93 Obstacles (1/2)

”Have you received any communication from her?”

”No, sir. The last time she contacted was to inform us that she's still trying to find Wallace.”

The man who asked the question was Troy, the leader of the Zairusian's delegates, and was answered by Lucian. They were now on a different location after the attack that has occurred on their previous hotel.

Max was together with Lucian as they were called by Troy in his room. The place they were staying at were now closer to the venue of the International Competition.

They still have about a week to prepare before the competition thus, making Troy hopeful that Yumi would find Wallace on time.

He was the one who picked up the letter that Wallace left so he was aware that the escapee still had plans to attend the competition.

He recalled that the letter only said he would be looking for something important in this country and it would take him some time depending on the situation.

This is the reason why he agreed to let Yumi search for Wallace and help him instead.

”Mhm, I trust her abilities to track Wallace as I personally knew her and know her tricks. But she doesn't have any responsibility to report back to me, so I'm not sure what's the current situation. Once you receive any update from her, please let me know.” Troy sighed and sincerely requested. He was partially worried for the two due to the ambush they fought and would like to help in searching to make Wallace's task faster but someone was needed to stay and protect this place filled with their country's students.

”Of course. We will do so.” Lucian swiftly answered. It seems that Troy was really kind as he didn't get mad despite Wallace's action.

The two guards was even more worried about the situation as they were tasked by Percival to protect Wallace at all times, but here they are, waiting for Yumi's update and guard the place to defend for possible assault from the Z company.

***

”We didn't see anyone passed over. Only Keroxes lives here.” The leader answered the girl and he didn't mind that the girl ignored his question.

”Is that right? Then, please excuse me.”

The young girl answered and continued to walk. She looked exasperated at the current situation. She doesn't really care about these mercenaries illegaly hunting Keroxes here in Kharvatt Sierra.

She had been confident in her tracking abilities but this forest had such high density of Mana that distrupts her ability. She could only follow the physical traces she found based on the last place she detected his presence.

The eight mercenaries didn't thought that the girl would just leave at that. It's not like they wanted her to ask more questions, but they couldn't help being curious about this young girl.

Kirov glanced at his leader waiting for an instruction. Unfortunately, the man was also struggling to decide on what action they should take.

Finally, after considering possible outcomes, the leader decided to get on offensive.

”Salko, probe her.” The leader ordered silently using his hidden comm. Salko was positioned on the young girl's left side just about 20 meters away.

Upon hearing the instruction from the leader, Salko unhesitatingly pulled out a short staff mana artifact.

”Imperial Command - Bind”

The staff emitted a dark blue light and surrounded the ground where the girl was standing. The ground started to shake and as if coming into life, the soil tried to trap the girl and enclose her.

Salko was only ordered to probe her and not to lethally attack, so he didn't use a high-powered gun they were using to kill mana beasts. This spell he just used was one of his best spells in terms of immobilizing unsuspecting targets.

The girl frowned at the sudden attack but didn't lose her cool. She stepped aside and dodged the attack effortlessly surprising the eight merceneries.

No, the single step she made covered at least ten steps in total. The leader understood that the girl wasn't normal and had probably used a high level technique. Aside from that, he didn't felt any Mana fluctuations from her so he was really getting confused.

”Hey, I ignored you guys hunting here illegaly.”

The girl said unhappily. She was annoyed at the fact that these guys attacked her abruptly but she didn't show any intention to retaliate.

”You're obviously a high tier magician, what are you doing here?” The leader replied. Everyone were now on high alert upon seeing the unscathed girl who remained calm despite the situation.