"So, how much did your cultivation rise?" I hurried to shift the brewing topic. Their looks said they'd grill me on my fatigue.
"Simply superb—I broke through twice in a row. Now my wind and plant elements are at the third Intermediate step, and I even raised them a bit more. In three months, I can prep for High-level breakthrough. The Totem Vessel is a dream; such quality Intermediate cultivation tools are rare." Jiao Jiao admiringly touched her earrings.
"And even if they appear, they're mostly for one element, not all. No one wastes a peak Pack Chieftain soul on acceleration instead of attack or defense artifacts." She explained to puzzled-faced TuTu. "I also did two breakthroughs! Smaller ones, though. I broke to Intermediate in summoning, then to second step. Not enough energy to reinforce, so I'm at the very start." TuTu sighed sadly—if her talent were higher, she'd be near third step, maybe even break it. Intermediate was already within reach.
"Don't worry. I'll buy all the Galactic Veins needed for your High-level breakthrough. And feed the Totem Vessel more. With that boost, you can't fail." I hugged her and stroked her head.
Her talent complex remnants still flare up sometimes. Good she realistically assesses her strength as one of the strongest Intermediate mages.
"I know. You can always be relied on." Calmed, TuTu purred in my arms. She fears lagging behind Jiao Jiao and me, becoming a burden.
Need to curb those thoughts often. Maybe restore her improved control talent? No, wait till High-level breakthrough. Then give it to her, Jiao Jiao, and myself. With my experience, I won't slip using it. Train the girls with it on our last post-breakthrough session.
"Well, with our breakthroughs done, time to meet Ling Ling. She planned our next training over the three months we were gone. When we say we plan High-level after, she'll be thrilled. Means she can drag us on deadlier missions." I grinned, shaking my head. Classic Ling Ling. Tiny workaholic. Tougher mission, better.
Half an hour later, we sat at a Clean Sky table, our "mentor" opposite—at least in Director Xiao's eyes. Considering how much she plans and sources key info for me, vice-leader spot is hers rightfully.
"Hope you beat up criminals and are ready for truly society-useful missions. Since your past experience was land monsters, this time we'll get it from sea monsters." Ling Ling turned her laptop so we saw the mission info screen.
"Won't throw you into the thick of it, but near a small port town, a Siren subspecies specializing in charm has proliferated. They charm crews, reroute ships, then sink them. No real powerhouses among them, and the town's tiny—no High-level mage—so mission went to us. Observations say max Pack Chieftains opposing us, but prep for surprises as always." Ling Ling spoke wisely.
"Good you factored in our spirit-protection artifacts I warned you about. But three months? Nah, this won't take it, so I propose another after. Rumor has it Red Sea Demons proliferated near Bird City. No mission, but we can offer the mayor to clear them. Help people, get needed experience." I suggested.
Honestly don't recall if those monsters started eating city babies yet, but better nip it early. No canon worries—National Team has plenty other trials to toughen up. Though it'd be fun clearing all hurdles beforehand.
Though Tokai Fortress I couldn't solo even if I wanted—Commanders drop in often, Generals sometimes per my intel. Too early for me. But wiping strong monsters in our area with the girls, denying others...
Heh-heh-heh, hope our future mentors didn't count on the team gaining experience there. I'll make our future squad's internship so comfy, lack of experience'll have them fleeing Pack Chieftains and losing to Intermediate mages.
Exaggerating, but embarrassing the rich kids who got team spots via family influence? Won't hurt. We'll shine beside them. Especially popular with the masses when we three save the team from shameful loss and win the tournament. Just add my girl's brother, or TuTu'll be sad.
"Hm, I'm game. Sea creature experience is useful. And direct mayor mission boosts Hunter rep. Pack up—we head to port city Xiamen first, then Bird City post-mission. Looks like traveling this time, not hunkering down." Ling Ling smiled. She loves traveling, apparently.
Packing took little time. Sea trip? Rent ship, special artifacts/gear. But mostly coast fights vs. Alluring Sirens, not known for physical prowess. Girls' spirit artifacts make it safe. But it'll give my girls water-combat experience.
Couldn't fly straight to Xiamen on White Eagles—too small, no garrison. Survives like elusive Joe; tiny pop, no magic-heavy powerhouses—monsters ignore it. Probably young Sirens squeezed from other grounds.
Flew White Eagles to nearest city, then magic wings. I carried Ling Ling, girls followed—though their wings better. But group paces slowest, so I led.
Three hours later, we arrived. Xiamen was relatively small—first-life me'd call it Xiamen village. ~Ten thousand residents, mostly fishing or port work.
Through dull empty streets to local town hall, entered, told receptionist—we got mayor access. He was a plump fifty-something guy, balding pate shining.
Checked our Hunter IDs, then spilled expanded Siren tale. Bottom line: Alluring Sirens hit not just port ships, but fishermen too.
Because of this, besides the people themselves, the city is losing the boats they sail on, which is big money. Already a third of their floating vessels have been sunk, and the trend is not encouraging. That's why the streets are emptying out; people are simply afraid to go to work, which prompted the mayor to place an order with Clear Sky. In the Hunters' League, it could have hung on the quest board for a long time, but our agency is renowned for its speed and success rate on completed missions.
Well then, let's not disappoint this mayor. We'll wrap things up here quickly and head off to exterminate the Red Sea Demons before they start devouring infants.