52: Three of Questionable Morals

Three of Questionable Morals

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"Hmm? I sense a wee bit of Natural Essence fluctuations in that direction. I believe there's a battle further behind us. Want to go check it out?" a gruff voice sounded from a rough-looking male as his broadsword impaled a beast seeming to be at least Rank 2. He remained looking upon his teammates with a steady gaze. Much like him, they exuded the same vibe.

"I sense it as well. But they're so minute it shouldn't be a battle between Rank 2 Spirit Beasts. I think it may be Rank 1's. Perhaps we'll be able to extract cores from their carcasses," added another male who appeared from behind a tree. Nocked between his knuckles were multiple throwing knives.

"Then let's go you two. We've already excavated this area. If we want to gather more cores to sell, we'll need to venture deeper. But first, we'll make this small detour," spoke a third voice seeming to be their commander. Acting upon the orders, the three rushed towards Apollo's position.

Due to his high strung state and sharpening senses, Apollo instantly picked up on them. Rather than fleeing the area, he ceased his use of the Phantasmal Daemos. Instead, he carved the Essence Cores and extracted them without a trace of nervousness to be seen.

'Hmm? This wasn't a battle between beasts… those weak fluctuations, now that I sense it thoroughly, belong to a human. If it's like this then I'm sure they are still within the Mortal Realm. The question is what have they achieved,' thought the leading male.

Rising to his feet, Apollo waited patiently for the newcomers to arrive. Based on his infantile perception, they seemed to move at a pace faster than him especially true for one particular incoming person.

'Whoosh!' 'Whoosh!' 'Whoosh!'

The three grown figures appeared before Apollo their expressions plagued with shock. They couldn't understand why this small child was the only one remaining in their sights. Those fluctuations albeit weak couldn't have come from him. A silence pervaded between the two parties as they scrutinized each other.

Breaking the silence, the leading male spoke, "Did you kill these Spirit Beasts?" As he inquired, his gaze never left Apollo. Examining his tattered clothes, unkempt hair, and scarred skin he came to his conclusion without his answer. 'This child...his aura is obscure.'

[It seems they are curious about you. I don't think they have an opinion of you yet as I have failed to perceive any negative emotions. Be that as it may, stay vigilant. Situations like these can change at a moment's notice.]

'I understand, I'll tread carefully.' Apollo responded with a thought before opening his mouth offering a brief answer, "Yes, it was me."

"I see," stated the leading male before glancing down at the corpses. He took note of the signs. These beasts weren't Rank 1 at all… they were Rank 2! Furthermore, they seemed to be at least reaching the middle stages. 'A child slaying Rank 2 beasts? This means either he is obscenely strong for his age or he is intelligent. Or perhaps… he has secrets.'

"You know, it's not every day you see a lad as young as you slaying a beast lightheartedly. Based on the signs of battle, I assume you killed them before they had the chance to retaliate with their innate techniques," continued the male before ruminating over some telltale signs, 'He must be an agility type with that extremely small frame that would explain the lack of fluctuations throughout the confrontation.'

"I don't know about doing that, but I did indeed kill the beast. Why do you ask?" inquired Apollo raising his guard preparing to retaliate at a moment's notice. As it was now, he trusted no human and sought to seek the spoils of his personal war.

"Easy now, I'm just curious. If you're capable of holding your own, why don't we open your eyes to the world? Come journey with us deeper into the Shadowy Forest," spoke the male as he pointed behind himself.

However, Apollo remained rooted in the spot with an apprehensive gaze. Soon after, his lips curled into a displeased frown, "Follow you? How can I do so when I don't even know you? You expect me to follow strangers into unexplored depths? I see no logic in that scenario so I'll have to decline."

'Oh? This youngin' has an astute mind. He remains untrusting of others. I'm curious as to what propelled him to survive out here. Doesn't he know the unfairness of the cultivation world? Nevertheless…'

"Ahem. If that's the only issue. Allow me to introduce myself; I am the mercenary Krone," stated the male. His towering figure approached Apollo as he held out his hand with an unreadable smile. Squinting, Apollo awaited something.

[I sense nothing. If he does harbor ill intentions, it's well hidden. If so, that is a well-trained heart.]

Refusing to move, Apollo then glanced to the side, "And the other?"

"Hmm?" turning back, Krone gave the other a signal prompting them to utter introductions.

"Tis' Slaid under the captain," said the lanky male spouting multiple throwing knives between his slender fingers. His cold black eyes inspected Apollo.

"As fer' me, I'm Vren. Nice ta' meetcha," spoke the last stalwart figure sporting an overly large greatsword. On the surface, they all seemed friendly. However, one must remember these were mercenary capable of surviving throughout the years in the cruel world.

[I sense something from one of them but it is vague. Be on guard but I also recommend you to go with them. If you can, take in their fighting styles and dissect them.]

'Ah, so I should prepare myself while also killing two birds with one stone?' responded Apollo before shifting his sights back to Krone. Showcasing his acceptance, Apollo clasped his hand.

"If it is so then come along," stated Krone before walking into the distance.

Looking at their backs, after learning their names the system generated their information.

Name: Krone

Cultivation: Level 9 Zul Warrior

Health: 3,800 (100%)

Name: Slaid

Cultivation: Level 5 Zul Warrior

Health: 2,600 (100%)

Name: Vren

Cultivation: Level 7 Zul Warrior

Health: 4,400 (100%)

'It seems amongst them, Vren would have the highest defenses. Hence, I believe he is the initial confronter in all attacks. The thin one seems to be along the lines of an assassin with such low health and the leader would be the typical balanced type,' evaluated Apollo before stepping and traveling a suitable distance from the three.

"Beware, we'll be stepping foot on the cusp of the central area. We never venture there but there is a change of running into overly strong Rank 3 Spirit Beasts. In an event, like that… we'll be unable to protect you," warned Krone as his steps continued unabated.

"I understand. I know how to protect myself," responded Apollo with seemingly cryptic words laced with a hidden meaning. Unbeknownst to both of them, an unsettling smile crept upon their lips. It was unknown who between the two harbored worse intentions!

[I sense it...but what will they be leading you into? It's a shame they are unaware of your abnormalities.]

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