Chapter 47 - How to Contradict

"Now Griff. I'm going to get to the point. Do you have any idea what that demi-human is?"

Leebus stated as he sat on his chair with Alatar leaning next to him to the wall.

"I see you fixed the gaping hole in here!"

Leebus hit the table angrily, causing the room to shake.

"Answer the question Griff!"

Sylvie who was behind him was now on guard, growling slightly as she took a battle stance.

"...I"

[If you tell anyone what happened don't expect to see the next day.]

"I fought her during my mission, and we fell over a cliff. She was leading a wolfpack to attack the village."

Leebus had slightly calmed down seeing Griff speaking.

"We fell over a cliff after..."

'Wait just a second... SHE knows some bits of what really happened.'

[That's why I told you to kill her.]

'...and I couldn't.'

[It's your problem now. I'll let her get away with knowing about the chains. Nothing else.]

"After some sort of magic pulled us down it."

Sylvie's ears had perked up. She knew that there were chains that pulled them down, but Griff had always avoided the topic.

"The source? Did you find it?"

"I... have no idea master. It was as if the magic was uhm... prepared a long time ago."

"It was a rune."

"A rune?! Don't runes allow houses to float?"

"That too, but they also let magic last a longer time. So, why bring her here?"

"She got injured, and I decided to bring her. That's the entire story master."

Leebus pondered for a second.

"We need all the fighters we can get right now. The demi can stay here."

"I have a name you old geezer!"

Leebus looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

"It's Sylvie."

"Fine take this Sylvie and go Griff. Don't let her leave your sight, or I can't promise her safety."

Griff nodded whilst Sylvie clicked her tongue.

"Griff."

Alatar walked towards them.

"Head to the southern walls of the city. I can feel your magic has strengthened. We need every able bodied fighter against the Troll King."

"You can count on me masters! Come on angry wolf girl. Let's go."

"I'm not a-"

Griff pulled her from her arm without allowing her to speak, and dashed out of the guild hall.

———————————————————————

Leebus watched Griff run towards to southern wall by dragging Sylvie who was obviously irritated.

"Tell me what you exactly saw Alatar. I know there was more to what you saw..."

"...I'm afraid this is more serious than a regular monster horde."

"That much is certain. The Troll King never leaves the mountains. Are the other two Masters of Alfrum going to help us?"

"...they've already left. They said it was a hassle and would interfere with their research."

Leebus sighed.

"That's a given. You're only here because of our friendship I suppose."

Alatar smirked.

"The kid too. I normally never teach magic, but... I did it as a favor for you and Humbert. Dear lord the kid died young."

"So this is a way for you to keep an eye on your last pupil?"

"In a way yes. I know that fool won't leave. Just look at him! Bringing a demi-human to a city in Kulva..."

"...we better start getting ready."

"Yeah. The Troll King will be here tomorrow night..."

Leebus turned from the window and started walking back to the room where Alatar waited for him.

———————————————————————

Reiner was lifting an oak log to help create a makeshift barricade as he saw Griff walking towards them. He was about to shout, but Rin stepped on his feet.

"What did you do that for!"

"I am NOT going to babysit another idiot right now."

"But he looks like a literal lost baby!"

Reiner pointed at Griff who was looking around with confused eyes and trying to touch everything as Sylvie was trying to cover her face in annoyance.

"...that's the point!"

Reiner looked at her and gave a smug look.

"Don't you fucking-"

"GRIFF OVER HERE!"

Griff suddenly turned towards Reiner and started walking to him with Sylvie behind him.

"So I'm basically your slave now..."

"Hey master Leebus didn't say that!"

"That's basically what I have to do though. If I stray from you I'm in danger. Gee. Thanks for my 'freedom.'"

"Yo Griff!"

Reiner placed the log on the ground.

"Hey Reiner! Have you seen James?"

"Oh yeah! He said he was completely retiring. Remember that pub he started? Full time now."

"Oh..."

Reiner was ignoring Sylvie, who was more than happy to be ignored.

"Come on. We're setting up defenses. Grab a log or something and come."

"Alrighty! Come on Sylvie!"

"..."

[Hm. I think I better whip you good so you mentally grow up too.]

'...please don't.'

[I will do it no matter what you want.]

'Damn it.

Griff rolled up his sleeves and started to drag a log behind Reiner to set up makeshift trenches. Sylvie simply sighed at seeing him struggling to drag the log and lifted it with one hand. Griff looked at her with wide eyes.

"Just...come on."

She said as she carried the log with one arm, causing everyone to look at her baffled.

Griff got up and grabbed a smaller log and quickly trailed behind her.

[You don't have a lot of time. Swivel away from here.]

'What?'

[You won't have time to prepare for a horde fast... if you didn't have me.]

'Magic?'

[Magic...]

Griff dropped the log, and walked to Reiner.

"Hey Reiner. I'm going to look at the surroundings of Alfrum."

"You really think this is the time?"

"I want to scout the area. Since this is about to become a battlefield we should set traps too, right? I set traps at my last mission."

"Go. Don't tell Rin if she finds you it was me."

Griff grinned and ran he off. Sylvie saw him run, and cursed, tossing the log she was carrying behind him.

"Griiiffff! Don't dump this on me!"

Griff slides to the right, avoiding the log which created a freaking small crater; and dived into the forest with a grin on his face.

[You're enjoying this!]

'I surprisingly do.'

Griff stopped as he reached a slight opening and stretched his arms.

"Okay! Teach me, Caphy."

[Heh. I'd say don't call me that, but I'll let it slide. It's time for a crash course.]