NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 357: Preparations Before Departure
Jeremy watched as Benjamin and the other two left, his expression thoughtful. Once they were out of sight, he frowned, pondering why the federal authorities and military headquarters were so insistent that he go to the capital.
"Though the federal authorities and the military headquarters have always valued my abilities, they've never demanded that I must come to the capital," Jeremy muttered to himself. "Even if the capital has faced a series of threats recently, it doesn't seem likely that they'd put all their hopes on just me."
He was carefully analyzing the information he had, yet no matter how he tried to piece it together, he couldn't reach a clear answer. The intel he had access to simply wasn't enough. After a while, he decided to set his concerns aside and focus on preparing for his departure.
As he began packing his belongings, Jeremy took the opportunity to inform his close companions about his impending journey. Barely an hour later, Bonnie showed up at his doorstep, clearly already aware of the situation.
Her father had evidently briefed her, and as soon as she saw Jeremy, she got straight to the point. "Are you really going to the capital? If you've made up your mind, I'll go with you."
Jeremy looked at Bonnie, surprised by her readiness to accompany him. But after a moment, he understood her reasoning. Bonnie's status gave her the freedom to live in the capital if she wished. Her prolonged stay in a small city like Moonlight City had always been a bit unusual.
Continue reading at empire
"If you're willing to come with me to the capital, I certainly won't refuse," Jeremy replied. "However, once we're there, we probably won't be able to work together as closely. I'll have to follow federal orders once I'm in the capital."
Bonnie, unsurprised by his response, gave him a reassuring smile. "I understand that," she said with a nod. "Even if we can't act together, I'll still be able to help you. I have quite a few connections in the capital, friends who can provide you with a range of weapons and equipment."
Jeremy could tell that Bonnie was genuinely happy about the arrangement, and her enthusiasm made him feel a bit more at ease about the journey ahead.
To Bonnie, going to the capital with Jeremy was the perfect opportunity for them to spend time alone. After all, he only knew her in the capital and wasn't familiar with anyone else there. Plus, it was impossible for him to bring Claire and Emma along on this journey. They would have to stay in Moonlight City, which meant they wouldn't be able to vie for his attention.
Just as Bonnie finished speaking, a knock sounded at the door, catching both her and Jeremy's attention.
"That must be the others! Could you get the door for me?" Jeremy asked, still busy packing his belongings.
Bonnie obliged and opened the door to find Ritchie, Emma, and Claire standing there. Having heard that Jeremy was about to leave for the capital, the three had hurried over as quickly as possible.
Ritchie wasted no time and got straight to the point. "Didn't you say before that you'd stay in Moonlight City no matter what? So why are you suddenly heading to the capital now?"
Before Jeremy could answer, Bonnie spoke up on his behalf. "It's not Jeremy's decision. The federal authorities and the military headquarters are jointly insisting that he goes to the capital. If he doesn't comply, Moonlight City will face an enormous threat." She laid out all the details she knew, leaving nothing out.
Hearing this, the others fell into a contemplative silence, their expressions turning serious. Ritchie sighed deeply and finally spoke.
"I thought we'd be able to keep working together, Jeremy. Who could've expected that soon we'd be separated by such a great distance?"
Ritchie knew that, unlike Jeremy, he couldn't follow him to the capital. Since the arrival of the apocalypse game, the capital had strict restrictions on who could enter. Only those with explicit permission from the federal authorities and military headquarters could gain access.
Jeremy gave Ritchie an encouraging smile. "Don't be too discouraged. I don't think I'll be in the capital for very long. As soon as things stabilize a bit, I'll be able to return."
Ritchie nodded, a bit reassured, and fell silent.
Meanwhile, Claire and Emma's attention was fixed solely on Jeremy, both of them clearly concerned about his impending departure.
Both Claire and Emma wished Jeremy would take them along to the capital. However, Jeremy responded to them directly, without any hesitation.
"That's out of the question! Besides, the situation in the capital is far more dangerous than it is here in Moonlight City. I think it's best for you both to stay here."
Jeremy's words left Claire and Emma visibly disappointed, though Bonnie couldn't hide her relief. She no longer had to step in to prevent Jeremy from taking them to the capital.
With his bags nearly packed, Jeremy realized he needed to ensure that his companions were well-prepared before his departure.
"I'll be leaving soon, but there's a lot I want to say to you before I go. Make sure you remember every word," he said, pulling out a pen and paper. He handed them to his companions, ready to outline his plans and advice.
"Ritchie," he began, "I think you should continue venturing into instances over the next little while. You're already very close to reaching level 50. Once you get there, I'll make time to come back and help you plan out a strategy for your awakening instance. So for now, focus on leveling up. Let me worry about the rest. And, of course, after I leave, make sure you keep Claire and Emma safe."
Ritchie jotted down everything Jeremy said with a serious expression. "Don't worry. After you're gone, I'll make it my priority to protect Claire and Emma. And I'll reach level 50 within about a week."
"There's no need to rush," Jeremy replied with a smile. "If you can reach level 50 within two weeks, that's fine. Besides, I'm not sure when I'll be able to come back."
Having instructed Ritchie, Jeremy turned his attention to Claire and Emma. To him, they held a special place in his heart. Though neither of them was particularly powerful, they had provided him with invaluable support before the apocalypse game descended.
"You're both barely above level 30, which means it'll be a long time before you're ready for an awakening. What you need to focus on now is leveling up as quickly as possible while keeping yourselves safe. Don't take unnecessary risks."
"If you do encounter any danger, don't act recklessly. You should consult with Ritchie first. While he may not be as strong as I am, he's grown a lot more level-headed after completing a series of missions," Jeremy advised, showing his confidence in Ritchie's abilities. He believed that, once he was gone, Ritchie would be able to ensure Claire and Emma's safety.
Emma and Claire carefully noted down Jeremy's words, both of them feeling a pang of reluctance at his impending departure. However, they also understood that it was too late to try and change anything now.
After finishing what he had to say, Jeremy stood up. "That's everything I wanted to tell you. I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. If you want to see me off, then please come. If there's nothing else, you can head home for now."
The trio felt a mix of emotions. None of them wanted Jeremy to leave, and they knew they would be there in the morning to bid him farewell. Claire and Emma were particularly saddened, their faces clouded with emotion.
However, Ritchie sensed something amiss. He turned to Jeremy and asked, "Why did you only give instructions to Emma and me? What about Bonnie? Don't you have anything you want to say to her?"
Before Jeremy could respond, Bonnie answered with a smile, "My father has arranged for me to return to the capital. He believes it's safer there, so I'll be traveling with Jeremy."
Claire and Emma's faces fell even further upon hearing this, their disappointment deepening. Ritchie could only sigh and nod.
"Alright then, why don't we stay here until tomorrow morning? That way, if there's anything else you think of, you can let us know directly," Ritchie suggested, deciding not to return home. He figured that Jeremy might remember something important at the last minute.
Jeremy nodded in agreement. "Sounds good. I have plenty of spare rooms here—you can all stay in the guest rooms. And if anything else comes to mind, I'll let you know."
With that, they all fell into a somber silence, each feeling the weight of the imminent separation. It was, after all, a bittersweet farewell.
As Jeremy bid farewell to his companions, far away in the capital, Kean finally received confirmation that his plan had succeeded. Elated, he wasted no time reaching out to The Son of the Sun.
"Jeremy is about to head to the capital," Kean said with an excitement he could barely contain. "I trust you're ready to fulfill your part of the deal. You've completed everything you promised me, haven't you?"
The Son of the Sun responded swiftly, his tone carrying a subtle air of satisfaction. "The trap is set. It's ready for activation at any moment."