Not too long ago, Zouren sent someone to eliminate Izroth. Now, he was being unusually friendly. After all, with Zouren’s proud nature, how could he not find trouble with Izroth and Azalea after one of his men died under their hands?
Izroth did not know what Zouren was plotting, but it had to be something noteworthy if he was willing to go this far.
“I want to think everyone for coming. However, this gathering is now officially over. Rest assured, I, Zouren, will remember those of you who have attended today’s event.” Zouren announced.
“Eh, it’s over already?”
“I was hoping to form some more connections… Sigh, what a shame.”
“At least Young Zouren will not forget us. Hmph, Julius, that guy, trying to show off and ended up offending the wrong people.”
“Aye, I’m glad I sat back and watched; otherwise, that could be me in that place right now…”
Everyone whispered and discussed among themselves as they thanked Zouren before leaving the Moonlit Dove Garden.
As for the unconscious Julius, Zouren had one of the individuals leaving the garden take him along with them.
Now, the only people who remained in the garden were Izroth, Azalea, Zouren, and the four special guests he invited.
After the other guests took their leave, Zouren made a small gesture towards the inner chest area of his martial robes. This action put Azalea on guard as she carefully observed Zouren’s movements.
Not even half a second later, a talisman appeared in Zouren’s hand that released a faint pulse.
Izroth noticed that after the faint pulse spread, the surrounding space within a few meters underwent some changes. But, despite these changes, there were no signs of danger or killing intent.
“I used a Drifting Barrier Talisman. As long as we remain within its sphere of influence, no one will hear what we’re discussing.” Zouren explained in a solemn tone.
He then proceeded to ask, “Why have you come to this place?”
Zouren was unsure how Izroth figured out that he was holding a gathering at the Twin Fang INN’s Moonlit Dove Garden; however, it was too late to do anything about it.
More importantly, Zouren did not yet grasp Izroth’s intention. That’s why as a safety precaution, just in case Izroth chose to cause trouble, Zouren sent everyone else away. Of course, this was excluding the special guests he invited.
Zouren’s mind traveled in a myriad of directions. But, how could he have known that Izroth only discovered this meeting by chance?
“Why? Shouldn’t you already know the reason? I believe he went by Hyran.” Izroth answered.
Even though Izroth did not plan on encountering Zouren, the timing could not have been better. One way or another, Zouren had to pay the price for sending someone to claim his life.
Zouren narrowed his eyes as he secretly cursed Hyran under his breath.
“That useless fool…! He wasn’t even useful enough to keep his mouth shut..!” Zouren thought to himself.
“What do you want to do?” Zouren asked with a darkened expression.
“What do I want to do? Of course, I came to collect a debt.” Izroth stated.
After those words, the atmosphere grew heavy. Both sides released incredible pressure as the intensity of their confrontation reached a critical point. It seemed that at any moment, either side would make their move!
However, after a few moments passed, the pressure from both sides ceased as Zouren was the first to break the silence.
“Hmph, if you couldn’t even handle a weakling like that, do you deserve to be the second team’s captain?” Zouren scoffed.
He then continued, “You want to collect a debt? Fine. Since I underestimated you, I’ll give you a chance. I assume you know the value of a Secret Realm. The treasures it contains are said to be great enough that kingdoms of the past have fought wars over them. I am giving you an opportunity to enter a Secret Realm.”
‘A Secret Realm?’
Once Zouren mentioned the Secret Realm, Izroth began to piece everything together.
Izroth noticed that while Zouren dismissed everyone, there were still a few people at the garden’s center. It was clear that their status and power were no lower than that of Zouren’s, considering they were still present. Not to mention, Izroth could sense the deep power that dwelled within those individuals.
Izroth finally understood why Zouren went as far as to get rid of everyone and set up a Drifting Barrier Talisman to have a private conversation with him. Zouren must have wanted to keep him from disclosing anything that could ruin or damage his reputation!
However, even if that was the case, Izroth felt that it was not enough to warrant an invite to a Secret Realm from Zouren.
‘There must be an underlying reason behind his abrupt “generosity”. Regardless, the opportunity to enter a Secret Realm does not come by often.’
Back during his trip to Vocstracane, the skounae outpost city leveled by Izroth near the previously neutral Unsanctioned Zone, Izroth entered a hidden area known as Arkogis’s Ordeal.
It was there that he discovered the existence of the Secret Realm: Arkogis’s Ordeal and obtained the fourth Realm Fragment.
But, in order to discover the location of the Secret Realm, it required a total of six fragments. In addition, it could only be opened when all six fragments were gathered at the access point.
Izroth often checked on the status of his Realm Fragment; however, the fragments located were still at four out of six. This meant that until the last two fragments were discovered, there was no way to enter the Secret Realm.
If Zouren was inviting him to a Secret Realm, it must have meant that the four people at the garden’s center came here for that reason. Nevertheless, Izroth did not allow himself to be blinded by the chance to enter a Secret Realm. Ultimately, he still did not trust Zouren. Not to mention, there was little to nothing known about Secret Realms among the RML player base.
Though danger was no stranger to opportunity; therefore, Izroth was not afraid.
‘I may have defeated Smiling Demon who was at the initial stage of the legendary realm; however, the power I used at that time is still too unreliable. If I grow too complacent with my current strength, it will only be a matter of time before I’m hunted down endlessly by my enemies with no way to fight back. I have to become stronger. Strong to the point that I can look down on beings like the Netherworld Monarch and those above the firmament in this world.’
Izroth had not completely written off Zouren’s debt. Nor did not believe Zouren would not try anything in the future. However, since he walked away unscathed, Izroth chose to set the matter aside for the time being. But, if Zouren tried to aim for his life a second time—even if he invited him to ten Secret Realms, it would not be sufficient. He would have to use his life as payment!
“Oh? A Secret Realm? A bit interesting.” Izroth commented nonchalantly.
“That’s right. I’m willing to bring you along, but I have a few conditions.” Zouren mentioned.
“First, you are not allowed to disclose the fact you are the second team’s captain. If anyone brings it up, just say you made it to the top ten.”
“I refuse,” Izroth responded without hesitation.
He then continued, “Why should I go out of my way to stretch the truth for your sake? If they don’t ask, I won’t bring it up. But, if they ask a question of specifics, I will not lie for your sake.”
“You-!” Zouren had a strong urge to attack Izroth right then and there, but he managed to stay his hand as he quickly regained his calm.
“Very well, then I’ll make it worth your while..! How does one grade two epic quality defensive talisman sound?” Zouren spoke through his teeth to restrain his anger.
“Five.” Izroth countered.
“Two!” Zouren offered as he felt his blood boiling.
“Three. Otherwise, you can forget about it.”
If looks could kill, Zouren’s gaze would have been enough to destroy Izroth a thousand times over! But, Zouren did not forget the greater goal that lied ahead.
“Take it…!” Zouren scowled as he reluctantly tossed a small bag towards Izroth.
Izroth caught the small bag and checked inside. There were three golden talismans with cryptic white text etched into them. And, just as Zouren mentioned, they were all grade three epic quality talismans! Any one of these talismans would sell for an absurd price!
Izroth removed one of the talismans from the small bag and handed it to Azalea.
“Keep it. It’s never bad to have one more lifesaving tool at your disposal.” Izroth said calmly.
“Thank you, teacher.” Azalea graciously accepted Izroth’s gift.
Zouren, who witnessed this sight, almost coughed up blood from anger. He pushed him to give another talisman just to give it away to the person next to him?!
“Now, since that’s settled… Shall we head over? It seems your guests are growing somewhat impatient.” Izroth commented.
