Chapter 210: Uninvited Guest (1)

"So, now that Sarah is also here, can you tell us your story? If you are in trouble, we might be able to help!" Aiden, seeing the strange behavior of both women, decided to speak up and try to steer the topic towards what really interested him.

Upon the boy's words, the large, blonde amazonian turned her gaze towards the boy once more. Her expression changing, she looked much calmer, friendlier than before.

"Well, I'm not out here on a random stroll, or because I had a sudden desire to explore and take in the sights. I came to this city, to this place with a specific goal, a mission from the Queen, but I'm sure you have guessed that already. I have to find a specific place that was rumored to be somewhere here in the forest. There's something that belongs to my people, and we want to get it back." She began to explain the reason for her appearance, focusing her attention on the boy in front of her, whilst giving the cold shoulder towards the purple-haired 'competition'.

The smile on her face gradually expanded as she continued on, her eyes lingered on Aiden's figure that looked much more masculine after their 'introductory' battle. Although she was speaking with a relative focus in her eyes, inwardly, nasty thoughts, bubbling desire were beginning to fan the flames of her amazonian nature. Hers was a people that respected strength first and foremost, and whilst venturing out in the 'world', regardless of reasons, they would always keep an eye on potential partners, potential mates, age not being a concern for them at all. If you had the power to beat an amazon on a one on one, you would be automatically a worthy 'suitor'.

This was the big secret that she did not tell the boy about their duel, nor did Cole or even Sarah had any knowledge about. This ritual of theirs, wasn't just simply a way to get to know each other, but to find that worthy seed amongst the weed.

As her eyes rested on the youth with an increasing hunger shining in them, it was soon noticed by Sarah who loudly clicked her tongue voicing her displeasure. Snapped out of her momentary reverie, Naybeah only gave a mischievous smirk towards the girl, before returning her attention to the boy and continued recounting her tale.

"When I first arrived I asked around and was told that the overall situation in the city wasn't too great. The guards kept blabbering about some supposedly huge scandal that happened recently in the Slums, with corrupt City Officials and even the City Lords or whatnot… To be honest I didn't really care about what they said at all." She sighed, shrugging her shoulders, remembering the annoyingly buzzing city guards back at the gates. "However, the main thing I got out from all the information I was told that the city barely had any capable warriors, not even available casters, which was surprising considering the academy close by…"

Taking a once-over at the boy's simplistic, khaki-colored, linen clothing, lush, long black hair as it reached down at his back, reaching the middle of his lean back… His mesmerizing, exotic, golden irises that crowned those pearly white sclera surrounding it… Naybeah found even these small details more and more tantalizing as time passed by. Thinking that this lean but taller than average youth managed to get the upper hand between their little bout earlier on with such ease, caused a tingly feeling to swell from deep down and excite her entire being.

His youthful vigor, that unblemished, tanned-looking creole tone of his skin, the aloof, nonchalant, confident demeanor and attitude he carried himself with even when reaching deeper and deeper into the surrounding forest… Not to mention his perfect age... She was now certain that he was the one, she had to bring home as her chosen mate. Nobody can come close to him!

Her grin turned wider once more as she continued to look at Aiden with her hungry eyes, like a predator eyeing its defenseless prey.

Although only a few short seconds have passed, the way she started to eye the boy started to become slightly unsettling for Sarah, who once again, decided to jump in and try to guide the conversation.

"Did you check these facts with the Guild as well? While I admit that Higrove isn't the best when it comes to these… resources, we could most likely find some suitable assistance for you. There are several experienced groups that we could have assigned to you if needed."

Keeping her gaze lingering on the boy who seemed to not notice or ignored it completely, Naybeah reluctantly shifted her attention to the speaking woman.

"Yes, in fact, I checked in the local guild hall, to convert some Sea Devil fish cores I had to take out on my way here, and also to ask the clerk about some deets. Sadly, the woman there said that there was only one rank 3, and he wasn't available for such tasks himself, as he was a candidate for the upcoming war games or whatever." 

As if just realizing Sarah's words, she continued with a mocking chuckle.

"Also, I would not want to bring some inexperienced group of rookies to the depth of the jungle. I want to progress, and find what I came for, and not tutor some children. If you want assistance in training, then pay me. Why would I pay for offering my services?!"

Looking back at Aiden, she gave a light lick to her lips as she continued whilst focusing her attention on those beautiful eyes of his...

"Still, I have to admit, I did not expect that they were lying… If I knew there were such fine men… I would have-"

"Khm! Please continue, Miss Naybeah." With a loud cough, Sarah interrupted with a visibly annoyed face. The fact that she continued to 'assault' Aiden so openly, without any care for her started to really eat at her patience. Still, as a senior executive of the guild's local branch, and being the person she is, she did her best to keep her composure.

"Well, there's not much else to say, really. With the information at hand, I left the city and decided to just go alone. Better be by myself than being troubled by inexperienced fledglings." She answered as she once again gazed at the purple-haired girl, whilst walking a bit to the back leaning against the clean bark of the nearby tree, her arms crossed, she looked at the girl awaiting the incoming lecture.

However, before Sarah could continue and really get into a heated argument, Aiden, looking at the tall woman with an inquisitory gaze, spoke up.

"And what is the place you are looking for? Maybe we can help each other!"

"Hmm…" Naybeah, turning her attention back to the youth didn't answer immediately. She kept silent for nearly a minute, silently contemplating over something before she eventually nodded as if acquiescing to a direct command. The teasing, hungry gaze vanished from her face as if finally demasking some facade, she looked much more serious. She had a stern, confident shine in her eyes as she looked over the boy for the nth time since their meeting in such a strange place.

"My Queen wants me to locate a place called the 'Demon Grotto'. There's something lying in there that is ours that was taken from us a long time ago. We want to get it back." She admitted suddenly the full purpose of her presence here, surprising Aiden and Sarah as well. Her demeanor, her posture, and even the way she spoke changed abruptly. 

It was as if suddenly it wasn't Naybeah but someone else speaking to them.

Feeling an alien presence wafting out from the tall blonde amazon, Aiden's eyes suddenly lit up. He took a step back, planting his feet in the ground carefully, ready to launch himself into combat if needed.

Clenching his fists and cracking his joints, Aiden, whilst looking at the woman with a stern but calm expression spoke in a much colder, unfriendlier tone than before. His sudden change, as well as the weird way Naybeah suddenly carried herself, also alerted Sarah, who immediately jumped next to the boy gripping the hilt of her weapon. There was a faint buzzing sound surrounding her body in an invisible but protective layer of energy.

"Who are you?" Aiden asked, speaking curtly, addressing the new presence with cold wary in his tone.

"Me?! I'm Naybeah, what are you talking about?! Are you tired boy, are your ears and eyes playing tricks on you?" Naybeah spoke with a mischievous smile slowly creeping up on her face, stretching across it in a wide and uncharacteristic grin.

Opening his fists lightly, leaving them in a contorted, clawing posture, he slowly raised his right arm, cocking it slightly backward, addressing the presence once more with even more coldness in his tone. 

As he spoke, Aiden's voice gradually changed, carrying a commanding, otherworldly tone.

"I will ask one last time. Who are you?"