Chapter 230: Final Preparations (1/2)
Shingi started his way back to the hideout. He was still under the effect of the INVISIBILITY Spell and moved carefully while using his STEALTH Skill just to be safe.
He was halfway to the hideout when he jumped backwards, as he noticed a lightning bolt appearing out of nowhere and falling exactly at his spot.
He luckily avoided it in time and turned towards the opposite direction from where he was heading. Small bolts of lightning were gathering in a spot a bit of a distance from him and were forming a figure.
The figure finished forming within a couple of seconds and was the same female Mage Shingi faced at the mine just a few moments ago.
'It seemed I underestimated her. '[Shingi]
Shingi dropped his Spell, as he could tell from the precision of the last attack that she could tell where he was. As for any other people, he didn't detect any.
He had his hood and drew the same daggers as he had before. He was in a defensive position, waiting for the next move of this new enemy.
”I thought I would have to play more with you before stopping hiding. It would be best to drop your hood too, as it is useless, and this place is too hot to wear one.” [Female Mage]
Shingi could tell from her tone that she was confident, but not overconfident. She was on another level than the Players of the Dark Guild he had faced until now, and the demonstration of her spellcasting until now was a clear sign of that.
Having a three Element combined Mana Pool was challenging but not unheard of, but no beginner could do so. Also, besides the control over her Spells being at a top-notch level, her detection abilities were exceptionally high.
Shingi considered that her hiding skills were also high, and it wasn't an accident he didn't detect her last time at the mine.
HASTE wasn't active anymore, and if Shingi recast it on himself, its effect would soon be lesser. But it didn't seem like he needed a speed boost for now.
”Who are you?” [Shingi]
He didn't remove his hood, and had a defensive position with his dagger as he perceived this fascinating, unknown figure.
”It seems that you are more mistrusted than the stories. I can't answer your question in the little time we have, but maybe this one will help. How is Biscuit?” [Female Mage]
The last question surprised Shingi, as it was unexpected.
'Is she a spy from the Storm Guild?' [Shingi]
Shingi didn't speak out his question for now. Instead, he starred at the woman, trying to get a read on her, but he got nothing. This was a rare occasion to Shingi, as he had even had conversations with Gods and could get something out of them, but against this fellow, he had nothing.
”I guess the mistrust continues. I respect that. I have just one thing to say. Try to not mess much with the people here. Things sometimes aren't how they look.” [Female Mage]
Her body turned in many bolts of lightning and moved back in the mine's direction as she said that.
'What was that about?' [Shingi]
Shingi didn't stay long there, and after making sure that the woman indeed left, he recast INVISIBILITY and made his way to the hideout.
He moved extra carefully, and to be safe, he took many turns around as even if one followed him, there was a significant chance to miss him.
He made it back to the hideout, where everyone, including Price and White Biscuit, was there waiting for him, while some of them worked on their daily training or preparations for the trip ahead.
As he entered the room, he dropped his INVISIBILITY. Then Price, White Biscuit, and Little Phoenix walked towards him.
”You took your sweet time. So, did you find any new clues?” [Price]
Shingi nodded as he summoned the stone part from his Spatial Ring.
”This was more than we considered. It may help with getting Syra back to her home.” [Shingi]
Syra was nearby, and as she heard that since Shingi was speaking in an average volume, she joined them too.
As she looked at the stone, she had a look of recognition in her eyes.
”That is part of that door. The one that brought me here. ”[Syra]