Carrying Tereza inside, everyone, aside from Jewel, looks exhausted. Alex stares at Menchi, shaking his head in confusion and bewilderment, his brain unable to switch back into comfortable home life.
Did we just arrive in another world?
We just fought for our lives... I thought Lucci would kill me. This is... strange.
"Hi... I guess," Alex says, staring at the overly cheerful Menchi.
"You... look a little exhausted. Are you injured?" she inquires, her face showing a hint of concern as she looks over the worn-out group.
"Tereza is injured. I'm fine, just exhausted from overexerting myself... as usual," Alex replies. "Give me a few days, and I'll be back in peak condition. Benezia should be fine as well. The only one who is still in decent condition is Jewel."
Princess Jewel is immortal! Soulmate doesn't need to worry, Princess Jewel will protect him.
Damn overpowered spider. The last thing she needs is another ego boost. Her ego is already all over the place. I need to think of a way to humble her so she doesn't totally lose control. I need to be strict.
With a new resolve, Alex looks up, blinking as Jewel returns his gaze, staring at him with a pure expression of joy and confidence.
Maybe later... let's focus on recovering first....
"What was that?" Tereza asks, still in Alex's arms, watching the scene with confusion.
"Forget it," Alex says, walking into the room and gently placing Tereza on a chair.
"Benezia, can you take a look? You know some medicine, right? Isn't your Daughter a Doctor? Did you already try using a health item, Tereza?" Alex asks.
"My daughter has a Doctorate in Anthropology of the Prothean Era. Your comment is so mind-bogglingly incomprehensible that my head hurts from trying to understand your thoughts. However, the answer is yes, I have more than sufficient medical knowledge to offer an informed opinion."
"Anyway," Tereza says, chiming in. I already used the Potion Menchi gave me. It somewhat improved the injury, but I don't have anything powerful enough to completely cure it. With a little Medigel, it shouldn't take too long for my wings and legs to recover, especially my wings."
Her teeth are clenched together, revealing a hint of frustration.
"Tereza... you fought Kalifa one-on-one. Be proud!" Alex argues. "I might have died if I fought one-on-one against Lucci... it would have been a very close fight. You won alone, that is impressive."
"Even comparing Kalifa with Lucci is a joke... however, I get what you are trying to say. I'll do better in the future...." Tereza says, smiling awkwardly.
"Kralla's Mercy be blessed," Benezia intervenes. "We are depending on you. Your recovery is of the utmost importance. Do not downplay your role. You have access to many useful spells for group fights. A barbaric one-on-one duel is as needless as it is stupid. Now, be silent and let me examine your injuries."
Benezia then proceeds to examine Tereza's injuries. "Serious injuries, for a normal human. With your capabilities, enough of Menchi's food, and some Medigel, it shouldn't take more than a few days for you to recover most of your injuries. At least enough to be able to fight without problem."
"... Good," Alex says, relief finally slipping into his voice. "Can I lie down now. My fucking muscles are screaming. Abusing my [Uzin's Rage] to boost my stats way past my limits hurts like a bitch. It raises my STR and AGI, but without PHY, it destroys my body! Since I used both effects at the end, I have a muscleache that feels like I've rolled down a mountain in my sleep. Anyway, since there is nothing more to do, I'll wish you a good night...."
"Not quite yet," Benezia says. "We'd better report to Baroque Works. I've come up with a convincing tale to tell."
"It's the middle of the night," Alex argues.
"By now it's morning, not too soon for an important call," Benezia calmly states.
Everyone nods along.
"Really?" Alex wonders. "I guess you're right... it's a wonder they haven't called yet. When did we last report to them? When Iceburg was kidnapped, right?"
"Indeed, we informed them after the initial disappearance. Since then, we haven't initiated contact with them," Benezia confirms. "We have also handed our latest bounty to Iceburg, which might come across as an act of betrayal. It's best to at least inform them one final time, with the promise of a detailed report that will be delivered personally. It's best to keep things vague until then."
"I'll trust you," Alex says. "Just make the call. Not like I can do any better."
While Benezia prepares to call Baroque Works, Menchi hands out her food. "Eat while you can!"
