Chapter 158 Late-night Haunting (2/2)

Rhode shook his head.

”The reason why they created so many undead creatures was to expand the hell chasm. Obviously, the devils ordered them to capture the victim alive, if not, Christie definitely wouldn't have lived til now. As for keeping her in captivity, there is no need for that. In fact, Christie's previous way of life was almost equivalent to being a captive. She had nowhere to escape. Rather than taking unnecessary actions and attract suspicions from others, they're better off maintaining the current situations. Only when the chasm is open, then they would start to capture her for real.”

”What a poor child.”

After hearing Rhode's explanation, Marlene looked over to Christie. Christie was wrapped in a thick blanket, she raised her head and stared at the starry sky. Her frail appearance made everyone want to give her a warm hug.

”Since the devils are targeting her… Mr. Rhode, the reason you brought her here was to bait them right?”

”That's right.”

Rhode simply nodded.

”If that devil worshipper is a villager, then he knows that Christie is under my protection. Even using his ass to think, he can also guess that I wouldn't give her up even if he said 'I will be offering this girl to the devil as a gift, please show mercy to me'. Not to mention, Christie and I look the same, anyone who sees us will definitely have this thought. So, I think he will change his mind and find trouble with me instead. Rather than leaving Christie in the pub to be captured by someone, why not keep her by my side. I don't believe that worshipper has the patience to wait. Although this is only my guess, it's better than it coming true.”

”I understand what you mean, Mr. Rhode.”

Marlene went silent for a moment and quickly understood Rhode's thoughts. Afterwards, she didn't say anything but quietly held onto her staff, waiting for the battle to begin.

Minutes and seconds passed.

The skies slowly turned dark. The lights within the village had started to extinguish. Soon enough, the serenity of silence became the main melody of the village. The mercenaries began to warm up to prevent any mishaps in battle. They checked their potions and polished their weapons. Even Lize had started to pray softly. It was only Anne who'd laid flat on her shield by the campfire in a deep sleep. Judging by her looks, she intended to sleep till morning.

Rhode raised his head and gazed at the moon.

The night sky under the Light Dragon's Soul was always colorful. But for some reason, Rhode felt that the aura tonight was a little dull. Suddenly, a sharp, cold wind blew which caused the flames to dance. In an instant, the surrounding lights became much dimmer than before.

”… Ah…”

At this moment, Christie suddenly exclaimed. Her eyes snapped wide open with shock as she shot up and looked around in confusion.

”What's wrong?” Marlene frowned and asked.

The little girl's odd behavior attracted the mercenaries' attention.

”… Someone… there's someone… calling for me…”

The little girl's eyes scanned the faraway darkness in fear and spoke softly. Her body was started to shiver, and her voice stuttered.

”… A voice… a voice that I have never heard before… it is so… sinister… makes me uncomfortable…”

”Hu!”

At this moment, Anne suddenly woke and jumped. She instantly picked up her shield and observed the surroundings.

”Something's here!”

”Everyone get ready!!”

Rhode shouted and gave a command. The mercenaries quickly got into position and picked up their weapons and potions, observing the surroundings warily. The darkness remained the same, but the air had an ill-boding chill to it. Celia also raised her sword, engulfing it with a silver-white flame. Marlene spun her staff, causing magical energy to concentrate on the tip, emitting pure and brilliant light. Lize studied the surroundings seriously. Both her hands were flowing with holy energy as she charged a spell to its maximum power.

”I can sense it, Mr. Rhode. The evil aura is spreading. Something is coming!”

At this moment, from the area where the light from the fire couldn't reach, something in the darkness started to move towards them.