Aethernea : Soulbound [Book 1]

Episode 73 - Unexpected Air Traffic

Previously:

While waiting to take his mana exam, Kiel feels sick and ends up falling unconscious. An unknown person is helping him towards the infirmary. The last thing Kiel does before falling unconscious is to call out to Elaru.

Venric Rroda put up a mission in the Shadow Lodge, requesting a Shadow to infiltrate Muni, capture Kiel Rroda and prevent him from taking the exam. Dusk Rose is forced to take the mission as he is one of the rare people capable of entering Muni – he is one of the examinees. Dusk Rose poisoned Kiel Rroda, making him display the symptoms of fever before the loss of consciousness. After Kiel fell unconscious, Dusk Rose took him from the scene towards the exit of Muni, under the pretense of bringing him to the infirmary.

* * *

Finally, after several minutes of speed walking, the main gate of Muni entered Dusk Rose's line of sight. Finally.

All he had to do was pass the gates, and Rroda men would be waiting for him on the other side, to pick up his... luggage.

He was now close enough to make a mad dash through the gate even if something went awry. This mission was as good as completed.

Still, Dusk Rose didn't relax his vigilance in the slightest. The only thing he did relax, was his face, which bloomed with a satisfied smile.

Unfortunately, that smile didn't last for long. Because, a second later, a redheaded elibu girl landed in front of him.

To be honest, Dusk Rose noticed someone flying in his direction. However, he wasn't alarmed by it for he was going towards the exit. It was only natural that people would go to and from the exit.

Although his mission report stated he should be wary of Elaru Wayvin, a potential Shadow, since she was an elibu, Dusk Rose, more or less, ignored air traffic. Elibu couldn't use augmentation magic. Therefore they couldn't fly.

Dusk Rose halted his steps. His expression still stayed friendly and dumb looking, albeit without a smile. However, he was vigilant, ready for anything. His mind enveloped Elaru Wayvin, closely monitoring her aura for any changes. Her aura was extremely dense. It was among the densest auras he had ever felt.

Experience told him that she was a person that shouldn't be underestimated.

If her aura showed any signs of hostility or suspicion, he would act immediately to gain the upper hand.

As soon as the girl landed in front of him, her eyes looked at the unconscious argel slumped on Dusk's shoulder. "Eh?? Kiel? What's wrong?! Are you alright??" Surprise and worry could clearly be felt in her melodious voice.

When Kiel Rroda didn't answer, her eyes moved away from him and settled on Dusk Rose. Dusk put his acting ability on full display and scratched his head sheepishly. "Uh? You two know each other?"

The redhead smiled softly and nodded. "Yeah. We are close friends. And you are?"

Kiel's right arm was draped over Dusk's shoulders, held in place by Dusk's right hand. Momentarily, Dusk let go of Kiel's hand and offered his hand to Elaru, smiling friendlily. "I am one of the examinees in his group. My name is..."

Although Dusk outwardly looked relaxed, he was closely monitoring the reaction of Elaru Wayvin. Would she figure out that something wasn't quite right? Would she shake his hand?

Most people would have no chance of noticing the poison. People might be cautious of consuming drinks or inhaling strange smoke, but there was nothing suspicious in a handshake. In all his years of work, not one of his targets ever discovered One-Touch Knock-Out.