Luke had met only a few awakened beings so far, four in total. And among them, he had to admit that Zuri possessed the most special and useful skill.

Sure, he could now brew potions that helped recover from minor injuries. The system also rewarded him with more potions from time to time. But in the end, they were consumable resources. During a long raid, there was no guarantee he would have enough of them.

A talent for healing magic, on the other hand, felt far more valuable.

Standing at the doorway, he watched everyone busily cooking, chatting, and going about their tasks. Yet his gaze kept drifting toward the redhead. More than once.

After all, seeing Lex walk around normally again had left him more than a little envious.

[Host, your magical field is not limited to the Sound element alone. There is a possibility that you may awaken a Light attribute in the future as well.]

’It’s a wild possibility, but I get what you’re saying.’ He let out a sigh.

Refusing to dwell on what he lacked, Luke chose to focus on what was already within his grasp.

"Luke? Are you going somewhere?" Monica asked when she noticed him heading toward the main door.

"Just going to gather some more firewood," he replied, giving her a wave before walking off.

Monica watched him leave, a puzzled look crossing her face. Her mate seemed a little listless today.

"I’m sure he’s still shocked," Dalia said from the side. "For the first time in four years, I heard Lex call him brother."

Monica’s lips curved into a faint smile as she nodded.

"You are right. The two of them have always been on bitter terms. This injury may not have brought only bad things for us."

Dalia nodded in agreement while coating the meat with herbs and spices.

After a moment, Monica lowered her voice.

"Brother Terek and Zuri will be staying here for quite some time. Could you help me convince Ginna to stay in my room for the time being?"

Dalia blinked in surprise.

"Is she... insisting on not leaving her room?"

Monica nearly laughed.

"You know that could never be the case, Dalia."

"Right..." Dalia nodded, feeling embarrassed for even suggesting it. "So what’s the situation?" She had been running around since morning and hadn’t had the chance to properly catch up with her.

"She insisted on taking the main hall," Monica explained. "She said she’d be fine there, but absolutely not. Dangerous worms crawl in from time to time, and occasionally even snakes. And sleeping on the ground could never be comfortable."

Dalia glanced toward her mother.

Ginna had always worried about where she would sleep once the rightful owner of the room she had been using returned.

Not wanting to become a burden, Ginna clearly intended to live separately, even if it meant sacrificing her own comfort.

Still, one question remained.

"Would... the two of you be comfortable having her there?" Dalia’s face reddened slightly as she spoke. "I mean... you two have only recently..."

Even Monica’s cheeks flushed as she understood what Dalia was implying.

That reaction alone confirmed Dalia knew about their relationship as well.

Clearing her throat, Monica quickly reassured her.

"That’s not a problem. Besides, it won’t be long before Luke expands the house and adds a few more rooms. This is only temporary."

Dalia nodded in understanding.

The men of the house had been discussing exactly that a few days ago.

After a brief pause, Dalia said, "Okay, I will talk to her."

....

Once Luke left the house, he made his way toward the forest at a leisurely pace, intending to gather some firewood.

Not that they needed any more for the current meal. But later on, they would undoubtedly run short.

Still, that wasn’t the real reason he had come out here.

’Let’s see what options I have.’

He began browsing through the items he would need to transport the giant fish back to her home.

A large drum, perhaps. Or a tub sturdy enough to be carried on his shoulders while comfortably accommodating Synthia.

’I guess a plastic drum container would be the best choice after all.’

It would be easier on his shoulders and spacious enough to fit the six-foot-long woman. Well, at least most of her. A portion of her upper body would still have to remain outside.

She would have trouble breathing out of water, but somehow, she would have to make do.

Then a thought suddenly crossed his mind.

’Wait... System, do you have those helmets divers wear?’

[No, Host. The diving helmet is not available in the shop.]

Well, tough luck, Synthia. She would just have to adjust her body according to the circumstances.

Next on the list were ropes. Long and sturdy enough to keep the drum securely strapped to his back even if he came under attack.

Luke intended to avoid any beasts he encountered and make full use of his skill, but the forest was full of uncertainties. It was better to stay prepared than regret it later.

For that same reason, he was considering buying a flare gun. It wouldn’t actually hurt any beasts, but it would certainly startle them and draw their attention away.

The only problem was that flare guns were expensive.

’System, I hope you generate a quest once I actually commit to this.’

Silence.

The system offered no response.

That made him a little nervous.

Still, he had already given her his word.

There was no backing out now.

Just as he stepped beyond the village perimeter, a voice suddenly called out behind him.

"Luke!"

Luke turned and found a woman with short black hair hurrying toward him, her face noticeably pale.

He frowned slightly.

"Nala, huh?" he said. "I don’t usually see you wandering around like this. Did something happen?"

The woman nodded, still catching her breath. She panted softly, hands braced on her knees, as beads of sweat traced a slow, glistening path down the deep valley between her plump breasts.

In this world, women usually wore outfits that clung to their curves with seductive ease, leaving little to the imagination.

She looked up at him, panic evident in her eyes.

"You have to help me. Lady Thea has gone missing. We came out to gather herbs, but then she suddenly disappeared."

Luke merely shrugged.

"Go ask another warrior. I’m busy."

With that, he turned and started walking away.

"N-No, wait!"

Nala hurried after him and grabbed the back of his vest. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"There isn’t much time. Please help me. This is serious."

Luke peeled her hand away and continued walking.

"Imagine you never ran into me today. What would you do then?" he asked. "Do exactly that."

In truth, he already intended to search for Thea for reasons of his own.

But there was a reason he was making things difficult.

And before long, his little act produced exactly the result he wanted.

"Fine!" Nala blurted out in frustration. "Just tell me what you want so you’ll go look for her."

A grin spread across Luke’s face.

He glanced back at her.

"For the next fifteen days, you’ll work as a servant at my place. Cook breakfast and clean the dishes every morning."

Nala’s eyes widened.

"But I work at the chief’s house."

"Then figure something out. Otherwise, I’m not..."

"Okay! I accept!"

Her response came so quickly it almost sounded like a scream.

"Just please go find her."

Luke’s grin widened.

"Alright, I’m on it." He turned toward the forest. "Just don’t go back on your word."