Unsafe Working Conditions : A He Who Fights With Monsters 6+ Companion Story

Chapter 26 - Wasn't Paying Attention

The Giganoose circled around Henri before coming to a stop. The creature's body was heavy to his iron rank attributes. It was about as big around as his chest and three times as long. The end he was holding onto had vestiges of flesh buried into it like fissures into the rock that was its favorite food.

Liam opened the door and hopped out, waving for Henri to bring his prize to the back of the bus. Once Henri reached the back and Liam had positioned himself to help lift the creature's body into the rear, Liam asked, "Why didn't you just put it into your inventory?"

"Oh umm... It wouldn't fit..." Despite his midnight black skin the man blushed.

Liam leveled a flat look on his face, "You know I just thought you were the guy who wanted to have everything. After we killed that snake you claimed the storage belt. You are the one that was all proud about having an inventory but you never use it," Liam was trying to keep himself calm. Turning to face the other way he took a deep breath.

In a small voice he heard behind him, "It's a utility belt..."

Sparing a glare Liam walked past to enter the bus, as the door opened he heard a sound like an avalanche. It took him a second to recognize the sound as Judas sniggering. Rolling his eyes he entered followed by Henri who looked sheepish.

Carlos retained his professionalism while engaging the Giganoose's legs to propel them towards their next destination.

In total they had only spent a couple of hours and completed two bounties; they were making good time.

"This next contract is the mine clearing you picked out. We will have you two working as a pair. Henri will take charge while Liam provides support," Carlos said when suddenly the bus picked up speed.

Looking out the window they saw the bus arriving at a road, the legs churning leaving a cloud of dust in their wake. The increase of speed was noticeable but as they approached the traffic it appeared it was merely going the appropriate speed for the terrain.

The other crafts traveling along the same route drew the two men in the back's attention. Directly in front of them was wheeled transport that seemed to be carrying building materials, it looked like a typical semi trailer from Earth but with one glaring difference. It was hovering off the ground about 1.5 meters. Carlos directed the bus to the side to pass the ponderous conveyance. It was then that Liam noticed the vehicle they were riding in was no longer using its legs to propel itself. He leaned to look down and saw they had retracted to clear the ground.

From what Liam and Henri could see, all vehicles entered the road were floating, some that were seen off to the sides used other propulsion methods.

"Carlos, do all vehicles fly here?" Henri asked.

"Not all. Typical vehicles have moderate hover capabilities but the magic used to support them kicks up dust so near stations or outposts it is good manners to use other drive means," Carlos responded. "Most vehicles have a non floating propulsion system that is slower but more efficient so if traveling for a long distance it is more economical to abstain flight. It is a toss up if it is faster though as true flight vehicles cost about as much as extremely high speed ground vehicles."

A rumbling snore interrupted the conversation from the middle of the compartment as Judas had fallen into a deep sleep.

"Carlos, can you tell me more about this guy?" Liam asked.

Carlos maneuvered around another vehicle, getting close enough to the edge of the road to kick up a dust cloud. Liam could see what the fuss was, the fine dust and powder of the tundra was whipped into a storm which began to snap and pop with multi-colored lightning before discharging into a pole near the road.