Chapter Fifteen : The Expedition (2)

Joe and the group set out to their destination early in the morning. They were going to explore the ruins of an ancient civilization that was said to be hidden in the eastern forest. John was excited and curious about the ruins, as he wanted to learn more about their history and secrets. He was also friendly and talkative to Joe, as he wanted to know more about his life and skills.

John asked Joe many questions, such as:

"Joe, How did you become a hunter? What kind of missions have you done?"

"Joe, what kind of magic do you use? How did you learn it? Can you teach me some spells?"

"Joe, what kind of power do you have? How did you get it? Can you show me some tricks?"

Joe answered John's questions briefly. He also did not want to teach John any spells or tricks, as he thought that they were too dangerous or difficult for him. John is more of an easygoing person. He usually meets Joe and talks about visiting the forest or going on an adventure.

"I became a hunter because I like hunting and it pays well. I've done many missions, such as escorting, hunting, and exterminating."

"I use fire magic, which I learned from a book. It's a simple and useful magic, but it requires a lot of concentration and control. I can't teach you any spells, as they are too advanced for you."

"I can't show you any tricks, as they are too risky for me."

John was not satisfied with Joe's answers, but he did not press him further. He respected Joe's privacy and choices, and he appreciated his help and friendship.

"I see, Joe. That's very interesting and impressive. You're a great hunter and a great person, we should hang out more." John said.

"Sure we can do that" Joe replied without thinking.

"I understand, Joe. That's very cool and amazing. You're a talented mage too" John continued.

"Well I won't say talented I just know the basic spells like fireball and stuff," Joe said.

"You're a loyal friend and a reliable protector."

"Yes I am" Joe laughed and said.

'I never thought a noble would be this friendly' Joe thought to himself.

Leo and Mia were not as interested or friendly as John. They were distant and quiet to Joe, and they rarely talked to him. They thought that Joe was just a hired guard, who had no business or connection with them. They also thought that Joe was hiding something from them, which made them suspicious and wary of him.

The guards were also not very close or talkative to Joe. They were professional and respectful, but they also kept their distance and did their own work. They thought that Joe was just another hunter, who had his own skills and methods. They also thought that Joe was not very cooperative or communicative, which made them cautious and indifferent.

"Your friends are not really talkative like you," Joe said to John.

"Don't worry they are just conscious they don't know you well, they will come around" John replied.

"I know you should attend the Royal Academy with us next year, you are 15 right ?" John suddenly said surprising Joe.

"What really. isn't there a test and entrance exam to attend the Royal Academy?" Joe asked confused.

"Yeah there is one entrance exam but that's not a problem it's all practical, and you are a B rank hunter so there will be some exemption for you. Plus I will ask my father to recommend you" John said.

"I don't know man, it feels like a bad idea" 

To tell the truth, Joe had no solid plans for the future. and after getting the devil fruit he decided to give up joining the military and planned to be a full-time hunter.

And Joe was surprised to hear John was willing to help him get to the academy.

"Say no more after we get back to Coastfield City I will talk to my father about this. and we will attend the academy together. This is going to be so cool" John said excitedly.

"Let's not get our hopes up from the beginning and concentrate on the expedition," Joe said to John.

"Alright," John replied.

The group had some encounters with some mana beasts along the way, such as wolves, bears, and snakes. They were creatures that had been infused with mana, making them stronger and smarter than normal animals.

Joe killed them using his light beam when they attacked him or the group.

When John asked him how he did it, Joe answered him that it was a light magic spell that he had created by himself.

"It's a light magic spell that I created by myself. It's called Light Beam. It allows me to shoot beams of light from my hands or my finger"

John was impressed and curious by Joe's spell.

"That's awesome, Joe! How did you create it? Can you teach me how to do it?"

"No, I can't teach you how to do it. It's too complicated and you don't have an affinity for light magic". Joe replied.

John nodded and said.

"I see, Joe. That's fine. It's still very cool."

During the trip, they took some rest at noon and at night. They ate some food that they had brought with them or hunted from the forest. They drank some water that they had carried with them or collected from the stream.

They reached the eastern forest the next day afternoon. They saw a dense and dark forest, filled with tall trees, thick vines, and strange noises.

They decided to explore the ruins the next morning after setting up their camp near the edge of the forest.

They hoped that they would find something interesting and valuable in the ruins.

I hope y'all enjoyed the chapter. 

As you can see John is an easygoing guy and he is nothing like his father Drake.