Meanwhile, as Vincent had unexpectedly encountered what looked like a rescue squad from elven territory and followed them, just as he expected, on the next day, a big stir shook the higher-ups of the North Star City.
Currently, in the underground passage, at the metallic door, stood several people, staring at the empty room.
Some of them were cursing, some simply enraged, paranoid, but one of them was oddly calm.
"Who did this!? Did elves infiltrate our ranks?"
"It's unlikely. After all, even if they've managed to do it, there is no way they would be able to open this room. Unless… No, I don't think someone of that level will endanger himself for just two elven females."
"You might be correct, but did you forget why they were chosen?"
"..."
"Moreover, what are we going to do now? That person will demand answers as we already sent a message to invite him here, claiming that the order was completed. He is expected to arrive within a week."
"That's the issue, but we have protection from two clans. Even that eccentric will not be able to act freely in this city."
"Do you think the two clans will pick our side instead of his? Are you that confident? After all, if that person decides to take our lives as the price of failing the mission, no one can stop him."
"..."
As silence filled the passage, it was broken by a calm voice.
"I will invite sir Mergrom."
"What? Have you gone mad!?"
When the people heard this name, they were frightened.
But that person then reassured the rest, "Don't worry. He owes me a little favour."
"That freak owes you a favour? You expect us to believe that?"
"I don't care if you believe it or not. If you want, I will not invite him. Let's see how you settle the situation without him."
"..."
"If there are no other suggestions then I'm leaving. And don't forget that everything has its price."
The person left the passageway, but inwardly he was also concerned.
After all, inviting a borderline Stage 4 practitioner is very dangerous and risky.
Fortunately, he had once helped a member of Mergrom's family and earned a favour.
…
Meanwhile, several hours later, a group of around ten people was heading through the forest non stop.
Vincent was within them.
But oddly enough, one of the females that he rescued was beside him, silently following closely.
Vincent didn't mind it, but this made him feel a bit weird.
Then his attention shifted towards the elven men who were jumping from one tree to another, leaving no sound behind.
'Such stealth movement… This entire group's power should be no weaker than one of the two clans in North Star City.'
As Vincent wondered, he suddenly felt a touch on his shoulder.
Turning around, he saw a gorgeous smile directed at him.
"Mi…re…th," the woman spoke while pointing at her, her face abruptly turned red, but she didn't leave nor did her smile.
"Mireth," Vincent repeated.
The woman's smile became even brighter as she nodded.
'So it's her name.'
"Vincent," he also decided to share his name, pointing at himself.
"Vi.. n.. ce.. n..t?" Mireth slowly spoke, struggling a bit.
Vincent nodded.
"Vin..cent, Vincen..t…" Mireth once again tried to accurately voice his name as she moved beside him.
Vincent was a bit amused by her attempts to speak human words.
"Vincent," finally, Mireth was able to do it.
And the moment she said it, her thin body slightly shook.
Vincent narrowed his eyes, unable to understand the reason.
Calming herself, Mireth once again looked at Vincent but this time, her eyes looked at him a bit… differently.
It was as if she observed everything about him. His every move, his every expression.
This made him feel a bit uncomfortable, but he didn't stop her.
'This race has an odd emotional state. It should be the reason for her strange behaviour.'
Putting this matter to the side of his head, the group continued moving through the forest, going further in its depth.
…
When night was about to arrive, the leader of the group abruptly stopped.
He turned towards Vincent, "We arrive," and went towards a big tree with thick green bark.
The man placed his hand onto it and closed his eyes.
Suddenly, Vincent saw as if the reality around him began to change and twist, making him feel sick.
His head began to spin and his legs were unable to hold him straight.
But as he was about to fall, a woman suddenly caught him.
Mireth.
Having his back against her chest, Mireth oddly didn't feel discomfort, but her face was still a bit red.
Soon, the sudden sickness went away and Vincent opened his eyes.
Understanding where he was, he quickly moved away and bowed to express his appreciation.
Mireth simply smiled at him in return.
Vincent couldn't help but notice a change in her. His blood also started to act oddly out of nowhere when he was beside this woman.
'What is going on?'
This strange feeling wasn't there half a day ago.
It appeared only… after she spoke his name.
Vincent once again looked at Mireth, and she looked back at him. Her smile became even warmer.
Vincent's heart trembled.
He quickly shook his head and turned away.
'I don't know what is going on, but… I need to stay away from her.'
To change the subject, Vincent began to look around and what he saw made him freeze.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, around several hundred people stood around them.
They all had young appearances, but their hair colour varied from silver to silver-gold.
'So that tree was special and worked as a barrier to hide this place from the outside world.'
Vincent calmly stood where he was while the leader was explaining the situation to the crowd.
Soon, the cheerful voices began to sound within the crowd as those people one by one, all averted their gaze towards Vincent.
Vincent was lost for words.
Suddenly, a man and woman, who looked like they were in their late twenties with silver-gold hair, stepped forward towards him.
Mireth decided to move even closer to Vincent. Their hands almost touched.
Upon seeing Mireth, the man and woman began to speak something to her while she replied.
The man and woman exchanged glances and turned towards Vincent.
Suddenly, the woman took his hand and the hand of Mireth.
When Vincent saw this, his heart shook.
He immediately tried to take his hand back as if guessing something… unacceptable was about to happen.