VIP System

Chapter 25 - Old Faces, New Paths

Amanda told them that Leo was Claire and Samuel's son. Elois' eyes widened in surprise, and then a wave of melancholy washed over her. She remembered years ago when the two had announced to the guild that they would not take on dangerous quests because Claire was pregnant. The guild had been overjoyed, even throwing a party for them.

They had only seen the baby a few times when Claire took him for strolls and visited the guild. But after the incident, no one saw him anymore. Amanda had sacrificed everything and blamed herself for what happened while taking care of their child.

Her eyes started to well up again until she erupted into tears and ran towards Amanda, hugging her tightly. Suga looked a bit confused until a man entered the guild and began speaking.

"Thought we lost the lad along with them," said the man in a gruff, familiar voice. He explained that right after the guild heard about the incident, they had rushed to the inn hoping to find Leo, knowing he was now alone. But when they got there, there was no trace of anyone in the room.

They had asked the inn clerk, but so much had happened that day that the clerk didn't notice anything. They didn't bother to ask further when they found out that the room had been paid for the next three months.

Amanda turned her head towards the man speaking and immediately recognized him. "Boris!" she exclaimed.

He nodded and replied, "Nice to see you, Amanda."

Amanda returned the warm greeting and asked, "Why did you suddenly give up being the guild master?"

Boris laughed heartily, mouth wide open, and said, "It was about time the new generation took over my job."

Elois interjected, "He just didn't want to do the documentation and attend guild meetings."

Boris couldn't help but laugh again. "Can't deny that one," he admitted, his laughter filling the room. Then he exhaled and sighed in contentment, thinking to himself, "So you're that Leo, huh?" reminiscing about the first time he had met him.

Amanda then remembered another thing she wanted to ask. "Do you know of any cheap houses we can buy in the capital?" she asked. "We're currently renting an inn across the street, but we'd prefer to buy a house instead."

The group paused and thought for a moment. Suga looked at Elois, who just shrugged and tilted her head. Suga then asked their guild mates who were sitting across from them, but they didn't know either.

Boris then spoke up, leaning forward with a thoughtful expression. "I know a place where you can build a house. I can take you there in three days, once I complete the quest I'm working on."

Amanda's face lit up with relief. "That would be wonderful, Boris. Thank you."

He continued a curious glint in his eyes. "I was updating the quest at the guild center when Susan mentioned you came in to update your adventurer card. Are you planning to go back to your homeland?"

Amanda shook her head. "No, not right now."

Suga seemed lost in their conversation. Boris gave him a hearty slap on the back as he sat beside him, causing Suga to cough and almost pass out. Elois came running towards him, her eyes wide with concern, while Talia just laughed.

Boris leaned back, crossing his arms. "Elves stop leveling up when they reach level 50. To continue, they need to return to their homeland and pass the Elf God's trial. Amanda was about to go there, but her party decided to take on a subjugation quest instead. And, well, you know the rest of the story."

Amanda nodded, a somber look on her face.

There was a moment of silence then Boris clapped his hands together, breaking the moment of reflection. "Alright, then. Let's get you settled. I'll take you to see that plot of land in three days. In the meantime, if there's anything you need, just let us know."

Amanda nodded, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination. "I will. Thank you, Boris."

As they continued to talk and catch up, Amanda felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. For the first time in a long while, she felt like things were finally starting to look up.

Back in the Orc Dominion ruins, the Dragon Lord's voice echoed with irritation, "Where is Amanda right now anyway?"

His servant, standing with a respectful yet cautious demeanor, replied, "She's in the house we visited on the farm."

The Dragon Lord shot her an arrogant, annoyed look. "I didn't see her there."

The servant, sensing the tension, responded with a hint of nervousness, "She was sleeping on the other bed just beside the boy. Maybe master was too focused on looking for the new system user and didn't realize she was there."

He paused, composing himself, a smirk curling his lips. "Of course, I was too focused. That's definitely the reason." Deciding to take action, the Dragon Lord resolved to visit the farm and inform Amanda to prepare his reward.

The Dragon Lord and his servant made their way to the farm with an air of menace. They went directly to the house but found it empty. Stepping outside, they saw Joe working the fields, planting crops. The Dragon Lord's eyes narrowed, and he called out to Joe.

"Come here," he commanded, his voice dripping with authority. Joe, sensing the danger, approached hesitantly.

"Where is Amanda? Call her here immediately," the Dragon Lord demanded.

Joe stammered, "They're not here anymore. They went to the capital yesterday."

Before Joe could finish his explanation, the Dragon Lord's face twisted with irritation. He kicked Joe in the gut, sending him to his knees, gasping for breath. Blood splattered from Joe's mouth as he coughed and cried out in pain.

His mother, hearing the commotion, ran over and dropped to her knees beside him, gently cradling his head. "I'm so sorry for my son's rudeness," she pleaded, her voice shaking. "They really did leave for the capital yesterday."

The Dragon Lord's expression remained cold and unforgiving. "Blame your mother for what happened to you," he sneered at Joe. "She failed to educate you properly. Next time you show such insolence, I will not be so kind."

With a final, contemptuous look, he turned and walked away. His servant, her face a mask of fear and subservience, bowed to Joe and his mother before hastily following her master.

As they left the farm, Joe's mother wept softly, holding her son's trembling form. The Dragon Lord's presence lingered like a dark cloud, a stark reminder of the power and cruelty that overshadowed their lives.