I'd like to claim that I had no problems sneaking into the camp and seeing Hortiluk, potentially in his bedchamber. And, to a point, I had no problems sneaking into camp. Once inside the camp, one more armored hobgoblin, short as I was, drew no attention.
The Sentry class has a number of abilities, specially designed to detect threats. Hortiluk's guards were numerous, vigorous in pursuit of their duties, and had no reluctance to use violence. I presume they were loyal, though I never thought to test it. <1>
There was genuine curiosity from Malgaunt, the guard with the yellow eyes. "How did he know you were coming tonight?" he wondered aloud.
I shrugged, which wasn't too comfortable with my wrists in a wooden block at the small of my back.
"Here's a better question." Alexis asked. "You went out with Doran and his crew. Were they in good health when you deserted them?"
I shook my head. "There was a horror. Tainted."
I know, I know. Rhishi's come so far, and has so much better skills than average. But he's not at a power level to ignore the abilities of others.
Honestly, I don't think he's ever going to be. That just seems BORING to me, although that seems to be the sort of story that is more popular.
Sure, his System is broken; it's unbalanced, and that isn't going to change, either. But it isn't SO unbalanced that it removes all challenge from his life. Speaking of which, I am STILL catching up on what experience and cultivation points he has, but it is clear that he's going to start making his second levels at or around this part of the story.
As always, thank you for your readership! It means more to me than I can put into words. Much more than whatever money I could earn by doing this daily, for certain.