"Even guilds?" Nox pondered with a thoughtful expression. The schools also hunting for the Elental beast didn't surprise him, but he didn't expect even the guilds to participate in the hunt.
In Eos, guilds were the backbone of society. They were organizations consisting of skilled, professional Awakened who had completed their studies at the academy and were licensed to enter Dinsional Rifts. Not only that, Awakened who were part of guilds were also respected by the public and had perks that normal Awakened didn't.
If even such a group was involved, Nox realized it would be even more difficult to get the crystal for himself. After all, they were all probably high-level Awakened with skills and experience.
But most importantly, they had the numbers advantage. Even Wendy had admitted that the guild had more chances of getting to the Elental beast because of this.
"Why does it feel as if the ga just increased from hard to very difficult?" Nox massaged his temples, trying to co up with a solution. When he first arrived in Snowhelm, he had thought hunting the Elental beast would only be slightly difficult but wouldn't pose a threat to his life.
However, with this new information, he began to doubt this thought.
Though he was strong, Nox didn't think he was capable of taking on all the other groups alone, especially a guild... so he decided to change his plans a little.
"Nox," Wendy said, snapping Nox from his thoughts. "I think you should pull out and return to the Vermilion Kingdom now that it's early before it's too late. I know a way for you to get out—ugh, what am I saying? You probably also used the tunnels."
Nox raised a brow.
"The others won't care that you're a kid; they'll kill you," Wendy warned. "In fact, they're willing to sacrifice a small village to get their hands on this crystal, they're that greedy... sigh, does Uncle Nathan even know you're here?"
Wendy doubted that was the case because she was certain if the old man knew about the dangers, he wouldn't let his grandson participate in this hunt.
"Yes, he does," Nox replied with a smirk. "But I doubt he knew about this developnt."
Indeed, Nox was right. His grandfather wasn't aware that the hunt had beco this complicated. He had only allowed him to head out because he trusted that Eve would watch over him.
If he knew that even guilds were involved, he'd have certainly advised Nox to pull out. Guilds were really not to be trifled with; kill one of their mbers, and they'd all co for your head.
Wendy rubbed her hands together and held Nox's gaze. She didn't know this boy personally. She had only t him at the mock tournant four years ago, but because her mother seed to be very fond of him, she didn't want him to die a stupid death.
"Well, it doesn't matter. It's not too late—you can still leave, though I know that bastard Ren has seen your face; he wouldn't be able to hurt you as long as you remain in the Cromwell's Barony."
Remain in the Cromwell Barony? Though Nox loved everyone there, he was beginning to get bored and wanted to explore more of this world. If he wanted to copy more powerful skills and get stronger, the first step was to leave his comfort zone. Even his grandfather was aware of this.
Subconsciously, he beca irritated that Wendy wanted him to stay there and hide from this Ren, whoever he was, but he didn't let the thought surface, knowing that the older girl was just doing it out of concern.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I've thought about this for four years, even before the tournant began, so I can't drop out now. If you'll excuse , I have an elental crystal to find." Nox smiled and walked out, leaving Wendy stunned. He didn't want to be arrogant, but he felt if anyone should be scared for their life, it should be Wendy.
After all, he had completely overwheld her four years ago in the tournant. Had she forgotten already?
"He refused," Wendy thought, feeling a light headache coming. "Why are boys so stubborn? He understood everything I said, right? If I et him again another ti, it would be very difficult to hold back. I already sold the fight last ti; I'm very certain Ren won't forgive if I do it a second ti."
"Think, think, Wendy, think!" Wendy held her head and tried to think of a way to get Nox to leave, but her mind was blank. As she pondered, her mind couldn't help but return to the fight in the abandoned streets, and a smile erged on her face.
"It seems he has gotten stronger... and he seed pretty confident too."
Bzzzz!
As she was in thought, her communication crystal rang loudly. Picking it up, she winced when she heard a familiar voice.
"Stupid bitch, where are you now?"
"I..." Wendy stuttered.
At that mont, Emily, the sage's girl, walked up to Wendy, handing her a parchnt. "Miss, your bill."
"Wait... he didn't pay?" Wendy panicked, and Emily nodded. Then her face morphed into a frown. "And he had the guts to order such expensive wine! That kid!"
"Wendy! I repeat, where are you?" The voice from the communication crystal bellowed, his tone laced with anger. "Head back to the base; you have a lot of explaining to do."
***
Step, step.
Nox walked through the streets of Frostburg, lost in thought. His initial plan had been to search for the Elental beast, then go all out against it with his pets... it was a pretty simple but effective plan.
Unfortunately, it's no longer foolproof. It seems I might stay longer in this city, and I need to find the whereabouts of the Elental beast. I'm very sure the others aren't slacking either.
It was a race. Nox knew that the first group to get to the beast would likely get the crystal, so he needed to hurry, but how? Unlike the others, it was only him. He didn't have subordinates to gather informat—
Wait, I have subordinates! Nox suddenly thought. I could make them gather information. Though Fluffington is usually large, he could still pass as a normal pet, but Thirteen would be a problem.
Just then, Nox saw Thirteen pop out from the taming space in the middle of the street.
What? I didn't call it out! Nox thought as he tried to call the panda back; however, the latter was running towards a building.
Nox was confused and surprised. Thirteen had never acted like this before; he was always obedient, so what was this strange reaction?
"Look! A beast!" A few passersby pointed at Thirteen with fear-stricken expressions.
"Sobody call the guilds; a magical beast has infiltrated the city!"
Nox ignored all the panicking civilians and followed Thirteen, finally coming to a stop before what appeared to be the courtyard of a dojo... in the courtyard, bare-chested people were currently practicing martial arts.
Seeing these people, Thirteen's eyes glead with intense excitent as it tugged on Nox's clothes and pointed at the people: [Panda train!]
"So this is why you ran out?" Nox was at a loss for words, but he couldn't get angry at the hardworking panda. "Well, let's check it out, I guess... the problem would be, would they allow a beast to train with them?"
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