We managed to escape being struck by lightning. After wandering around for half a day, we spent some time exploring the settlement, chatting with some familiar elves along the way. After avoiding the gaze of the few remaining guards surrounding the ruins, we finally crept up to the back of the ruins, a place we had never been before.
Incidentally, we've returned to a three-person operation.
Sword Demon said he would search on his own and left first. Shan and Xiaoxi were temporarily pulled away to help when they passed by, and ended up quietly hiding nearby. The Shadow Butterfly, unnoticed by anyone, continued to chase us as we traveled through the forest that was gradually being shrouded in rose color.
"As expected, it's not here either."
Looking back and estimating the distance between the ruins and this side, and confirming that there were no signs that the entrance in front of him had been opened recently, Sheng put his hands on his hips and tilted his head slightly.
"Although that's how it should be under normal circumstances, something just feels off. Where did that guy come in from, and how did he get ahead of us?"
“When I went to check the gaps left by Sal and the others when they were young, there were no signs of foreign invasion,” I took over the analysis. “Just in case, I sensed at each entrance to see if there was any residual magic, paying special attention to the kind that remained on the white jade cup, but the conclusion was no.”
"We've reached a stalemate? I wonder what they're up to. Should we revert to the original route?"
Stretching her stiff waist, Sheng blinked and looked at me.
This is a coded message asking whether to follow the guide from the past.
Although they initially considered recruiting more helpers, it was especially difficult to find someone they could completely trust at such a time. Furthermore, they were worried about what would happen if someone overheard them, leading to more questions or a series of troubles. So, they ultimately decided to maintain the status quo and even covered up any conversations that might cause controversy.
Anyway, for Sheng, it's a game turned into reality, and it's pretty much the same for me, as long as the truth isn't revealed directly.
Another thing to be aware of is the possibility of encountering demons whose whereabouts are unknown.
I don't have much of an objection to this, but I'm still curious about the parts that are not yet known.
"The original route... well, how should I put it?"
Having confirmed that the Shadow Butterfly had followed his directions to explore the path, he carefully retracted the listening vine, touched his lower lip, and gazed at the sliver of sunset light peeking through the gaps in the tree shade, lost in thought: "It was probably after breaking free from the illusion that could trap people that they followed the clues they found. Perhaps because it was the first large-scale chain quest, there weren't any major setbacks."
"The only difficulty is finding the people and walking a lot of roads, with several side quests in between. Only by choosing the right dialogue can you unlock hidden characters that are difficult to find through the normal process, thus triggering hidden quests."
"Do we still need to look for those roles?"
Sheng chuckled and waved his hand, "That's just a game, a game. Reality doesn't have so many rules. If we want to find someone, we just walk over, right? It's not like the person can just disappear on the spot, is it?"
...As it turns out, a person can simply disappear on the spot.
This was the painful lesson we learned after lingering at the designated location for three and a half hours.
"No, something's obviously wrong!" Unable to accept the result, Sheng paced around in frustration. "I clearly remember this place. I even asked around on the way here, and the information I got was that the person lived here. Why can't I find anyone?"
Are you sure you've brought everything you need?
"I'm absolutely certain!"
I thought for a moment, then glanced at the distance behind me: "Could it be that those two guys behind him scared him?"
“That’s not some cowardly guy. He’s seen all sorts of things. Why would he cower because of this?”
The anxious teenager started biting his nails.
“That’s because our identities prevent us from gaining their trust.” I spread my hands. “Do you remember the first elder we met in the council chamber? She didn’t even give us a chance to explain ourselves before she started cursing at us and saying some very unpleasant things. Maybe that’s why.”
“…Brother, what you said makes sense, but the one I know doesn’t seem like that kind of person. Although he’s a bit aloof because he’s lived in seclusion for many years, he’s a wise and knowledgeable sage after all. He wouldn’t turn us away just because of such a small grudge, would he?”
That makes sense.
There is another possibility, one that I don't want to put into words.
He subconsciously swallowed, but his tongue was unexpectedly dry: "Could it be that the great sage..."
"Wow! Don't say that!"
Immediately realizing what I was about to say, Sheng was startled and jumped up to cover my mouth, nervously looking around: "The Great Sage is the hero who built this settlement. Although we are now very popular because of our status as envoys of the World Tree, we are still different races and outsiders. No matter how much respect they show us on the surface, it is far less than that shown by their Great Sage! You'll still get beaten if you say the wrong thing!"
Although that's what she said, after confirming that I wouldn't continue to talk nonsense, Sheng withdrew her sweaty hands and gently shook them: "However, what you said isn't impossible. After all, it's possible that someone else infiltrated here before us, and it's even those guys who have caused chaos time and time again. We haven't even figured out their target yet, so we should be vigilant both morally and logically."
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