Chapter 24: Encounter

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Glancing around, an older male scrutinized his surrounding. His brown hair flowed to his shoulders while his broad shoulders complimented his rough features. His eyes also looked to be one tempered in the fires of perilous battle. A scar ran from under his eyes, down his chest of his open tunic.

'Hmm?' bending down, he tapped his finger against one of Apollo's footprints. It had been a hasty job, hence, Apollo was unable to cover his tracks completely. Not to mention, the newcomer's senses seemed to be rather sharp.

"The footprint was originally rather small, seeming to belong to a child. But why would a child be out here alone? There's no other set of footprints. In other words, I smell talent," chuckled the man as he gazed toward a certain before continuing. At the same time, 5 more people appeared behind him.

"Come out, I know you're there. You don't need to be so apprehensive. I don't seek to endanger you. I'm just on a journey into the depths of this region," stated the man as he rose to his feet with an unmoving gaze.

[I sense no malicious intent from him. Not to mention, his cultivation...well even if he did it wouldn't matter in your case. Nevertheless, I deem it fit for you to show yourself.]

Acknowledging Azridan's words, Apollo's childish figure appeared from behind the tree as he gazed upon the new group which stood not too far away.

'Ah, so it is a child. He seems rather thin. But...those fluctuations earlier came from at least a Late Stage Rank 1 Spirit Beast. In other words, he should be experienced in battle to slay it,' thought the man as he glanced toward the large body under one of the trees.

"Do you hail from a family? This place isn't something a child such as yourself should enter willfully. You should know there exists beast beyond your capabilities here," commented the man as his gaze examined Apollo's strength. 'Near the 4th Rank of the Mortal Realm. But why is he so thin?

"What is your age?" he added.

[Don't say you do. Answer no but also tell him your real age. If I'm reading correctly, his words carry an intent.]

"11. No, I don't. My name is just Apollo," briefly uttered Apollo as his near emotionless gaze looked into the man's eyes. Frankly speaking, Apollo truthfully didn't view the Kaisers as his family. After all, he wasn't the original Apollo to begin with and their treatment was appalling. On the other hand, he saw desire within those silent eyes.

"I see. In that case, why don't you formally travel with me? Would you like to experience what lurks within this place? As you can see, I have come to collect an odd bunch behind me," stated the man as he pointed behind himself.

There stood a group of members behind him possessing a variety of ages, genders, sizes, and most of all cultivations. Glancing over at them, Apollo remained untrusting and simply examined them. The youngest seemed to be just slightly older than him.

"Pardon my rudeness. All over you... introduce yourselves. Well after I do so of course. My name is Irauk. Just a simple wanderer," smiled Irae as he glanced towards the apparently awkward bunch behind him. The first to step forward was a short, pudgy boy with glasses and aqua blue hair.

"My name is Rhett. Uh... I don't really know what else to say but I'm just fat and 12. Oh! I am also a Rank 8 Mortal," murmured Rhett as he retrieved a piece of dried spirit beast mean and began munching on it. In response, Irauk simply stared blankly.

"I'll keep my introduction short. I am Adeon and I don't know you," replied a taller male with a rather brusque personality. Offering Apollo a rather cold shoulder. Scoffing, a girl standing next to him found his attitude to be insufferable.

"Y-you... who raised you?! Where are your manners? Excuse that bloke, my name is Nadida. I err...just turned 14 but I'm already a Zul Warrior! Aren't amazing? I don't think I'll lose to anyone in my age group," proudly replied the crimson hair girl with golden eyes. Her figure was beginning to hold the maturity that came with age. However, her prominent trait was her personality—competitive.

"Ragnvald, and as for that guy earlier. We grew up together, don't mind him. He just doesn't understand how to express himself. We're both the same age as well as Zul Warriors. It's a pleasure to meet you, Apollo," respectfully replied the gray-haired youth before him. His body was on the lean side, however, his physique and temperament hid strength.

Lastly, the last person stepped forward but only slightly. It was a female looking to be between both Rhett's and Nadida's age. Her childish features were still present and she was only a bit taller than Apollo. However, her cerulean eyes hid a bashfulness.

"I-I'm Socorra. I hope you can stay," briefly remarked Socorra as she retreated close to Nadida who smiled wryly while patting her head.

"She's inherently shy, but uh that's to be expected. She's a year younger than I am and was previously an orphan. As for her abilities, well she should be slightly stronger than Rhett," added Nadida while peering over to Irauk.

However, Apollo remained slightly shocked. Everyone possessed their own personalities but they had also just met. Why are they disclosing so much about themselves? 'This group of people is rather...awkward. I think.'

"So, what is your answer?" inquired Irauk as he interrupted Apollo's thoughts. Glancing at him, he quietly weighed the situation.

'Azridan...what do you suggest? I know you said they possess no malicious intent. But isn't it too weird for them to be so open and trusting? Why do they do this?'

[I believe it is because you may have caught that male's attention. Furthermore, they possess a strength above your own. Them presenting information lightheartedly just goes to show that they don't perceive you as a threat which is true. However, you also don't want to be taken lightly. You never know when you're confronted by a group who carry the opposing intent and view you this way.]

For a moment, Apollo remained silent with a blank stare. As he was, uncertainty entered his mind, 'So...what do I do?'

[This time... well, you accept. If they take you deeper you'll receive the chance to battle and witness battle between higher assailants. Furthermore, you never know what you learn.]

"I'll...I will come along," Apollo replied while approaching Irauk who held a calm smile.

'It would seem I have recruited another talent. However, it is enough for my plan? Maybe one more...' thought Irauk before voicing his intentions, "With this, we'll move deeper throughout the inner region. Let's go."

Without an extra word, they changed paths cutting deeper into the Shadowy Forest. Being the slowest, Apollo silently viewed everyone's back while a recurring thought danced around his mind, 'For what purpose was I recruited?' Additionally, there was this subtle voice in his mind telling him to join them on this small journey.