Another Stupid Isekai

Walking thru the city center I kept thinking about Hatta. Did he really get this much stronger? Well, he had the means for sure, just until now wasn't really using them for his own benefit, but maybe fear of Blue made him change his mind.

People around were getting stronger, catching up to me. Some probably even passed me. I didn't really care as long as nobody was trying to arm those around me, but with each person, I couldn't deal with, the risk grew. Fortunately, a lot of those strong individuals were good people in my eyes. Aisha, Nobuo, Will, Ilja, and Boris...

Part of me was happy with how things were going. Multiple people of equal strength meant nobody could do as he or she pleased. It was a  great safeguard. The other part was afraid of losing control.

Eventually, I made it to Will's room, but he wasn't there. The other place he could be right now was the Velvet Lotus, so I was forced to go visit the club, slash brothel again. I found him by the bar, talking with Vesa.

Together we made it back to Hatta's office. It changed during my absence. More olive lamps and candles were brought to illuminate the place.

He invited us to the side, where he had a table with few chairs and a hand-drawn map of the city covering most of the tabletop.

- Do you want something to drink? Blue should be here soon if he agreed to come. I've sent some people to invite him.

- Wow. We are really doing this? - asked Will. - I'm kinda on Peters's side. This guy is dangerous. Should we be really playing with fire?

- There is a saying - Hatta replied. - You should keep your friends close and enemies closer. Let's put a leash on that bastard.

- Ok. When you put it like this, I'm digging it - said Will.

I kept my silence. The idea was way too risky for my own taste. If I were to decide, Blue would be already dead long ago.

- He might not even come, but that's also states something - Hatta continued. - Did Peter tell you about the terms?

- Yes. He is to voluntarily stay behind with class points. But I seriously doubt he is gonna take that deal even if he really wants the truce. I mean, it's kinda ridiculous considering he is going with us to Uhm's. By the way, how is your progress going?

Hatta extended his hand, and a flame appeared on his open palm, licking the fingers.

- Holy shit! That's cool. What class did you take?

- Fire elementalist.

- How many classes do you guys have now exactly? - I suddenly asked.

- I have four. Fighter, guardian, hospitaler, and now fire elementalist - said Hatta. - But they are still undeveloped. I need more crystals. A lot more.

- And I - Will stood up, clearly proud of himself - am a proud owner of fighter, hospitaler, linguist, and crusader class.

Then he extended his hand and in a flash of light longsword appeared in his hand.

- And this is my holy sword - he said with a smile.

- How about you, what do you have? - asked Hatta.

- Hospitaler, fighter, monk, barrier maker, linguist, and shadow walker - I answered quickly.

- Now... You need to explain me a few things. The crusader class Will have, I know is a combination of hospitaler and fighter, but how the hell did you get that shadow walker one?

- After killing rat boss.

- This gives a whole new perspective to this system. Elite classes, gained from killing bosses huh?

- Maybe. I don't know if it's a thing. I doubt I got anything for killing the goblin boss.

- How can you tell if the first-class point you got was from killing that boss?

- Because the shadow walker class costed me ten points. I don't have any other classes to pick which would cost me that much.

- Maybe then it's just for selected ones?

- Or maybe goblin is the weakest, and that's why he doesn't have a special class? - Will rejoined the conversation after sitting down.

Sword was still in his hands.

- Maybe. We will find out eventually - I agreed.

There was a knock on the door, and Hatta answered immediately:

- Come in.

It was Blue, escorted by Amit and two others.

- Gentlemen - he started, then looked around. - I see you didn't change much.

- I didn't have much time to waste on changing the decore. Come, and sit with us - Hatta replied, and moved the chair for him.

Blue came and sat. Our eyes met for a moment, and he smiled at me. I kept my expression as it was, not showing any emotions.

- So let's discuss the terms. As a starter, I would like to have, obviously, better access to the goblin boss. I believe that's only fair. I'm the only one who was able to only kill it once.

- How about no? How about if you want the truce, you will resign from getting any more class points until our return from the journey to Uhm's settlement? - was Hatta's reply.

He tried to be calm, but I saw few twitches of his fingers betraying the whole confident mask he put on.

Blue laughed.

- Those terms are unacceptable I'm afraid.

- Then there is no truce. We will keep blocking you as we did before, and the first occasion we get, we are gonna bust your ass - Will joined.

This was enough to silence our guest. He lowered his gaze, but not to show any repentance, remorse, or anything like that. He was thinking. Solving the problem we put in front of him. Then he looked up. At first straight into my eyes, then at Hatta, and finally ended on William.

- Fine - he forced himself into a smile. - I agree, but I also have a request. I want you to promise me, you won't keep blocking my access to the goblin cave post our return. I want all of you to give me your word.

- I give you my word - said Hatta.

- Me too - Will agreed.

I didn't say a thing. Even when all of them looked at me, I ignored their gazes.

- I guess I can do without Peter's word. As long as you two will keep him on a leash. I don't want to get bitten - there was a lot of spite in his words.

I could feel it, probably as well as the others.

- I guess we are done here. I hope we all can get past our disagreements into a brighter future.

He stood up, bowed slightly to both Hatta and Will, then headed straight to the exit. Halfway Amit intercepted him and escorted out.

- This will be a problem - I restarted the conversation. - You guys got slightly stronger and now think you can deal with him whenever you want? He was nobody and managed to climb his way to the top. He can do it again.

- This can be said about all of us - Hatta disagreed. - This is a good plan. We keep him close and suffocate.

- You think he is just gonna sit idle, and wait? No, he is not. He will find a way.

I couldn't take it anymore and stood up, just to get out of the room. I headed straight outside, but after few steps, Will stopped me by grabbing my shoulder.

- Wait, Peter. What the heck is wrong with you? This is the best we can do now except straight killing the guy. You know it.

I sighed heavily.

- I'm afraid ok?! This mo... This guy can target Nadia. He will be fishing for opportunities, and will finally find out about us, what do you think he will do after?

- Nothing, Peter. Nothing. If he ever hurts her, we will off him. There is no discussion about it. The same goes for Vesa and anybody around us. He knows it. This was your plan from the beginning, remember? You wanted to invite him to the meeting. It's the best we can do right now.

- Things changed Will...

- Because of Nadia? No. Nothing changed as long as we have more power. She is safe until we return, and after... Who knows? Maybe Blue won't come back with us?

- What does that mean?

- We are going into the unknown. Nobody knows what's there. Anything can happen, and he is the first to be thrown under the bus. Just relax Peter. Enjoy yourself for a bit, and use the time to get stronger. We are going to hunt tomorrow, remember? - he patted me on the shoulder and walked off.

I followed him with my eyes for a moment. I knew there was some logic in his words, but I just couldn't stop worrying. Blue was the type of guy, who can pull a rabbit out of his hat in the most unexpected moment. I didn't feel like we are in control at all. On the other hand, I had no idea what else could we do.

I took few breaths to calm myself down, then swung by the device to grab some food, and headed back home to get some sleep before tomorrow.

Day ended with 366 251 points remaining on my account.