Wonder climbed out of the tent and stretched. So far, the trip to Echilion had been peaceful. The most that the party had to deal with was a bear that suddenly ran into their path.

They were now about halfway. Wonder had gotten a message from Rose and Lilliana. The Dragonkin woman had run into the family in Yas, and agreed to take them to Echilion. Apparently the city was on the way to her hometown up in the Mountains, so it was no biggie. And since she was a Mage with transportation abilities, it would cut the months’ journey significantly. They’d still get there a few days after Wonder, though.

Wonder checked the messages from Kat. Kat hadn’t been able to find help for the Oracle City Mission yet, but he did get clearance for Wonder and his family to stay safely in Echilion. In fact, Kat sent Wonder some Tamer Supply store names to peruse in the meantime.

Wonder finished his morning business, and walked back into camp. The others were rustling out of the tents. No one had been unfriendly, but Wonder was clearly the odd man out.

He fucking hated it.

Wonder asked, “Going out to hunt breakfast. Anyone want to come with?”

There were a lot of head-shakes. Only Myrid lifted their sword and said, “I need to restock some of the herbs. I’ll come with you.”

It was a bonus. Apparently Myrid was an herbalist back on their home world, so continued the profession here. It was more a secondary thing, but it went well with the Rovers’ Mage and everyone enjoyed some spice with their meals.

The party leader said, “Sounds good. Meet you in an hour?”

Wonder gave a thumbs-up. “See you then, Boss!”

The duo walked into the woods. Wonder summoned his bow. Myrid said, “Wonder. It has been too quiet.”

Wonder said, “I know. Not even a spy. I’m hoping that I still simply have a head start, but…”

Myrid stopped and pointed up. “No, you don’t.”

Wonder looked up, and his mouth dropped. Bodies. A ton of them. All impaled on tree limb branches.

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Wonder quickly used Appraisal. “Oracle City Knights, and two Rogues. All of them. All died 6 hours ago.”

Myrid said, “How did we not hear them?”

“I’m guessing a Rogue. One with an insane STLH stat.”

Myrid nodded. “Someone else is watching out for you.”

Wonder remembered Ralton. “…one of my children’s mate’s parents probably hired an assassin to watch me and her. Well… not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth.”

They still headed back and reported. Everyone paled. The party leader asked, “Wonder… I am afraid I must ask you to step aside. I need to talk to my party.”

Wonder said, “So you don’t think it’s a bodyguard I didn’t know about.”

The party leader shrugged. “Simply, I don’t know. And I can’t take that chance.”

Wonder shrugged. He couldn’t blame the PL… he’d probably take all chances with his family as well. Prep for everything to be safe. “Sure. I’ll go on perimeter duty for a few minutes.”

“Thank you.”

Wonder walked out of camp, and kept his bow out. He looked in the direction of the bodies. Had Malchon found someone else? Because that was horror straight out of a certain urban legend.

There was a whistle.

Wonder looked, prepping… and froze.

This Forest Spirit was clearly a Rogue. Not just by the cameo and black leather armor, but by the fact he was nearly invisible. Wonder could barely see the tentacles, since they were shadow. His arms and legs were stained red, though to be fair that might be due to what he did last night. His mouth was full of jagged teeth, and… he actually had eyes. Wow, new.

Wonder said, “Our unexpected help, I suspect?”

The Rogue waved in the air, and Wonder realized he was indicating a message screen. Wonder quickly brought it up.

New Contact Add: Blood Thunderclap

Huh… wait, could he not speak?

Wonder typed: Unexpected help, I presume?

Correct! Sorry, I lost my voice with the last evolution.

You’re all right. So who are you?

Cannot say too much right now. Let’s just say I’m very interested in your survival right now.

Dark League?

Nope!

Blood seemed to laugh. His fingers then flew in the typing motions: Though maybe while you’re in Echilion, say hi to Hisilo.

Noted. No offense, but you’re super sus.

Kinda goes with a territory of a Rogue, lol! Don’t worry, I don’t plan to harm a hair on your or your fam’s heads.

Blood suddenly looked up. He suddenly was by Wonder’s side…

Just in time.

Myrid screamed, “HOLD IT!!!”

Wonder turned… to see the PL trying to slash down a sword onto Wonder’s head.