Maude has fallen!
Upon hearing this unsettling truth from Bookstaver, Enzo found it difficult to believe. Yet, in that moment, the gravity of Bookstaver's words left no room for doubt.
It could only signify one thing: it was indeed true.
Bookstaver continued, "In his struggle against the curse, he seemed to have glimpsed something that led to the corruption of his soul, resulting in his downfall."
"However, in light of this—"
At this juncture, Bookstaver hesitated, a lingering uncertainty evident in his demeanor. He then added, "I suspect that Maude orchestrated this deliberately. He has always been audacious, often undertaking the most unexpected actions."
"Deliberately orchestrated?"
Enzo echoed softly.
A frown creased his brow as a torrent of thoughts surged through his mind, recalling the Endless Fire that Maude had deliberately left behind—an artifact acquired in the interstices of time.
Such a means implies that Maude is no ordinary deity. He has likely ascended to the status of a powerful immortal deity. Yet, what could be his purpose…
Enzo was left pondering, uncertain.
Bookstaver too could provide no clarity.
He merely offered a piece of advice. "As for these crystals, I recommend that you refrain from absorbing them until the truth of the matter is unraveled."
Glancing at the strange crystals, Enzo ultimately decided to stow them away. He retrieved several metal ores, melted them down, and cast them over the crystals, effectively sealing away these seemingly 'living' entities.
Afterward, he exited the miniature world.
...
In the city of Ambera.
Chaos reigned supreme following the mysterious demise of the entire Gwaihir family and the recent turmoil surrounding the Crimson Flame Meteorite. The once-bustling streets were now filled with hurried passersby who dared not linger.
At the same time, numerous guards conducted thorough inspections.
Inside The Magic Horned Frog Tavern, after yet another round of searches, the tavern owner, Matheus, could no longer contain his grievances. However, his expression brightened suddenly as he spotted Anarion and Colombo at the entrance. He quickly approached them with a smile, exclaiming, "Mr. Colombo, young master Anarion, welcome! That Lord is at home today, just upstairs…"
Colombo nodded and led Anarion up the stairs.
In the room above, Enzo heard a knock on the door. Upon sensing who it was with his perceptive mental energy, he was somewhat surprised by Colombo's arrival but responded, "Come in."
As they entered, Colombo respectfully greeted, "Mr. Enzo."
Enzo regarded Colombo with a tranquil gaze, inquiring, "Colombo, do you have something to discuss?"
Colombo hesitated.
Colombo stood before Enzo with his lips moving but ultimately remaining silent.
Enzo noticed Colombo's unease.
Enzo turned to Anarion and said, "Anarion, why don't you wait outside for a moment? Your father and I need to have a conversation."
"Of course, Brother Enzo."
Anarion replied, though curiosity flickered in his eyes, he chose to comply.
Once Anarion had departed, Enzo turned his attention back to Colombo.
His demeanor shifted to one of seriousness as he reiterated, "Now that Anarion has left, you may speak freely. If you continue to hesitate, you are welcome to take your leave."
Colombo's expression suddenly turned urgent.
He took a deep breath, striving to calm his emotions, and then asked, "Mr. Enzo, was it you who dealt with the Gwaihir family?"
Enzo did not respond but fixed his gaze upon Colombo.
His look was serene, akin to the still surface of a deep pool—profound and chilling, instilling a sense of dread within Colombo.
He hastily clarified, "Mr. Enzo, I harbor no doubts about you. However, the Lord's Manor has recently flagged outsiders as suspicious, especially those of considerable power. Among them…"
"Are you insinuating that I am among the highly suspected?" Enzo interjected.
Colombo fell silent, lowering his head slightly in tacit agreement.
Enzo then inquired, "Colombo, if I were to reveal that I indeed eradicated the Gwaihir family, what would you do?"
Upon hearing this, Colombo's countenance drastically shifted.
His face first registered surprise, then morphed into terror, only to be replaced by joy as he eagerly asked, "Was it truly you?"
However, he quickly realized his blunder.
He hastily added, "In Ambera, the Gwaihir family does not enjoy a favorable reputation. That Druid, leveraging his son's status as a candidate for Divine Son, has extorted and plundered in many areas. The demise of the Gwaihir family may be seen as a boon to many, perhaps prompting silent celebrations among them."
As he spoke, Colombo continued to scrutinize Enzo's expression.
Enzo's expression remained calmly composed, yet within him stirred a disquieting sense of unrest. Just as he prepared to speak again, Enzo interjected, inquiring, "Colombo, is there anything else? If not, you may take your leave."
