บท 48: The mastermind
Ren and his companions were heading down the secret staircase. Before they went down they saw a torch but they didn't use it since they can use magic to make light. As the group descended the staircase, Ren could finally feel the presence of the villagers. He could also sense a very powerful presence among the villagers.
The quality of the mana was pretty similar to the King Drake he fought recently. Ren was getting a bit excited, since he was sure that the opponent this time was much harder than the King Drake. The King Drake was a monster so no matter how intelligent it was it would still follow its instincts.
This opponent on the other hand had actual intelligence and was sure to have a plan of sorts to deal with Ren and his companions. This made Ren truly excited to see what kind of opponent he would face next.
...
The group had reached the end of the staircase, and saw a tunnel lit by torches. It was pretty obvious that the enemy was waiting for them on the other side of the tunnel.
"I'm sure that you two are aware, that once we go forward from here there is no turning back. As the leader of this party, I suppose I should say something like don't worry, or I know we can do it, or some other stupid cliche. Well I wont say something so disgusting like that. Instead I'll tell you the truth, beyond that tunnel is an opponent that is stronger than me. It's an opponent that has unknown skills coupled with the villagers will make this battle unpredictable. The chance of us dying is very high..."
While Ren was speaking his eyes was twinkling with joy, and he was smiling his ever vicious smile.
"So if you guys want to run, now is your chance. I will not stop you, since your life is your own. So what do you two want to do?" Ren looked at his two companions, unable to hide the excitement that he was holding in.
"I will follow you, even in the depths of the underworld. If you are to die then I will die with you." Lara responded with her usual indifference, but deep inside she was strengthening her resolve. When it comes to battle Ren doesn't lie, that means the enemy they are facing was truly stronger than Ren. Still a fight is not merely determined by strength of arms or mana, there are a lot of factors to add in. That's why Ren never claims to have absolute certainty in battle.
Hilda looked at the two and sighed. In her head retreating and informing the guild was the safest and best option. But she knew it was entirely possible that the culprit would get away if the three of them do nothing. Also, Ren would most probably need all the help he can get.
Hilda then remembered her mother and her sisters. 'It's alright, I already prepared for this. As long as that stupid Guild Master fulfills his end of the deal then everything will be alright... Though I hope it never comes to that.'
Hilda looked at Ren with steely determination. Ren couldn't help but smile even wider than before. Those eyes that show him she would never give up, and is willing to face death head on. Those are the same eyes the heroes of old showed as they faced him.
"I will come with you as well." Hilda said with determination.
"Very well let's go." Ren stepped forward into the tunnel.
...
While the three were walking, Silika's voice resounded in Ren's head.
"Master why didn't you ask me if I wanted to go or not?"
"Huh? Doesn't our contract state that you would stay with me until my death."
"What a bore it is to tease you master." Even though Silika sounded like she was pouting, but in truth she was smiling widely as nostalgia filled her. Now that she knew Ren was Leo, she felt different than before.
She was happy to see that no matter which incarnation he was in, Leo remained the same.
...
The three finally reached the end of the tunnel, as expected the villagers were there. Not only that there was a man in the middle wearing a grey cloak his face hidden behind a mask.
"Oh, our guest have arrived. Welcome to my humble abode. I am Alfred the master of this place. Though our meeting shall be short, it is a pleasure to have met you."
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