Chapter 230 - One year (1/2)

While Lenny and the others were busy deciding on what to do next. Ark had decided to pay a visit to Lilly to see if she was feeling any better. Inside her room, Lilly lied down on her bed covered in sweat. She had clearly gone through a painful healing process but the colour had seemed to return to her face.

During Ark's time at the Fallen Angel, Lilly had always looked out for him and their Guild, it was the reason why Ark was even more shocked when Mark had betrayed them. But even then, not once did Lilly think Ark as a traitor.

”Please get better soon,” Ark said as he left Lilly be and decided to head to the castle canteen for some food.

Due to the investigation teams' achievements, they were granted stay in the castle. It was a good place for the team to hold meetings and didn't need to worry about finances.

The Canteen was empty as it was late in the afternoon and everyone had long eaten.

While Ark was busy lining up to get some food a guard had approached him from behind.

”Thank you for all the help you guys have given to our city.”

”Oh no, please don't thank me.” Ark replied, ”It's the others you need to thank.”

”Nonsense, don't think I don't know about your reputation when you were a member of Fallen angel. I have no doubt that you played a big part in taking back the west outpost.”

Ark wanted to correct the guard but he knew it was useless. Ark felt kind of bad because he knew that t was mainly due to, Ray, Gary and Jack that they were able to take control back from the outpost. In terms of skill, they were far above what he was cable of.

Suddenly though, Ark started to hear the sounds of whispers in his head. An almost recognisable voice. It was Gary's. It was trying to persuade him to do something.

”What's wrong?” the guard asked.

”Take him out, and come follow my voice,” Gary said.

Then as if his body had been taken over from Gary's words. Arks hand moved on its own and hit the guard in the stomach. The guard fell to the floor like a sack.

”Now Run,” Gary said.

Ark didn't know what to and his body started to move. Again it felt like he had no control, he could fight it but at the same time, he didn't want to. As he gave into it, he had a satisfying feeling run through his body.

Ark continued to run out of the castle and followed the voice. Until it had eventually led him to a quiet part of the city. One of the poorer parts. There were mainly homeless people living on the streets and the houses looked like they could barely stand.

For a rich city, it was rare for Ark to see a sight like this, but this reminded ark that every city had a side that it just wanted to shove under the rug and hideaway.

Ark continued to follow the voice until it had led him down a dark alleyway. In the alleyway stood a hooded man. Once Ark had seen the man, Ark bowed and went down on one knee.

”Gary is that you?” Ark asked.