A Story of Evil

Sol and Jade stayed under the light of the fire which has simmered down. There was seriousness on both their faces, one which told that they knew of things which has yet come to light.

There was still an hour before midnight. The evening wind was chilly, hollow, and unwelcoming. Strange noises came from time to time, as if the buildings themselves came to life at that time. But these are only things which could scare and distract the weak minded.

"So, how did it go?" Jade began.

"First of all, I want you to know that I still don't believe you. But that doesn't mean I'm not open to the possibility of what you are saying."

The trait of an intellectual is that he or she could entertain an idea without believing it. Not until enough facts have been provided. This is something which Sol has always upheld and, the case with King Jubilee was no exception.

"That's fine by me. It's quite unbelievable after all." Was all that Jade said.

"But I also cannot deny the fact that some weird things are happening."

"Like what?"

Sol explained everything to Jade. How the creature during the ball was actually produced by King Jubilee and, how he also tried to access information of the king through his [Analysis]. He also explained how this ended quite poorly. How he was not only denied of any information, but also felt as if he could've died in that moment.

However, Sol also explained how everything was justified by the king. Handing the explanation down to Jade who thought that these were reasonable.

"That does make it even more difficult for you to believe me." Jade affirmed.

"Yeah. But, if you think about it, this mission might've also been in his plans."

"What do you mean?"

"With me being suspicious of him and, with me trying to look at his stats, don't you think that it would be normal for him to want me somewhere I can't reach him?"

"You mean to tell me that this whole mission is so that you'd be left in the dark?"

"Maybe. I'm not sure. Like I said, there aren't even any solid evidence. All I know is that the mana crystals are really needed and that, both the participants for this mission and everything else aligns perfectly with reason."

"I guess this is the end of our conversation then."

"It is. You should go to sleep yourself, it's my time to take watch."

"Right." Was all that Jade said as he retreated to his quarters.

There wasn't enough evidence for them to conclude anything and, Sol didn'tt like the feeling of talking bad about someone who only produced continuous good. Jade agreed of course. He respected this but he nevertheless kept his stand. That the king was someone to be feared and that, the only reason why he wasn't was because nobody was still aware why.

Thus the first day of the team came to pass.

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...

...

The following day, everyone was woken up by the scent of Cinder's cooking. It was still early in the morning, so early in fact that the sun has yet to rise. But even this early they needed to begin moving because, they had a long day ahead.

Cleaning up and preparation was a shared work by everyone. Only Cinder was exempted from this as she needed to cook breakfast for the team. It was another soup that time around and, Hendrickson didn't complain anymore. Not after he tasted the divine cooking of the female flame user.

After another hour passed, the team was finally finished with their meal and, we're once again up and about.

"So you think we can find some monsters this time around?" Was the eager question of the steel user who couldn't wait to use his weapon.

"I hope not Rick, it'll take time to deal with them. Besides they aren't the main reason why we're out here." Sol said in reply.

"Hmm...yeah that is true. Although a bit of action wouldn't hurt."

The group was still wandering in the vast unknown. But this wasn't as aimless as the first day because, they had Sol after all. A person who studied his heart out regarding the mission even before they were deployed. In fact, he still had a book with him at that time – reading through it and absorbing all of the information it held.

Basically what they needed to find was a huge nest of monsters. This is not for fighting purposes, much to Hendrickson's dismay.

The reason they needed a lot of monsters was because of a clue which they could potentially hold. However, not even a single one showed up during their first day which was a big setback in itself. Usually Sol could determine where larger nests of monsters are depending on the positioning of other monsters.

An example of this are goblins which would nest themselves outside the territory of stronger monsters – usually preferring caves. However, if the caves themselves are filled with stronger beasts, goblins needed to find another location which tends to be an open spot. Clues and hints like these were crucial.

But because of the lack they were experiencing, Sol changed the plan once again. Instaed of tracking monsters, he decided that they needed to find a forest. This is the only place which would surely have life thriving in it and, with that, they would possibly find more clues.

According to Sol, there would be creatures which have traces of mana crystals on their bodies. Although rare, these are not impossible to find. Not if they split up to look for it.

The said monsters group themselves with normal ones of course but, their presence would also indicate that there is possibly a reserve of crystals nearby. With this conclusion being backed up by the fact that, crystallized monsters have taken a bite of mana crystals.

"But what if we don't find any monster like that?"

"Then we continue searching Rick. Our chances of finding a crystallized monster is higher than finding a reserve itself in such a vast place."

"You've got a point."

There was a good reason why Hendrickson was doubtful once again. There was, after all, nothing but a vast wasteland in the road ahead. The buildings have begun thinning down to a sizable amount. Being replaced by nothing but trees which, were also few in numbers. By the time when most of these objects disappeared, it was already noon. And, with the scorching sunlight right above them, the group needed to rest once again.

"We're gonna set up a temporary camp while we still have some shade." Sol said as they stopped below a giant tree.

The road ahead was a seeming dessert, with a couple of figures in strange shapes being scattered all around – making them look like monsters from afar. But Sol and the others weren't alarmed since, whatever these were, Sol's group was still far from reaching it.

Aside from this, Alice could've sworn she saw some movement from afar. But because of the heat waves it was difficult to make sure. Nevertheless she told it to everyone just for extra measure.

"We'll keep one lookout in case any monster does show up. Cain, you'd be the one in charge of that.":

"Leave it to me."

"Are you sure it's fine to leave things to him?" Hendrickson whispered to Sol.

"I can hear you loud and clear musclehead." Was all that Cain said in reply.

"He has good hearing so, it's best you don't talk behind his back." Sol told the steel user as Cain came to confront the doubting Hendrickson.

"You got a problem with me pal?"

"I don't but, listen man, you're basically not the kind of guy we'd entrust our backs to. I mean, we haven't even seen how well you fight."

"How bout we fight then big guy? I can knock the light out of you in seconds."

"Oh? Now this should be interesting." Hendrickson said, ready to pull out his claymore. Yet just before any fight could start. The group felt the rumbling on the ground. A strong one – indicating that there was possibly monsters nearby.

This made things a bit more confusing because, they could see nothing. There were no monsters as far a sthe eye could see and, this is when Sol remembered Alice's words. That she saw some movements on the soil.

"Everyone under us!" Sol said as the creatures finally emerged from under the ground – Sand Serpents.

"Perfect timing, why don't you prove what you're capable of rookie." Hendrickson taunted, bringing out his claymore and starting the engine of its chainsaw.

"Oh I'd be more than willing." Was Cain's response as the fight finally began.