Chapter 364: Not Protectors? (1/2)

'Protectors?' They had the same thought, but Sebastian immediately corrected them. ”Nope. It's not like what you all are thinking about.”

”Then, what was it?” Kai frowned. ”Who met the dolphin?”

”We were not very sure too, but according to our scouts, the one the dolphin waiting for had a big shadow, so we knew its size was big. Before we could proceed even further, the scouts said they got taken out by a series of attacks that launched them without any hints. They couldn't recognize what the attack was.” He shook his head.

”Then, the magical beast…Came from the forest itself?”

”I believe so.” He nodded. ”However, we don't know anything else. That's why I can't venture too deep inside the forest without a huge army. From what my soldiers said, the magical beast didn't even release its magic power, but somehow the power it had was transmitted to them. When I showed my strength to my soldiers, they told me without hesitation that I would die if I faced the magical beast.” Sebastian smiled.

”What? Die? Can't you escape? I mean—” Tommy was shocked. S Rank Magicians were the dream of people since they were kids, so it was hard to believe that they would easily die. But before he finished his words, Sebastian already nodded his head, shutting him up.

'That shadow… Don't tell me…' Kai frowned and thought of something. He then asked. ”Was there anything else?”

”Yes. The shadow told my soldiers one last thing. Go back, you are not qualified to meet me.” Sebastian nodded.

”!!!” This proved Kai's doubt. His expression was darkened as he recognized who the shadow was. 'There is no doubt that the shadow is a real Protector. However, I don't know which species it belongs to.'

”You look like you know something.” Sebastian narrowed his eyes, finding something from Kai's expression.

”Did the message get transmitted in human language?” Kai asked.

”Yes.” Sebastian nodded.

Kai closed his eyes and felt the gazes from his teammates. Ultimately, he shook his head.

”No? I feel like you are telling me it's a secret. Is it something that I shouldn't know? Even for someone like me?” Sebastian asked again.

”Yes. Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything about this.” Kai shook his head.

”I see. Then, do you have a suggestion of what we should do?”

”I don't know. Do you have the location of their meeting?”

”Yes. Are you going to meet the shadow? Are you someone qualified? What are the requirements?” Sebastian became even more curious.

Kai only shook his head. ”Someone will meet him. Unfortunately, his identity still can't be disclosed. And my ears will be the guide.”

Sebastian pondered what he said. 'Someone will meet that shadow? A human will meet the shadow that has the power to even kill me? Is that shadow an S Rank Beast? That might be possible, but there is something weird in this matter…But all I know is the man before I have the ability to reach that place.'

Despite Kai saying no, he still tried to join this operation by asking another question. ”Can I join you?”

”No. Whatever you do, you can't meet that shadow because the consequences will be tremendous.” Kai shook his head.

He didn't lie this whole time. That someone was him, and he told specifically that ”his” ears would be the guide. The consequence was him knowing the truth about Kai's identity as a protector from the Human Race, so it was big, considering it would influence the entire race.

”I see. In that case, I won't talk about this anymore. We are in the military, and there is always the term of state's secret. You need to keep advancing your military rank to know more and more secrets, but it seems this one is out of my league. I mean, even in the past, there are some secrets that only the president can know like the nuclear launch code or some secret treasures.” Sebastian shrugged. ”I have gotten used to it.”

”Thank you for your understanding.” Kai nodded.

”I want to end this talk with one last question. Will it be a threat to humanity?” Sebastian asked. If it were more secretive than an S Rank Magical Beasts or the Protectors, it would mean the scale was bigger than them, so he needed to ask this, or he couldn't sleep during the night.

”Threat or not, I am not very sure,” Kai paused and took a deep breath before continuing, ”But I know it will affect mankind as a whole.”

Everyone drew a gasp, including Michelle and the others. They never thought Kai knew something like this and had been hiding the fact that he bore such a burden on his shoulders.

Little did they know, Kai just knew about it not long ago, specifically after meeting with the Lion King.

”Let's go to our main topic then. Since you have thought about that shadow, I will continue about the risk you will face during the mission. For the time being, I want you to not venture that deep inside the forest because that's where most magical beasts lie.