CHAPTER 196: ONLY ONE PATH
Aurora glanced at Urfin through the holographic projection.
“There is no news from the portal expedition group,” Urfin said after waving casually.
“No news huh...” Aurora muttered upon hearing those words.
Tapping the armrest of the couch she was sitting on, she couldn’t help but feel anxious.
“They must have a hard time making a ritual to the Goddess of Order. If her aura attracts monsters, they won’t do it, unless they’re absolutely sure,” Urfin surmised in a simple tone to try to calm her down.
According to the last message, doing a ritual to the Goddess of Order attracted monsters was likely to be risky.
“If it’s true what they say and time passes differently, then that they have no chance of doing a ritual means that the place is very dangerous,” Aurora analyzed seriously.
Time they might have, although circumstances might not be in the expedition group’s favor.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to analyze in the last letter, and the information was so sparse that what they read didn’t help them understand the situation.
“Perhaps. I know people who have gone to demonic realms corrupted by chaos and, from what I’ve heard, they are areas of extreme danger because of constant enemies,” Urfin commented. and shaking his head, he stated. “In the end, the means to communicate are deficient.”
For someone like Urfin, who came from Terra nova and had lived for over a hundred years, it was not unusual for him to know many people or he himself had explored very dangerous areas.
While Aurora had not faced extremely strong monsters, as someone who faced waves of beasts and creatures, she knew the danger posed by numbers.
In this type of case, performing a ritual for a god would be quite difficult.
“Has the portal stabilized?” Aurora asked, changing the subject.
The portal was self-sealed when the expedition entered and, according to the experts they were analyzing, it was slowly stabilizing.
“Yes, but the seal is not gone. We have archmages of space magic analyzing the portal, though it’s not like they could do much. No one wishes to destabilize the portal in the vicinity and cause a disaster,” Urfin replied and with a half-smile, added. “The only good thing is that there is a team from the Cosmos Enterprise running their experiments with the cooperation of the Church of Time and Space.”
Aurora nodded at the first words.
She had read some reports and documents about the results of those archmages’ research.
This abyssal portal seemed too unstable, and that was the reason why they did not wish to try anything directly.
A huge explosion like the one that happened when an abyssal portal was attempted to form in Japan was the least that could happen.
Tearing through the dimensional barrier and bringing in hundreds of creatures of all kinds from the outer void was what no one wanted.
As for the second words, the truth was pleasant to hear.
The Cosmos Company designed portals with technology, and the knowledge they had about ‘space’ was extremely high.
The company’s headquarters, which turned out to be a huge building larger than what could be seen from the outside, was an excellent example of the company’s achievements.
The portals in Zerzura, which could send him hundreds of kilometers around the whole of Africa, were another obvious example.
Once they cooperated with the Church of Time and Space, who represented a ‘Primordial God’ who they said was ‘time’ and ‘space’ itself, then some light could be seen at this time.
Maybe they could discover something that would help the earthlings.
The truth was that to Aurora, the Abyssal Portals felt like ticking time bombs.
“No news of demons?” Aurora asked curiously.
The only thing that divided the city, Constanta, Romania from Turkey, where the ‘lawless lands’ were located and the demons inhabited, was the Black Sea.
And that division was nothing to some S-Rank ‘Demon Lords’, let alone higher ranked individuals.
“No. All is silent. Our allies in Turkey... Well, in the Remnants of Turkey, have said all is quiet. Too quiet.” Urfin said with a serious tone and looking at Aurora, he gave a sigh and commented. “Even though there are modern warships in the Black Sea, you know how it is... You never know what can happen.”
The Falion Empire had cooperations with guilds and demons that leaned for the pacifist side in the lawless lands and, thanks to them, they could receive news.
As for means of transportation, ships were one of the many means that some powerful people could use.
“According to Romanian protocol, the area around the portal has been quarantined and the army, along with other national guilds, are present and foreign teams, such as ours, are also watching,” Urfin added in a peculiar tone.
