Light lowered his head and spoke as reverently and formally as possible, trying to avoid any extreme reaction from the other party.
"I will be happy to satisfy your interest, but I do not know what could catch your attention." A sinister laugh echoed through the environment, the branches of the trees swaying.
"For now, you do not need to know much…" The great serpent enjoyed making dramatic pauses while trying to frighten.
"But I have a mission for you; the details will be given later by one of my subordinates…" The serpent began to move, leaving the place. A final command was issued:
"Go west from here tomorrow. About 10 kilometers away, one of my subordinates will find and guide you."
"Yes, sir." The shadow had completely disappeared, and looking back, the other guards hadn't noticed what had happened. One of the greatest disasters had just passed by, and they didn't even realize it.
Naga could have easily massacred everyone there in an instant. Before the commander could even realize it, the entire camp would have been wiped off the map. Even if he did notice, the ensuing conflict would have resulted in the deaths of all.
Light could not afford to disobey the orders of someone like that, and even if he thought of fleeing or resisting, he knew it was impossible. Warning others about such a meeting would certainly bring trouble, so he had to keep it to himself.
The sun was rising on the horizon; he had survived one of the worst nights of his life. Finally, others would take over the patrol. Light returned to the camp and found Triss resting comfortably while eating grapes.
"You look like a wreck" Triss observed smugly.
"I need to be in my best possible condition. Help me with that!"
"Ahh, why? Just sleep, and that ugly face will improve."
"Just do it!" Annoyed by his companion's behavior, she did as he asked, grumbling about his lack of manners and bad habits. Quickly, his fatigue disappeared, and his strength returned to its peak.
"I'm going to explore the forest. I found some important clues about the monsters, and since you draw attention, I'll go alone! Don't follow me!"
"Sure, do whatever you prefer!"
As soon as he finished speaking with Triss, he went in search of Lara. He signaled to her and briefly asked:
"Do you trust me?" The young woman was startled but confirmed that she did.
"You are my savior; you would never lead me to hell. Even if you guide me to death, it would be to show me paradise." He took her by the hand and marched to Captain Silvyr's tent.
"Stop there! The captain is busy at the moment!" Light's aura pressed the environment. What was the use of being stronger? Cats don't scare away bears with their bravery?
The men quickly backed off, trembling, allowing Light to pass as he entered the tent furiously. The tent was crowded, with several guards at the entrance. The captain was in a meeting with the commander and some other important people.
'How strong is the commander?'
***
Name: Hagred Bikrana
Title: Resplendent Commander
Status: Leader of the Settlers
Rank: Guardian
Race: Elf (Superior)
Aura: 500
Strength: 30
Agility: 50
Endurance: 25
Skills: Mana Manipulation (Master) +10
Characteristics: Leader, Selfish, Heir +10
Observation: An elf born to wealthy merchants, seeking to bring glory to his house in a bid for nobility.
***
Everyone fell silent to see the unexpected visitor, their gazes furious. One of the men stood up.
"Who was the idiot who allowed him through?! This is an important council meeting!" He gritted his teeth as he faced him.
"Shut up, bitch!" Light shouted, placing his hand on his chest and proclaiming loudly.
"I, Light, in the name of the Angel of Justice and Death, Azrael, announce that death hovers over this group, and thus you will soon be exterminated. Your attempts to conquer these lands and resist are useless and futile…" The men looked at him, ready to slit his throat.
"I also declare that all those who meddle with the Lord's envoys and those graced by him will suffer the worst deaths. They will never be buried and will remain in eternal disgrace, their faces unrecognizable even to their lovers they sleep beside every day or their mothers who raised them from a young age."
"I will leave this camp, and if I return, know that disaster is at your doorstep."
Everyone was momentarily frozen, except for the commander, who cast a cold and arrogant gaze, mocking him.
"Ignore him; he's just another fanatic and lunatic who understands nothing." Light turned, ignoring the comment, and left the camp behind.
Lara followed him, holding his hand firmly, not knowing his intentions. As they walked through the woods, she finally asked,
"Where are we going?"
"The true rulers of these lands have contacted me; they will give me a mission, and there may be an opportunity for you to become stronger."
'He never mentioned a reward, despite everything…'
"We can no longer infect ourselves with the folly of noble and beautiful knights!" Light said, with vivid memories of the arrogance and presumption of the powerful.
"Those who ascend gain innate strength. We who fight against fate must unite with one another because we are weak."
As he walked through the forest, he felt the cold embrace of death warning him of something. Looking to the side, there it was again: an owl larger than Light, its beak and feathers clean this time.
"Hello, I've come to guide you to the city of Aegon."
"André, isn't it? Why do you always want to kill me?" The owl's eyes narrowed, its head lowering slightly, appearing to wear a macabre smile.
"Except for the apostles, no one escapes me. But I only kill those who don't perceive me. I was the one who told Naga about you."
"Thanks for that; I'll repay this debt one day."
"If you survive, I will be happy to receive the payment. Know that we are neither moralists nor ethical like the elves who bore you."
"I was never an elf; I'm human. Engrave that in your tiny bird brain! I come from a people who annihilate worlds in their civil wars!"
"For such an imposing species, it's strange that I've never heard of or seen another like you…" Changing the subject, Light continued,
"Is there a city around here?" Triss and he had walked through the entire region and found no civilization.
"Of course, you would never find it without a guide. It is hidden even from the vigilant eyes of the deities…" With pride and reverence, the owl proclaimed, exalting the hidden city.
"The magnificent city of Aegon, city of the brave and strong, of those who reject the laws imposed by others and nature itself."