"Wow, so by around this time next month, you'll be in the spotlight, huh? It'll be interesting to see how people react," Mused Lector thoughtfully.
"It's pretty cool that you'll be announcing yourself in the Hunters Championship Clash, that'll definitely add to the drama of it all. And it's definitely the kind of idea I'd expect from the Chairwoman," Added Elicia with a wry smile.
"Yeah, she seemed pretty excited about it. Admittedly, I am too," I grinned sheepishly.
It was the 23th of April, 2169, around 5 PM, and I'd met up with the others at a bar to celebrate the completion of our last raid.
Normally, we do this the night after a raid, but they'd been completely wiped out by the time we finally got back out of that Dungeon, so we put it off for a couple of days.
And we met up a bit earlier than usual because Lector had some personal matter he needed to take care of tonight, and Will had plans to meet up with some friends later too.
"You're going to be a pretty big deal after you make the reveal, maybe we should get your autograph while we still can. Who knows, it might be super valuable once you get more famous," Grinned Will, as he downed a shot.
"True, Ace Hunters are among the most famous people in the world these days, so that's definitely possible," Nodded Lector with a smile.
I suppose so...but I don't know, I've never really understood autographs, or signatures in general. Signatures are still a thing in this era, and I just don't get it.
Why sign for something when I can verify who I am with a retinal or fingerprint scan?
And if you know what someone else's signature looks like, all you need to do is trace over it a few times and you can forge it.
Well, whatever, I guess it doesn't really matter.
"So, what do you plan to do for this next month? Are you done working as a Freelance Hunter?" Elicia asked me, as she took a sip of a cocktail.
"No, I'd like to take on a few more raids before the tournament, get a bit stronger. I'm bound to run into some powerful opponents, so I should prepare accordingly," I reasoned objectively.
"Cool, then we get to work with you a few more times before you move on," Remarked Will with a smile.
"Mhm, yeah. While I haven't finalized my decisions yet, in all likelihood, I will be joining one of the Guilds after the tournament...well, assuming they make me offers, of course."
"I mean, there's no way they won't. They'd be crazy not to reach out to an Ace, which you definitely will be after the tournament," Pointed out Elicia.
"On that note, this is definitely the right decision, your power is wasted on Mid Level raids, a fact that becomes more and more true the stronger you get. With each subsequent raid, the rest of us have less and less to do," Remarked Lector wryly.
"Yeah, that's true. Having you with us for Mid Level raids is way overkill," Nodded Elicia in agreement.
"Especially considering that you took down a Critical Level Monster all by yourself on your last raid, and pretty much unscathed," Added Will.
"Well, I wouldn't say unscathed. My arms got pretty badly fractured during that fight. Thanks for healing me, Ferna. By the way, you good? You've been really quiet," I remarked as I glanced at her.
She tensed slightly before averting her gaze, looking kinda awkward.
"Y-Yes, um...I'm fine, nothing to worry about."
Huh. Okay, she's definitely acting weird.
I wonder what's up? Maybe she's got some personal issue worrying her? Well, it's not my business, so I shouldn't push her.
Anyway, I continued drinking and chatting with the four of them, all of them drinking a lot more conservatively than usual.
I know Lector and Will have plans, so makes sense that they're taking it easy, and Elicia isn't a very heavy drinker in general, but Ferna usually indulges a fair bit.
Seems she's definitely got something on her mind, but like I said, it's none of my business. Doesn't look like it's something she wants to talk about, so yeah.
A couple of hours went by in a flash, I've become pretty comfortable with this group at this point, I'm not super close to any of them, but I've got a pretty friendly rapport going with all of them.
I'm definitely closer to Elicia than the others, for obvious reasons, but we don't really interact outside of raids, these celebrations and, of course, hooking up.
It wasn't long before Lector and Will headed out, Ferna leaving shortly afterwards, which left me alone with Elicia.
"So, got any plans for tonight?" I asked her.
"Nope, nothing whatsoever. I was actually planning on asking you the same thing. Since you asked, I'm assuming that means your schedule's clear too," She replied with a slight smirk.
"Mhm, sure is. So, wanna head to my place or yours?"
"Let's meet up at mine. I'll head home now, mind coming over in about an hour?"
"Sure, that's fine," I nodded in response.
Maybe she wants to clean up or something. Hm, but in that case, why not go with my place instead?
Well, it's fine, doesn't really matter. Guess I'll go home and chill for a bit before heading over to hers.
As we paid our bill, the two of us headed out, parting ways as we made our way out of the bar and headed home.
I decided to change after getting home, before lazing about in bed while I waited.
After a while, I texted her to make sure she didn't need more time, before heading out once she texted back and gave me the green light.
I took a taxi to her place, which was about a ten minute drive away, before heading into the building and up to her floor.
I approached her door before ringing the bell, stepping back as I heard the sound of footsteps echoing out from inside, a click ringing out as she unlocked the door before opening it.
"Right on time, huh, you must be looking forward to this," She greeted me with a smirk, as she let me in.
She was wearing a silky black robe, definitely looking forward to seeing what she's hiding under it.
"Well, yeah, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."
"Heh, the feeling's mutual. And, actually, I've got a bit of a surprise for you, one I'm sure you'll enjoy. Here, put this on," She replied, handing me a blindfold.
"Oh? Alright, you've got my attention, I'll play along," I responded with a sense of intrigue, before slipping the blindfold on.
"I'll guide you, just follow my lead," She remarked, taking hold of my hand.
I let her lead me through her place, as she took me towards her bedroom. A slight creak echoed out as she opened the door, before shutting it behind me as I entered the room.
"Okay, you can take it off now. Get ready to feast your eyes."
She's really hyping this surprise up, isn't she? Alright, then, let's see what she's got in store for me.
I pulled the blindfold off and opened my eyes, before staring in bewilderment at the sight before me, a familiar figure on Elicia's bed.
"Um...hi," Ferna greeted me nervously, the provocative outfit she had on not slipping past my notice.