The discussion, which lasted about three hours, went quite well, even though Ruel said nothing.
Grayland's officials and the lost civilization—now revealed to be the Nerukais—reached a satisfying deal.
Both groups were in dire situations.
Grayland was a town forsaken by the Empire, and without any source of income, it was struggling financially.
The Nerukais were in a more dire state, with dwindling food supplies and a shortage of materials needed for Runic Inscription Magic, weakening their military strength.
Once convinced their futures were bleak, both sides now saw a path forward.
The deal was that the Nerukais would manufacture as many Runic items as possible, which Grayland would help promote.
They weren't afraid of Grayland or outsiders learning Runic Magic and diminishing their advantage, as it was extremely difficult to use without access to the ancient Runic languages they possessed.
In the meantime, Grayland would supply the Nerukais with food, armor, and weaponry—resources that weren't lacking, as the Nerukais possessed raw metal they couldn't process themselves.
For now, the cost of food was covered with monster carcasses hunted by the Nerukais and 30% of those hunted by Grayland.
The deal was sealed once the Nerukai revealed all they knew about the region's monsters.
After finalizing the temporary agreement, Grayland—primarily—and the Nerukais agreed to keep their transaction a secret from the rest of the world.
While the Nerukai were slightly worried of factions who might be after them, Grayland knew they had enemies, ranging from the Empire itself, to Merchants and Adventurers, to the enemies of the Varelli.
Until it's required, Grayland would develop itself in secrecy – for how they'd do it, they would discuss when they returned.
Their discussion ended with Nerukai saying they would like a member of theirs to live in Grayland while it all went on.
The Grayland members agreed and the discussions ended.
Without saying much else, Ruel received more thanks from the Nerukais for saving them, then led his party out.
With the agreement sealed and hope rekindled in both groups, the expedition party began their return to Grayland under the moonlit sky.
The return home was filled with after talks between the elders, which Ruel listened to with interest.
After 30 minutes of running, they returned to the Town.
Naturally, there were people patrolling the area and they all watched them return with curiosity.
"Do you think they found the ruin?"
"They didn't bring anything back…"
"But they're smiling. I think they found a clue."
As they walked past the town's walls, Eden's smile widened at the whispers and he raised a thumbs-up to everyone.
They all took this as success for the Expedition Party and began bustling with joy.
Eden laughed.
Feeling moved, Mark smiled and said, "If they knew the truth, they would hold a feast tonight."
Soon, they reached the Captain's office.
Before they entered, Ruel suddenly said, "I have to return home now. I'm sure the talks can go on without me."
"You were the one who wanted to represent your family like this, why are you bailing at a key time like this?" Eden asked.
Ruel calmly bowed and replied, "I have something really important to do."
Lia stopped Eden who was about to speak, and said:
"Ruel, I had my doubts about this topic before now, I'm sorry for doubting you and I thank you for the opportunity you've opened for us.
"I have watched you for five years now, and I know whatever you deem more important than this is worth you leaving. So go, we'll handle the rest."
Eden scratched his head with a sigh. "I was in the heat of the moment. Lia's right. Go crazy, kid."
Ruel smiled gratefully and turned around and left.
Lia sighed while Eden muttered in a gloomy tone, "It's that bad, huh…"
Mark, who knew less about main topics within the town, said, "Is this about Mr. Varelli?"
The two nodded, leaving Mark to also look slightly gloomy.
They all knew Richard Varelli as an optimistic man ready to help the people, it was unfortunate that such a man had enemies.
Brushing off the dark feeling, they all walked into the office cabin.
- - -
Ruel walked at a steady pace through the dark streets, dimly lit by street lamps and house lights.
It was likely to be his last night in Grayland for a while so he chose to take the moment in.
Muriel hovered around him in her unseen, incorporeal state with an expressionless face.
She stood by his side, waiting for when she was needed.
"The mood between tonight and last night is vastly different," Ruel muttered with a smile.
After a few more steps, he added with determination:
"The wave is moving and I need to ride it properly before it settles, if not, I will only stagnate."
- - -
Quest: Obtain Royal Status
Type: Unrelinquishable. Non-transferable. Chain.
Objective: In whatever world, let your name be linked to Royal Status.
Rewards: 200,000,000 En Coins. The Last Piece. Sacred Weapon, "Zaliyath."
- - -
The screen in front of him reminded him of his new long-term goal – to create a Kingdom, making his family Royalty.
And for this, he already had the foundations like Muriel had said.
He had the people of Grayland, the dormant allies, the money, and access to resources to grow strength now.
But there was one more pillar he believed he needed for this foundation – it was his father.
Ruel's short-term goal was to find a cure for his father.
He was sure Enma had something to heal is father, the problem was how much trouble he had to go through to obtain it.
But that didn't matter right now, Fuel was willing to go through that trouble.
Before he knew it, Ruel had reached his doorstep.
He knocked and his mother, Anabelle, quickly attended to him.
After letting him in, she smiled and hugged him.
"How are you feeling? Sorry I had to leave you earlier—"
Ruel hugged her back.
"I'm fine, mom. Very good actually."
Anabelle pulled him back and cranked her head up to look at him.
"With how imposing you look now, I'm certain you're good."
She joked and they both laughed.
"When did you return? And how did the discussion go?"
"We returned about 15 minutes ago. It went well. The elders are talking about future plans as we speak."
"You left? Why?"
Ruel remained quiet for a while.
"Mom, I have something to say. After Father and I spoke, I realized I needed to go somewhere. Another world entirely. I have a task at hand and I must accomplish it as soon as possible."
Silence.
Ruel said, "I… I'm sorry. I can't say-"
He stopped as his mother pulled him back to a hug.
"Don't worry. I have a subtle idea about the situation.
"Go. You're a man now… and I trust your capabilities. Go, Ruel."
"T-thank you, mother."
They both stood hugging for a few more seconds until Anabelle asked when he was going and he told her tonight.
She let him go to prepare.
"I won't be needing anything. I have a few coins—it'll be enough. I'll leave now."
"Oh, alright."
Ruel smiled as he walked towards the door. "Oh, tell those two kids I'll be back soon!"
Without seeing his father, he walked away from the house.
As he distanced himself, Anabelle felt an indescribable pain swell inside her.
Behind Ruel, silence lingered like an unspoken goodbye—yet his feet carried him forward without pause.