The Devil WithInn 18 Edseria 2

George puffed up his chest as he bragged about the times when everyone was in trouble and only he was able to save them. But his stories were cut short because Ren soon returned from her bath.

"You're still here?" Ren asked in annoyance. Her hair was still damp from the lake so she busied herself drying it. "Where did the others go? Why'd they let you, of all people, guard her?" Ren looked at George with a sneer.

"Oh, relax Ren. The brothers are together talking about the quest. You should talk to them too. Though, I can roughly tell what they are planning already." George said as he rolled his eyes.

Renee huffed and left, but not before shooting Inna a warning glance.

"Sorry, Ren really hates strangers and outsiders. She rarely trusts and sees anybody since she always goes with us."

"It's alright. I understand her view."

Inna stretched her hands to move it closer to the fire as she felt her body become warmer. Feeling curious, she decided to ask.

"George, what is your quest about?"

Hearing silence, Inna decided to withdraw the question. "I mean, if you're not allowed to tell me then it's okay. I understand."

She felt George shift at her side and curiously looked at him. But he was just strangely staring at her face. Like he wanted to say something but he doesn't know how or if he should even say it.

"George?" Inna probed.

George seemed to snap out of it as he blinked furiously and he shakily laughed it off. "Ha ha sorry, I was just..... In a daze. But I noticed you had a tiny wound on your face. Would you mind if I heal it for you?"

"Nah, it'll heal on its own. I don't want to bother you."

"No, I insist. Being in this forest, you'll never know when you'll get it infected. Or worse, poisoned."

Inna gulped.

"Are you sure it won't be a bother?'

He shook his head. "It won't."

He placed his hand on her cheek and caressed the wound. It felt ticklish yet with little dull pain. Then, he murmured some words before warmth surrounded his palm and it spread towards the tiny slash on Inna's cheek.

After a few seconds, the warmth disappeared and George slowly withdrew his hand.

"There! All done. Smooth and pretty. With no chances of scars." He said with a hearty grin.

Inna felt her cheeks again and she really did feel that her skin became smooth and no traces of the wound can be seen.

It fell silent once again. Inna closed her eyes as she decided to make herself more comfortable around the fire.

"You asked about our quest?" George spoke slowly.

"Un."

"Well, it's just your regular hunting quest, really. We look for a beast, and then we kill it. We get the materials from the beast, then we sell it."

Inna can tell that George was answering vaguely but knowing the cautious nature of their group, she really couldn't blame them. After all, she was the one who appeared out of nowhere.

"Say, how do you get quests?" Inna decided to stray away from the specifics.

George sighed in relief and decided to answer the question more comfortably, "It's pretty easy. Just go to the City Hall. There's a room used solely for quests. It had multiple quest boards as well as quest related announcements."

"Quests are divided into three different types: Hunting, Gathering, and Scouting."

"Hunting is killing the beast and giving something as proof that you've killed it. Usually, fighters take this quest, like the swordsman and the shadows."

"Gathering is getting gemstones, plants, or any resources that can be gathered. Fighters rarely take this quest since it's pretty easy so magic-users usually accept these."

"Scouting is surveying or getting information while being hidden. Like scoping out a pack, or to find out how many beasts are near the border. It's usually taken in by Shadows due to their superior stealth."

"Sometimes, some quests are combination of either two or all types. So, it's best to form a party to increase the chances of success and to cover up one's weaknesses."