Chapter 149: Burning Bush (1) (1/2)

”Ryo. Wait.” Vivian said, her voice low and even. Vivian Lex was not a woman to give in to her emotions easily, nor was she a coward. Yet, she felt it necessary to be prudent given the things she'd just seen.

*He's just toying with us. And he easily killed a Grimlock that would have given us endless trouble.* She thought inwardly. She cast a glance towards Ryo, only to realize he was still considering a move against their mysterious foe.

She made eye contact with him, shaking her head in disapproval before sheathing her own weapon.

*This might be a gamble but, if this person chose to fight seriously it wouldn't matter.*

Ryo sighed, as if cursing his own luck before he allowed his own aura of mana energy to settle down somewhat.

”Great. It seems like you're ready to listen.” The dark skinned man said as he stepped forward, in an instant he was standing just less than a meter before the two bewildered adventurers.

Ryo gritted his teeth, clenching his fist simultaneously as a sense of unease grew in the pit of his stomach. The idea of someone else standing before him that possessed unfathomable power was a severe blow to Ryo's ego. He moved to toss out a swing of defiance, but a single wave of the hand from the hooded stranger was enough to halt Ryo in his tracks.

”The kitsune is wise. The behemoth--not so much. Ha ha.” The man chuckled. It was the first time Vivian had gotten close enough to see the man's face beneath the hood. He looked much like an adventurer you would find anywhere else. Simple cloth pants and shirt, and a well made hooded cloak -- green in color with gold trim along the wrist, inlays and edges of the fabric.

Ryo's eyes bulged as he realized that he was being controlled by gravity magic, which in turn made him even more angry.

”Who are you?” Vivian said, cutting straight to the chase. Although she couldn't feel a sense of animosity or ill intent from this person, she also felt unnerved.

*I should be able to gauge this person's ability. I .. I can't feel anything. Is he just that weak or..no that's impossible.* She glanced over towards Ryo who, despite his best efforts continued to struggle against the oppressive gravity control technique.

”You two are quite interesting. A mid rank third and a high rank second. Not bad.” The golden eyed man looked them both over, seemingly assessing their condition. Ryo's eyes narrowed upon hearing his words, this was partially because Ryo made it a habit of concealing his strength from others.

”What? You're not the only ones who can conceal their true strength. Or appearance.” The man mused with a smile as he glanced between the two adventurers.

”Ah. I meant no harm. Your secrets are safe with me.” He said, upon seeing a sudden shift in Vivian's mood.

”I don't have a lot of time. I have a lot to keep track of and I can't be gone too long. I also need to hunt down the rest of those Grimlock before they cause too much trouble.” The man said as he reached into his cloak with a free hand and produced an accessory-- a necklace.

He glanced at it for a few moments before extending his hand towards Vivian, the gesture was meant to give the object to her.

-------------------------------

”Bracha..” Oliver said as he learned forward in his chair.

”Hmm?” Bracha replied as she continued to fill her stomach.

”Are you just going to pretend that what you did back in the shard was normal?” Oliver asked.

”Mhm.” Bracha agreed without missing a beat.

”I'm an Archmage. I study magic, or all types. What you used..that was definitely world energy. Am I wrong?” Oliver asked, he completely ignored Bracha's attempts to feign ignorance -- his curiosity had been piqued and he aimed to know the truth of the matter.

Bracha set aside the wooden bowl, empty as it were, and called forth her spectacles with a wave of her hand. She smiled, an obvious rebuff to Oliver's questions which she apparently had no intention to answer.

Oliver didn't even have the time to press the issue, for Vivian and Ryo returned at that moment.

”Oh, speak of the devils.” Oliver said, though in reality no one had been discussing the two of them at all. The elf immediately noticed something off -- about both of them. Ryo seemed agitated, though also down in some way. Vivian on the other hand seemed rattled, as if she was struggling to gather her thoughts.

”Not even thirty minutes passed. Is everything okay?” Oliver asked.

”Yes.” Vivian replied. And that word alone, leaving Oliver to wonder exactly what was happening. He found it puzzling, yet neglected to push further -- after all his true interests lay with Bracha.

”Have you figured out why we can't use the teleport?” Oliver asked next, deciding to change the subject entirely.

”Yes. We'll be leaving in a bit. First, I want you to gather everyone outside so we can discuss the conclusion of this expedition.” Vivian's eyes wandered from Oliver to Bracha and then back again as she spoke.

”Hmph. I might be second in command, but I'm not your gopher. Well..fine.” Oliver got to his feet and did as requested. Moments after Oliver left the room it was Ryo's moment to chime in.