"You know we could all stay back. You don't have to be alone," Audrey said in a soft voice filled with concern.
I shook my head. "But I'm not alone. I have my Bond, Aika."
Audrey went quiet for a moment.
I knew that was not what she meant. And even with Aika, it was bound to be dangerous. It would be a different case if I was maybe sneaking through the territory or just passing through. But this time, I'm actually hunting and will be fighting the monsters.
So I could understand her worry.
But the truth was, I wanted to do it alone. Gaining exp to grow my level was one thing. But I also needed to train. I needed to be better at dodging, at reading my opponents, and at reacting under extreme pressure when it was just me and Aika without anyone to help us.
I needed to push myself to the absolute limit, so that I would not just grow in level, but also in actual combat skill.
So I added, "This is something I need to do… just me and my bond."
Audrey looked away. "I understand."
