Arise From Weakness (OC/ Male Reader x Arifureta)

(S3) Chapter 69 Unheeded Warning

No one's POV

The dim light of the tavern cast a warm glow over the wooden tables, filled with adventurers sharing tales of glory and mischief. At the bar, Thomas sat drinking his beer, his plate half-full of hearty stew.

As he continued to do so, his chief secretary and assistant, Laura approached him with an urgent expression.

Laura: Sir. We need to talk...

Thomas looked up, his brow furrowing slightly as he set down his beer.

Thomas: What is it, Laura? You know I'm trying to enjoy my meal.

Laura: It's extremely urgent. It involves Masato, sir.

At the mention of the name, Thomas's demeanor shifted. He narrowed his eyes, a flicker of annoyance passing over his features.

Thomas: What did he do?

Laura sighed, her gaze steady.

Laura: I've just received a message from the Princess. One of the hero students has gone missing.

Thomas's irritation deepened.

Thomas: And let me guess... Masato has disappeared as well?

Laura: Exactly, sir.

Thomas leaned back on his stool, running a hand through his hair, frustration clear on his face, thinking back to his conversation with him days ago after his outburst with Liliana.

(Flashback)

Masato: Did you call for me, sir?

Masato said, walking into his room within the castle he was staying in. Masato cautiously studied Thomas's atmosphere. It had been a few years since he started working in the Scavenger Guild, but even now, he found it rather difficult to speak to its Master, especially after his outburst earlier in the day.

Thomas: Masato.

Thomas went to the main topic right away, not wasting any time in the slightest.

Thomas: Do not ever provoke Nhazul Hatake or anyone associated with him. I know about your brother and Nhazul Hatake. I'm sure you feel suspicious of some things, and also want to know what happened back then.

Hearing this, Masato's eyes widened. He formed an expression that seemed to ask
"How did you know" before his gaze drifted towards Laura, standing behind Thomas.
She simply responded with her eyes that said, she only did what she had to do. She had been informed by Ilwa Chang that Nhazul along with the others had annihilated the criminal organization Freidhof, one lead by Masato's older brother.

She was also told of their immense power and provoking them would be an Extremely Poor Decision. While this information wouldn't threaten Thomas in the slightest, he'd rather not start any unnecessary drama.

Masato: Tsh...

Masato let a dissatisfied grunt escape from his mouth.

Masato: But-

Before he could properly say something, though, Thomas raised his finger up and waved it around. His lips below arched up. He was actually smiling, but the immense pressure he was giving off said otherwise.

Thomas: I don't recall giving you permission to speak.

Keep your mouth shut and just listen... That was the message of a clear threat.

There wouldn't be all that many people capable of issuing a true warning to a Top Ranked Gold Ranked Adventurer, however Thomas Andre happened to be the Strongest man in this world.