Another Stupid Isekai

When I landed back in Loistavadvaar, there was nobody around at first, but people began showing up after a short moment. I barely managed to take a few steps towards the place where The Great One was usually staying, when Druoag showed up.

– The crystal in your hands, is that what you were looking for? – he asked.

– Yes. Now we need to bring our psychic back to a state where he can be useful, and we can start properly our preparation – I said.

He nodded, getting closer, and examining my person with his eyes. I didn’t know what was that about. The only reason I could think of were potential wounds, which I could earn while trying to get the crystal, but I didn’t have any. Maybe that’s why he only did that shortly, before joining me in my walk towards one of the jade buildings.

We arrived there, and I stepped closer, making a door open for me. Druoag stayed a few steps behind.

I found The Great One sitting on one of those box-like chairs. Looking at the wall with his only eye.

– What brings you here? – he asked, switching his attention to me.

– I got a crystal for you. You can heal yourself properly with this – I informed him.

– That is a very generous gift. You obtained it quite fast. – He tried to smile, but only part of his mouth moved.

– There is no time to play around – I replied to his words, then marched straight inside to grab him by the shoulder and ‘Shadow walk’ us closer to the device.

Then I presented him with the crystal, which he took.

– Thank you – he said, then began slowly walking towards the sphere.

His legs seemed to barely be able to support him, and I kinda got sucked into observing as he was making his way, but then I realized that I did a ‘dick move’, leaving Druoag behind. Using my powers, I got back to him quickly, and then also ‘Shadow walked’ him closer before he even managed to say anything.

– Those tricks of yours are quite useful – he said, but judging by how his mouth moved, he wanted to say something else, and changed his mind at the last moment.

– Sorry for leaving you like that – I said. – I somehow forgot you were there… Which is kinda funny, considering how big you are.

– I was about to say something about that, but since you came back for me, I dropped it – he explained, confirming what I already thought.

It made me chuckle shortly, which got stopped by a groan of pain, coming to us from the side of The Great One.

In the almost perfectly silent city, the ruckus we made grabbed the attention of others, and more of our little team began showing around. I noticed Daniel, Tihana with Tahm in her hands, even the three Atri showed themselves alongside Genusha.

The psionic, after a brief surge of pain, which caused him to almost collapse, straightened his back and turned towards me. His face wasn’t really showing it, but I knew he was happy.

He began walking toward me and Druoag, just like everybody else.

– Let’s talk about what we will do now – he spoke out, glancing briefly at everybody.

– I think there is not much to talk about. I need to hunt as much as possible and get as strong as possible in the shortest amount of time. We don’t know how long we have. I could use your trick with pinpointing me to the ghosts, though – I said to him, as people gathered.

– I’m afraid that it’s not possible. The idea is good, but The High Queen will notice, and maybe she can’t come to Loistavadvaar, because the tree here won’t let her, but she can definitely visit other cities, and, as I would be pointing you to the ghosts, I would be also pointing her – he explained taking his time to speak.

– So I’m on my own? – I asked him.

He nodded.

– I can hunt with you – said Druoag.

– The ghosts are strong. I’m sure you would be able to deal with the weakest ones, but there are some tough ones out there too, and you can’t just leave as I can. How about I get you some crystals first, then, with some additional skills, you could try and judge by yourself if it even has sense. – I proposed.

– You will be slowing yourself down – Daniel pointed out.

– Yes, but then we will have two people out there, gathering the crystals. Druoag can pay me back with what he will get, and then use the rest to become stronger than what he is now. We will be doubling our gains – I argued.

– Not exactly. We have a time limit. Depending on how long it will take for you and him to hunt, it might be a great idea or a very dumb one – he explained.

I saw some truth in what he said, but I was also too stubborn to admit that, so I just waved my hand at him. The Great One had to see through me, as he briefly smiled.

– There is something I can do for you, though – he said, breaking the dispute once and for all. – Maybe I can’t lead you straight to the best targets, but I can definitely tell you in which gates you will find the most ghosts. I still remember where I could feel their numbers back when you visited this place for the first time.

– Then what are you waiting for? Time is ticking – said Tihana.

– Bawk! – Tam agreed with her.

– Yeah. Let’s get going. There is no time to waste – I also agreed.

The Great One turned around and began walking towards the gates. He passed by a few, as we were following him, but eventually, he picked one of them and pointed at it.

– This is the best world for you, Peter – he said. – There are many of them there, and not that many of them will be able to match you.

That was all I needed from him. Not waiting for anything else, I just charged through the portal.