– Boss!
The warning from his subordinates was not necessary for Gerard, whose expression changed radically as he observed Lehm.
– It seems that it’s not just a wealthy face. Hiding such a young third foundation requires some skill, but not one that can change anything here.
– Using force was never my intention. I have come to offer a great deal for everyone.
– I don’t need any offer. I just need the forest treasure!
– That will not be possible … – he calmly refused, without denying his possession.
– So it’s true, you found it! Give it up immediately and you can all leave in one piece. – He coldly threatened.
– Buuu … – Quin wailed, pursing her lips sadly – Well … if you return my brother …
– That won’t be necessary. – Lehm rejected – From today you must not show it, nor separate from it.
– Silly stuff! Do you really think you can keep it? I’ve had enough of this. I will get that treasure at any cost.
Something that will affect his third foundation core would have to be far from being an ordinary treasure. Although Lehm had managed to reach that kingdom, Gerard did not consider his experience and actual level as a threat.
– You should listen to me … – insisted patient, as oblivious to the violent state of his counterpart.
– It doesn’t matter what your background is. The only backup you have here is strength.
~ Crack
He broke a small pearl in his hand and an elegant short saber appeared in the other. A personal treasure.
A weapon ranked among the best in the first grade, it was lethal even to the tough physicist of a third foundation. It was clear that he was not going to hold back at all to achieve his goal.
– Either you move, or you must fight …
– Are there any other options? – he inquired.
– No!…
Gerard’s eyes flashed faintly and he crossed the few yards between them in an instant. The tip of the blade cut the air and attacked without holding back, knowing that an opponent of that level would not be simple.
~ Knock!
The blow made a full impact before Lehm reacted to the attack, contacting his chest. Gerard smirked, although somewhat surprised by the weak defense. However, soon a chill ran down his spine.
– This is … I-Impossible! …
Under the full force of the crash, that deadly edge stopped dead in its tracks as it found the hardest metal. In fact, the body was not shaken in the least.
~ Clank!
The saber fell freely from Gerard’s hands and he recoiled in horror as if he had encountered a monster.
– Domain!
What is an expert of this level doing here?
Any cultivator who had achieved elemental dominance would be respected even in the imperial capital. And most worryingly… A domain in the twenties? Such a prodigy could well have a much higher endorsement than he thought.
He had just kicked a steel plate.
– You are not very good listeners …
Lehm wailed with a sigh, shrugging, apparently unaware that his heart was propped up by a saber.
– Of course of course. – turning completely, Gerard put his hands together forcing a friendly face – Having a business at my door, I have been rude not to hear his generous offer. It really is my mistake …
His surrender was reasonable. There was no one in more than a hundred kilometers able to stop Lehm if he wanted to use force. The organization would know of this stain and would be the one to retaliate, but now they were totally at their mercy.
For Bran, the situation was no more normal. His headache had already moved to a second or third plane. Quin found a treasure? And that idiot-like “teacher” was at the domain level? What was happening to everyone that day?
As he tried to make sense of this, Lehm responded to the forced apology with a friendly smile.
– No problem. I am a reasonable and very generous person … – with special emphasis on the latter.
– So … What did you want to propose? – He inquired cautiously.
Gerard was very intrigued by such a friendly demeanor and that mysterious “big deal.” Especially when he saw him put on a radiant expression, while rubbing his hands together.
He knew that appearance very well. It was that of a vile merchant about to defraud someone.
– Kuhum … so … – with an innocent expression, he joined his hands and took a look at his audience to make sure he received due attention – How about a job change?
–
–
– Sniff sniff…
Young Airy sobbed into the carriage.
She had fallen exhausted after spending all her strength searching for Quin in the surroundings. She couldn’t help blaming herself for neglecting her, and she didn’t know what face she would face her mistress with.
– Young lady, there is nothing else to do. We should report back to the village to start the organized search. You must rest … – consoled the old man already recovered – It is embarrassing. These bandits today … no longer have any respect for authority.
– Mhm … – she agreed regretfully.
Resting her head on the backrest, all the tension of the last hour subsided over her and before she even noticed it her eyelids had closed heavily. Her mind wandered in dreams, initially plagued with grief, but progressively becoming warmer and more enjoyable.
At some point her body felt the gentle rocking of the carriage, as she thought she heard distant voices. A calm but catchy tone was the clearest that reached her ears.
– You worry in vain … “little Bran”. If something happens, leave it to your dear teacher …
– I don’t remember accepting any tutelage …
– You will ask … eventually. – The calm voice declared, as if recounting an inevitable fact – Although perhaps that day I am no longer interested in it …
– Brother, teacher is good. He said I could do the energy thing …
– Is that true?!
The dialogues continued for an undetermined time in her head. She recognized the voices, but deep in her slumber she could barely remember a few isolated phrases. She adjusted her face and hugged the pillow like a little girl, attracted by its comfort and pleasant aroma.
~ Puchi
The gentle press of a finger on her cheek threatened to interrupt the peaceful rest.
– Mmmm … – she muttered, refusing to wake up.
~ Puchi Puchi
– Airy … we are coming …
Arriving?
The childish whisper finally awakened her senses and forced her eyelids to lift slowly.
As her eyes adjusted to the light, the first thing she saw was the full white of the pillow, which she clutched in her arms.
– Mmm …?
Something was not right, but she couldn’t find the question yet. Looking up a little instead of the ceiling, she found the silhouette of an open book.
Book?
Half-asleep, she retracted her hand to wipe the drool off her face. She was a little embarrassed, she had actually slept like a baby.
– ………
Then the clarity returned to her eyes suddenly, as if she had been struck by lightning. She already understood that it was wrong. There shouldn’t be any pillows in the transport!
At the same time, that book in front of her face moved and behind it appeared the especially attractive face of a young man, who was looking at her with an amused expression.
– Comfortable?
– ……?
When she looked back at where she was sleeping and what she was hugging, her face turned as red as an apple and she jumped like a scared rabbit.
– Kyaaaaaaa …!
