Chapter 820: Warning
Crackling sounds filled the air as Clovis, Eid, and Melody gathered next to the campfire.
"We are in this area." Melody pointed to a spot on the map. "Looking at the distance, we should arrive at our destination... Maybe in 2 days?
"Maybe?" It was not that often for Melody to be unsure.
"Yeah, maybe." Melody pointed to another spot. "Starting at this point, the influence of the tower will disappear. I’m sure you have noticed that the strength of the beasts has increased significantly.
"So, they will be much stronger. And if we walk a bit further to this spot, the level of the beasts will increase drastically.
"You will find multiple Tier 7 beasts in a single group at this point. As for the cave, we will have to move for another 10 km in this direction.
"According to the theory, this cave has some sort of magnetic force or something that can push away the beasts.
"However, if a Tier 8 beast chases us all the way to this cave, I don’t think even the cave will be able to stop it.
"We don’t know the location of the Tier 8 beasts, so we have to be extra careful. I’m suggesting having Reolf and Aileen as our scouts, making sure there’s nothing wrong. I have a few routes if we take any detours, so depending on its position, I can prepare the route right away."
"I’m envious of you." Eid sighed before turning to Melody. "Lady. Do you want to join the Three Swords? We can pay you generously."
Clovis rolled his eyes while Melody said, "If you can pay me with a high-security research that is valued at over 25 billion union dollars, I might consider it."
"..." Eid was stunned. He definitely didn’t consider how much Clovis paid Melody.
Clovis chuckled. "Don’t tease him. Anyway, I’ve gotten the gist of our team. As long as we are careful, we should be able to finish the mission. How is Stefany?"
"Same. She stays silent most of the time. The trust has been broken once, so it can’t return to its original state." Eid shrugged. "Your Vina should be the same, right?"
"More or less. I’m afraid that they’re having a certain thought about this third party."
"Fair enough. Only one person needs to get this third party, so it doesn’t really matter to me. As long as our cooperation remains good, that’s enough."
Clovis nodded in agreement. "Anyway, your team’s condition is still good, right?"
"Of course. Thanks to Miss Luci, we are able to let them recover as much as possible. It’s unfortunate that we can’t bring in the recovery pod, but this is enough."
"Last but not least, what will you do with the third party?"
"Let’s see..." Eid crossed his arms. "If they are hostile, we will fight. If they want to cooperate, I will consider it. However, you are still our top priority."
"Top priority?" Clovis smiled.
"Of course. In this line of business, trust and integrity are highly regarded. If we are known as people who can easily backstab people, no one will want to work with us anymore." Eid shrugged. "Anyway, what if Vina or Stefany convince them to be under them and fight us?"
Clovis didn’t answer immediately even though he had an answer in his mind. Instead of giving that answer, Clovis raised another doubt in Eid’s heart. "What if... the third party is unlike what you’re thinking right now?"
"What are you trying to say?" Eid frowned.
Clovis shrugged. "Just think about it. Anyway, since we have come to an agreement about the route, I’m going to get some rest."
Eid didn’t believe Clovis just dropped something without any meaning. Just as he had been giving clues, this might be another clue.
’Did he know something else?’ Eid looked down, falling into deep thought. He wanted to figure out what he was actually missing.
Even Melody was confused by the mysterious remark.
"What are you saying, Clovis? Is there something we need to be concerned about regarding the third party?" Melody frowned.
Clovis smiled. "I can’t tell you anything right now, but you will get the answer either tomorrow or the day after."
"You are making me nervous. The third party consists of high-level individuals. They are not so weak that we can fight without preparations. You know that, right?"
"I know. And that’s why I want to slow down our pace starting tomorrow. Who is the closest to reaching Tier 7?" Clovis asked.
"The closest is Christina. No, it must be Rin. I didn’t get the exact number from her, but judging from her strength, I am assuming she is on average at 90% or more.
"If you are talking about evolution, you, Kanaria, and Jay are the closest ones to evolve. Maybe Reolf too?"
"Yeah. Reolf is already at 98%. He has surpassed me because I can’t absorb random essence now due to my unique ability. And in this raid, I won’t be able to progress a lot."
"Because we share food with the other group."
"Indeed." Clovis frowned. "I guess I will ask Rin a favor since things are going to get a bit more dangerous."
"How about giving me a clue?" Melody asked.
"Should I?"
Melody nodded. "I won’t tell anyone. At least let me make a few plans if things are going to get dangerous."
"Let’s see..." Clovis raised one finger. "You previously mentioned a few famous names or organizations that had infiltrated the city when the succession battle was announced, right? All of them are players in this succession game."
"All...!!!" It took Melody a second to come to a realization. "I will pull an all-nighter to figure out what’s going on..."
...
Melody saw Clovis’ suspicion become a reality before her own eyes.
The next day, Melody saw their groups surrounded by the people from the third party as a woman from their group suddenly walked to their side with a smile on her face.
And that woman was...