Chapter 525 526-Trailing

Chapter 525 Chapter526-Trailing

Ali scratched her cheek. New n0vel chapters are published on

"You ask me if I know them; I'd rather ask you! They clearly came for you."

Undoubtedly, this was a classic case of deflecting responsibility.

Although Ali was unaware of Gick's specific intentions, the cloaked figures' relentless pursuit of her life indicated that Gick certainly marked her as a target, likely a priority second only to whatever was hidden within the subhuman village.

Suddenly, Ali thought of the deep red wolf head in the cabin.

According to Jelia's later explanation, it was undoubtedly an orc legacy.

Could that be Gick's target?

Ali pondered for a moment, her thoughts spinning in her head, yet ultimately, she chose not to voice her speculation.

It seemed wiser not to get entangled in these mysterious affairs.

She had been dragged into this mess and thought escaping and striking Gick a vicious blow on her way out would suffice.

Getting more involved meant losing control over her own extraction.

"We? How would we know what these 'civilized people' are up to? They kill and set fires; we know nothing at all!" Rudo scoffed, brandishing his knife.

"There will soon be big trouble here. If you don't want to die a senseless death, it's best you leave now."

"Leave? Leave?!"

Ali's expression changed, as if she heard a joke, then turned fierce.

"I was attacked, and you suggest I just scurry away with my tail between my legs! Do you think I'm a half-orc? I'm leaving my words here! I will find out who's behind those cloaked attackers and strike them hard with my blade!"

With a spit, Ali touched the corner of her mouth, her gaze landing on Rudo's face: "Given your current situation, I doubt you're in the mood to talk about cooperation. But if you come across any intelligence, I hope you'll let me know. If we find the one pulling the strings behind the scenes, I won't mind lending a hand."

"Of course, the same goes the other way."

This was not an alliance of interests, merely two individuals fueled by rage coming together.

Rudo pondered for a moment.

Ultimately, the decision to act still rested in his own hands.

A verbal agreement like this held no substantive significance, so he simply nodded.

"If you're looking to get involved, and you're not worried about getting stuck in the mess..."

By this point, the warning was clear.

If Ali still insisted on taking action, Rudo had neither the means nor the stance to stop her.

"By the way, your companion... how is she?"

Rudo remembered the way Ali had approached him, honestly thinking at that moment he was facing the fierce beast from his memories.

Eyes blood-red, capable of tearing everything apart.

"You mean Jelia?"

Mentioning the young girl, an odd expression crossed Ali's face.

Although Jelia had explained the situation within the legacy space, Ali could tell there were many omissions in her story.

But she hadn't pressed Jelia for more, just as she kept her own secrets from Jelia.

It wasn't that she was too physically drained to maintain her pace, but rather she sensed someone trailing her.

She certainly didn't want to bring trouble back with her.

...

Choosing a spot that seemed most appealing to her, Ali landed, turned around to face the direction she had come from, with her sword already drawn.

Infused with mana, the blade emitted a sharp aura and a deep hum.

Describing the sword as capable of slicing through iron like mud would not be an exaggeration.

Ali didn't have to wait long.

She sensed a fluctuating presence rapidly approaching, like a ghost, elusive yet with a distinctly strong presence.

Ali's expression changed slightly.

Her inability to precisely detect the enemy only meant one thing: Gick was serious this time.

The opponent was at least a level 2 magus, equivalent to another Red Eye.

"How did you find me?"

A vague shadow landed about twenty meters in front of Ali, its body enveloped in granular black mist, with its shape and face hidden under a hooded cloak, reminiscent of the cloaked figures Ali and Roronora had dispatched in abundance.

"If I tell you, will you just turn around, leave, and disappear from my sight?" Ali asked.

"That's unlikely, I'm afraid. My orders are to kill you," the shadow shook its head, then nodded.

"But, I can offer you a quicker death, one that's less unsightly and without torture."

Negotiations had clearly broken down at this point.

However, Ali still wanted to say something more, even if just to buy some time.

It could prove useful.

With this thought, Ali began to formulate her words.

However, the shadow showed no interest in continuing the conversation with Ali.

With a gesture, the black mist converged, swiftly forming into a pitch-black rapier about three feet in length.

Though short, the rapier, a weapon designed for close combat, didn't need length to be effective.

"You can call me Code 19."

The shadow raised its hand, the tip of the rapier aiming directly at Ali's face.

"I'm somewhat sorry, but I'd like to return to Oak Village quickly; it's been a long time since I've had a rest."

In his view, Ali was merely a pawn whose fate had already been decided.

Without sufficient strength, how could one escape the chessboard and become a "hero" against a player like Gick?

"So, please, go ahead and die!"

The voice stretched on the last syllable, reminiscent of a comical falsetto on a theater stage, where half a note is abruptly elongated and then distorted.

Code 19 vanished from Ali's sight!

Another opponent who relied on speed.