Chapter 156: The Encounter with Wicked Marionette Wesley
After quite some time walking, they finally saw the walls of Serenity Town.
As they observed Serenity Town from a distance, they quickly noticed that the level of security around the area has significantly increased.
Just like what they have expected along the way, it seems like quite a lot of people from Serenity Town is under the charm of Wesley.
Back then when they first entered the territory, aside from a few guards maintaining order, there were barely any more patrolling the territory.
However, right now, the number of guards has almost tripled.
Moreover, they weren't just wearing ordinary equipment, but equipment for war.
There were also mages, tanks, and assassins forming groups and patrolling slightly far from Serenity Town. Those groups seem to be split into two squads that take turns to patrol outside.
"Are we really that scary?" Gilbert can't help muttering.
For them to prepare the guards as if there's a war that's about to happen only means that Wesley doesn't underestimate Friedrich's party even the slightest.
"This is quite overwhelming," Friedrich said jokingly.
"How would they feel if they realize that we won't be coming to Serenity Town?" Jude can't help muttering.
"The Assembly of Freedom would most likely feel embarrassed. And Wesley's effort would ultimately be all for nothing,"
"Who might those people outside be?" Kayn pointed at a group of people surrounded by dozens of guards.
"I know who they are!" Gilbert quickly answered. "If I am not mistaken, that guy at the center of the group was the one who posted the mission to find the Molten Magma Core in the Peaceful Volcano. I think his name is Nixon,"
"Just how great is Wesley's influence in the Serenity Town?" Friedrich was surprised.
Realizing that, Kayn immediately understood something, "I am guessing that Wesley doesn't intend on going to war with us,"
"Impossible! He set up an ambush outside the Peaceful Volcano. If he wasn't looking for a war with us, then what else?"
"Perhaps Wesley was testing if he can get the Molten Magma Core from us without costing him anything. Look," Kayn pointed out.
Behind Nixon's group were three carriages that carries with them countless coins.
"I believe that as long as we give the man named Nixon the Molten Magma Core, they will peacefully give us those carriages, and then we can immediately walk away," Kayn assumes.
"That's too good to be true," Friedrich shakes his head in dismissal.
Kayn finally changed the topic. "Anyways, we are just wasting time staying here, let's quickly make a detour and meet up with Gnarlak's group so that we can leave this place for good,"
"I agree," Friedrich nodded.
With that being said, Friedrich started leading everyone to the direction of the shore where Gnarlak's group are currently hiding in wait.
As they made their way there, they made sure not to be spotted by anyone from Serenity Town.
Unfortunately, Kayn and the others didn't realize just how extensive Wesley's influence was. His influence wasn't only limited to people, but also animals.
Without Kayn and the others knowing, countless ants that were peacefully crawling under their feet are actually amongst those that were charmed by Wesley.
It's very easy to charm ants compared to Humans. Wesley could just drop a piece of food and all ants in the colony would instantly be under his charm.
As soon as Kayn and the others passed by them, they swiftly started sending a signal from one ant to another until it reached their queen ant which is currently with Wesley.
After being alerted by one of the queen ants with him, Wesley immediately directed the members of the Assembly of Freedom to come with him to chase after Friedrich and the others. He didn't bring the others who are influenced by his charm with him after finding out that there is someone in Friedrich's party that can easily knock them out unconscious. It would just be useless, and not to mention, it might accidentally backfire on him. Better be safe than sorry, that's what he thought.
…..
Kayn and the others reached the shore and finally meet up with Gnarlak who is now swiftly starting to evacuate along with his men on top of the Guardian Turtle who is currently waiting for them.
"We need to hurry, I am starting to have a bad feeling about this," Kayn motioned for everyone to hasten their work. It was as if something is about to come to them.
He has always been a man who believes when facts and reality are presented in front of him. But he also occasionally believes what his guts say. And right now, his guts are sending a warning to him that something bad is about to happen.
"Everyone, prepare your weapons," Friedrich suddenly warned.
As if proving that he was right, Kayn saw over the distance a group of people swiftly approaching their location.
"It's Wesley and those members of the Assembly of Freedom inside the cave before," Friedrich informs everyone.
In just a single second, Gilbert and the others faced Wesley's direction with their weapons ready in their hands.
Nevertheless, Gnarlak and his men didn't stop their evacuation to the back of the Guardian Turtle.
The reason why they are taking a lot of time is that they have gathered plenty of resources in the time that Kayn and the others were away. And they can't just leave them behind as they plan to use them when they finally establish their Village in the future.
Kayn and the others knew about it. That's why they weren't against Gnarlak and his men delaying their departure.
However, they can't help feeling slightly regretful in their decision after seeing Wesley and his group finally arriving in front of them.
"Friedrich, we meet again," Wesley greeted. But his face soon changes as he looks around his surroundings. The level of shock he is feeling deep inside of him increased steadily after finding the existence of Goblins and discovering the huge Guardian Turtle a few tens of meters away from them. "I didn't expect you had reinforcement…"