Chapter 007: The Prelude to Parting Ways
The greatsword pierced through the Tiger King’s soft lower jaw and straight through its skull. At last, the Saber-toothed Tiger King could struggle no more and collapsed heavily onto the ground.
The moment the Saber-toothed Demonic Tiger King fell, everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.
Upon killing the Saber-toothed Tiger King, Chen Ran absorbed a massive amount of blood essence energy, shooting up from level nine-plus directly to level 10. Two new skills flashed and activated.
Light and Shadow Arts: Refracts light to achieve invisibility and create illusions. The effect is influenced by level and magic power. Requires level 10.
Light Screen: Emits a dazzling light to cause blindness. The effect is influenced by level and magic power. Requires level 10.
However, at this moment, Chen Ran felt no joy from his two new skills. The victory in this battle was overshadowed by George’s death. The group walked over to George’s body, and looking at the mushy remains of half his head, they all bowed their heads in silence.
Jakedo’s expression was one of exhaustion. He glanced at the dead George, his face pale, then turned to Lia and said, “This is our limit. There are many more dangers like this deeper in the forest. Lia, we should turn back…”
Although Lia felt some guilt over George’s death, her answer remained unchanged. “No. Even if all of you leave, I will continue on alone.”
Even Raul was perplexed that Lia still insisted on going deeper. “Lia, let’s go back. I know you might be looking for some treasure in there, but the dangers in the depths of the forest are truly unpredictable. We’ve already reached our limit by coming this far. If we go any deeper, we might not make it out at all. What could be more important than life?”
Lia remained obstinate. “No matter what you say, I won’t change my mind. I will continue on by myself. I’m grateful you’ve accompanied me this far. I don’t want any of the spoils from this journey.”
The shield warrior, Tyris, sat quietly to the side, saying nothing. As usual, he seemed to be waiting for the group’s decision.
Chen Ran looked at George’s body, a hint of sadness in his eyes, and interrupted, “Let’s not talk about it anymore. Let’s bury George’s body first. We were companions, after all…”
Throughout their journey, George, the middle-aged bachelor, had left a deep impression on him. It wasn’t just the nights he had jokingly asked Chen Ran to be his future child’s godfather, or his discussions on what kind of woman was best as a lover versus a wife, or even his terrible idea of promising to take Chen Ran to a nightclub when they got back. Among the group, he had been the easiest to talk to.
Hearing Chen Ran’s words, everyone nodded in unison and, with a silent understanding, began to dig a grave for George.
It took nearly an hour for them to bury George’s body, allowing him to rest in peace, safe from being devoured by the jackals of the forest.
After all that, everyone was more or less exhausted.
Jakedo poured several cups of water and handed them out, one each to Lia, Raul, Tyris, and Chen Ran. Lia and Raul took the water and drank, simultaneously taking out their own rations to replenish their strength.
Chen Ran wasn’t very thirsty. He held the cup, took a sip or two, but didn’t drink much. He gazed at George’s grave, lamenting the fragility of life.
Just then, while everyone was resting, Jakedo brought up the previous topic again. “Lia, are you really determined to go into the forest alone this time? To be honest, I don’t plan on going any further. I don’t want to leave my life here. Not far ahead, there are surely many beings no weaker than the Saber-toothed Tiger King…”
“I know…” Lia shook her head apologetically. “I know your intentions are good, and I know the dangers of the journey, but I have my own mission. I’m very sorry about George’s death, but I must find that thing that is so important to me. I’m willing to pay any price, even my own life!”
The swordsman, Raul, walked over to Lia. He swept his sweat-drenched hair back, looking somewhat radiant. He smiled and said, “Forget it, Lia. Since you insist on going alone, then I’ll go with you. I can’t rest easy with you by yourself. Even if I have to die, I’m willing to die with you.”
Raul’s tone was sincere. This heartfelt confession moved even Chen Ran, an earthling who had seen his fair share of soap operas. Raul then turned his head to look at Chen Ran and the shield warrior, Tyris. “What about you two?”
Tyris raised his hand. “I’m with Jakedo. I choose to go back. I don’t want to gamble with my life. That last battle was already dangerous enough. My harvest this time is already plentiful. It’s not worth risking any more.”
Finally, all eyes turned to Chen Ran.
Chen Ran put down his cup, a look of helplessness on his face. “Although it was nice to meet all of you, I’m with Jakedo and Tyris. I choose to withdraw and go back with them.”
In Chen Ran’s view, although Lia was beautiful, it had nothing to do with him. Seeing Raul’s heartfelt performance, he felt he should bless this foolish boy. Raul was a good person, simple-minded, and at least much more pleasant to look at than Jakedo.
“So that means Raul and Lia will continue on?” Jakedo’s expression was slightly self-deprecating. “It seems this is the end of the road.”
“Then wish us luck,” Raul said, patting Jakedo’s shoulder with a victorious look on his face. On the surface, it seemed that in the competition between Lia’s two pursuers, Raul had won the final victory. At least, he had chosen to walk with Lia.
“Raul, I really don’t know what to say to you,” Jakedo said, shaking his head. He then took out a pocket watch from his clothes, glanced at it with a raised eyebrow, and muttered, “The time should be about right.”
“What time?” Raul looked at Jakedo’s mocking expression and felt something was strange. He instinctively tried to stand up, but suddenly found his body as heavy as lead. Before he could get to his feet, he staggered and fell to the ground. Beside him, a strange look also appeared on Lia’s face, and she collapsed heavily.
“Jakedo, you put something in the water…” The quick-witted Lia reacted swiftly, remembering the water Jakedo had poured for them.
“Yes, you guessed it,” Jakedo said with a smile that felt strangely sinister. “But don’t worry, it’s just a little sleeping drug. It’s not fatal.”
Jakedo stood up with a smile and walked over to Lia. He looked down at her and said, “Lia, you really are beautiful. From the moment I saw you walk into the mercenary guild to recruit people, I’ve liked you. That’s why I joined you on this ridiculously boring adventure. It was all for you.”
Jakedo bent down and lifted Lia’s chin with one hand, as if admiring a delicate work of art.
“Originally, I was willing to be romantic like that idiot Raul, even compete with him. But along the way, you never appreciated my good intentions. Now that we’re here, my patience has reached its limit. A few deaths mean nothing in this forest.”
Just then, a tall figure walked up behind Jakedo. It was Tyris. Raul’s eyes lit up, and he called out for help as if grasping at his last straw.
“Tyris, you’re not poisoned? That’s great! Jakedo’s gone mad! Quick, subdue him…”
