Chapter 128: UFO (1/2)
The walls opened in front of him grandly as if paradise itself was welcoming his arrival. Sier could only look with awe as he walked into the fortress that began to glow with runes, coming to life. The runes masters, awakeners, and the soldiers tried to rush inside but strong wind pushed them back and the gate closed.
”Is it that newbie?” William asked with bafflement that Sier shared. He had no idea that someone he picked up using his ability would grow this much in less than six weeks. Even though he was weak right now, Arthur's ability in anything runes-related had always left him amazed.
The gears shifted as the fortress began to move. The group looked at each other before nodding and heading deeper into the fortress. The first layer consisted of offensive runes, the second was a wide space, the third was of giant corridors, and the fourth was like the second but only larger.
As they stood in front of the fourth layer's gate, they all felt tense. Just like before, the gate opened to reveal an elegant hallway. There were engravings on the walls of trees and seas looking almost life-like. They passed the entrance and found themselves in a giant foyer.
”Uh, are we in a different place?” Zas couldn't help but ask. His confusion was understandable since this place looked more like a mansion than a fortress.
A set of doors opened toward a smaller room, but still fairly large. They entered and found Arthur and Ivy sitting inside. It seems they were already having a conversation. They were sitting on a round table that held a sand-watch on top. The room was brightly lit by runes and held a few other pieces of furniture and a long table. A Silver chandelier hanged from the ceiling and glittered with stars.
”Do you think you can do it?” Ivy asked with a convinced but worried tone.
”With this fortress, I can.” He answered and turned to face Sier and the others. He spread his arms as a grin plastered his face. ”Welcome, everyone.”
”Are you the one controlling this place?” William asked with obvious skepticism. Arthur wasn't offended and nodded. ”How?”
”Simple. I decoded the core this fortress had and had it acknowledge me as its master.”
”You?” Zas was startled and glanced at Si. It seems everyone thought that the obvious master of Mistletoe's fortress should be Sier, their leader.
”Yes, me.” Arthur didn't seem to realize their thoughts. ”It's not like I can choose someone else. Whoever cracks its shell open would be the one it submits to. Plus, I think I'm the best fit for controlling runes.”
Everyone's attention was shifted toward Si. He carried a stoic expression as he looked at Arthur, studying him.
'He looks different.' Si realized. Arthur's eyed glowed brighter than before, his demeanor more confident. If Si had to guess, it would probably be that he finally realized his worth. He didn't hate this but liked it a lot.
”Why is everyone looking at me like this?” Si shrugged. ”You guys make me feel like I've taken whatever you obtained before. This place is Arthur's since he was the one who planned for it and obtained it. We merely helped him.”
”But…” William frowned. ”You should be the one to control our hideout, not someone else.”
Sier's ability was related to perception, so he was unparalleled in reading faces. Even though he couldn't read Arthur's mind, he was still able to deduce that Arthur didn't like what William said.
'Is it because he's being selfish?' Si pondered. 'No, he was the one to suggest that we use this place. What is it?' After a few seconds of thinking, Sier felt that he found the probable cause. 'He sees this place as his own. He didn't like William proclaiming this place as his own.'
Even though it had been a short time since the two got to know each other, Sier was able to deduct a few things about Arthur. First of all, he was naïve but also not stupid. He realized a couple of things, things that should deter him from certain actions, but he chose otherwise.
He was strong-willed. He wasn't easily influenced by others.
”The association couldn't even get past the fourth layer of this place, but Arthur took over in a single day. Do you think this place would have been ours if not for him?” Sier didn't say it explicitly, but his words were obvious. This was Arthur's gain.
”This place would serve as Mistletoe's hideout.” Arthur followed up. ”There are already enough rooms for everyone here and a lot more. You can rest until we reach the south-eastern border.”
”What? Why are we going there?” Hua turned with shock at Arthur's words. ”There's an ongoing war if you haven't noticed!” Her accent was subtle yet distinct. The others also turned to Arthur in confusion, Si included.