CHAPTER 1288 PREPARATION

"It appears that the situation is even worse than we had anticipated."

Skyler realized the gravity of the situation and couldn't help but worry. "Does Roni know about this?"

Despite Matthew's insistence on calling her "sister-in-law," Skyler was accustomed to referring to Veronica by his nickname for her and found it difficult to change his habit.

Matthew no longer insisted on that anymore.

He shook his head, his gaze becoming more intense. "I can't bring myself to inform her."

"Then let's continue our investigation and inform her once everything is clear," Skyler suggested.

Matthew agreed with the suggestion.

The two sat together and discussed the plan for the hunting ceremony before Matthew and Veronica eventually left together.

...

The hunting ceremony.

Although the hunting ceremony took place twice a year, this time it coincided with the grand ceremony that only occurred once every ten years. Additionally, a month later would be the significant day when the new head of the hidden clan would ascend the throne. Therefore, this year's hunting ceremony was particularly grand.

Following Crayson's instructions, Matthew disguised himself once again, almost completely concealing his true identity with the art of disguise.

Crayson had prepared special costumes for the hidden clan to wear during the hunting ceremony and asked Matthew and Veronica to change into them.

After they finished getting ready and came downstairs, they sat at the dining table to have their meal.

The atmosphere at the dining table was solemn, with everyone eating quietly.

It wasn't until after the meal that Crayson looked at the two of them and uttered, "Come with me. I have something to tell you."

Hearing that, the two followed Crayson to a small study next to Crayson's bedroom on the first floor.

In the study, Crayson took out a miniature translating device. "Veronica, you have only been learning the hidden tongue for a month since you came to the hidden clan. You can use this translating device."

Veronica looked at the miniature translating device and glanced at Matthew, nodding. "Okay."

"And this."

Crayson placed a watch on the table and pointed at it. "It appears to be an ordinary watch, but it actually has a hidden mechanism. When you encounter danger, press the side button with both hands. It will shoot out poison needles then. There are only six poison needles which are for your self- defense."

The rare sight of Crayson being so serious made Veronica emotional.

"Okay," she replied.

She picked up the gold watch with a dial designed like a blue starry sky. It looked extremely ordinary as a watch, but she didn't expect it to be a concealed weapon.

"Matthew, this watch is for you. It has the same design as the other one. Both of you should wear it, but use it only in case of emergency."

Crayson instructed solemnly, "Put it on now."

He stared at the two of them with sharp eyes until he saw them pick up the watches and put them on their wrists. A cunning glint flashed in his eyes then.

"These two boxes of medicine, too."

Crayson placed the round, flat medicine boxes about the size of a thumbnail on the table. "These are secret medicines made with the hidden clan's secret formula. When you are seriously injured, take one pill. It can save you. Each box only contains five pills."

He leaned forward and placed the two boxes of medicine in front of them, repeatedly reminding them, "These will save your life. You must not lose them."

"Thank you, Master Crayson." owns © this.

Matthew gratefully put away the medicine.

Regardless of the purpose of this trip, Crayson's willingness to prepare these things for them was a heartfelt gesture.

Veronica held the medicine box in her hand, feeling uneasy.

Facing the unknown dangers in the next few days, she didn't know how much chance of success she had.

"And this."

Crayson opened a drawer and took out a topographic map. "This is a map of Mount Manos and Mount Gazette. Take pictures of it with your phones and familiarize yourselves with the route. Once you enter the mountains, there will be no signal on your phones due to the geographical reasons of the mountains. There are also many dangerous wild beasts and poisonous snakes in the mountains. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it's a matter of life and death."