Chapter 508: A Small Happy Clan!
Chapter 508
"I can’t believe that actually worked." Dame heaved a sigh of relief as he quickly snatched Talon’s glass before he could complain and began downing it, not out of depression this time, but out of pure excitement that his life had just been saved.
"Oh boy." Finn dropped his head down, his mind reeling about everything that had just gone down. "Damn, Dame! You didn’t think this through."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Dame asked with a raised eyebrow, his hands frozen halfway from his mouth.
"You just bluffed to Alba about knowing the Supreme Magus and being able to get him to make more pills, right?" Finn pressed.
"Yeah, so what happened?" Dame asked again, sounding confused.
"What happened?!" Finn nearly yelled as he spread his arms. "Have you forgotten that the Supreme Magus has gone back to only the heavens knows where he came from? We don’t know when he is going to return, or if he is even coming back at all.
Even if he does come back, how sure are you that you can convince him to make more pills? We both know these pills you have were a gift from him. He only gave them because you brought him that dusty, rusty book. So what now?" Finn asked as he clutched his head in frustration.
"Oh boy. I didn’t really think this through." Dame gulped as he rubbed his temples, his mind racing while his eyes lingered on the alcohol in his hand, though he suddenly lost the appetite to drink it.
"I have a feeling he will be back." Talon suddenly spoke up, his voice steady after staring into space in deep thought.
"Huh? What did you just say?" Bray asked with a raised eyebrow.
"That’s right." Talon replied as he finally turned to glance back at the others. "I have a good feeling he’ll be back. Much sooner than we expect."
"Why do you think so?" Finn asked, still skeptical.
"Think about it." Talon leaned forward and shifted in his seat. "There has to be a reason he came down to this faction in the first place, right? It’s obvious he isn’t from around here—he didn’t even know who Dame really was.
He came here with a purpose. And during his stay, he barely interacted with anyone. All he did was lock himself in that room, reading that strange book and practicing something mysterious."
"Huh? And what’s your actual point?" Bray asked, still not catching on.
"There’s some kind of mystery around that guy. Remember, we met him in that portal, which means he was already hunting when we crossed paths. That proves he’s gathering resources. Whatever he’s working on requires a lot. Now think carefully... he has two choices. Either he goes back into that portal, or he comes back to you for what he needs." Talon explained with certainty in his tone.
"I don’t know where exactly you’re headed with this, but I feel like you’re right. He’s searching for something and hasn’t found it yet, so it makes sense he’ll return." Dame muttered as he set his glass down and leaned back in thought. "But when though?"
"That, I don’t know. But I hope it’s soon." Talon replied quietly, his words sinking into the air like a prophecy.
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Meanwhile, after leaving the bar, Alba could be seen walking into another establishment with the man who had accompanied her.
This bar was far less lively, though the faint sound of laughter and clinking mugs still echoed from a few corners. Several patrons were happily drinking away while chatting in hushed tones, their eyes only flicking up once to glance at Alba before going back to their own business.
She ignored them completely and moved straight to the counter. After giving the bartender a simple nod, she and her companion were guided into the back.
There, seated around a sturdy wooden table, were five individuals waiting silently, each one carrying an aura that spoke of strength and danger. The moment Alba entered, their eyes shifted toward her, sharp and expectant.
They were also drinking, though not as noisy or carefree as the men outside. The atmosphere here was heavier, quieter, with an unspoken edge of danger lingering in the air.
"Alba." One of the females at the table called out, her tone calm but expectant, the moment the woman stepped inside.
"Where were you guys?" another female asked, raising a brow curiously as Alba took her seat.
"Went to meet up with Dame." Alba replied smoothly, reaching for a glass and filling it without hesitation.
"How did it go?" a male asked, his presence immediately commanding attention.
This man had quite the impressive frame, broad shoulders that carried strength effortlessly. A thin, long scar ran across his bare chest, a mark of countless battles. He hadn’t bothered to wear a shirt properly, instead tying it around his waist, which also secured a pair of chipped-bladed swords that had clearly seen better days but carried deadly history.
His tousled deep blue hair draped loosely across his shoulders, while a calm yet mischievous smirk curved his lips. His black eyes scanned the room with a sharpness that made most men hesitate to meet his gaze before finally resting on Alba.
His name was Killian— the second strongest member of the Crimson Lotus Clan. If their clan operated like the larger ones, he would have easily been a vice clan master. Just like Alba, his reputation stretched across the continent, his name enough to inspire either fear or respect depending on who heard it.
"Well, you’ll be helping him in his battle." Alba announced casually, pointing toward Killian.
"Huh? Did he really manage to get you something worth your time?" another man questioned, his tone filled with disbelief.
This man looked entirely different from Killian. He had heavy black bags under his eyes as if sleep was a forgotten luxury. His black hair stuck out messily, unkempt and wild. His frame was lean, almost frail-looking, and his complexion made him appear sickly. He wore a dark green robe draped loosely over him with the hood up, though it failed to hide his pale face.
His fingers were long and thin, stained with green pigments that hinted at his craft. To a stranger passing him on the street, he would have seemed like a man with only months left to live. But those who knew him understood the truth—this man was deadly, invaluable, and one of the most important members of the team.
"Yes, Ash." Alba replied with a small smile tugging at her lips. "And I need you on this." Without further explanation, she tossed a small pouch toward him.
Ash caught it with ease, untied the knot, and peeked inside. His brows shot upward as he examined the pills within.
"Huh?" Ash muttered, his curiosity piqued.
"I want you to see if you can replicate those pills or not." Alba declared firmly, causing Ash to finally lift his head, his half-lidded eyes sharpening with sudden focus.
"Any problem with that?" Ash asked, his voice calm but laced with intrigue.
"Nope." Alba replied simply, before tipping her glass back and downing her drink in one smooth gulp. She turned her gaze back to the swordsman. "So Killian, would you help Dame?"
"Why not?!" Killian exclaimed with sudden excitement, his smirk widening into a grin. "I wish it would just happen now. My body’s itching for a good fight, especially against Beatrix."
"Good to see you in high spirits." Alba raised her thumb in approval.
"But wouldn’t it cause a problem for us?" one of the females asked cautiously. "Almost every clan knows who Killian is and what clan he belongs to. If they see him fighting that day, it might drag us into unnecessary trouble."
"What are we?" Alba asked with a sly look. "A mercenary clan, right?"
The others nodded almost immediately.
"So how strange will it really be to see a single mercenary from our clan standing with Dame? To them, it will simply look like the young descendant hired him for protection. Nothing more."
"That’s true." The second female nodded in agreement, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"As expected of Alba, always ten steps ahead." Ash chuckled softly, though his tone carried genuine admiration.
The group continued drinking and exchanging words, the once-heavy air shifting into a comfortable rhythm. Their voices mixed with the clinking of glasses as they began discussing other matters, plotting quietly, each of them knowing that whatever Alba had brought them was just the beginning of something far larger.