Chapter 22：An Outsider (1/2)

'Isn't he a part of the group that I saw earlier?' Arthur thought to himself. The man in the robe waited calmly for Arthur to answer.

”You… are not someone from the seven families.” The man under the hood stared with amazement. He then continued, ”What's your name?”

”… Arthur Silvera.” Arthur didn't plan on giving out his name, but the indescribable familiar feeling he had urged him to. He looked for any changes in the man's demeanor and to his surprise, the man began to laugh.

”I see, I see, the clocks of fate are turning.” Arthur could now see the man's mouth from under the hood. It had a wide grin. The man was about to say something more when a roar resounded from the tower in the distance.

As Arthur looked at the tower, he could see that it was shining brightly. However, as soon as the light dimmed, Arthur's instincts tingled for him to run away.

”Arthur! We need to run!” Hazel was back again and her face was pale. The roar earlier was of no primitive beast, and it wasn't something they could take care of in their current situation. As Arthur turned to look at the man for one last time, the man was already gone.

Hazel and Arthur ran far away from the tower as they tried to create some distance. As their stamina was decreasing, the sound of the monster was getting further and further away. They reached a mountain range when they collapsed and started to collect their breath.

”We can't stay alone,” Hazel said after a lot of thoughts. Arthur looked at her unable to figure out what she meant.

”Hazel O'Keril?” A voice from above interrupted their conversation. As Arthur looked upward, he saw a group of people on the trees. They held bows and staffs with most of their bows aimed at them.

Hazel's body flinched as she heard this voice. She turned around and her eyes shook visibly when she saw the man standing on the tree with a purple robe on. He had a fine complexion fairer than most girls Arthur knew. As Arthur looked at him, he saw some similarities between Hazel and him.

”Jin. What are you doing here?” Hazel scowled with unhidden displeasure. It seems the two knew each other.

”The Holy Crown, of course. What, you thought you were the only one who was going to participate? A summoner like you?” Jin's words were as venomous as they could get a contrast to his kind appearance. The group started laughing and Hazel clutched her hands tightly.

”You're still a part of the family, so come along. And who's this?” Jin turned toward Arthur with apparent uninterest.

”Someone from a lower family. I brought him along.” Hazel lied with a straight-face and Arthur decided to shut his mouth for now. Jin simply nodded and the group began traveling toward the mountain range.

”Just follow along. It's safer if we join them.” Hazel whispered toward Arthur and the latter simply nodded. As they followed behind the group, they left the forest and entered a valley. In the valley was a camp set up by a lake. The place reminded Arthur of the place he was thrown to after he met Jizo.

As they neared the camp, everyone started to head toward their tent. Only Hazel and Arthur kept following Jin toward the biggest tent in the middle of the camp. As they neared, Jin stopped and turned toward the two.

”I'll probably be able to get a place for you in the camp, but don't you misunderstand. I'm not doing this out of affection, but simply because the elders asked me to help any family member I meet.”

With these words, Jin entered the tent. Arthur wondered who asked him for an explanation but he simply shrugged. It felt like Jin didn't want to look like he took care of Hazel.

The two followed after Jin and what greeted them was a round table with several maps laying around. The two sat at two empty chairs and waited until Jin returned with someone else.

The newcomer was a young man with a battle armor on. He looked dignified with his stern face on and tall stature. Arthur didn't feel like this person was arrogant, but he wasn't easy to deal with because of his serious personality.

”You can stay here since Jin knows you. Each person needs to contribute one primitive mana core per day to rest here. Food and tents would be provided by the camp. Of course, safety is included. Until the end of the seventh round, we'll hunt monsters together. Follow Jin to your tents.”