“Not letting anyone foreign to enter the portals, but at the same time using others to protect themselves...” Aurora muttered, understanding the reason for Urfin’s peculiar tone.
This was the way it could be seen.
The foreign teams could stay in the area to ease the tensions and uncertainty of not only the abysmal portals but the stares of dangerous individuals, who were surely keeping an eye on the area.
Constanta City was large and they could not secure it completely, so it was possible that demons and demonic sects or even religious cults might be encountered.
Urfin could only give a false smile at that murmur without giving his opinion.
As individuals who came from Terra nova by the plan of a God to help mankind against demons, in a sense, the people of Terra nova were prepared for cases like these where they could only watch on the sidelines or be ‘used’.
Aurora’s words were not a criticism, she was just understanding what was going on.
In the end, after a brief exchange, they both said their goodbyes, and aurora ended the call, leaning back on the couch, looking at nothingness.
“What do you think?” aurora asked quietly.
—It’s a dangerous place. As was the Undead Calamity, the European-Demon War, and the previous war led by a lunatic who wished to conquer the world.
The words of the system formed a text in her mind, and Aurora’s expression did not change as she read those words.
Her system had been silent these past few days without giving any comment and now this comparative comment was enlightening to Aurora, but at the same time, not pleasant at all.
—However, just like the previous times, you did your best, and that’s all that counts.
Did she do her best?
Aurora didn’t know what to say to that comment and instead of answering, she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
Some pleasant memories came to her mind and disappeared before the cruelty of other memories and unlike before, she didn’t react so badly.
Aurora didn’t know if she did her best or not, but she felt she could have done more.
That not only extended to her past but also to her present, and for such a reason was that she was supporting Liam’s project, was relating to Urfin, and was paying close attention to Zerzura.
Unlike when she entered the Hero Academy, now she was not feeling dejected, lost, or trying to lock herself into her work.
Just as she told Edward, she had already lost her compass, she had fallen and gotten up and now she could see a path that led to what she wanted to do.
Perhaps it was obscure because her goals always seemed so ill-defined that it was difficult to use them as a goal, even so, they were there.
That goal was to help... And now she wanted to see how far she could go.
Opening her eyes and letting out a breath of air, Aurora stood up.
Right now she felt that she had done everything she could to get as close to her goal as she could with her available resources and that was regrettable, but at the same time pleasant and overwhelming.
Regrettably, on account of the fact that as now, she could only watch as others entered the abyssal portals and in a sense could not change much about the situation.
Pleasant on account of getting to this point made her realize that she was trying to do something and was moving as she should.
Whether it was getting closer to the abyssal portals to avoid the worst outcome or preparing with Liam for her future moves.
It was true that she was now targeting the abyssal portals, but she had also not forgotten that in Africa, there were many things to do.
In the end, it was all overwhelming.
Being on the brink because of the abyssal portals, watching to see what would happen, making sure that the demons didn’t intervene and that the entire situation didn’t turn into a calamity that would harm innocents.
It was overwhelming, as even in this cruel waiting; she felt she could do more.
With a strange and ‘magical’ system, with masters who were extremely skilled and strong, it was normal for her to believe that she could do more.
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Still, she left her room and approached her friend, who was in the living room.
“Let’s go to dinner. The others should already be getting ready,” Aurora said with a simple expression.
Even though she had that feeling, she understood that it all started one step at a time.
******
At a restaurant in the city, several tables were gathered, and many students were seated at the site, including Andrés, who was listening intently.
“How can someone shoot as accurately as Leslie? That’s terrifying.” Jaffar said in a serious tone.
The restaurant was large, and this area was open, allowing nearby tables to join, and so did the students.
A long table where those from Cernunnos Academy and Hero Academy, along with supporting members like Aurora, Cithrel, and Venali, were all watching the replay of the shot that took down Annie.
*Bang*
Andrés couldn’t help but gasp when he saw Annie get knocked down.
Annie had her barriers activated, however, the bullet had a precision, a power that penetrated the barrier and hit the young lady directly, disqualifying her on the spot.
