The Light Over The Horizon [Arknights]

Chapter 7

"Thank you for the hospitality."

"It is something that should be expected. We are working together after all."

"Hmm. I suppose you are right. Still, I would've preferred to head back to the city immediately."

"A break is needed every once in a while. You were fighting with the Guerrillas. From what was said, you helped quite a lot."

"I wouldn't say that. Your squad can hold themselves just well. Of course, I would expect nothing less from them. After all, they're all Ex Ursus Soldiers who have chosen to follow you." F/N calmly sipped his drink as he stared directly at Patriot. "It was a surprise I'll admit. I didn't know your group were Ex Ursus Soldiers. 'Life is full of surprises' as they say." His father used to say to him. The memory was vivid and bright as the day he first told him those words. It was on a night when they were out in the forest and he saw a bunch of fireflies light up, leaving the entire area to be illuminated with their light. He still recalls his childhood self looking on with amazement at the scenery.

"Full of surprises? I suppose you can say that. From your smile, it looks like those words hold quite the meaning to you." Patriot voiced out.

"You can say they do. At the same time, they're words I use to remind myself of what the world has to offer." F/N nodded. "You'd be surprised at the many different things out there. Both terrifying and amazing alike. B-but enough about that. We should stop sidetracking from the actual reason for this meeting."

"Indeed. And this has to do with the use of some of men, correct?" Patriot received a nod as he and the boy faced off. "How many do you require?"

Huh...this guy. F/N thought with amusement. He handed me over his men without even asking what I needed them for. "You're not gonna ask why I need them for?"

"A partnership requires a form of trust. Asking each time why you need my men is a form of distrust. I trust you unless you do something that may cause harm to them."

He stared with an impassive expression as he didn't know how to react. "Regardless, I will tell you anyway since I will feel horrible leaving you in the dark." He truly would feel horrible if he didn't inform his business partner of his intentions. He's not one to hide information like this when it comes to seeking the aid of another. "I won't use up a lot. I just need enough that can help me with gathering nutrients..."

"You require food?"

"It's not for me. It's for my clinic. There are people out there that need a meal. Something to munch down on. A lot of people are dealing with malnutrition. I've seen children that are all rags and bones." F/N told Patriot but then went quiet as he thought about it more. "Actually... I don't think I've thought this through. In the long run, there's gonna be a lot of mouths to feed and I doubt it'll be easy to get any food. Your group needs food as well huh?" He scratched his head apologetically.

"If it's food that you require. Then it shouldn't be a problem." Patriot told the boy. "Do not be concerned about our whereabouts. We may live out here in the but do not think we can't keep ourselves fed. Otherwise, we wouldn't have survived out here for this long...I'm sure the others would not refuse to help you in your goal of feeding others."

"Are you sure? I don't wish to add any unnecessary stress or problems."

"Considerate are you?" Patriot amusingly looked at F/N. "I would say about a dozen should be sufficient. If that won't do then I can get more."

"You have my thanks."

"Keep them. It's courtesy from one partner to another is it not?"

"I suppose you're right." A smile was plastered over his face as he closed his eyes and sipped his drink. If only cloning magic was a thing. Something in general that can recreate things. Then his food problem would go away. So far there doesn't seem to be any kind of duplication magic that he knows. Oh, imagine the ability to duplicate...