Book 4: Chapter 44: A Brewing Storm II

Book 4: Chapter 44: A Brewing Storm II

The old man opened his mouth but then hesitated. How close were you with the fighters of your group? he asked.

Zeke frowned. From this alone, he could pretty much guess the identity of the second traitor. Ishaan?

The old man nodded with a grim expression.

There was nobody to stop him? Zeke asked.

The old man sighed. Its even worse than that, he explained solemnly. After he was done with the fighters, he snuck into the main building and attacked even more people.

Zeke steeled himself. Are they all dead? he asked. Fortunately, he had bought Ashen Wolf before tragedy struck, but there were still Ripper and the others.

No, the old man said. Zekes relief was short-lived, however, as he immediately went on, But it would almost be better if they were.

Zekes face hardened at those words. His voice held a dangerous edge. What do you mean by that?

Palms raised placatingly, the old man said, Its not what you think, and I dont say this because I look down on them, either.

Zeke calmed down. What happened to them? he asked.

The old man averted his eyes. Do you know what a Marrow-Shackle is?

[Notice]

The Marrow-Shackle is a short-range projectile weapon developed by the dwarfs. The technology was designed to counteract Life Mages. It works by embedding tiny Voidiron splinters into the bone marrow of its target, interrupting the flow of Mana. The wounds caused by these weapons cannot be healed.

I know about it, Zeke nodded grimly. What is their condition?

Again, the old man sighed. Most cant even walk, and none of them can fight anymore. For the Chimeroi, this might have been an even crueler fate than to kill them outright.

This time, Zeke kept his cool. Why is that?

The old man looked at Zeke with a hint of reproach. Surely you dont think that the Master will keep a bunch of useless slaves around to feed and care for until they die of old age?

Zeke met the old mans gaze calmly. What then? Is he going to cast them out? Kill them?

Their gazes clashed. The old man was the first to avert his eyes, shaking his head. No decision has been reached so far. And that isnt likely to change anytime soon, either.

Zeke raised his brows. In his opinion, the master of the Lions Den was a decisive man. Why?

The old mans eyes glazed over for a moment. You are right. Normally, he wouldnt do that. Zeke felt a palpable sadness radiating off him. His gaze then traveled to Leo, searching for an explanation.

Leo didnt disappoint. Do you remember how we said that Ishaan snuck into the main house?

Zeke nodded slowly, a bad premonition creeping up on him.

He didnt only attack the slaves, but some of the Mages too, Leo explained. Among them

Immediately, Zeke understood. Sunil, he said softly.

Leo nodded. He is alive, but

Zeke met Leos gaze and gave him a curt nod. Not only did Zeke consider Sunil a friend, but he knew firsthand how much Ravi cared about his son. Now, it all made sense. If Ravi's son had been among the victims in addition to the familial bonds, Sunil was also his only descendant and heir. If the young man was crippled, then it was as good as ending his line.

How is he holding up?

Leo lifted a brow. You two know each other?

Zeke nodded. She guided me on the first day.

Leo frowned and crouched down next to the bowing woman and poked her face from the side. Why are you treating him so respectfully when you are so casual with me?

Keo is Keo, and Blood Dragon is Blood Dragon. Figure the rest out for yourself, Kaaria scolded in a hushed tone.

In any other situation, Zeke might have smiled. His brother really had a knack for putting people at ease. Somehow, she was talking comfortably with his brother and even berating him openly. This was far from normal for a slave.

Kaaria slowly stood back up while keeping an eye on Zekes expression. After noticing his mood, she spoke hesitantly, May I ask what you have come here for, young Master?

I wanted to see how my comrades were fairing, Zeke said as he gestured at the beds all around.

Kaaria quickly hid the frown that had emerged on her face. However, Zeke had still caught it. Is there a problem with my request?

No, young master, she said. Is there anyone in specific you would like to visit?

Zeke remained silent. There was indeed somebody he wanted to visit. However, he was afraid of what he might hear when asking about her. After a momentary pause, he still spoke her name. Ripper.

Kaaria took out a small clipboard hanging at her belt. Her lips moved silently as she went through the names one by one. Zekes heart clenched as he watched her finger move down the list without coming to a halt. Was she dead, after all?

However, he didnt have to suffer for long.

[Notice]

Dont worry, Host. She is here.

Zeke let out the breath he had been holding. Thankfully, the worst hadnt happened. Just as Akasha had said, Kaaria found her name on the third page. She signaled for Zeke to follow before giving Leo a warning glare.

After walking a few steps, he couldnt suppress his curiosity anymore. Mr. Keo doesnt seem to be welcome?

Kaaria sighed. Not by my will.

Then who?

Karria hesitated for a moment before an even deeper sigh escaped her lips. The patients

What? Zeke exclaimed. He had expected some nefarious plot, not this. Do they dislike him that much?

Its not that they dislike him. It's just hard for them to talk to somebody like him.

Somebody like him? Zeke asked.

Mr. Keo is a very optimistic person, she explained. However, sometimes hope can be an eyesore to those who have none.

Zeke fell silent, remembering the eyes of the young man he had seen earlier. He didnt ask anything else and quietly followed behind Karria. After passing by at least two dozen patients, she came to a halt. After a nod toward the bed, Karria left.

Zeke carefully approached the bed, inspecting the figure lying there. Her hair was long and wild, a tangled mess of deep ebony locks. Even now, her bare upper body displayed an impressive set of corded muscles. This was the woman he remembered if not for a single fact. Her emerald eyes were vacant and unfocused. It was an expression he had never seen on the proud warrior. The sight was so alien that he almost didnt believe this was the person he knew.

For a while, he just stood there, hesitating on what to do. Would his visit bother her? However, he soon dismissed that thought. He was already here, and it was too late for second thoughts.

Zeke sat down on the floor next to the mattress and leaned his back against the wall. Ripper didnt react, but he hadnt expected her to in the first place. However, what was he supposed to say? It somehow felt like a simple hello wouldnt cut it. Even worse was the fact that the longer he waited, the more awkward he felt.

This couldnt go on. Before the situation got even worse, Zeke just blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

You look like shit.