If the tournament did not have such a high capacity barrier, Annie would have ended up seriously injured or dead... Several thinks the latter.
“Did you see that!” Jaffar exclaimed and, looking at Leslie, muttered. “Scary...”
“Completely terrifying. I never realized how I ended up outside.” Annie confirmed with a solemn expression.
Leslie had been in the mountains hiding, so the shot was fired from quite a distance and what stood out was the accuracy for a sniper and the lethality got everyone hesitating at an individual challenge from a distance.
“It’s just training and my weapon that allowed me to take the shot,” Leslie replied, smiling softly.
“Bah, that’s too much humility,” said Jaffar, looking at the projection where he was shot down.
He was also a weapons master and used an assault rifle as a weapon.
Leslie had an excellent rifle of even more advanced technology and was powerful enough to take down a B-Rank from a distance, but that didn’t mean they could give the weapon full credit.
A gun was useless in useless hands... Andrés clearly knew that.
The conversation went on and several replays were passed around, including Niels’ defeat, Alice’s chase, Alexey and Marc’s fights.
Ruby and Lucretia’s showdown against Rachael and her fire magic.
The plates of food kept arriving and while there were no alcoholic beverages because everyone wanted to maintain a perfect state for the next day, the waiters served all kinds of drinks and refreshments.
They were in a well-known restaurant, and this table caught the attention of the other diners.
Even though it was a gigantic group, the other diners did not complain, as the restaurant itself was noisy.
Apart from the pleasant music, there were other students elsewhere and also all kinds of tourists.
Unfortunately, the private rooms were small and they couldn’t use them because they were too many to occupy them, but since the owner allowed them to play tables, it didn’t matter.
Right now, everyone was having fun.
As different fights could be projected, some, like Edward and Daniel, were analyzing the Merlin Academy fights, others were watching replays of today’s fight and other students were talking about other topics.
That Cithrel and Venali were invited, along with Aurora, was not out of politeness.
Some could see Jaffar or Alvis giving Cithrel obvious looks, while Daisy and the female students were also giving Venali looks.
When everyone started to let loose, Andrés laughed as he saw some of the Cernunnos Academy students asking Venali to dance.
Most amusingly, Cithrel was supportive of Venali accepting the dance overtures.
“She makes everyone hesitate...” Andrés muttered, stifling his laughter.
That cold and elegant ‘young man’ was handsome and delicate, with an androgynous appearance, the coldness being what gave him the unique and attractive touch of a gallant young man.
However, she was a handsome woman who hid herself perfectly.
When she received stares from the students of the Cernunnos Academy, Andrés only remained silent.
Hoping they were fooled as he was.
“She’s a real glutton,” murmured an Asian student next to him, looking directly at Alice.
Andrés recognized the young woman who was the tamer of the ‘Komodo Dragon’, Leí Ming.
Turning his gaze to Alice, Andrés was not surprised to see her eating quietly next to Aurora.
Alice was that kind of person who, at dinners or lunches, prioritized food.
“I suppose her title is appropriate,” Andrés commented with a smile, getting his companions beside him to nod in agreement.
Dinner continued and Andrés, taking a spectator role, couldn’t help but smile as he watched Niels try to flirt with Leslie, but was met with cold expressions from that sniper.
He also saw his fellow students approach female students from Cernunnos Academy and vice versa.
Cithrel was per se impossible to approach, as she only gave cordial smiles, giving a feeling of someone untouchable.
Alice was also a walk into the abyss when it came to approaching and it was nothing unusual when that woman would look at everyone with indifference and could pretty much ignore anyone when she was eating
Aurora was close to Cithrel, so the latter seemed to help her fend off suitors, but that didn’t mean the male students at Cernunnos Academy didn’t have ‘targets’.
The elegant Clémentine, the sophisticated Érica, the lively Nicole, the powerful Rachael, the cheerful Vanessa, or the shy Dalia or Taqiyya.
The only one who was out was Leslie because of Niels joking with her, trying to make her laugh.