This was tantamount to a dismissal.
Colombo's countenance shifted once more. He nodded earnestly and then said, "Mr. Enzo, there is one more matter I would like to discuss."
"What is it?" Enzo asked.
"I wish for Anarion to become your pupil, to learn the knowledge of the supernatural at your side." Colombo declared, his gaze resolute, yet this proposition astonished Enzo.
To have Anarion as his student?
Enzo held little enthusiasm for the prospect of teaching.
Though his understanding of supernatural forces surpassed that of the average individual, he felt woefully inadequate compared to the truly formidable entities and recognized he had much yet to learn.
Moreover, the world around him clearly harbored unsettling anomalies.
The trials ahead would surely pit him against formidable adversaries.
In such circumstances, he would scarcely possess the energy to safeguard Anarion, let alone instruct him personally. Thus, Enzo firmly replied, "Colombo, I currently lack the time to commit."
Colombo misinterpreted this as a deliberate refusal.
However, he bore no resentment.As a traveling merchant, he understood well the often volatile temperaments of those with genuine power. Frankly speaking, Mr. Enzo's willingness to engage with him on equal footing, particularly after broaching sensitive topics while maintaining such a genial demeanor, left Colombo both surprised and honored.
He then remarked, "Mr. Enzo, there is no need for you to provide continuous instruction. A few discerning insights at critical moments will suffice…"
Before Colombo could finish, Enzo interrupted once more.
"Let's do this. I will document my reflections on the practice of supernatural powers for you, and you may have Anarion study them. As for how much he learns, that will depend entirely on his own efforts." Enzo stated.
At Enzo's words, Colombo's spirits soared.
This was an exceedingly favorable outcome, far beyond his expectations.
However, Colombo's proactive approach sparked a flicker of doubt within Enzo. As a shrewd traveling merchant, Colombo understood the gravity of the Gwaihir family's demise, particularly since Enzo knew he was implicated. Yet he still ventured such a request, which struck Enzo as rather peculiar.
The reasoning behind it eluded him, and Enzo chose not to pursue the matter further.
Colombo's silence suggested a reluctance to divulge, and as for the insights meant for Anarion, they were merely rudimentary notions Enzo had previously recorded—insights that bore no complexity and did not delve into the intricacies of elemental forces. Such knowledge was easily accessible and posed no risk in sharing.
Thus, it was of little consequence to Enzo.
Unbeknownst to the astute Colombo, his overtures had inadvertently created a slight rift between him and Enzo. In his perception, risking such substantial danger to approach Enzo signified abundant sincerity.
After receiving the manuscripts of those reflections, Colombo departed with Anarion.
Shortly after the two departed, Enzo exited The Magic Horned Frog Tavern as well, making his way to the market in Ambera City to procure a grand map of the Fierce Beast world.
He intended to explore the Blood Ruins, hopeful that he might uncover some clues.
However, to Enzo's surprise, shortly after his arrival at the market, the city guards appeared, blocking his path. With crude words, they questioned, "Boy, are you an outsider? When did you arrive, and what brings you to Ambera City? You'd best confess your intentions, or you'll be in for a beating!"
"What concern is it of yours?" Enzo retorted.
"Concern?" The guards erupted in derisive laughter, their faces twisted in disdain. Drawing their long whips from their belts, they pointed at Enzo, stating, "In the past, perhaps it was inconsequential. But now, it matters greatly! You damned outsiders dare to cause trouble in Ambera City and even slaughter the Gwaihir family. You're courting death!"
"Bring him to me! Seize this man!"
The captain of the guards commanded his subordinates.
Upon receiving the order, the other guards advanced. Each bore the aura of Level 8, formidable indeed to the average person. However, to Enzo, they were of little consequence, despite his own Level 8 status.
Yet, there exists a difference even among those of the same level.
"Courting death!"
Enzo scoffed, shaking his head with a cold huff, resolute not to remain passive.
The blood-red armor, derived from the essence of blood, materialized around him, enveloping his form and rendering him strikingly formidable. Yet, to the guards, the sensation was altogether different.
They found themselves confronted by a vast expanse of crimson waves.
In the face of this endless sea, they felt as insignificant as the fish that swam within it, reduced to the most extreme diminutiveness.
Yet, a perplexing fact lingered in their minds: before preparing to apprehend Enzo as a scapegoat, they had confirmed one crucial detail—Enzo's strength was also at Level 8.
At this moment, the guards had little time to ponder, for Enzo was already charging toward them.