243 [BONUS] Crossing Paths

BONUS Chapter 1/6

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Walking deeper into the jungle, the group encountered all kinds of predators once more.

A single large predator, such as Tyrantmaw. A pack of animals working to surround the party. A band of raiders setting an ambush. A lurking monstrosity concealed by the environment. A flying monster that swopped to attack from above. Magical creatures that lured the party towards death –– all of this ordeal were successfully passed by Ren and the others without breaking a sweat.

It was all thanks to Orakh and the warriors' efforts that they were alive even after venturing for hours in the jungle in search of anything 'out of the ordinary.'

Besides from beasts, and dangerous fauna, there were also all kinds of traps.

A hunting snare sprung a net trap, almost dangling the party ten meters high in the tree.

A seemingly innocent log bridge over a ravine had been weakened to snap when crossed, sending the party tumbling into spikes covered in leaves. A good thing that Orakh and the others threw Ren and his group onto safe lands in time while the warriors easily mangled their weapons against the hard soil and climbed the veins and rocks with ease.

"T-that . . . that took years off my life," muttered Evie.

"This jungle is a death trap in itself." Ragnar sharply inhaled and released it in one breath.

Ren didn't even flinch since he knew that the Orcs wouldn't let them die no matter what. They still have to finish this even after all.

The group pressed on and stopped at the fork ahead.

"What's wrong?" Ragnar asked.

"This fork is new," said Orakh.

"You haven't been here before?" questioned Evie.

Orakh only looked seriously at Ren and the others. "The Great Valley shifted over time. Nothing remained constant. It didn't mean that you know how to get somewhere didn't mean you know the best way to go."

". . . Huh?" Evie tilted her head. Didn't understand what Orakh had said.

Ren stared ahead of the path. He saw clearly where it led. One path winded around a shining lake full of bounty harvest and beast and scenic views, while the other wandered across open fields known for excellent hunting grounds.

A short minute lingered, and Draki broke the silence. "Let's go and take a rest first. We'll resume after thirty minutes."

Leading the way to the lake, the other warriors smiled and chatted with glee. They were tired and exhausted and needed some rest to replenish their strength and continue further.

In the pristine lake, Ren and the others were surprised to find that there were players in the area as well as some other races.

They had encountered players before, as well as other clans and races, but Orakh and the others made sure that they were at least meters away so as not to get their attention.

Any unwanted battle between clans would do more harm than good. And Orcs had learned that survival in The Great Valley was choosing the right opponent and time for battle. They weren't mindless creatures after all. They weren't just brawns like what the other races often said.

However, it seemed that another unwanted confrontation would take place at the appearance of Ren's group together with Orakh and the warriors.

Since it was only Ren's group who made the right choices throughout yesterday's event, they were the only players who marched with Orakh and his crew.

It was bound to raise some brows while those who were there in search of the beast yesterday were ignoring the commotion.

Ren was having a headache because the groups that seemed like they were about to cause a commotion were Lily and her friends. Fate Alliance guild. Black Lion. Great Dynasty and, of course . . . Sleeping Dragons.

It was evident from the wicked glint in their eyes and the murderous stares they threw at him.

"Why are they congregating here?" Evie asked. "Is there something here?"

Ren didn't answer. Though, they walked for hours. In truth, they hadn't strayed far from the camp. It was because they were scouting the area around the base that it seemed that they had ventured deeper into the wilderness.

But in truth, they were still within the radius of a kilometer or so from the camp. The Great Valley was too vast for the likes of them to even venture three-fourths of its area in just a couple of hours.

That's why there were a lot of groups present in the lake to unwind or simply take in the scenic view. They probably didn't have anything to do as they awaited the evening for when Sharina's quest would resume.

Sleeping Dragon, Great Dynasty, Black Lion, and Fate Alliance guild were among the guild who wanted Sharina's axe and were still staying in the area for the completion of her quest that night.

Though Ren bet that none of them really knew how to get the grand prize and their curious and worried stares spoke volumes.

Why was Ren together with Orakh and the others while they weren't? Was there something they missed?

Those were the questions dominating every guild's mind, and they could not stand idly knowing that Ren and his group might complete Sharina's quest with a hundred percent completion rate.

If Ren, Ragnar, and Evie only appeared by themselves, they wouldn't even spare them a glance. But having Orakh and Draki, two of the most important NPCs in Twin Moon Axe Clan, accompany them meant that there was an angle that they hadn't explored. How could that be if they had talked to every inhabitants yesterday?

But none broke the silent exchange of stares until Dimitri came forward and greeted Ren in all smiles.

"Ren. Glad that you're still alive." Dimitri's gaze lingered more on Orakh and Draki as he spoke. "What are you doing here, if I may ask?"

Ren's brow rose. "Since when are we not allowed here?"

Dimitri was stunned for a moment before he cleared his throat and grinned. "Ah, sorry. What I meant to say is . . . what are you doing here together with Orakh and Draki?"

Orakh glared at Dimitri while Draki only went to the lake and, without any word, submerged his head in the cold waters. Some Orcs followed his gesture while Orakh remained by Ren's side.

"Ah . . ." Ren stifled a laugh, and he raised his voice, so he didn't have to repeat himself because he knew that it was all the others wanted to hear.

"We're here because of Orakh's request, of course. Didn't you guys receive one?" he asked with a fake curious tone.

The others gritted their teeth and stared daggers at Ren while Dimitri's smile faltered.

They wouldn't be in the lake wasting time if they had received any!