He kept staring at . When I lifted the water to drink, he suddenly ramd the tree I was standing on, sending vibrations through it. I smiled faintly. It seems he can't accept that his companion is dead, I thought as I watched the giant lizard before .
After thinking of a way to deal with the remaining lizard, I jumped down and ran as fast as I could. As expected, it chased after .
I quickly looped the rope again and glanced toward a deep cliff ahead. I looked back—the distance between us was dangerously close—so I rushed forward and leapt into the ravine.
"You think you can defeat so easily."
As I jumped, my hands swiftly threw the looped rope. It hooked perfectly onto a rock I had been watching earlier.
"Aaaaaa—!"
After making sure the rope had caught, my heart was still pounding wildly.
Crack…
Crash!
The lizard followed and fell after . Luckily, the rope held, leaving hanging against the cliff. I looked down—the depth was terrifying. Falling from here would an certain death. Monts later, I heard the loud crash of the lizard hitting the bottom.
My breathing was still ragged as I stared at the steep cliff. Below, I could see a river, but falling into it from this height would surely crush my chest.
Slowly, I began climbing back up, inch by inch.
Once I reached the top, I decided to continue my unfinished journey.
I walked on, and without realizing it, the sun began to rise, leaving orange streaks in the sky that made pause.
"Why does ti pass so quickly?" I murmured.
I picked up my pace, knowing I was nearing the city, where I could spend the night.
I decided to buy so food first, scanning the bustling crowd in the city center. I entered a simple eatery. It was crowded and lively, making it hard to find a seat.
Suddenly, I heard soone calling my na.
"Michael…"
"Michael…"
The voice was deep and calm. I turned, searching for the caller, but found no one familiar and eventually ignored it.
"What are you doing here?"
Soone tapped my shoulder. Instinctively, I pressed my dagger to his neck, startling him with my reflex.
"It's . Agis," he said softly.
"Agis?" I asked in confusion, trying to rember him, but failing.
"Have you forgotten ?" he asked with a faint smile.
"I'm the one who almost got lost in the Forbidden Forest with Commander Arvan."
My thoughts imdiately went to Xanders. I rembered the incident, though not his na.
"Oh… it's you?" I lowered my hand, and he smiled lightly.
"Yes."
"What business do you have at the palace?" he asked.
I paused. "I want to et Xanders," I replied, carefully choosing my words.
"Is it urgent?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. I laughed softly.
"Oh, not at all. I just have so money I need to repay him!"
He still looked suspicious.
"Are you eating?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Yes. I am. Co, let's eat together!" he said, pulling to his table.
"What would you like?" he asked after I sat down and ordered food.
"So… what exactly do you need?" he asked again after finishing his al.
"I want to return the money I borrowed from him," I said firmly. He nodded.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"But the palace is in a state of ergency. Lord Xanders isn't there right now," Agis said, taking a sip of his drink.
I exhaled sharply. If that's the case, how will I find him? I thought. Agis tried to start conversations, and I answered briefly between bites.
After paying, we left the eatery. He insisted on treating , but I refused and paid for my own al.
"How about staying at my place? It's not far from here," he offered.
I shook my head. "No need. I'll find a cheap inn nearby."
He looked surprised.
"Inns are full right now. In a few days there will be a kite festival, so people are already flooding the city."
I rembered—next week, a gathering involving several clans would take place, making the city crowded.
"When will Xanders return?" I asked.
Agis shook his head. "I'm on leave today. Maybe I'll find out tomorrow."
In the end, I followed him toward his house. As we walked, I sensed sothing different. His ho was far from the city center, passing through a quiet forest and crossing a small river. I discreetly morized the route back to the city.
When we arrived, a small girl suddenly ran up and hugged Agis tightly.
"Brother Agis!"
I froze, observing the scene.
"Who is he, Brother?" she asked after noticing , staring with eyes so cute I almost wanted to pinch her chubby cheeks.
"Oh, let introduce—" Agis paused, looking at .
"My na is Michael," I said, extending my hand. She hesitated, then slowly took it.
"My na is Princess Lany!"
"Nice to et you, sweet little sister," I said warmly. She still seed unsure, glancing between Agis and .
"Go on, he's a good person. He's my friend," Agis said. She finally accepted my handshake.
"Co in. Sorry if it's a bit ssy," he said, inviting inside.
I followed him in, feeling an unexplained discomfort. Sothing about the house felt wrong, but I remained polite.
"You've lived here a long ti?" I asked casually after he offered a seat.
"Yes. I've lived here quite a while. She's my younger sister," he explained. I swallowed the questions forming in my mind.
I looked around the house. Sothing felt off, but I couldn't tell what.
"I'll get you a drink," he said, heading to the kitchen.
I continued observing the room. Lany, who had been watching , approached curiously.
"Do you want to sit here, Lany?" I asked gently.
She shook her head shyly.
"Are you really my brother's friend?" she asked.
I blinked.
"Um… you could say that."
"Is there sothing you want to talk about?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"No. I'm just worried. My brother is quiet and not very good at socializing, so I worry about his friendships."
Before she could continue, Agis returned carrying two cups of tea, interrupting us.
"Wow, sounds interesting. What are you two talking about?" he asked cheerfully.
I shook my head, while Lany only smiled faintly—an expression that made my suspicion grow. She's hiding sothing, I thought.
I don't want to think negatively about Agis but sothing seems wrong.
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