Chapter 158: Calamity is Here (1/2)

Nikolai found himself in a pinch after hearing the voice. Something within the darkness called out for him, but Nikolai did not want to go into dangerous areas without reason. It was idiotic.

However, something was staring at him from within the darkness. It was also trying to surround him to force him into venturing into the valley.

”That is a bit suspicious, man. That is the same strategy that predators use to lure in their prey. I am out of here.”

Nikolai ran away from the valley as fast as possible, reaching the cabin after several minutes. The person sitting outside the cabin was no other than Lucas.

”You are out of breath,” he said as Nikolai appeared from behind a tree. ”Are you running away from something?”

”I am not,” he replied. ”However, I think that we need to change hideouts again. This place is not safe.”

”This is the only place that is away from the kingdom,” Lucas shook his head. ”There is a strict lockdown on the city now because of the upcoming ritual. Anyone who tries to enter the city is forced to turn away and leave.”

”We can sneak into the city,” Nikolai did not care for his warning. ”There is always a way. If things go south, then we can call for the princess.”

”We are not getting her involved in this mess,” Lucas shook his head. ”There is no need for us to...” he was talking but suddenly stopped. Lucas waved his arm, and a blade of wind flew away to strike down a tree.

”Young Master found out about me,” a voice appeared from within the tree before it morphed into a different creature. Nikolai heavily frowned when he heard the voice.

”Master Edward Ver Rosia,” bowed Lucas. ”I did not mean to attack you. I am only paranoid of unknown enemies.”

”I am quite amazed that you found me,” Master Edward looked offended before he turned toward Nikolai. ”Yay, Lyle is here!”

”I know that you followed me here, Master,” Nikolai said before he bowed. ”I apologize that I did not ask for your permission before going away.”

'What kind of rotten luck is this?' Nikolai inwardly screamed. 'The Fairy Queen appeared, and now it is this psychopath. I should have destroyed the tattoo a long time ago.'

”I was worried about you, Lyle. This forest is a dangerous place at the moment, and coming here is unwise. However, I overheard your conversation,” he shamelessly announced. ”It seems you have an issue going back. I can help you with that.”

”There is no need, Master Edward,” Nikolai shook his head. ”You can go back ahead of us. We still have some training to do. This is the reason that Princess Maria allowed me to skip on work.”

”Ah yes,” Master Edward played with his long hair. ”A special technique that you can teach to Young Master Griffin. I am quite curious about it, but I can feel something else over there.”

Master Edward pointed toward the cabin. A smile appeared on his face as he started walking toward it.

”We are using a monster to aid in our training, that is all. You do not need to waste your time on this,” Nikolai had to come up with the bullshit that not even he believes. Master Edward stopped in front of him with a smile on his face.

”It seems you made yourself comfortable here, Lyle. First of all, you avoid me like the plague. Now, you hide secrets from me. Maria is not here, so I can stop pretending that you are anything more than my prisoner.”

”Master Edward,” frowned Lucas as he took a step forward. ”Please stop joking. Your words are quite offensive to my friend.”

”A friend, even?” Master Edward raised his brows. ”You are pretty smooth with people, Lyle. I thought better of you. Yet, here you are, indulging in nonsense like friends.

Nikolai found himself sweating because of the similarities between this man and the person who traumatized him. They were the same in this aspect: treating Nikolai like he was their possession.

”I have yet to disobey you, Master Edward,” Nikolai forced a smile. ”We are still on the same page. I will make the princess less naive. There is no change in our plans.”

”Oho, I see,” smiled the strategist. ”However, you forget one thing. I am far smarter than you are. I know what you did in the past few days, and I know what happened with the Fairy Queen.”