BXBX NOVEL Chapter 238: Varying Preparations Among All Parties
"Let us conclude for today! Although I am unaware of the exact timing for the operation devised by Howard, it is imminent—likely within the next few days. You may all return and make your respective preparations."
After delivering this statement, Jeremy stepped outside his home, accompanied by Claire and Emma.
He needed to escort Claire and Emma back to their residence.
After all, it was the only way he could ensure the safety of both Claire and Emma.
Ritchie and Bonnie, on the other hand, no longer required Jeremy\'s escort, as their levels had significantly increased.
Thus, the group parted ways, each individual leaving Jeremy\'s home in their own direction.
Jeremy spent approximately half an hour transporting Claire and Emma to their dwelling.
"Make sure to follow the steps I previously outlined to you! Under no circumstances should you act impulsively or deviate from the plan!"
Before departing, Jeremy made a point to remind Emma and Claire.
Claire smiled and replied, "Rest assured, both Emma and I will diligently remember what you\'ve said. Even if she considers straying from your instructions, I will ensure she promptly alters her course of action."
Claire\'s response provided Jeremy with a sense of reassurance.
"That\'s good to hear, then I shall return!"
After bidding farewell to Claire and Emma, Jeremy swiftly made his way back to his own home.
Jeremy also needed to undertake certain preparations for the upcoming endeavors.
Although he had gained a high level of mastery over his talent, The King of Time and Space, after enduring a series of trials.
The difficulty of the instance he was about to enter was not to be underestimated.
If Jeremy wished to excel in his performance, he would have to devise a strategy in advance.
Jeremy meticulously selected his weaponry, ultimately deciding to carry only the Longsword of the Undying.
Although he possessed several other formidable weapons, they did not synergize well with his talent, The King of Time and Space.
With the acquisition of The King of Time and Space, Jeremy gained the ability to unexpectedly appear in locations undetectable by his enemies during combat.
In such scenarios, employing the most lethal weapon was essential to achieving optimal combat effectiveness.
Naturally, the Longsword of the Undying was the most powerful weapon at his disposal.
Once he had completed all his preparations, Jeremy retired to rest.
Though Jeremy\'s condition had nearly returned to normal, it had nonetheless exhausted all his energy.
He needed to rest as soon as possible to ensure he could regain a vigorous state before Howard\'s plan commenced.
Aside from Jeremy, the others were also engaged in their respective preparations.
Upon returning to his home, Ritchie carefully stored away his most treasured weapon, the Ravager\'s Gloves.
"My level has now reached 41. In about a month, I should be able to advance to level 50. At that point, I will have the opportunity for an awakening."
Ritchie was quite pleased with his current level.
While Ritchie\'s level did not match Jeremy\'s, it was nonetheless ahead of most others.
The preparations Ritchie undertook for the forthcoming actions were, in essence, quite straightforward.
He simply felt that he should retire early for the night, he did not believe he needed to undertake any further preparations.
After all, he did not possess an abundance of equipment or weapons.
The only powerful weapon he possessed was the one Jeremy had gifted him.
Claire and Emma did not engage in extensive preparations either.
After all, the two of them would not be accompanying Jeremy in Howard\'s operations.
They merely needed to consistently utilize the skills they had mastered over the course of the coming week.
The individual who truly required the most preparation was Bonnie.
Upon returning to her residence, Bonnie began to seriously contemplate what rationale she should employ to persuade her father.
Bonnie was acutely aware that her father was not someone who could be easily deceived.
She had to devise a compelling reason to secure her father\'s consent for participating in Howard\'s upcoming operations.
After over an hour of deep reflection, Bonnie finally conceived a reason that she deemed highly appropriate.
Having formulated her argument, Bonnie promptly dialed Benjamin\'s number.
"It\'s quite late, what brings you to call me at this hour? If it isn\'t urgent, let\'s discuss it in my office tomorrow." came Benjamin\'s slightly fatigued voice on the other end of the line once it connected.
"Father, the reason I am calling you at such a late hour is that I have something of great importance to discuss. I hope you will allow me to participate in General Howard\'s forthcoming operations."
