Xiltra was a border city, and the city closest to the Untamed Jungle, and his territory.
Michael had to know more about the military power of Xiltra to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
In the future, he might clash with the Zentika Empire, and Xiltra would become his first hurdle to overcome at that time. Of course, it was too far-fetched to consider Xiltra and the Zentika Empire his opponent already, but it may turn into a real scenario in the future. The future was not set in stone, after all!
Feeling confident about himself, he entered the Adventurer guild without any worries, ignoring the attention he received from everyone.
His focus moved to the guild’s counter at first. However, instead of asking about the whereabouts of the EmeraldLeaf Adventurer team, Michael’s attention moved subconsciously to a particular mission on the mission board next to the counter.
A detailed drawing of a well-armed Minotaur caught his attention. Michael approached the mission board where he read the details of the hunting mission.
“Highly intelligent Tier-2 Minotaur acting like a bloodthirsty beast 20 kilometers southwest of Xiltra. It’s unknown if the Minotaur is a subordinate of a Summoner, or if it evolved on its own. However, it is extremely deadly and doesn’t seem to feel pain. The hunting mission has failed four times in total. Casualties: 159 Citizens, 9 Guards, 17 Adventurers. Recommended Rank: B(If alone) C-rank Group(5 Members). Reward: 150,000 Zentik,” Michael murmured some of the descriptions mentioned in the hunting mission.
He wanted to collect some information about the Minotaur, but it looked like the Adventurer Guild didn’t know more than the information Blaire had reported to him.
“Why are you so interested in this hunting mission, dear Lord of the Untamed Jungle?” A sonorous voice rang out behind Michael.
Hearing the last words, Michael’s head flung back and he was about to manifest Seron Voulge and pierce the curved blade outward. Fortunately, he had held back instead of attacking the newcomer.
Lilica Balrean, the leader of the EmeraldLeaf Adventurer team was standing behind him, her long hair combed into a neat ponytail, and a mischievous smile plastering her face.
“Nice haircut, by the way,” She added lightly with a look at his bald head.
Michael was already frustrated that his hair didn’t grow back as fast as he hoped for, but Lilica made things worse by rubbing salt in his wound.
Despite being annoyed, and a little tense because he had expected the worst when Lilica said, ‘Lord of the Untamed Jungle’, Michael sighed in relief. Lilica hadn’t left Xiltra yet!
His expression lit up and he smiled brightly at the Forest Elf.
“The haircut is part of the reason why I came to Xiltra,” Michael said half-jokingly before he added, “But I’m also here because of that Minotaur.”
Lilica didn’t have to be a genius to understand what Michael’s words entailed. His haircut was most likely the result of his fight against the Lionheart Adventurer team and the reason he came to Xiltra was probably to find out more about the person supporting the Lionheart Leader with a Lord Seal.
The Minotaur was Michael’s most recent issue. It should have invaded the Untamed Jungle. That was what Lilica deduced.
“Since you’re already here, we might as well talk. Your haircut is – somehow – my team’s fault, after all!” Lilica responded with a faint smile.
She gestured to Michael to follow her and walked out of the guild house. Michael followed closely behind.
Less than ten minutes later, they found themselves sitting in the bright sun, munching on some snacks from a nearby stall.
Lilica ate her snacks with sparkling eyes. She didn’t even pay attention to Michael as he stared at her, waiting patiently for her to reveal more information about the supporter of the Lionheart Leader.
After she finished her packet of snacks, she looked at Michael’s half-eaten packet and pointed at it though her mouth was still filled to the brim.
“Are you still eating that?” Lilica asked while her hand had already reached forward, taking away the packet from Michael’s hands.
Michael was not even sure how to react to this kind of behavior. Was he supposed to flick her forehead for stealing his food, shout at her to start revealing information, or was he supposed to kidnap and torture her until she would finally pay more attention to him than a puny packet of snacks?
There were too many things he could do, but all of them were created by his intrusive thoughts. They wanted him to hurt Lilica, and he felt his subconscious agree more and more to the idea of scolding her openly.
Fortunately, he kept his mouth shut.
“I actually don’t know too much about the Lionheart Leader’s backer either, but you probably expected that already,” Lilica finally finished the packet and dusted her hands with a satisfied smile. Michael tried hard not to roll his eyes at her as she started to speak, “I only know for sure that the Lionheart Leader’s backer is a higher-up of the Lionheart race. The Zentika Empire’s interest in the Untamed Jungle increased in recent years. Of course, this is just my guess, but I think that the Zentika Empire is trying to find something in the Untamed Jungle and that they’re preparing meticulously for the day when they find what they’re looking for.”
Michael listened intently to Lilica’s words. His theories were not that much different from Lilica’s, but it was not nice to hear.
“It looks like one of the Lionhearts couldn’t wait patiently any longer. He probably acted on his own and won’t invest too much money to investigate the whereabouts of the Lionheart Leader,” Lilica added, “If the higher-up didn’t want to stay secretive, he would have sent stronger Lionhearts into the Untamed Jungle. Hiding the actions of a few dozen Tier-1 Adventurers is much easier than covering the disappearance of stronger Adventurers. You shouldn’t worry too much about him for now.”
Now that Lilica had reassured him and dismissed his worries, he felt that the backer of the Lionheart Leader was a small problem. On the contrary, the Zentika Empire’s interest in the Untamed Jungle seemed to be more problematic.
‘Are they searching for the Temple of the Forgotten?’ Michael asked, but he could already guess the answer.
The Zentika Empire must have some old records revolving around the Temple of the Forgotten. Or maybe, they had someone with a unique treasure-hunting Soultrait, who was led to the Untamed Jungle to find a great treasure.
It bothered him a little bit, but Michael was sure that there wouldn’t be a problem as long as he could hide the Temple of the Forgotten. After all, the mythic serpent in the air, the eerie Untamed Jungle, and the powerhouses inhabiting the ground would ensure that the Zentika Empire wouldn’t act until they were certain that the thing they were searching for was actually in the Untamed Jungle.
Oddly enough, the thought of the Zentika Empire attacking the Untamed Jungle with all its might, felt less threatening than not knowing what would happen, and being ignorant to the truth.
The uncertainty was more burdening on Michael’s mind than knowing what would happen in the future if the Temple of the Forgotten was to be exposed.
It was oddly relieving, and a bright smile blossomed on his face.
“Why are you smiling like a creep? Stop it!”
