. Only when you truly care about someone do you hesitate like this at such a moment."
Greg laughed heartily, stepping forward to slap Howard on the lower back vigorously.
It's not that he didn't want to pat Howard's shoulder, but given his height... he was already making an effort.
With a sigh, Howard patted Greg's shoulder: "Nula will be here in three days. When she arrives, I'll leave, and I'll take Jelia with me."
The message was clear, and everyone quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
Although they had known Howard for less than two months, this somewhat reckless and impulsive man had already become an inseparable part of their group.
If he was willing to face Soma in a fight to the death for Greg, confront an overwhelmingly strong enemy for Ali, and even stand alone against the most powerful foe in the end...
Then, of course, they were ready to join him in completing the Mystic Star Society's quest.
"That's more like it! Now we've got a clear plan of action, and you better not break your promise when the time comes!"
Greg's voice was somewhat hoarse, perhaps from spending too much time in the blacksmith shop.
"Right, Howard, I've prepared something for you. It's nearly ready; I won't stay here any longer. Come by the forge later."
With that, Greg patted Howard on the lower back and left straight away.
The hall was left with the four of them.
Antalya stretched lazily, her body's supple curves subtly outlined.
Rubbing her shoulders, she shot Howard a glance, "This should be a good thing. Many people long for such companions and can't find them. Yet, with you, it's all about this hesitation and that caution. Adventurers always live by fate; if someone lacks strength and dies, it's no one else's fault. You shouldn't worry about these things unnecessarily."
"Better to focus on how to improve your own strength, so you won't be powerless when it counts."
"I've got this tavern to look after, so I probably can't go with you. But no matter when you come back or for what reason, there will always be a place for you here."
After finishing, Antalya too shook her head and turned to leave, giving Ali a pat on the shoulder and a meaningful look as she went.
Ali paused for a few seconds, catching Antalya's somewhat threatening glance and then looking at Vivia, who hadn't said a word from start to finish.
Finally, it clicked.
"My stance was clear just now. Whenever you're ready to go, just call me, and I'll be ready to leave."
No sooner had she spoken than Antalya grabbed Ali by the collar and dragged her out, knocking over numerous tables and chairs along the way.
Now, only Howard and Vivia remained in the hall.
Although not officially a member of the adventure group, Vivia had always moved with Antalya and the others.
She had not left on her own even during Lorinda's quest.
Despite lacking combat abilities, in a team without a proper healer, the role of a potioneer is invaluable.
Scratching his head, Howard's gaze lingered on Vivia's silent face for a few seconds before he awkwardly looked away.
"Uh, the tavern should be getting ready to close. I'll tidy up these tables and chairs."
With that, Howard got to work.
He closed the half-open door, straightened a few chairs nearby, and began stacking the tables one by one.
If there was anyone among the tavern's group that Howard least wanted to follow him, it was undoubtedly Vivia.
This girl, only sixteen or seventeen years old, lacked the combat abilities of Ali or Greg, nor did she have Howard's capability to protect herself.
Though her profession as a potioneer was not insignificant, the journey was fraught with countless dangers, and Howard had no confidence in ensuring her safety.
Howard tidied up for a while, and Vivia joined in silently to help.
Once the tables and chairs were stacked and the entire hall cleaned—a task that had to be done after each day's business and was usually handled by Howard and Vivia, sometimes with assistance from Antalya or Greg, but they certainly wouldn't be around under these circumstances.
Though it was never a complicated job, usually completed quickly amidst playful banter, today was different.
Both worked in silence, their progress noticeably slower than usual.
Each was pondering how to break the silence, yet neither could find the right way to do so.
However, given the workload, their slow pace couldn't delay the inevitable for long.
After more than half an hour, the hall was finally in order.
Vivia stood behind the counter, tallying the day's accounts, while Howard sat at a table near the edge, fiddling with his nails.
"Would you like something to drink? You must be a bit tired."
It was Vivia who eventually broke the silence.
Howard looked up sharply, paused for two seconds, then nodded.
"Actually, I'm fine, but a drink wouldn't hurt, now that we've finished up."
Vivia poured two cups of ale from a wide-mouthed jug and brought them over to Howard.
Taking one cup, Howard watched as Vivia sat down beside him.
"You should know, the last thing I want is for you to come with me," Howard said, taking a sip of the ale, feeling the liquid course down his throat.
This roughly brewed ale was far from delicious, but Howard found himself unexpectedly unopposed to its taste.
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