Seeing his classmates also trying to get, even if it was the number of a Cernunnos Academy student, Andrés realized he was at that age.
Go out, have fun, meet someone, and have a good time.
Having such ideas, Andrés could only smile to himself in amusement.
What he was thinking about was his job, the international tournament, improving his skills, and trying to move up the ranks... And even keeping his skills in the games, to maintain a good ‘relationship’ with his current boss, was more important.
Rising quietly, he made his way to the bathroom of the restaurant.
Praising in his mind the beautiful decor of the bathroom, he entered a booth and, after finishing his business; he stepped out, freezing as he saw that someone had entered.
“Good evening,” a man greeted.
His appearance seemed that of a crook, or perhaps the stereotype of one.
An intimidating look, tattoos as if he had been in some sort of gang, and a posture of someone who had beaten up many people.
Was he getting carried away with looks and stereotypes?
Andrés’ mind came to him with information about his target... He was in prison years ago for working for a cartel with several crimes on his shoulders that were hard to tell from whether he managed to redeem or got out using corrupt methods.
“Andrés!”
Before the man could hesitate, Cristian came in excitedly and, seeing that someone else was there, coughed and approached.
Andrés regained his calm and washed his hands, looking at his friend standing nearby.
He wasn’t afraid; he was just surprised, and there was a reason for that.....
That man shouldn’t be here!
And he knew that better than anyone else because of his AI monitoring the location of the man’s holographic clock.
“What’s going on?” Andrés asked his friend, as if nothing had happened.
In his mind, he was connected to his AI and was analyzing the situation, finding that supposedly that man was a few streets away.
“I wanted you to help me get closer to Leí Ming,” Cristian said without noticing Andrés’ gaze.
Andrés finished washing his hands, and through the mirror, noticed the man leaving.
He tried to remain indifferent, but he could notice that the man was not wearing a holographic watch.
Inwardly, Andrés had many doubts and, instead of showing it on the outside, he gave his friend a look and smiled slyly.
He was trying to make it look as if he didn’t know this man and, in that reality; he wasn’t his target.
“You know my help will cost dearly,” Andrés said, crossing his arms, seeming to joke with his friend.
“Come on, man. Just help me, then I’ll help you with whatever you want,” said Cristian noticing something, but continued with his game.
Checking out of the corner of his eye that man left, Andrés didn’t sigh in relief as he realized the man’s presence was on the other side of the door, not just waiting, but listening.
A professional who perhaps detected his gaze no matter how much Andrés tried to go unnoticed.
Cristian hesitated for a moment, but Andrés continued joking as if nothing was happening and when he realized there was no one on the other side, he let out a sigh.
He was tense to keep his identity hidden and at the same time, he could not deny his curiosity for the job.
He wasn’t afraid because, if anything happened, he and Cristian could protect themselves for a few minutes until Aurora, Alice, Cithrel or Venali arrived.
Counting Edward and Daniel that, while he was not with Jane, was strong, then it meant that there were many powerful individuals and the students were even more numerous.
Hesitating for a moment, he finally signaled to his friend and commented. “Okay, I’ll help you. Just do me a favor.”
******
A man with the appearance of a thug grabbed some drinks from the bar and walked back to the private room.
His gaze drifted to the student who was watching him earlier and seeing that he was quietly talking to his partner about asking a young woman for a number, he ignored him and walked into the room.
“You took too long. Aren’t you afraid someone will see you?” a woman asked with a serious expression.
She was an elegant woman dressed in a suit as if she were a businesswoman.
“That’s preferable to me not being able to go to the bathroom. Or do you want me to do it in a bottle?” the crook asked with a smirk and, seeing the woman’s cold expression, he commented. “I only delayed because I saw a student looking at me quite a bit... Now an honest guy like me can’t be in a fancy restaurant?”
He didn’t find the look odd, the truth was that with his current appearance he drew too much attention and it was hard to hide.
And more so in fancy places like this.
