Chapter 45 – Wildlands of Hunger (1)

Vesper let Maria, who was bandaged all over, enter, with her left arm tied in a sling around her neck.

“Could you help me heal faster?” She asked, her eyes darting around the room.

Maximus sighed, “Come sit here.” He inspected her wounds and cast Rejuvenation again. “Have you not started drinking the potion as I instructed? Once your health is mostly restored, I’ll be able to fix your shattered arm, but not before your other wounds are healed properly.” He spoke like a strict mother.

“I drank it,” she said, “It’s just that it’s so sour.” She frowned.

“Well, medicine should be sour. You know what they say: only good potions are sour.” Maximus waved his index finger.

Maria cracked a smile, “Who says that? I’ve never heard that.” She smiled wider.

“Well, aren’t you more relaxed now… When we first met, I recall you flashing your blades at me.” Maximus chuckled.

“Come eat with me; I just purchased this chicken.” He stood up and took out another plate from the cabinets.

“Oh, thank you.” She said, perplexed. People were usually very stingy with their tokens and would not spend them on such food, especially not to share with others. She then noticed that Vesper and Silex were enjoying roasted lamb, and her eyes widened. He even wasted tokens on his beasts? She had thought of him as a cold man, but his recent actions made her wonder if she had been wrong.

“Here, eat with your right hand. I’ll fix your arm fully after dinner,” Maximus said simply.

She nodded and started eating. Mid-chew, she asked, “Did you only help me back there because I stopped Franko from going after your wolf?”

“No. I helped you because I think you have potential, and your skill set is quite extraordinary. I have never in my life seen someone harness the power of the moon as you do. It’s truly something special.” Maximus said as he took another bite of the drumstick.

“Only because of that?” She asked, her voice lowering.

“Well, you are also a good person. I don’t mind having friends like you.” Maximus smiled warmly.

“You know, in life, no matter who or what you become, having good friends you can count on, people you can sit under the stars with and talk about your hopes and pains… People who become your family, closer than any of your blood relatives ever were. Such people, Maria, are rare, trust me. In thousands of lives, you might only find enough to count on one hand.” Maximus muttered, his mind drifting to days long past, his youth, when he and his party roamed the realm, fighting monsters, ancient beasts, and hunting those who threatened it all. In the end, time took you all from me…

Suddenly, a hug pulled Maximus back to the present. “I’ve misjudged you, I’m sorry,” She said softly as she squeezed him tighter.

As the confusion faded, Maximus smiled and hugged her back, “Don’t worry, I can be a bit harsh, or so I’ve been told,” He added.

Maria suddenly burst into loud laughter, “A bit, you say? Haha, just a smidge.” She winked as she pinched her index finger and thumb.

“You are going to go into the Wildlands, I guess?” She cleared her throat as she moved slightly back.

“Yes, once I’m sure that you will be fine, I’ll be leaving. By my calculations, I should have enough time to pass through if everything goes as planned,” Maximus said seriously.

“I’d join you, but I should probably stay… Watch over those idiots,” she said apologetically.

“Don’t worry about it. I always planned to go alone, I need to do this alone,” he said firmly.

“Alone?” She asked sarcastically as she pointed at the army of beasts around them.

“Well… This just happened.” He laughed softly.

“Mhm, I have a feeling things usually just happen around you.” She shook her head, amused.

“What about Franko? Are you staying with him?” Maximus asked, conflicted.

“Aren’t you a busybody?” She teased. “No, I’m not. In the beginning, we really connected, arrived here together, fought for our lives together, but I’ve recently realized that he isn’t who I thought he was. I’ll stick around for now, but once we pass this stage, I’m going my own way,” she said, her voice heavy.

“I see. Still, keep in mind what I said. Once you find the ones that matter, keep them close and don’t fail to tell them what they mean to you,” Maximus added softly.

“Your life seems to have been difficult, huh? I also lost people close to me in a dungeon break. That’s the new normal, I guess.” She sighed.

Maximus nodded, not fully understanding what she meant.

“Well then, let’s see this arm of yours.” He cast Focused Treatment. A soft emerald light seeped into the arm, and the sound of bones rearranging echoed as Maria groaned. “There, keep drinking the potion tonight, and you should be as good as new.” He smiled.

“Thank you, and try to make that potion sweeter next time.” She smiled.

“You know, this suits you better than that cold front you usually wear,” Maximus said simply and returned to eating.

“Boss, I think you should learn how to talk to females.” Vesper sighed judgmentally.

“Don’t listen to him, Max; you are doing great!” Silex growled between chews.

“You really say whatever you want, huh?” Maria frowned.

“It makes life easier, well, at least for me.” Maximus shrugged with a cackle.

“Survive, and let’s meet up in the third stage… or outside. You can find me in Prague… well, what’s left of it.” Maria said as she stood up. “I’m going to rest now. Thanks for everything.” She added and left.

“She is quite capable; I think she will do great things; she just needs to get better at finding proper men,” Maximus noted out loud.

“Yeah, someone like you, smelly Max.” Silex mocked.

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“Next rude word and I’m taking your dinner away, mister!” Maximus turned and waved his index finger threateningly.

“Calm down, let’s not overreact now, alright?” Silex muttered as he dragged his lamb into the furthest corner.

“This crazy croc is hilarious.” Vesper chuckled.