The Against All Odds

CH 35 - Cariole

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"250?!" Alisha could not believe the price, and a similar reaction from her friends. They started talking to each other, feeling that the asking price was too high. Meanwhile, the old merchants were still waiting for their deal.

Leo approached the merchant to speak more closely. "We need that scroll. Is there no other way to pay for it?"

The merchant thought while playing his long beard.

While Leo waited for the trader's answer, he began to feel uneasy. He placed his hand limply on his waist and let out a heavy sigh. His gaze switched between the old merchant and his friends, trying to find a supportive reaction from them.

"There is, but maybe you won't be able to do it either." Said the old man while continuing to play his beard.

"Just say, we'll try."

The merchant shook his head. "It's too hard, young man."

Leo continued to force, making the trader finally soften. "I need the head of Medusa. It sounds impossible, but if you can get it, you can choose two items from my trade, whatever they may be. Or gold, 500 pieces."

"Alright," replied Leo briefly and decisively, accepting the challenge.

Hearing Leo's words just now, alisha instantly pulled leo's hand and carried him away a little further, yet could still see some people behind them. "What do you mean 'well'? We don't even know what creature the merchant is talking about."

"That's not a problem, we can get through it." Leo only answered briefly, then rushed back.

"Leo, I'm not done yet." Alisha pulled her hand back, holding her back to survive here.

"Alisha!"

Alisha is surprised by her reaction and immediately releases Leo's hand.

After a tense moment, Leo spoke in a delicate voice, feeling regret for yelling at his friend. "I'm sorry." She grabs Alisha's hand, trying to ease her anger. He looked into her eyes that were beginning to tear up. "This is our chance to get out of here, our chance to live. Please, trust me."

Alisha shook her head slowly, she still looked doubtful. "What did Mr Balfam give you back then?"

Leo immediately reached into his pocket and pulled out a very foreign-looking object in Alisha's eyes - a smartphone. Alisha was surprised to see him.

"Did he make it for you?" ask him with curiosity.

"No, there are no smartphones in this world, Alisha." Leo turned on the device and showed the picture on his screen. "It belongs to my sister, Erala."

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"Hows it? Are we in agreement?" Ask the merchant, who saw Leo and Alisha approaching. The two of them stared at the merchant for a moment, considering the consequences of this deal.

Alisha folded her hands behind Leo. After talking to Leo earlier, he began to agree to this deal, despite having doubts and worries in his heart.

Leo finally nodded, "Yes, we agreed," he replied steadily. He stretched out his hand and shook hands with the merchant.

"Horay! Mabusas! Mabusas!" Exclaimed Matilda who could not contain her excitement.

But Belladonna who was standing next to him gently nudged her cheeks. "Medusa..not Mabusa."

Meanwhile, Barla placed her axe on the shoulder with respect, acknowledging the bravery of this group. Beside him, his sister, Glint, still trembled and shivered in coldness after hearing that they were going to face Medusa.

"This, you will need it" said the old merchant as he gave the scroll to Leo. Leo received the scroll, then opened it wide with both hands. Belladona and Barla are interested, stalking behind Leo.

"This scroll contains the location where Medusa often appears. In addition, there are also various ways to fight it," explained the old merchant. Leo closed the scroll slowly, his eyes full of optimism.

"Thank you" said Leo sincerely. "Then, we'll be leaving soon."

However, just as they were about to leave, the merchant struck the wooden horse carriage beside him. "Bring this cariole with you, just think of it as supporting your mission" he said with a warm smile.

They were all shocked by the generous actions of these old merchants, and their gratitude deepened. After making sure that they were ready to depart, the old merchant gave a sincere smile.

"Hopefully succeed, and be careful out there" he said in prayer.

After thanking the old merchant, they headed towards the prepared cariole. They were trying to find their seats. Leo, as the front coachman, climbed up and sat in the driver's seat with his sword attached to his waist.

Meanwhile, Barla, Belladona, and Alisha find their seats at the back of the cariole. They chose comfortable seats and checked their weapons and equipment once again.

Matilda, with an irresistible spirit, decided to get behind Leo. He popped his head next to Leo in order to see the scene ahead. His eyes were fiery with enthusiasm and a burning spirit of adventure within him.

Meanwhile, the quiet and timid Glint finally asks to sit in front with Leo. The reason was simple, as he felt more comfortable being near Leo, the only man other than himself in this group. After Leo greeted him with pleasure, Glint immediately took his place beside Leo.

Leo's eyes looked far ahead, racing the horse in front of him with the bridle he held tightly.Cariole began to speed slowly, slowly, it produces a distinctive rustling sound from an iron wheel that moves over rocky ground. They feel light vibrations and shocks as the cariole passes through the rocks.

The warm sunlight shone on every tall grass around them, the grass swaying gently by the strong gusts of wind. Instantly, the gust hit their faces, moving their hair up to a cariole canopy made of animal skin.