Chapter 298 - Mission Accomplished (1/2)

”Hello,” Rave said quietly, standing with his back to Evan. He was laying out some flasks on the table and scrutinizing each one.

Evan sat down in the leather chair and waited for Rave to finish.

”I have to say I'm surprised. I was sure you wouldn't wait two weeks, but I didn't expect you to set out to destroy the Emerald Hand temporary camp right away. I thought you'd prepare or research the area first, maybe buy some gear. But no, you went in there, turning every one of them to dust. I show you my respect, even among the Merciful Death, there are seldom people who would go to such insanity.” Rave said calmly.

As Evan supposed, Rave already knew all about it. He had been flying to the castle for over ten hours, during which time the news should have reached every powerful organization by now. Of course, the light organizations and especially the Emerald Hand were furious. Their allies had been killed, and their reputations degraded. It was a great blow to them.

The dark organizations cheered. Especially Merciful Death. They were major fans of such antics and large-scale destruction and murder. Of course, the Demonic Tree was just as pleased. Each destroyed enemy camp gave them more opportunities to explore the ancient ruins.

The Demonic Tree sometimes conducted similar operations if some light organization occupied important territory for the Demonic Tree. It was like a strategic battle, only not for resources but for the opportunity to find something ancient and forgotten.

”Is it crazy to destroy opponents weaker than you? Would any mage be proud to kill a hundred commoners or wild boars in the woods?” Asked Evan.

Rave smiled, ”Of course not, but you didn't kill boars. You killed a hundred mages. Many of them were weaker than you, judging by their stage, but some were equal to you. Of course, your skills and prowess were at completely different levels. Otherwise, you would have been dead.”

”Evan, I know why you came, but I want to tell you something first. I think you should know this. It's pretty funny.” Said Rave.

Evan looked at him, puzzled.

”The thing is, I lied to Kilia about this mission, which means you had completely inaccurate information too. Kilia is often involved in some missions and even organizes them, but not all of them. That's why she didn't suspect anything when I told her I was organizing a small mission and a detachment to destroy the Emerald Hand base.” Calmly Rave said.

Rave continued his story, ”If you had waited two weeks like most people and come to the place you were told, you wouldn't have found anyone there. And I wouldn't blame you. It would be perfectly logical and even correct. But, such an action cannot fully show your strength, desire, and willingness to join us as a full member.”

”So this was all a test.” Mumbled Evan.