New Eden: Live to Play, Play to Live

The crew did as ordered, but while moving the bags and suitcases, they found some of them were strangely heavier than others. Two bags, in particular, were much heavier than the others.

Guo recognized the bag he had packed with his boss' gear inside. The other one, he had seen Mr. Magnus shove into the limousine at the facility.

Grabbing it, he lightly palpated it, trying to figure out what was inside. He could hear metal clanking inside before David got next to him.

"Curious aren't you? You aren't the only one who brought some gear. Now knock it off. It's rude to grab someone else's things."

Guo bowed his head slightly as an apology, letting go of the black bag.

As all of them started boarding the SUV, the two airport employees helped bring Alexander to the vehicle.

Looking at him, Kary thought he had a much better skin tone than earlier. He was probably about to wake up.

Once everyone was in, Jack being in the front, Guo got behind the wheel. He had already planned out an itinerary for the trail where the person was reported disappeared.

The less they talked to the locals, the better it was.

He drove off, heading to their destination. But reaching the trail entrance, he noticed they wouldn't be alone.

A lone pickup was parked directly in front of the trail entrance, almost blocking it.

Guo parked further, getting off first to check the truck. Once he got to the side of it, he saw the boxes of ammo in the back, as well as a few unfinished beer cans in the front.

Walking back to the rented SUV, Guo reported.

"It seems some rednecks might be in the woods. We'll have to be careful. I found some ammo, so they might be armed."

Jack chuckled.

"Given this part of the country, and the remoteness of the town, they will be armed, guaranteed. Doesn't matter, though. I doubt they would notice us, with how expansive the woods are."

David turned to the second row of back seats, where Alex had been laid down.

*Slap!*

"Wake up, sleeping beauty!"

Alexander's eyes snapped open, startled at the sudden impact on his face. He could feel the skin still pinching, and by David's face, he knew who had struck him.

"Was that necessary?" Alexander grumbled, wiping away the fatigue from his eyes.

"You've been sleeping long enough. We're here, so get ready."

Alex looked outside, not recognizing the area. Looking back at David, his face was a mask of confusion.

With a long sigh, David refreshed his memory.

"Valentine, Nebraska. Remember? We're here. Get your game face on."

Given that Alex had been out cold for all the duration of the flight, and even before, his mind was still hazy a bit. But he eventually remembered the favour David had asked of him.

But seeing Kary outside the SUV, as well as Jack, brought more questions to his mind.

"Why are they here? I understand Guo, but why would you bring Kary?"

"Hey, don't ask me. I didn't invite her. She invited herself."

Alex grew slightly worried. He knew she could take care of herself, but given they were going after goblins, and knowing the reputation the monsters had, he was scared she would get captured.

Sighing in defeat, Alexander figured it was too late now, anyway.

"I'm not letting her out of my sight. I don't care if it makes things difficult for your plan. Understood?"

Hearing the sternness in his words, David knew it was useless to argue.

"Don't worry. My plan already considered that. Unless shit goes awry, we won't need to split up at all."

Alex nodded his head, regaining all his senses. Then something started feeling strange.

He focused his mind, blinking, as he activated his mana senses.

His eyes went wide in realization.

"David. This area is chock full of mana. It's not as dense as in New Eden, but it's the largest concentration I have ever seen outside."

David nodded silently.

"I know, I can feel it. I'm impressed you can see it. You must have a high affinity for sensing mana. But this is normal, and it's the reason there are monsters here. Wait until you see a dungeon entrance."

The words took Alex aback a bit. But he shelved the questions popping in his mind for later.

'No use in thinking about this now,' he figured.

Seeing everyone was getting ready, he jumped out of the SUV. Kary, seeing him hop out awake, hugged him strongly.

"You made us worry. Next time, don't act so recklessly."

"I'm sorry. All I cared about was saving Jonathan, and I didn't know it would drain me so much. I'll be careful in the future."

Kary nodded before smacking his lips with a kiss.

"Alright, you two lovebirds. Come get your gifts. Santa Claus is early this year, but they come with strings attached."

David pulled out his bag, dropping it on the ground behind the SUV.

Both Alex and Kary wondered what he was talking about, and even Guo and Jack stepped closer, curious about what he had brought.

Unzipping his bag, David started by pulling three small vests.

"Put these on. They might save your bacon."

Taking the vast, Alex recognized the design.

"Bullet-proof vests? Do Goblins have guns?"

Jack replied before David could.

"These aren't just any bulletproof vests. I don't know where you got your hands on these, young man, but I'm impressed. These are military grade."

David grinned.

"I have my ways. Although you probably wouldn't like to know them."

"I see," Jack answered, frowning.

He could guess the people he bought those from were not very legitimate.

"But still. These vests aren't only good for bullets. They should block any blow coming at you and are still extremely light. There are no plates in there. Its titanium threaded pockets, with shock absorbing Elasto-Gel inside. These bad boys can withstand a heavy-calibre rifle's round, and make you feel like you only received a punch."

Alex was very impressed, as he put the vest on. It was indeed very light, and it didn't encumber his movements at all. Kary followed suit.

"Next comes the real fun. Behold, what you will be fighting with."