As Edward emerged from the entry leading to the stand, he realized that the spectators were few and far between. For an edifice that could welcome somewhere around one thousand people, there were less than ten spectators. Mostly old men, who were bored with their day, and were going to the arena to distract themselves or to remember earlier days.

Edward chose a seat and watched the fight unfolding in front of him, the fighters hadn’t waited for him and were already engaged in a brawl. Two middle-aged men were struggling in the sand pit that was the arena. They were wearing tight clothes that didn’t get in their way, with actual armor on top to protect them.

One of them was trying to keep his distance, somehow able to create a compact jet of water to push his opponent away. The latter was trying to get closer, doing his best to avoid the water while advancing. With the ground being made of sand, this wasn’t an easy task, the ground was too soft to have good footholds. The two opponents seemed to be at a stalemate or at least keeping their trump cards to themselves.

The fight continued onward without much change for several minutes. Growing bored, Edward paid more attention to the rest of the arena. That’s when he noticed that the arena walls were reinforced with runes. They used runes for this building. That’s where the difference with Agripin is showing itself. They must also have used runes to build the rich mansion I saw the day before. I guess this arena is getting support from the nobles. It’s sad that they don’t share this knowledge with everybody else, or at least use it for everybody. This town could me so much more if every building had access to runes, and it’s not like it is costing much to inscribe a rune on a wall.

Edward suddenly heard a whistling sound with a fast movement in his peripherical vision, he focused back on the fight. The water user had changed his tactics, instead of using large water jets to push back his opponent, he had managed to channel the water into thin pressurized sheets of water. One such attack had hit its target, cutting a piece of armor and making his owner bleed. The fight is getting serious. He managed to hit him on the arm, but if they were in a death fight, he could have easily aimed for the head instead. I will have to be careful against such opponents, an attack like that could get me killed if don’t manage to teleport away beforehand.

It was at this moment that the injured fighter disappeared from Edward’s vision, reappearing in front of his enemy. The latter was surprised by the initiative and had only the time to defend himself with his sword without being able to use his water powers anymore.

What was that? Teleportation? But I didn’t sense anything, I should have been able to sense the space tremors if this was the case. Let’s focus, he may use his ability again. Since the fight was about to end, and with nobody near him. Edward used his latest trick to understand what has happened.

“Rèng khwāmrĕw” he whispered why channeling his mana. Immediately, time slowed down for his perception. With his senses exacerbated, he was now able to see things in slow motion. As the water user was fending his opponent, this one had a rapid surge in his aura but still contained to his body, before accelerating to unprecedented speed. His sword that had just been counter and thrown back was now resting against the neck of his enemy.

The fight stopped in silence before the few spectators applauded its conclusion, the water user having been defeated.

That was an impressive fight. The start was lackluster, but the second part had interesting displays of powers. If everybody has such skills this could prove troublesome if I end up in a fight. I should spar against opponents like them to get used to their tactics. Right now, my teleportation is a killer move, but so are their powers.

I need to be able to fight them without relying entirely on my teleportation. I need to be able to endure until I can create an opportunity and then end the fight with it, just like that guy did with his acceleration power. The first one who reveals his rump card is at a disadvantage if his opponent survives it. But at the same time, if the enemy is not able to take it, it means the fight is already done. So, trump cards are good to finish weak opponents quickly, but should be saved for the right time against strong ones.

Edward left the arena still deep in thoughts, he went for a stroll on the docks, enjoying the scenery, with the sun rays reflecting on the sea waves. He went to a food street vendor to buy his lunch meal and ate it, sitting on the pier legs juggling above the water. The local food was naturally coming from the ocean. Edward had bought two roasted squid skewers and was nibbling them happily while watching the landscape. His mood improved significantly.

Once his meal was done, he walked back to the adventurers’ guild for the meeting point organized by the others who wanted to take the contract. When he entered the building a group of four adventurers was already gathered around a table. The one farthest from Edward was a black-haired man, his expression slightly smug as if he was superior to the others. On his right was a brown hair adventurer with a neutral expression wearing heavy armor. Next to them, a girl with blue hair was seated, she seemed anxious about something. And lastly, a relaxed man with brown hair, was with them, his back towards Edward. They all looked to be below their thirties.

