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Mengdie swiftly slipped on her gloves, Edward's hand gripped tightly on his sword hilt, ready to draw at any moment. Nia's hands were already clasped, quietly chanting the only wind magic she knew. Xiu, who had never met Vibba, sensed the brewing trouble and stood ready with his staff angled towards this formidable enemy.
Granny Gluma was initially puzzled by everyone's reaction, but then she gently tugged on Vibba's right hand, asking, "Vibba, do you know these people?"
Vibba's furious expression immediately calmed down at his mother's voice. Like any son in the world, he reached out with “both hands” to support his mother, gently helping her back to her seat. Only then did he glare fiercely at Mengdie again.
Mengdie watched Vibba's actions silently. Though she had many questions for the Black Flame Snake member, now was clearly not the time. She removed her gloves and gestured to Edward and Nia to relax, which they did after a moment's hesitation. Xiu also lowered his staff and stood behind Mengdie.
The lively room suddenly fell silent. Both parties stood still, alert and cautious. Father Cotton, oblivious to the situation, could only sit and watch.
"Vibba, do you know Miss Mengdie? Tell me, what's going on? Why is there such tension between you?" Granny Gluma sensed the strained atmosphere.
Neither Mengdie nor Vibba spoke, remaining on guard. Mengdie noticed that Vibba's previously pierced right eye now contained a prosthetic, and his right arm, once severed by her, seemed to be a well-crafted artificial limb.
Pressed by his mother's repeated inquiries, Vibba grunted softly, restraining his inner fury, "Mom, it's nothing. We just had some minor friction... related to the business dealings of the family that employs me."
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Perhaps due to intense hatred, Vibba glared at Mengdie again after speaking. Edward, sensing the hostility, stepped forward to shield Mengdie.
"(Whisper) Edward, stay calm."
Mengdie inhaled deeply and turned to Granny Gluma with a sweet smile, "Yes, Granny Gluma. We have no personal enmity with Vibba, just a minor friction in past business dealings. Please rest assured."
Mengdie's smile was enchanting, instantly alleviating Granny Gluma's concerns. She patted her chest and chuckled, "Oh, is that so? You scared me. I don't understand business matters, but Vibba, you should still maintain good relations with Miss Mengdie and her companions. They are guests today, and we must not neglect them."
Vibba, his face darkened, nodded in agreement.
"Ha-ha, that's good. Father Cotton, Miss Mengdie, please sit. Vibba, come, sit down and chat with our guests. Mom will prepare some snacks..."
"No need, Mom. I won't eat. I just came to see you, and I have urgent business to attend to."
Vibba left coldly, heading towards the door. Granny Gluma was taken aback and about to speak, but Vibba had already pulled open the door and stepped out.
As soon as Vibba left, Mengdie, who had been sitting, suddenly stood up and followed him outside. Edward and Nia followed suit. Granny Gluma, increasingly puzzled, was about to step out when Xiu, showing a keen sense of timing, engaged her in conversation.
※※※
It was now completely dark.
The sky was covered in dark clouds, obscuring any starlight. The oppressive atmosphere felt suffocating. Suddenly, a flash of eerie light streaked across the clouds, followed seconds later by a thunderous rumble that shook everyone's hearts.
Vibba stopped on a small hill near the village. Surrounded by darkness and facing away from Mengdie, his already large figure seemed even more imposing. Mengdie sensed a different kind of oppressive aura from Vibba than before.
"Boom..."
Another flash of lightning illuminated the dark world. Mengdie and her companions stood behind Vibba. Mengdie put on her gloves of fire and water, taking a step forward cautiously.
"Indeed, coming here in search of the Black Flame Snake was no mistake."
Mengdie's voice echoed against the thunder.
Vibba slowly turned his head, his one eye filled with even greater hatred and anger than before.
"You wretch, I never thought you would chase me here!"
Mengdie's right fist of fire drew a red flame in the air. She clenched her fist, her face serious and ready, her stance impeccable.
"Damn Black Flame Snake! Tell me! Where have you hidden the national treasure, the King's Cup? Is it in that forest?!"
Edward, already furious since seeing Vibba, raised his obsidian sword, ready to strike at any wrong word from Vibba.
Under the dark sky, Vibba stood proudly on the hill, looking down at Mengdie and Edward with a scornful sneer.
"Hmph, Prince of Silver Moon, do you think you can take me?"
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