System in Assassin's Creed

Chapter 63: Chapter 62: Make Camp

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William Penn and Reuben were talking and mending with the people.

It was fortunate that the battle ended quickly as Penn feared that this would put a scar on Letitia and James’ minds.

”Yes... do that for now.”

”I see... don’t worry.”

William Penn was talking with the captain of the escorts as he noticed someone walking towards them.

”Ah, ’Laric!” Penn smiled as he waved his hand.

”Sup!”

Alaric glanced around, scanning the faces of his allies before speaking. ”Everything alright? No injuries?” His voice was calm, but his sharp gaze took in every detail.

William Penn nodded, offering a reassuring smile. ”No casualties on our side. A few bruises here and there, but nothing serious. Thanks to the quick end, Letitia and James were spared from seeing too much bloodshed.”

Alaric exhaled lightly, his shoulders easing. ”Good. I’d rather not have them exposed to this kind of violence more than necessary.”

Penn chuckled. ”Spoken like a man who cares more than he lets on.”

Before Alaric could respond, Reuben approached him, his expression one of quiet admiration. There was respect in his eyes, the kind that words couldn’t quite capture. He stopped a few steps away, studying Alaric as if trying to fully grasp what he had just witnessed.

Alaric arched a brow. ”What?”

Reuben shook his head, a small smirk forming. ”Just wondering how in the hell you make it all look so effortless... how strong are you, really?”

Alaric let out a chuckle, amused by Reuben’s admiration. ”Maybe one day, you’ll figure it out. But not today.”

Reuben snorted, shaking his head. ”Yeah, yeah. Someday.”

Penn clapped his hands together. ”Alright, now that we’re all here, let’s find camp!”

He turned towards the others, nodding for them to gather their things. The group moved as one, guided by Alaric, who led them through the dimly lit woods with confidence.

The rustling of leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures accompanied them as they weaved through the forest.

As they finally reached the clearing, Penn let out a low whistle, his eyes scanning the well-arranged tents and supplies.

”Now this is a damn fine setup,” he remarked, clearly impressed by the efficiency of the camp’s arrangement.

---

Later that night, the group gathered around the bonfire. The escorts drank mead and sang merrily, their voices rising with the crackling flames. Laughter echoed through the camp as the tension of the day melted away.

Penn approached Alaric’s side, holding out a flask. ”First time I’ve ever offered you a drink,” he said with a grin. ”Might as well make it special.”

Alaric glanced at the flask before taking it with a smirk. ”Guess that means I should accept.”

The two clinked their drinks together as they watched the escorts singing, as the bonfire was making the scene cinematic.

---

As dawn crept closer, Alaric stirred, the morning mist wrapping around him like a damp shroud, sending a chill through his body.

He exhaled, watching his breath fade into the crisp air before blinking away the last remnants of sleep. His sharp gaze swept across the camp.

Nearby, Penn sat with a cigarette between his fingers, smoke drifting lazily upward as he stared off into the distance.

The bonfire still smoldered, embers pulsing faintly in the dim light.

Alaric pushed himself up and made his way over, his steps quiet against the dew-soaked grass. Without a word, he lowered himself beside the Quaker, stretching his arms before resting them on his knees. Neither spoke.

The fire crackled softly, filling the silence between them.

Alaric finally broke the quiet. ”Your cigarette smells good.”

Penn exhaled a plume of smoke, a small smile forming on his lips. ”Picked it up from a merchant back in town. Something about a fine blend, or so he claimed.”

Alaric smirked. ”Not bad. You always smoke this early?”

Penn chuckled. ”Only when there’s time to think. Helps clear the mind.”

Alaric glanced at the cigarette between Penn’s fingers, then tilted his head. ”You have another?”

Penn reached into his coat and pulled out a small pack, handing it over. ”Here, take the whole thing. Cigarettes are good for you, y’know. Helps with coughing, even cures cancer.”

Alaric chuckled at that, shaking his head. He knew better, but took the pack anyway. ”Is that so? Guess I’ll have to test that theory myself.”

William Penn glanced at the blonde as he witnessed Alaric placing the cigarette on his lips. His eyes widened as Alaric covered the end with his finger, and in an instant, the cigarette was burning.

Penn exhaled in amusement, shaking his head. ”I know you’re not normal, but I wish the Gods would bestow me an ability like that. It’d sure make smoking easier.”

Alaric took a deep inhale, filling his lungs with the thick smoke before exhaling slowly. He fought back the urge to cough, suppressing it with sheer will.

A smirk tugged at his lips as he reflected on his past life... he had been a heavy smoker then, but now, thanks to Hashirama’s physique, his body healed faster than the damage could accumulate. Smoking no longer carried the same risks for him.

”The after taste’s good too...”

Minutes passed by as Alaric and Penn enjoyed their silent company, the quiet hum of the embers filling the space between them. Then, Penn let out a soft sigh, stretching his arms. ”I’ll leave you for now. I need to sleep,” he murmured, pushing himself up from his seat.

Alaric gave a small nod, watching the Quaker walk away towards his tent before turning his gaze back to the flickering fire, continuing to smoke in solitude.

---Morning, 5:50am---

The morning air was brisk, the lingering mist clinging to the earth and carrying a damp chill through the camp.

Alaric had already freshened up, using ”Suiton: Full Bathing Jutsu” to cleanse himself and ”Suiton: Laundry Jutsu” to clean his clothes. Droplets of water evaporated from his garments as he stood near the remnants of the bonfire, feeling the last traces of warmth against his skin.

One by one, the others stirred from their sleep, groaning as they stretched and rubbed the exhaustion from their eyes. The bonfire had burned down to little smoking embers, casting faint wisps into the foggy air. The cold still clung stubbornly to the camp, the heavy mist obscuring much of the surrounding landscape.

Alaric moved to his tent, making quick work of dismantling it and packing it away. With everything in order, he accessed the system and purchased food.

[Akimichi Barbeque - 7d.](I made some changes. This is the product and price)

[Total Reduction: (30x) = - £6 11s. 2d.](This is the quantity and the total price)

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[Current Balance: £2,733,576 11s. 7d.]

He carried the freshly bought food to the bonfire, setting it down near the remaining warmth. The scent of seasoned meat filled the air, causing a few of the waking men to turn their heads in interest.

”Take one,” Alaric said, his tone casual but firm.

The barbeques were large, thick cuts of meat, enough to satisfy each person with a single portion. He stepped back, watching as the men slowly gathered, rubbing their hands together for warmth before reaching for the meal.

He then browsed the system for something and found what he looking for.

[Sage’s Herbal Infusion Tea (Brewed) - 4d.]

[Total Reduction: (2x) - 8d.]

[Current Balance: £2,733,576 10s. 11d.]

After the successful purchase, two cups of perfectly brewed tea appeared on Alaric’s hands. ’Damn... the Celestial Tea’s smell always makes me want to drown in it every single time...’

He then walked over towards Reuben’s tent and kicks the tent, making the black-haired rustle inside it.

”W-Who!?”

Not even a second later, Reuben got out of his tent, aiming to punch the person who was messing with him, but paused after seeing a smiling Alaric.

”...What?”

Alaric just continued smiling and gave one tea on his hand to a dazed Reuben, who only received it. Not even waiting for a reply, Alaric clang his tea cup to Reuben’s, earning him a confused look. However, Reuben drank his tea anyway, still dazed.

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