Embrace of the void

The days passed swiftly as Michael and Nyxar dedicated themselves to rigorous training. Nyxar remained vigilant, monitoring both the forest and the black market for vital information.

After two weeks, he returned from the black market, where Michael addressed him, saying, "We have a problem. The Crimson Hand is starting to investigate the events that transpired in the forest.

" Michael then inquired, "Is there any way they could trace this back to us?"

Nyxar reassured him, "That would be impossible. I used your mask to infiltrate the black market, and even the information dealer I encountered couldn't recognize me. I haven't relied on any communication methods from my previous organization, making it unlikely for them to discover our involvement—unless, of course, someone witnesses you summoning the orcs."

Michael said, "It doesn't matter now, we must refocus on our training. I broke through to rank E yesterday, leaving me just one rank away from my goal. We need to visit the old man to revive the orcs."

Nyxar concurred, "Alright, I will resume my training as well. I can't afford to fall behind." With that, Michael and Nyxar continued their rigorous practice.

Meanwhile, at Silverfang's residence, Lily asked her mother, "Mom, when will my father return? Wasn't he supposed to be back by now?" Concerned, Nora replied, "I don't know, dear. His mission was expected to last one week, and it has now extended beyond five weeks. I truly hope he is safe."

Lily, puzzled, asked, "If my father has been away for so long, what has that idiot Michael been doing all this time?" Nora explained, "I contacted him because I needed to discuss something important."

Curious, Lily pressed, "What was so important?" To which Nora responded, "That's not something you need to know.

" Disappointed, Lily retorted, "Fine, I don't care what you want from that loser."

Raising an eyebrow, Nora questioned, "Why do you think he's a loser?" Lily replied, "Didn't you tell me to avoid him? Everyone knows his parents betrayed the human race and went to the Demon Continent, only to be deceived and killed by the Demon King."

Nora was taken aback by her daughter's response. "Who told you that?" she asked seriously.

 "That's what the Duke's sons and some students at school have been saying. They bullied him until he took a leave of absence," Lily clarified and laughed lightly.

Concerned, Nora asked, "Did you participate in that bullying?"

Lily shook her head, "No, Mom. Whenever he saw us, he ignored us. We made fun of him a little, but he never seemed to care. We didn't dare to bully him seriously; we knew we couldn't overpower him."

Nora fixed her gaze on her daughter, saying, "Listen carefully, my dear. What you and your friends hear about Michael is merely gossip and not the truth. I must warn you: although he appears indifferent to mockery, everyone has a breaking point. If you cross that line, I cannot guarantee that I can protect you."

She paused, reflecting on her own experiences. "His parents were among the most dangerous individuals I've ever known. From what I've observed, he has the potential to surpass them in danger. I did not advise you to stay away from him because he is a loser; I did so because he is dangerous, and many will seek to harm him. I do not want you to be among them. Do you understand?"

Lily nodded, "I understand, Mom. My friends and I won't bother him again."

Nora sighed with relief, "Alright, you may go now."

Lily stepped out to meet her friends, reflecting on her mother's conversation.

Meanwhile, in a castle within the city, a woman sat reading through a stack of reports.

A knight, clad in full armor and draped in a blue cloak, entered the room.

"My lady," he announced, "I conducted a thorough investigation but found nothing."

The woman frowned, her irritation palpable. "How is it possible that you found nothing? The individual pursuing us in the black market vanished without a trace. My assessment is that he must have witnessed us in the orc village while riding your pet monster and subsequently began his inquiries."

Regarding the orc village, I spoke with the remaining orcs. They informed me that all who had a close view of the attackers were killed. However, those who observed from a distance noted that the assailants wore black cloaks with skull-shaped masks.

It appears the attackers did not exceed rank D. One was wielding a sword infused with lightning and using attacks from the darkness, while the other used daggers that combined shadow and darkness.

It seems the swordsman was of a lower rank than the dagger-wielder, and he sustained injuries during the skirmish. The guard said

"If he was injured, his blood should be on the battlefield. Can't you summon a blood mage to track him?" the woman inquired.

"I considered that, but upon meticulous examination of the battlefield, I found not a single drop of blood. They seem to have meticulously erased their traces," he replied.

The woman sighed in frustration. "Very well, for now, disregard it. Appoint a new orc leader and assign guards to protect the village. I lack the time to pursue these fools at the moment. If they choose to target us again, our paths will inevitably cross, and then we shall deal with them."

"Understood, my lady. I will take my leave," the knight responded.

As he departed, the woman continued to ponder the situation. "It is fortunate that I have been summoned to the capital; otherwise, I would have scoured the entire city for you," she muttered, returning her focus to the reports.

Meanwhile, Michael and Nyxar persisted in their training, blissfully unaware that they had temporarily evaded danger.