“Is that him?” the smug one asked the receptionist as he saw Edward enter.

“Yes, it is the adventurer who wants to take the contract about the Lusus naturae.” She answered calmly.

“Hello, I’m Edward I heard that a group of adventurers was going to gather for this contract. Nice to meet you.” Edward answered before taking another chair and sitting at their table.

“I believe presentations are in order. I’m Brian a water master. This guy with the armor is Charles. Aquamarine is a water master like me. And this guy with a bad posture is Norte a wind user.” The smug man introduced them. Norte waved at him, not bothered by Brian’s comment.

I’ve only been here for less than a minute and this guy is already beginning to get on my nerves. Edward thought while making a tight smile.

“So going back to business. What are your powers?” Brian asked.

Edward hesitated for an instant. I would have preferred to keep my power for myself, but anyway, if I’m taking the contract with those guys, they will see me fight soon enough. And it is better to know everybody's capacities beforehand.

“I’m a close-range fighter, I can teleport,” Edward answered briefly.

The others looked at him in surprise.

“A teleportation power, where did you find monsters with that power? I don’t know of any in the surroundings.” Charles asked him curious about the answer.

“I’m not a local. And I met those only by happenstance. Even if you are asking me where they live, I wouldn’t be able to even tell you the direction to their territory.” Edward half lied. While it was true that he didn’t know where they were from a geographical point of view, it didn’t mean that he wasn’t able to go back there. However, then he would have to tell them about the Damkinan’s ruins, and it would be easy to make the link with what Marc Vega was searching for.

“I see that’s a shame. A teleportation power would have incorporated perfectly with my way of fighting,” was Charles's disappointed response.

“Have you ever fought Lusus naturae before?” Aquamarine asked him, focusing back on the subject at hand.

“No, I think I have met my fair share of monsters, but like I said I’m not a local. I’m not familiar with monsters living in this area. I will be glad if you have more information about them.”

Aquamarine let out a sight. “In our group only, Charles has fought them before. From what I have heard they are dangerous monsters. They are not that strong, but they can accelerate for a short burst of time. One mistake could be fatal we have to be careful about we handle them.”

“You don’t have to worry. With me here those monsters won’t even be able to approach you.” Brian boasted.

“Aquamarine is right.” Charles cut him. “That’s why I’m wearing heavy armor. Even if they manage to hit me, they won’t be able to do much damage. I actually have the same power as them, if you don’t have resilient armor, it’s too dangerous to let them close. You will be the only close-range fighter with me. The others will be able to kill them from a distance. We will have to protect them while they kill the monsters, it will be the most effective way to clear them from the quarry. For your own good, I hope you have good armor.”

I see, this power must be the same as the fighter I saw in the arena this morning. This makes sense, people are getting their power from the monsters they are hunting. So, if adventurers have those powers, there must be monsters nearby with the same skills. This is a bit troublesome. But I do have armor now thanks to Leyla.

“I do, but only a chest piece,” Edward answered while inwardly thanking Leyla.

Charles nodded. “That should be enough. Although Lusus naturae are fast, they are not skilled fighters. As long as you take care to protect your head you should be able to hold on.”

“Well, now that we have finally reached five people can we go and exterminate those monsters already?” Brian interjected, clearly displeased at having his showing off cut abruptly.

“As long as you are ok, I’m ready to go,” Norte added still as carefree as ever.

“I think we are good now. With three long-range and two close-range fighters, this should be enough to tackle this contract.” Aquamarine also gave her agreement.

“We are all good then,” Charles commented. “We should rest today and leave together tomorrow morning. The quarry is only a few hours of walk from here.”

This will be my first group contract since the expedition. Apart from Brian, they seem ok. Charles and Aquamarine seem to care a lot about the organization and the safety of the group. I guess it’s good to be in a group while the monsters are still unknown to me. But once the unknown factor is removed, I should hunt alone again. I will improve faster this way, and it will be easier to travel and explore the world.