Realm of Myths and Legends

"How is this possible..?" Sychia muttered to herself when her eyes landed on Hakros, who was bound by chains.

'It's no wonder I failed to discover them with my Energy Vision Sense. Their energy signatures--it changed.'

Every person and living being had a unique energy signature. Changing it was the equivalent of someone altering their fingerprints.

Under normal circumstances, such a thing was impossible without first tearing down and then rebuilding one's mana or energy from the ground up. However, would any of those below risk doing something so extreme in the middle of a Secret Realm?

Of course, there was always the chance that they used some kind of magic item to create a fake energy signature. But, even if that were the case, what did they hope to accomplish by doing so?

"Everyone should be able to hear me clearly." A voice suddenly sounded in Izroth's head.

'Hm? This voice...'

Izroth was not alone in hearing this voice as the others in his group also seemed to receive the sudden mind transmission.

"I have temporarily created a mental channel for us to communicate without running the risk of giving away our position. If you want to convey a message, all you have to do is think of who you want to receive it and your mental channels will automatically be connected." The voice explained.

Izroth did not recognize the voice of this celestial. However, that was not unusual given that they were not the talkative type. That being said, with the mental channel active, Izroth's mind could "see" the owner of the voice as if they were having a conversation face to face.

'So it's them.'

Izroth glanced over at one of the celestials near the outer edge of the group.

It was a young man with short silver hair and bangs that covered his eyes. This young man was one of the few celestials who did not partake in the bet and kept quietly to himself for most of the journey.

Name: Celestial of the Periphery, Isylo(???)

Level: 0

Izroth turned his attention away from Isylo and shifted his focus to Sychia, who was next to him.

'I wonder how she's holding up.'

The people down there were responsible for poisoning her earlier and came infinitely close to claiming her life; therefore, it would be surprising if Sychia did not hold some type of resentment. After all, not even half a day had passed since their attempt on her life.

As Izroth observed Sychia, he noticed that along with her gaze of aversion, was a trace of surprise. Though Izroth had a decent idea why she was taken aback.

She may have spoken quietly to herself just a moment ago, but with his enhanced hearing, it did not escape him.

Without a doubt, Sychia was shocked by Hakros' capture. And, to be honest, Izroth was a bit surprised as well. Rather, he did not expect Zouren and the others to confront Hakros.

Thanks to the quest he received, Izroth knew that while Hakros may not be considered their ally, he, at the very least, should not be their enemy. Was there some kind of bad blood between them?

"Will you be alright?" Izroth asked directly to Sychia via the mental channel.

"I admit, I find every moment difficult having to suppress my anger. That being said, I have been taught that anger only gives the illusion of strength. I will not let it overtake me. But, that does not mean I will sit back and do nothing." Sychia replied.

'I was worried that she would be reckless or lost in her anger since she is somewhat inexperienced, but... I guess it saves me some trouble.'

Fortunately, despite her inexperience, Sychia had a good head on her shoulders and did not rush forward without forethought.

"Still, there is something that I can not understand," Sychia commented.

"Hm? What is it?" Izroth inquired.

"Hakros... his capture should not have been possible. Even if those three worked together, to not only capture him but to do so without receiving a single injury--it is not feasible." Sychia stated.

"Oh? Is he that strong?" Izroth questioned curiously.

"In terms of pure physical strength alone, even those in the legendary realm who focus primarily on their physique would find it challenging to compete with Hakros. However, it is not his physical strength that is his greatest weapon, but the power of the ancient behemoth that flows through his veins. The Unstoppable Behemoth--this name is not merely for show." Sychia explained.

She then continued, "Due to the power of the ancient behemoth, the more enemies he faces or the more powerful his foe, the stronger Hakros becomes. He was also born with a special physique where his body is impervious to all forms of intrusion--be it blade or poison. This combination of the ancient behemoth and an unnaturally powerful physique gifted from the heavens earned him the moniker Unstoppable Behemoth. That's why, even if those three worked together, let alone capturing him alive, they would have to be more concerned with keeping their lives."

'Power of the ancient behemoth? This is the first time I'm hearing of something like that. It seems there are still many hidden secrets in the Mortal Realm.'

Izroth did not claim to know all there was about the Mortal Realm, but his knowledge was well in abundance compared to other players. However, even then, RML was a vast place--a world of itself. And, unless he climbed to the top of this world, he would never uncover all there was to know.

'His physique sounds similar to my Heavenly Golden Body. But, his physique seems to be at a higher level than my current Heavenly Golden Body. Since it's like that, Sychia's words should not be an exaggeration.'

"Everyone, get ready to attack. We have confirmed the presence of at least seven ancient race members who serve the Pillar of the West. We are unable to verify what they're up to, but if it has anything to do with the pillars, it's better we don't wait around to find out. We'll go on my signal." Tox's voice sounded in everyone's mind.

At the moment, everyone, including Tox, had set the wager in the back of their minds. Right now, their attention was focused solely on the enemies before them.

This was not just any conflict. This was their first time directly opposing the pillars openly. Needless to say, this created some nerves among a few of the celestials present. However, at this point, they had no choice but to steel themselves.

There was no going back now. If they failed, it was all over. They would no longer have a place in this world. And, even if they somehow did, it would be as servants of the pillars.

No one wanted to live such a miserable life; therefore, they had no choice but to fight and win. As for defeat--it was not an option!

"Be careful." Izroth reminded Sychia.

As long as he was there, Izroth had no plans on allowing Sychia to fall in harm's way; however, trying to stop her from fighting here was a laughable choice.

How could Sychia sit back and watch as the ones who poisoned and attacked her were right before her eyes?

"I will return these words to you, Izroth," Sychia replied as a look of fierce determination appeared in her eyes.

...

Meanwhile, down below...

"Hurry up and move them to the lake. I still have things to do. Not to mention, this place... I really can't stand the smell." Luxia said as she scrunched her nose and furrowed her brows.

"Hahaha, cheer up, princess. This time, we've gained a lot of benefits by coming here." Agromin commented with a grin.

"That's right. Who would have thought that this Secret Realm contained so many treasures and opportunities? We have to take everything we can before the portal appears back to the Mortal Realm." Zouren noted.

"The portal... Tch, don't remind me of something so unpleasant!" Luxia scoffed as she glared at Zouren.

Luxia thought back to the moment when Sychia sped through the portal while ignoring her words. Not only that, but even after catching up to the Thousand Blossom Maiden and surrounding her, she still managed to slip through her fingers! Luxia was furious!

"Hey, hey. It's fine. Don't tell me you forgot that I poisoned her? Even if she is still alive, forget making it to the portal, even surviving in this Secret Realm will be a struggle." Agromin stated as he could not contain his laughter.

"You're right. And, even if that little girl does make it to the portal, we will be waiting for her. If she dares to come, then she'll be welcoming her own death." Luxia stated as a small smirk formed on her lips.

Luxia sighed and said, "Let's hurry up and finish here. We're expected back at-"

Swooosh!

Out of nowhere, one of the members of the ancient races fell over.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Soon after, another three fell to the ground lifelessly!

"We're under attack!" One of the ancient races yelled.

"Who dares attack us?!" Zouren said coldly as he glared in the direction that the arrows came from.