Chapter 511 512-The Disappearance of Jelia

Chapter 511 512-The Disappearance of Jelia

Jelia's progress was cautious and slow, with each step taken carefully.

Although she lacked experience in exploring ruins, her companion Ali was different.

Ali, who had spent years adventuring outdoors, had explored numerous ruins both large and small.

This was among her most prideful experiences, and she never missed an opportunity to boast about it, especially in front of Jelia.

While Jelia might not have looked up to her with admiration, she had still gleaned considerable knowledge about exploring ruins and the details to watch out for from Ali's stories.

Never be too hasty!

This was a key point Ali reiterated repeatedly.

Slowing down, meticulously considering every detail.

Most ruins lack related documentation, and those that do are usually so thoroughly explored that they hold little value left to discover.

Without detailed information, every detail within the ruins becomes a critical source of information.

Carefully pondering these details, using what is known to infer the unknown, is the essence of ruins exploration.

Although this process is time-consuming, exploring a ruin is not something that can be accomplished in a day or two.

The passage was long and eerily quiet, with only the sound of Jelia's heartbeat and footsteps echoing, which made her tense up again.

Fortunately, before she could succumb to panic, a new sound emerged.

The sound of water.

More precisely, the sound of water droplets falling.

Pausing for a moment, Jelia quickened her pace.

The sound didn't seem to echo as it would in a small space, suggesting there might be an exit ahead.

...

Rushing out of the wooden house, Ali made a quick round of the village.

With a stern expression, she inquired among the subhumans and finally found Monka in his own wooden dwelling, accompanied by another subhuman.

This one also appeared to be a Werewolf but much younger than Monka.

On her way here, Ali noticed that the village seemed to have a significantly higher number of half-orcs compared to other subhumans.

Was there some sort of hidden criterion for joining this community? But these thoughts were not her current priority.

"Respected guest, what brings you here? Is there something wrong with the house, or is there an issue we can help with?"

Ali couldn't shake off the feeling that Monka's demeanor had somewhat improved.

Was it because of the presence of the younger Werewolf?

Ali observed that the other Werewolf in the room seemed indifferent to Monka's posturing, merely sizing her up coldly, much like a hunter appraising his prey.

A name came to mind.

"That's all we can do."

Although the village was populated by subhumans, there was no presence of magi.

Without a formal legacy, the odds of becoming a magus were virtually nil.

To truly uncover the mystery behind Jelia's disappearance, Ali knew she would have to rely on herself, an expectation she had from the start.

"I need you to recall anything you can, every detail matters," Ali commanded without any pleasantries.

"Additionally, I want the villagers to help me search the area for any caves, secret passages, or hidden places. Though that room is a sealed chamber, I suspect foul play is the most plausible explanation."

Someone, using some unknown method, might have entered the room and taken Jelia.

This could be a reasonable explanation, but until the final answer is revealed, every possibility remains just that—a possibility.

"I'll arrange for it immediately," Monka nodded, fully aware of the situation's gravity.

A mishandling of the affair could very well lead to the village's destruction!

As Ali turned to leave without a further word, intending to re-

examine the room—this time not sparing any corner and exploring every nook without disturbing the overall structure.

Perhaps in one of those corners lay the clue to Jelia's disappearance.

In the moment Ali turned, she didn't see Monka's expression darken.

Rudo, on the other hand, showed no reaction to Monka's grimace but watched Ali's retreating figure with interest.

Watching her leave the house without hesitation, her steps brisk as she vanished outside, underscored the urgency and determination marking her every move.

"Who do you think is behind this?"

Rudo glanced at Monka, whose face was shadowed with concern, yet there seemed to be a hint of amusement on his lips, as if he wasn't worried about the village being destroyed under Ali's wrath.

"Who else could it be? It must be him! He's come for revenge. Apart from him, no one could silently break through the barriers left by the Great Elder."

With fists clenched, a fierce flame burned in the depths of Monka's eyes.

"He wants to destroy us using Ali's hands! Just like he did before, hiding in the shadows, making fools of us all!"

Rudo clicked his tongue, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "He's the only one I can think of too. So, what should we do? If it's really him who hid the girl, we have no chance of finding her."

"We might not, but that doesn't mean everyone can't!" Monka scoffed coldly.

"If he's chosen this moment to strike, then he won't stop until he's completely destroyed us," Monka stated with a determination that matched the gravity of their situation.

"He wants all of our lives. Fine, if he's so ruthless, then let him know we're not to be trifled with!"

"Let's gather everyone in the village. We shouldn't reveal the truth just yet, just have them search within the barriers!"

Monka continued, plotting their next steps.

"We might not be able to find the girl directly, but we're bound to uncover some clue. At times like this, that's enough."

"You must realize, whether in our story or his plan, we're not the main characters."

...