"Thanks..." Alex says, looking at a variety of dishes before him. Despite his exhaustion, he doesn't have much of an appetite, but begins to eat anyway. Immediately after the first bite, apparently a dinosaur steak, Alex's stomach rumbles, and his appetite magically appears.
Damn, that's good! Can't wait for her to turn it into actual dishes, not just tests.
While Alex, Tereza, and Jewel stuff their faces with the food, Benezia's expression turns serious as she makes the call to Baroque Works, her posture straightening as if she's putting on a mask.
Just seconds after dialing, the Den Den Mushi connects.
"This is Miss Judgement Day speaking. I have an urgent report," Benezia states, her voice clear and confident.
"Speak," a cold, deep voice echoes through the Den Den Mushi.
Damn... it's fucking Crocodile! Again! Why can't it be Nico Robin? Is this guy an early riser? He runs a Casino but gets up at 6, what a total buffoon... or maybe he's like me and hasn't gone to sleep yet... whatever.
"We've run into a trap set by a troop of government agents and the suspicious Marine recruits. It turns out there were different factions acting here. One special command from the Marines, and a set of agents known as CP9, a secret division, similar to CP1 to CP8, only not officially known. After a costly battle that left us heavily wounded, we have successfully disposed of the CP agents. The Marines have fled, though we did take out two of them. At least five of them remain alive. We estimate they have fled to Sandy Island."
"Why did you go against your orders?!" Crocodile barks loudly. "You were supposed to collect bounties and information! You outright fought against them?! Without informing me? How dare you?! I need agents who follow orders and not run amok in foreign territories. Do you even know what you have done?"
"We had no choice," Benezia states calmly, not even displaying the faintest hint of fear or nervousness. "We have learned a secret... I am not sure I should divulge this information via Den Den Mushi. Since the agents noticed, they attacked us. They wanted to silence us. We acted in self-defense. It's not a battle we wanted to engage in, especially because it left us heavily wounded."
"Speak! What secret?" Crocodile asks, still angry, but now clearly curious too.
"It is related... to the Ancient Weapon known as Pluto—" Benezia tries to explain, but Crocodile immediately interrupts her, screaming, "STOP! Not a word more. You were correct, we need to discuss this in private. Immediately return to Rain Base."
"Our agent capable of flight is injured—we require a few days of rest. As soon as she is able to fly, we'll make our way to Sandy Island," Benezia argues, keeping her voice even.
"Good... Make sure not to tell a soul about this. This has the highest degree of importance. Sacrifice anyone and anything to prevent this secret from leaking, and report to me in person. Meet me in Rainbase. As for your other missions, consider them successful. Depending on the information you have gathered and the details of your mission, you and your partner, as well as the Billions Agent capable of flight, are in line for the highest promotions I can offer. We can discuss the next steps when you arrive. Do not disappoint me!" With that final sentence, Crocodile hangs up and ends the call.
Not bad!
"Nice," Alex says. "You tricked him. That greedy snake is aiming for the Ancient weapons, after all. Of course, he couldn't resist."
Greedy Crocodile. A Crocodile is different than a Snake, Soulmate. Also, a Snake is different from a Snek.
The fuck?
"Yes, Jewel... I know... or... do I?" Alex asks, slightly dejected and confused, deciding not to argue, eating more food instead.
Benezia, who's perfectly calm now, also begins to eat.
Suddenly, Alex and Tereza tense up as notifications appear before their faces.
[Side Quest Completed
Mission: Hunt Pirates and deliver heads to the Baroque Works outpost on Water 7.
Reward: Increased Reputation with Baroque works, Small increase in Mission Rating.]
[Secret Quest Updated/Completed
Mission: Deliver Updates on the Marines' and the government's movements to Baroque works.
Update: Gather information about the activities of the Government Agents operating in Water 7
Reward: Increased Reputation with Baroque works, Extreme increase in Mission Rating]
[Secret Quest Accepted:
Mission: Report to Mr. 0 about your mission in Water 7
Reward: ???
Time Limit: —
Failure: ???]
"Damn wall of text..." Alex curses as he reads through the Quest updates.
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