MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 61: Meeting
"Ah, finally!" a visibly excited boy moved quickly across the sandy terrain, breathing in the Gate's air and the smell of blood that permeated the entire place mixed with the faint tang of scorched earth.
"I wonder what happened here-" he murmured while observing a burned, dead worm its charred remains glistening under the dim light.
"Oh, right!" he exclaimed, striking the fist of his right hand into the open palm of his left. "I need to get in touch with the others-" he murmured, making a gesture with his hand as something emerged from his spatial ring with a faint hum of mana.
Beep-Beep
The circular object continued to emit sounds as a map appeared above it. On the map, three blinking red markers could be seen moving toward a fixed blue point at the center of the map pulsing like a heartbeat.
"Oh, so that is where we will meet. I cannot wait to see my companions for this adventure!" he exclaimed happily as he set off toward the meeting place, not sparing a second glance at the dead worm its lifeless form fading into the background.
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An hour later...
Bibo reached the point marked on the map.
"First!" he said with pride as a slight laugh escaped his lips, curled into a playful smile his eyes sparkling with triumph.
But at the same moment, another figure appeared. "I did not expect the Ironridge Kingdom to have fallen so low as to send a kid like you…" the newcomer's words were tactless, almost as if meant to provoke enmity dripping with disdain like venom.
"…and anyway, I was the first to arrive, not you," he added with a scornful expression on his face.
His name was Blaze, from the Emberfall Kingdom, and like every citizen of that kingdom, the arrogance he exuded could be worn like a scarf around his neck bold and unmistakable.
Hearing the newcomer's words, Bibo turned, curious. He had not sensed his arrival, but he was not worried about that. After all, it was common to have artifacts capable of concealing one's aura like a veil of shadow.
But before he could respond, two more figures appeared at the same moment.
"I see we are all here. Nice to meet you, my name is Thalor, I come from-"
"I cannot believe it, now even the mages from the Silverlake Kingdom want to play hero? We do not need to get to know each other or collaborate. Have you not seen the dead monsters along the way? They are just low-level worms; I do not need your help to clear this Gate and save the daughter of-"
His words caught in his throat as he nearly revealed sensitive information. It was not that people did not know about her disappearance, but only those from the same kingdom were aware of this guarded secret.
"Anyway-" he added with a cough. "I am not interested in your help or any collaboration. I came here only to tell you that. Goodbye."
His gaze lingered for just a moment on the last figure present, a Knight from the Dawnspire Kingdom whose armor gleamed faintly in the eerie light.
"Tch." Spitting on the ground and without waiting another second, Blaze turned and began walking with a swagger toward another point, completely ignoring the other three who, in the meantime, had fallen silent, their breaths held in disbelief.
An incredulous silence enveloped the area as the three looked at each other questioningly, their eyes searching for answers in the tense air.
After a few more seconds, the boy who had been introducing himself earlier broke the silence with a light laugh. "Interesting guy… do you not think? I am Thalor, and as that guy said, I come from the Silverlake Kingdom."
Thalor wore a light blue robe with silver veins, short light brown hair like his half-closed eyes that seemed to hold a quiet wisdom.
His voice was entirely different from Blaze's, almost its opposite. While Blaze appeared arrogant and full of himself, the typical guy who put everyone beneath him, Thalor was kind and approachable, the typical talented good guy everyone would see as a role model with a warmth that drew others in.
Often, he was the villain in stories, but still…
Approaching Thalor quickly, Bibo introduced himself with enthusiasm. "My name is Bibo, I come from the Ironridge Kingdom, nice to meet you!"
The two smiled enthusiastically as they turned simultaneously to look at the last remaining member of the group, standing like a silent sentinel.
He wore full armor that covered every inch of his body. It seemed heavy and cumbersome, but it did not seem to weigh him down. Judging by the armor's style, the guy appeared to be male, large, and strong his presence like a towering fortress.
"Eris, Dawnspire Kingdom."
The two merely stared at Eris. His voice… was a bit higher-pitched than normal, almost in contrast with the hulking figure he seemed to be with all that armor on.
"Nice to meet you, Eris," the two said in unison, smiling as they looked at each other. There was a certain affinity in their mannerism, like two sparks igniting a shared fire.
Eris returned their enthusiasm with a nod of his head, his visor reflecting the faint glow around them.
"We should move. Otherwise, that guy will steal all our kills and the glory! That cannot happen!" Bibo immediately began to throw a tantrum, making Thalor realize they might not be so similar after all.
A wry smile crossed his face. "Relax, that guy is just an idiot, he is going in a completely different direction…" Thalor shook his head, his eyes closing. "While I was coming here, I already figured it out. This Gate is much deeper than it seems. Near the carcass of a very large worm, radiating the aura of a Silver 1, I saw a portal."
"A Gate within a Gate!" exclaimed the Knight in shining armor without thinking his voice ringing with sudden excitement.
Bibo jumped up, thrilled by the prospect. A Gate within a Gate meant only one thing!
Fragments of ancient worlds where only those who passed certain trials could receive unique rewards, treasures whispered of in legends.