MTLNOVEL Chapter 136: The Hard-to-Find Manor
Three days later, in a hotel room on the third floor, David picked up the white envelope from the table and pulled out a piece of paper. After casting a revealing spell, a line of text appeared: "Do you really want to join us?" Below it were two options: "YES" and "NO". David tapped "YES" with his wand.
The text vanished, replaced by a new message: "Dear friend, welcome. We look forward to your arrival." The words dissolved, and a single arrow emerged, pointing south.
"Ron, did you open the letter?" Tariq's voice came through the door, accompanied by loud knocking.
"Yes," David replied, opening the door. Tariq had been helpful these past few days, arranging everything from meals to accommodations. David, unfamiliar with the area and wary of his wanted status, had come to tolerate the man's presence.
"So, when are we going?" Tariq asked, waving his own letter.
"This afternoon. We'll check it out first," David said.
"Don't forget to call me! It's not safe to go alone," Tariq said, his tone overly concerned.
"I won't forget you," David replied, closing the door. He stared at the blank paper, wondering if this would finally reveal the R organization's connection to the research team.
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On an endless grassland under the scorching sun, David and Tariq trudged across the hot turf. "Ron, are you sure it's here?" Tariq panted, fanning himself with his mask.
"Look at your letter. It'll tell you," David snapped.
"I left it in my bag. I can barely move as it is..."
"Then stop talking."
David focused on the arrow on his paper, which pointed steadily in one direction. Yet, no matter how far they walked, there was nothing in sight—just endless grass. Frustrated, David knelt and placed the paper on the ground, tapping it with his wand. "I am willing to join the R organization."
The paper twisted and folded into a key, which flew a few meters away and hovered in the air. The scene around it rippled like a curtain, revealing an ancient, elegant manor.
"What's going on? What do you see?" Tariq asked, confused.
"Follow my steps," David instructed. After Tariq repeated the process, his expression turned to one of genuine surprise. David realized Tariq might not have known about the manor after all.
As they stepped through the gate, a house-elf appeared, bowing respectfully. "Welcome, sirs. The master is waiting in the front hall."
The elf led them inside, and with a snap of his fingers, they were transported to a grand hall. Pavel, the man David had met before, greeted them warmly. "I told you we'd meet again!"
David shook Pavel's hand, while Tariq embraced him enthusiastically, complaining about the difficulty of finding the place. Pavel apologized and directed them to their rooms, where food awaited.
In his room, David summoned a tree guard to spy on Tariq. He watched as Tariq lounged on the sofa, eating snacks. Soon, Pavel entered, casting a silencing charm. The two spoke in hushed tones, revealing their brotherly relationship and discussing the organization's purge of untrustworthy members. Pavel expressed interest in recruiting David, while Tariq assured him of David's reliability.
David dismissed the tree guard, processing the revelation. The brothers' dynamic was unexpected, and Tariq's role as a spy added another layer of complexity. He wondered about the "bugs" Tariq had mentioned—were they the research team?
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That evening, David and Tariq joined the banquet in the grand hall. Pavel addressed the group, emphasizing trust and partnership. He outlined the organization's role as a platform for wealth and promised fair compensation for captured magical creatures. The attendees, unmasked now, listened intently as Pavel assured them of transparency and support.
As the food appeared on the table, Pavel encouraged everyone to enjoy the meal and discuss their concerns later. David observed the scene, his mind racing. The R organization was more intricate than he'd imagined, and its leaders—Pavel and Tariq—were far from what they seemed.