458: Question

Question

Ren's group were led by Luke deeper into the Temple. The deeper they went the more confusing the hallways became. There were a lot of traps and secret doorways they needed to pass through before they were able to reach the hallway towards the Head Priest's room.  1

The hallway to the room of the head priest was found underground. The hallway was lighted by torches and had a creepy vibe to them. As they were walking through the hallway Ren found something interesting. Since some time ago he was trying to sense the presence of the people in the Temple, but ever since they had gone underground his mana sensing no longer worked. 

'These walls block mana from going out, they are of the same quality as those found in dungeons that use a dragon heart. This place is like a rebirth of the ancient human civilization.' 

It took some time before the group was able to reach the door to the room of the head priest. Once they were there, Luke did a very elegant bow with his skinny frame and spoke. 

"This is the room of the Head Priest, I have successfully guided you the guests towards it and with that, I have fulfilled my task. I hope you have a wonderful conversation with the head priest dear guests." Once he was done and said his piece his body started to fade from everyone's sight. 

Kor and Mir could no longer sense his presence nor could they smell his scent. Valdel and even Lara with her new abilities were also having a difficult time sensing his presence, despite him just standing there in front of them.

On the other hand, Ren was astonished, the technique he was using was uncannily similar to what the Shadow Clan had used in the distant past. This was a technique called Shadow threading. As Luke was about to fade away Ren asked a question. 

"What's your relation to the Shadow Clan?" 

When Luke heard what Ren said his poker face which was mostly always ever-smiling disappeared. In the next second, Luke appeared behind Ren. The moment he did so, Valdel took a stance and was about ready to strike, Lara had her bow out and was pointing numerous mana arrows at Luke. On the other hand, Ren who was about to get hit didn't move an inch as he frowned. Luke's reaction was already him admitting that he had some sort of relation to the Shadow Clan. 

"What do you know about the Shadow Clan? Where did you hear about the Shadow Clan? Depending on your answer, I might need to go against my previous orders and deal with you." Luke wasn't bothered that both Valdel and Lara were about ready to strike him since he had the confidence that he could kill Ren first and escape safely. 

"Teh, hehehehe, HAHAHAHAHA! Are you seriously saying that in this situation?" Luke was surprised by Ren's reaction, but he didn't waver, and instead he continued to push his question. 

"I understand that you and your companions are powerful people, but even then I am confident that in this position I can kill you quicker than your companions could attack me. If you don't tell me what and how you know about the Shadow Clan then you have forfeited your life." 

"Valdel, Lara do not interfere." When Valdel and Lara heard Ren's command, they lowered their hands. 

"So you finally understood your position. That's good then tell me how do-" Luke was once again going to ask Ren about why he knows of the Shadow Clan when Ren suddenly started laughing. 

"Hahaha, it seems that you're misunderstanding something. I didn't ask my friends here to lower their weapons because I was going to comply with your demands. No, far from it, instead I'm going to be the one to ask you the questions. But before that, I will show you that with your strength, you cannot force me to say anything. Come then strike me down, let's see if you can really do it." 

Luke was stunned by Ren's response. He understood that Ren was indeed a powerful individual but even then, he wasn't invincible. Surely someone that knows the term Shadow Clan, knows its relation to the assassination business. No matter how powerful you are in the end as long as your not some immortal monster, you can be killed. That was when he noticed Ren's crazed smile. 

"I'm not joking, if you do not tell me what I want to know, then you'll be dead in the next second." 

"Stop trying to threaten me, it won't work. So how about you just go ahead and kill me." The moment those words came out of Ren's mouth, several flashes happened within a second. 

Numerous throwing knives fell onto the floor, while some of them stuck to Ren's back. Luke had a dumbfounded look as his hidden blade that struck Ren's neck wasn't able to penetrate his skin. This was surprising since the blade he was using was a special one that was produced with alchemy and had the ability to bypass mana-created constructs like the mana shield and other similar spells. The blade itself was also incredibly sharp and could cut through metal like it was butter. Not only that but the blade itself was coated with an extremely deadly poison that had no antidote, so just a small cut would kill just about anyone. Yet despite all that the blade was unable to penetrate Ren's skin. 

"Do you understand now, how futile your actions are?" Luke didn't bother to respond and was quick to react as he tried to escape. Yet Ren was faster and he grabbed hold of Luke's neck. 

"Now that you understand what position you are in. How about you answer my questions?" Luke was about to commit suicide but before he could do so Ren pulled a tooth out of Luke's mouth. That tooth was filled with poison and would activate the moment a specific type and amount of mana flowed through it. 

"You really are similar to the Shadow Clan of old... There's no way to escape me, so how about you make this simple for both of us and answer my questions. The first of which is what is your relation to the Shadow Clan?" 

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