“Tch... Just shut up.” Said the woman and taking the drink the man brought, she asked. “Now, what do we do? Our contacts went down. And the last I heard, the remaining members were fleeing to the West African Republic. They say Greco managed to escape the authorities and is being hunted down.”
“The Queen of the North’s right-hand man? How did he escape?” Asked the crook in a serious tone.
“I don’t know. I’ve only heard such rumors.” Replied the woman and with a faint pallor, she muttered. “I don’t understand anything. Just a few days ago, they were strong enough to cause trouble for the northern giant, and after one night, everything changed.”
The crook fell silent.
Emperor Victor’s coup was vicious and savage... The only reason they weren’t panicking was that their boss wasn’t arrested, and they were unknown subsidiary members, even to the Queen of the North.
“You have not been exposed?” the crook asked with a serious tone and, giving a sigh, he stated. “I have followed my character, but even with this, I feel tense... As if I am always being watched.”
“Me too. Just like you said, I left all my electronics at a nearby bar to hide and came here secretly without anyone seeing or following me,” replied the woman with a sigh.
At that moment, the door sounded with a knock and they both looked at each other seriously with heightened wariness.
Before they could do anything, a man entered and gave a friendly smile.
“Keep calm,” said the man, pointing to his magic communication crystal.
The characteristic kind smile and the magic crystal made them both realize that this man was their boss.
Only here he was in disguise.
“When I heard about the fall of the Queen of the North and the other mobs, I thought you were arrested,” said the crook in a serious tone.
“I was discovered, but I could escape,” replied the man and, receiving the look from both of them, he commented. “You know what they say, the best hiding place is the most dangerous place.”
They were in Elelin City, the Emperor’s jewel, and it was the city with the highest security in the entire empire and to them the most dangerous city.
Everyone thought he had fled, but in reality, the old man just disguised himself and stayed in the city.
“Did you do everything I asked?” the man asked as he sat at the head of the table and noticing they nodded, he murmured. “That’s good to hear... The emperor struck us and we must strike back.”
Seeing the stunned look on both individuals’ faces, the old man remarked. “This is the best way to go on... And it’s the only way since they took this job.”
The words were simple, but both individuals knew how terrifying the old man could be.
He didn’t care about anything, and that was extremely dangerous... As someone who had worked for him before, they knew how dangerous he was.
“You can try to leave or rat me out... However, I assure you that this is the only chance for you to flee and for me to realize my revenge,” said the old man in a cold tone.
Before the woman and the crook could respond, the door suddenly opened, revealing a young man.
The crook recognized that this young man was the friend of the young man, who was staring at him a lot in the bathroom.
The crook’s gaze narrowed for a second, noticing the nervous young man.
“Sorry, I got the wrong room,” said the young man, closing the room immediately.
As the door closed, everyone looked at each other, but a voice was heard from the other side.
“You bastard! Do you think that guy was a criminal? He was with friends. God, it looked like a business meeting because of their seriousness and they made me feel like I was a spy with their looks. This is the 21st century and you’re a hero. You think because someone wears tattoos and looks like a criminal, they’re a bad guy?” said the voice of the young man who apologized earlier.
“It’s not my fault. You saw the restaurant... It’s too expensive. I thought he wanted to steal or something,” another voice rang out in response, as if he didn’t want to let on that his attitude was questionable at most.
The crook’s expression relaxed, and the businesswoman glared at him angrily, but it was her boss who spoke.
“Disguise yourself as a crook. It’s flashy, but as long as you keep up a matching act, everyone lets their guard down. Just like an old man or a businesswoman,” said the man and looking at the three, he detailed. “Many died because of the Emperor’s raid, and several of them were my friends and loved ones. I want revenge and I hope for your help. Of course, with your help, it will open up the possibility of escape without being related to me.”
A simple tone that, while showing confidence, left too many ideas to question.
Still, this was the only person who linked him to dirty and illegal work and that meant that, if he went down, they both would too.
There was no response from either, but that silence was the affirmation the man needed.
There was only one path ahead and now he had to go all the way.