[Book II Chapter 123] SIMON: Ambushing Yuria Raven

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From a floating bolder high in the sky, Simon watched the figure of a woman race across the broken landscape. Her speed was proof of her tremendous strength as an immortal.

Once she reached a wide plateau, he sprung into action. The world warped around him as he dropped down, and he emerged a minute in the past. He made landed close to Yuria who had stopped, having sensed his presence.

“Simon Black…” She said slowly. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“You are carrying a pair of gauntlets,” He explained. “I’m afraid I must relieve you of them.”

“How did you…?” Yuria exclaimed, before grimacing. “Amare! He must’ve told you!”

Not quite, he didn’t need to. Thanks to Torak, I have already seen how the major events of this Dark Age will unfold, right up until its bitter end. There were still many gaps of unknown, but, for the most part, he needed only play out his role to bring this vision to fruition.

“If you knew where they were, why didn’t you act sooner?” Yuria demanded. “Were you waiting for me to remove them?”

“Something like that.” Simon admitted.

Yuria shook her head. “I may not be strong enough to beat you.” She announced calmly, “but I might just be strong enough to get away.”

This wasn’t bluff. She was a veteran immortal, close to a paragon. It’d be difficult for him to stop her on his own.

He raised his arm, giving a signal. Seven cloaked figures appeared around them, staying at a distance. Yuria’s eyes opened wide upon seeing the one directly behind her. “Radin Lockworth… You’ve finally joined the fray.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“For today only.” Radin answered softly. The assistance is appreciated.

“It’s not looking good for me.” Yuria said, taking a fighting stance. “But I won’t go down easy.”

“Violence isn’t necessary.” Simon interjected quickly. “Cooperate and you’ll be free to leave unharmed.”

Yuria appraised him incredulously. “You don’t seriously expect me to turn over Nuzou’s talons?”

“I will be obtaining them either way.” Simon countered. “Think carefully. I don’t wish you harmed.”

Simon awaited anxiously. He’d already impressed upon those he’d gathered that Yuria absolutely couldn’t be killed. Not here, not yet. This would greatly complicate the battle, which is why he’d gone to great lengths to recruit Radin. Ideally his intimidating presence will be enough.

After an eternity, Yuria relaxed and stood straight. “I suppose there’s no point in throwing my life away. Also, there is news I must bring back.” She brought out a bundle of cloth, studying it wistfully. “If only I could destroy them…”

“Have your allies draw back.” She ordered.

“Of course.” Simon directed the others to retreat. This is the best outcome.

Yuria reluctantly placed the bundle on the ground, and he walked forward to collect it. “Thank you. I will ensure these reach their rightful owner.”

Wincing at these words, Yuria sped away. He watched her disappear, tucking his prize in his robes.

“If that’s all, I will be returning to Xarst.” Radin declared.

“Yes, thank you for your help.” Simon said. “All of you.” The cowled figures nearby nodded and withdrew. Soon he was alone.

As he was about to depart himself, he felt a powerful magic far away, one that was intimately familiar to him. All his contentment evaporated. He’s active again…

Slipping back through time, Simon traveled deeper into the twisted lands, eventually happening upon a small village. On its periphery stood the the Laughing Man, nine golden orbs above him. So that’s what I sensed. Simon switched his gaze to the prey being hunted, and he flinched ever so slightly. Rose, Dawn, and two necromancers.

The world darkened around him as he slowed time to contemplate. I provide them what aid I could on the Isle. They are no longer my responsibility… However, this was a tough reality to accept. If it was anyone else, I might be able to walk away, but him? After much brooding, he reached a resolution.

While it won’t change anything… It occurs to me that I haven’t seriously tried killing that man since obtaining my dagger. I should change that. Smiling sinisterly, Simon drew out a small weapon with a wicked-looking sheathe.