Xaphxan followed behind Rael as he reached the gate and began untying the hemp ropes he had used to keep it shut.
At this point, Xaphxan didn't know what else to do but follow his new boss into the presence of those three witches. All he could hope for was that none of them recognized him. After all, he wasn't a famed figure within or outside the cult. But still, he couldn't help but notice something strange about this new boss .
Earlier, his Aether reserves had been completely drained, seemingly blocked while he had been pleading for his life. Yet all of a sudden right after pledging his loyalty to Rael , Aether began filling his reserves again. The sensation left him baffled… and terrified.
Could that have been his doing? he thought.
If so, then he might have just signed a devil's contract he would never escape. If Rael truly possessed such an ability, then even the thought of running would doom him.
Not only is he a Bronze warrior, but he might even control Aether itself. Worse, he's acquainted with those witches. I really have to make him see my value.
Unaware of the thoughts racing through Xaphxan's mind, Rael remained focused on something else entirely ,the reward allocation. Just as he was about to push the wooden gate open, he paused, recalling what usually followed the acquisition of a manuscript.
He glanced briefly behind him, then chose to accept the reward.
[Reward allocated]
[Would host like to claim the reward?]
[Yes]. [No.]
Yes.
[Reward injection…]
Suddenly, a splitting headache struck Rael, forcing him to close his eyes in pain. But then as quickly as it came, it faded.
"Hm… seems much more bearable now," Rael murmured as words began assembling themselves into a long manuscript within his mind.
[Thunder Circuit Manuscript]
[Classification: Aether meditative spell technique]
[Origin: Kealith Thunderblade]
[Compatibility: 0%, not suited for the host]
After assessing the reward, Rael felt perplexed.
"Why reward me with something not even compatible at all? Tsk," he spat, causing Xaphxan to flinch behind him.
Or could it be… Rael wondered as he glanced at Xaphxan. Is it for him?
He came to that conclusion. It seemed the system wasn't only about him and his territory, but also about those within it. He wasn't entirely sure yet, but one thing was certain. He wasn't going to give Xaphxan the manuscript. Not when he didn't even trust him.
Pushing the gate open, he saw the three elves standing right in front of it clearly they've heard the short commotion from earlier, their gazes fixed on him before shifting to the person behind him. Xaphxan couldn't help but tremble subtly under their scrutiny.
"So you have a friend?" Ayobe asked.
Rael paused, turning his gaze toward Xaphxan, who stood behind him as if trying to hide his much smaller frame.
"No, not exactly. In fact, I thought he was an acquaintance of yours. But I guess he works for me now," Rael replied.
"An acquaintance of ours?" Iyvre asked, staring at Xaphxan with a steady gaze that caused cold sweat to form on his forehead.
Rael tilted his head and stared at Xaphxan, knitting his brow in a clear command to introduce himself.
Xaphxan quickly bowed, using the motion to hide his face.
"My humble self greets you. Xaphxan greets you and asks forgiveness for my delayed introduction. I was simply enchanted by your elven grace," he said.
Rael cringed.
This new subordinate of his clearly knew how to use words, just not at the right moments. His flattery had no effect on the sisters' stoic expressions, and Yasmin even frowned in disgust, pointing at him with a questioning look.
"You seem familiar."
"What?" Xaphxan exclaimed
Shit. Shit.
"You must be mistaken, your humble grace. I am but a mere fugitive who was granted another chance at life by my lor… I mean, sir Rael," Xaphxan quickly replied, bowing even lower.
"Stop using those odd honorifics," Rael said.
"You are right Yasmin . He does look familiar," Ayobe added.
"Who is he?" Iyvre asked, her frown deepening. Had she miscalculated? Was Rael not truly alone, or was this part of some plot?
"Relax," Rael said, easing the rising tension before smacking Xaphxan heavily on the back. "Let them see your face," he barked.
"As for who he is, he really is a fugitive. And from what he told me, he shares a common enemy with you."
"What common enemy?" Yasmin growled, as if she already knew the answer.
"The Dark Acolytes."
Silence.
The three sisters froze for a moment, frowns settling onto their faces, until Ayobe stepped forward.
"A Fugitive?
I don't believe that," she said as she brandished a short dagger she had drawn from her waist belt.
Rael's eyes widened in shock.
How the hell...
How come? Their magic pouches are with me.
Oh… I see.
Rael facepalmed internally. He had clearly forgotten to search their bodies, assuming all their weapons would be kept inside their magic pouches. How dumb.But still, he knew the women would never agree to let him search them and honestly, he wouldn't want to either as that would have worsen their now neutral relationship.
Rael steadied his expression, choosing to calm the situation before they pounced on the poor Xaphxan.
"Wait. He truly is a fugitive," Rael said, drawing their attention.
"And how would you know that?" Yasmin snapped, as she stared daggers at him.
He ignored her and turned to Ayobe.
"I know the same way I knew you three were outcasts," he replied confidently.
Causing ayobe to slowly lower her blade,while Iyvre's gaze narrowed further into thought.
"It still doesn't matter whether he's a fugitive or not," Ayobe said. "As long as he has ties to that cult, I'd advise you to get rid of him."
Xaphxan's face turned grim. This witch was practically sentencing him to death.
"Him being a fugitive means he'll be hunted either way," Iyvre finally spoke. "That cult never leaves loose ends."
Rael stared coldly at Xaphxan, as if to say you lied, before turning back to the sisters.
"Maybe. But you three are already being hunted by them," he replied, noticing the shift in their eyes. "So what more can come from harboring one more person they're after?"
"Your death," Yasmin huffed.
Rael sighed. "Look, I'll just say it. I believe you already know why I didn't choose to kill you and it's the same reason you don't seem eager to leave, choosing instead to search through my property after I warned you not to."
He turned his gaze to Yasmin.
"And whether your pride allows it or not, the Withered Nights are approaching. If we don't work together to survive that hell, we are sure to die."