Bonnie did not immediately reveal the persuasive rationale she had crafted to convince Benjamin.
She believed it was imperative not to let her father perceive any hint of uncertainty in her demeanor.
Benjamin fell silent for a moment before asking, "You are a very intelligent child, do you truly believe I would consent to your participation in such a perilous endeavor?"
"Father! I am an Awakened! As an Awakened individual, it is only natural that I should take part in the battles! Moreover, General Howard\'s mission is aimed at ensuring the safety of Moonlight City.
As your daughter, I naturally must consider the safety of the citizens of Moonlight City. Furthermore, my current strength is far from weak, even if I were to enter a high-difficulty instance, I would be able to ensure my own safety."
Bonnie articulated her carefully thought-out reasons in one breath.
On the other end of the line, Benjamin once again lapsed into silence. After approximately a minute, he finally spoke slowly.
"Are you truly prepared to face the immense risks that lie ahead?"
"Yes, Father! I am indeed prepared to confront any significant risks! Furthermore, Jeremy will also be participating in this operation. He will be able to offer me substantial support throughout the course of the mission."
In an effort to bolster her argument and ensure that Benjamin would be swayed, Bonnie deliberately mentioned Jeremy.
On the other end, it seemed as though Benjamin let out a soft sigh.
"Since you have made this decision, I will not oppose it. However, I expect you to be thoroughly prepared before the operation commences."
Benjamin\'s response exceeded Bonnie\'s expectations.
She had not anticipated that her father would be so easily persuaded.
However, the current situation filled Bonnie with immense joy.
Bonnie exclaimed in an excited tone, "Father, rest assured! I will absolutely ensure that I am thoroughly prepared before the operation begins! I will make sure to bring all of the equipment I possess!"
"It is reassuring to hear your confidence! As your father, I will, of course, support your endeavor. There is nothing more to discuss, you should quickly get ready for the upcoming mission."
Benjamin\'s voice sounded exceedingly weary.
Although Bonnie found this somewhat peculiar, she chose not to press the matter further.
"Goodbye, Father!"
"Goodbye!"
After Benjamin hung up the phone, Bonnie swiftly adjusted her emotions.
"I must expedite all my preparations. I absolutely cannot allow myself to bring shame to my father during this mission. If my performance in this operation is subpar, it is possible that my father may no longer support my participation in similar endeavors."
Bonnie swiftly retrieved all the weapons and equipment she possessed.
After a considerable amount of deliberation, Bonnie ultimately decided to carry the most powerful staff along with two pieces of defensive gear.
"I cannot carry too much equipment, an excess of gear would significantly hinder my mobility. This would be an exceedingly dangerous situation within a high-difficulty instance."
Although Bonnie had never actually entered a high-difficulty instance,
her previous experiences had afforded her some insight into the unexpected situations that might arise within such challenging environments.
Maintaining a sufficiently high level of agility is imperative in a high-difficulty instance.
If one\'s speed of action is inadequate and one\'s reflexes lack sharpness, then one will inevitably encounter almost unavoidable dangers within a high-difficulty instance.
Once she had completed her preparations, Bonnie promptly went to rest.
After all, it was already the early hours of the morning.
If General Howard moved swiftly enough, he would inform Jeremy of his plans by morning.
Should Jeremy agree to General Howard\'s plan, both Ritchie and Bonnie would need to be fully prepared for action within half an hour.
In addition to Jeremy and the others\' preparations, General Howard was also ensuring that his subordinates made their final arrangements.
"The upcoming operation is of utmost importance! We have never entered a high-difficulty instance before, so our understanding of these instances is exceedingly limited.
You must be prepared for the worst possible scenarios. Only then can we maintain a sufficiently high margin for error during the course of our mission."
Howard\'s admonitions were naturally taken to heart by all of his subordinates.
In order to ensure the success of this mission, Howard had made a point of bringing all of his precious weapons and equipment along.
Despite having made ample preparations, Howard still felt an overwhelming sense of unease.