Deep in the woods, a few kilotres away from Duke Coldre’s castle and the city.
The trio of Caleb, Jess and Crusher found a suitable place devoid of monsters and human activity, setting up a temporary camp for the rest of the night.
A campfire was quickly put together for warmth as the trio sat around on wooden logs. While Crusher was slightly out of it due to the adrenaline rush, Caleb and Jess appeared calm and collected.
It was like they weren’t even bothered by everything going on.
"Crusher, right?" Caleb asked to break the silence, getting a nod in return. "You didn’t have to do what you did, and for that, thank you."
"Haha," The tigerkin laughed in spite of himself. "What are you talking about, Mr. Zane? From where I stand, you could have gotten out all by yourself. I didn’t really do much..."
"Regardless..." Caleb replied, turning to look at Jess. "I’ve heard all about you from Jess. Watching out for her during the dungeon operation was very kind of you."
"It was a dangerous place, Mr. Zane..." Crusher replied.
"Please, call Caleb."
"Right, Caleb." The tigerkin nodded and continued. "While I don’t know much about you, I can tell Jess is a good person. It was why I found it difficult to accept the charges against her — I needed to see for myself."
The tigerkin didn’t have to do this. After all, he wasn’t the only one who participated in the dungeon subjugation. Going this far and even implicating himself was a serious move on his part.
"So..." Crusher’s expression turned serious. "What is going on exactly?"
Caleb and Jess exchanged glances for a second before focusing on Crusher. With a soft sigh, Caleb spoke. "There’s sothing going on with the nobles, and we’ve been investigating the issue."
He brought his explanation to a close. Despite how short it was, it said more than enough for the tigerkin to put so of the pieces together.
"It has sothing to do with the demon general invasion, doesn’t it?" Crusher asked, receiving a nod in return. "I see..." He lowered his head in thought, his imagination filling in the blanks.
"You two coming here is no coincidence." He muttered to himself, rubbing his chin with his left hand. "So that’s why..." The final conclusion directed his gaze at Caleb.
Caleb didn’t know what conclusion the tigerkin ca to, but he was glad he understood their side of things. He didn’t even bother doubting their words.
’He just needed to know his thoughts on the ongoing ss weren’t wrong.’ Caleb realised as he got to his feet. "You two should catch up, I need to call soone."
Jess nodded, knowing who Caleb was referring to. The tigerkin, on the other hand, had no clue but nodded anyway.
In a flash, Caleb disappeared into the darkness, swiftly climbing a tall tree several ters away from Jess and Crusher. With his domain sense still active, everything within a one-kilotre radius was in sight.
The massive processing power required to continuously keep everything in sight would have drained anybody else. This, of course, was nothing but a small feat for a genetically enhanced individual.
He retrieved his call artefact and contacted the king. A few seconds passed, and a connection was established.
[Caleb...] King Gray’s voice resounded from the artefact. [I wasn’t expecting a call at this hour. What’s going on?]
"I apologise for the late-night call, Your Majesty." Caleb began with an apology. "But this can’t wait..." He took a deep breath and explained what transpired in the Duke’s estate, including what he gathered from the hidden chamber.
[I see...]
Several seconds of silence passed before King Gray broke the silence once more.
[Do you believe what you have will be enough?]
"It should..." Caleb said. "Those guys weren’t natives of this kingdom, Your Majesty. Whoever they work for has the nobles dancing in their palms. Whatever their plan is... It’s bound to erupt very soon.
"You should make your move now... before it’s too late," he added.
[Thank you, Caleb. It’s best you return with what you have now. I’ll begin implenting my plans.] The king instructed. [Per your own words, things will be getting dicey. It would be in our interest for you to return.
[You can take care of the Growian Kingdom later on... Also, sothing tells they’re involved with what’s happening.]
"Agreed." Caleb nodded. "I’ll be seeing you soon."
The call ca to an end as Caleb put his artefact away. His eyes went skyward, staring at the twinkling stars, lost in his own thoughts.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. ’Hehe... Feels like I’m in so kind of novel where the plot is being pushed faster with as the MC.’
While this was a jovial thought of his own, he couldn’t help but recall the significant events that had occurred following his arrival and awakening.
It hasn’t been long since the demon generals invaded the capital. Yet here they were, prepping to face another challenge.
Caleb shook his head as he turned around and jumped, landing on the leaves-covered ground with a thud. He made his way back to camp, this ti taking his ti to enjoy the evening air.
"Where do we go from here?" Jess asked once Caleb returned, watching as he sat down.
"We’re returning to the capital." He replied. "Those guys weren’t natives of this kingdom. For them to be involved with the nobles..."
"Another kingdom may be pulling the strings." Jess completed, and Caleb nodded. The catwoman let out a tired sigh, closing her eyes for a mont. "How the hell did the nobles get involved with whatever is going on...?"
"I don’t know... Whatever it is, we will find out." Directing his gaze to the tigerkin, he added. "Things will be getting ssy again, Crusher. It will be best for you to stay low."
"I don’t think that would be a wise choice." The tigerkin shook his head. "The kingdom is in danger. That ans people I care about are also in danger. You can’t ask to sit back. I’m coming with you two..."
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