Chapter 1089 (2/2)

Randidly’s reasoning was twofold: first, he wanted more information about the armory. And second… Randidly couldn’t stay away after witnessing that power. It was a small thing, not on the scale of what he had seen from Lady Iellaya or Commander Terith, but it was this effortless use of imbuing image into smoke and fire with such potency that it became a medium for life that truly made Randidly tremble.

These two were stronger than the Commanders. And although it was more hope than based on any facts, Randidly believed they were also more powerful than Lord Miln.

The guards who had brought them here glanced at Randidly, but ultimately let him go; they were more concerned with the continued harassment of Zagnal. But as Randidly began to walk away, one of the nervous-looking guards stepped in Randidly’s path. Although Randidly could sense his unease, this tall, furry guard seemed much more composed than some of his fellows.

He leaned forward and spoke in a quiet voice that only Randidly could hear. “It is not smart to approach. If they do not like you… well. Many have died in the armory. Even guards go missing on occasion.”

The Grim Chimera instantly was on guard as Randidly met this guard’s eyes, but they were completely clear and guileless. Slowly, Randidly relaxed. It was unfortunate to learn, but Randidly was still tempted by the casual power he had witnessed. At least this explained why the guards in the surrounding area were twitching and exchanging uneasy glances after their party arrived. They were likely afraid one of the arrivals would do something to upset these two powerful figures, and the negative emotion would be taken out on them later.

Even so, the Grim Chimera hungered for the slightest whiff of power, and Randidly agreed.

But it was not selfish worry that motivated this guard, Randidly could tell. This furry fellow seemed genuinely concerned about Randidly. So he offered him a grin and asked, “And if they like me?”

“Obviously your task of selecting Fates becomes more manageable. But I have heard rumors about you. You are an image that Lord Miln is sending to his death,” The guard said slowly. The corners of his eyes crinkled. “Could you have ended up in this situation if you were a likable individual?”

Randidly genuinely laughed. “Certainly, it seems that Lord Miln is a popular leader. His soldiers follow his lead in many areas.”

The crinkles around the guard’s eyes deepened. “How could it not be so? All soldiers are loyal to their commander.”

Well, well, well. What have we here, Randidly thought with interest as he continued to look at the guard in front of him. The man appeared more beast-like human, likely something akin to a wolfman. But his eyes were honest and amused as they spoke with obvious sarcasm. Someone who isn’t so keen on Lord Miln. Offering me that warning, even knowing that I will probably die soon… is it kindness, or guile?

“Randidly Ghosthound. Thanks for the warning,” Randidly said as he offered his hand.

The wolfman’s long tongue lolled out between his jaws. “Colhnan. Don’t underestimate the Armory, Mr. Ghosthound.”

Nodding, Randidly moved past the guard and left the circle of idle individuals that were watching the worthwhile pursuit of knocking Zagnal down a peg. Randidly kept his pace even as he approached the area where the two old looking individuals were sitting around a fire.

Part of the reason that they caught the eye was their tranquil atmosphere, but they both also appeared to be completely human. At perhaps 10 meters, neither of the two had looked up toward his approach, and Randidly found himself forced to slow down. Both because he wished to be respectful and because the air became distinctly heavy.

Too heavy to be natural, Randidly thought as he stopped about 5 meters away from the backs of the two individuals. The weight had grown to the point that each step took a titanic effort. Neither of the two figures looked over at him, but Randidly noticed that both of the two had stilled in their movements somewhat. They were waiting.

But waiting for what?

Randidly gritted his teeth and took another step forward. Instantly, the pressure in the air doubled. If Randidly had possessed a physical body, a hiss would have escaped his lips as the air in his lungs was physically squeezed out of him. As it was, he managed to bring his other foot forward and stand while enduring the ominous pressure in the air.

The old man chuckled and picked up a stick. Rather whimsically, he began to draw glowing characters in the air with the glowing ember at the end of his branch. What was fascinating is that the light from the flame lingered far too long to be natural. Whole strings of runes appeared in the air before the old man waved his stick like a conductor and dismissed them.

Randidly grimly considered the two powerful people. Having them right outside his reach was maddening. And this strange atmosphere seemed to indicate that it was possible to reach them and speak with them. Again, Randidly remembered that casually constructed image of the smoke squirrels and tree of fire.

Their images were so powerful that they seemed entirely real. Yet the path forward was both difficult and confusing.

Unfortunately, the Grim Chimera was just as split as Randidly was. On the one hand, Randidly wanted to appear respectful and it was pretty clear that this pressure was meant to keep individuals away. However, this army might be twisted and dangerous, but it had been pretty uniform in respecting capability. Perhaps the barrier was present for people to prove their capability by pushing through it.

The more aggressive part of the Grim Chimera urged action. But it also cautioned patience before an individual with this much casual power. Those manifestations of life with smoke and fire had left a deep impression on the Grim Chimera.

Perhaps Randidly would have stood there for quite a while if a shift hadn’t occurred between the two individuals around the fire. All of the old man’s whimsical nature slowly dissolved as time crept past. Suddenly, his mouth firmed into a line. Meanwhile, the old woman raised her arms above her head and stretched languidly. From several meters away, Randidly could her the slow and satisfying pops from her back as she extended her limbs toward the sky.

The old man prodded the fire with his stick, his expression unamused. And as he did so, Randidly had to grit his teeth as a wave of unmistakable weight spread outward and buzzed against the edges of his image body.

There isn’t one right answer, Randidly realized. It’s just a matter of which of the two paths I take. You either force your way forward and pass the old woman’s test or endure and pass the old man’s. And if I have to choose between smoke and fire…