20 This... is he here to stop me!?

Peng Hu was starting to feel defeated. Every time he had a great idea on how to track down clues that may guide them to the culprit, it seemed like the results were eluding and spitting on their efforts. Kai saw Peng Hu's face and could feel his pain. Gathering his optimism, Kai felt that there was something else that they could obtain from Wedge.

"Uncle Wedge! Don't you have anything you could share with us about your adventures with Uncle Biggs recently? Anything is fine!"

Wedge was a little surprised by the determination of Kai on insisting that he told them about his relationship with Biggs. It was as if both of them got into trouble and someone was trying to know what kind of mischief they did. Looking at Kai again, Wedge could feel that Kai was being serious about it. Sighing, Wedge just could not disappoint Kai and tried to remember as hard as he could about the event a year ago... but it was to no avail. Then Wedge tried to tell them something recently about his experiences with Biggs in recent expeditions but he also could not remember them. It was a strange new experience to Wedge. He had spent so much time with his partner Biggs and he could not remember very well his time with Biggs. It was as if the memories were trying to break free from some kind of shackles. Wedge thought to himself that it was better to keep this information to himself absolutely, or he would be the laughingstock of the village for having short memory.

Suddenly, a sudden spark of memories flashed through Wedge mind. Memories of Biggs... writing in a diary.

"Hmm... I... think I remember something. Whenever... we finished an expedition... Biggs would always take out some sort of book, like a diary, and write on it."

[!]

"Uncle Wedge! What did Uncle Biggs write on it?"

"I... I don't know... What I remember is that... the cover of the book was red... with the symbol... of fire?"

[!!!]

Peng Hu opened wide out his eyes about this new fact. It seemed his prayers were answered and an important clue finally landed on their grasp. It was all thanks to Kai. Peng Hu noted on his mind that he would invite Kai for dinner as a token of gratitude for believing in him.

On the other hand, Kai was absolutely shocked. Although he trusts in Peng Hu's observation, he couldn't believe that Uncle Biggs had a part in the malevolent plan the Red Ember Kingdom was cooking to inflict damage upon the village.

It was not only Kai, Wedge was also stupefied by what he just said. He just confessed that his partner was in cahoots with the Red Ember Kingdom, the same kingdom that was threatening the village's livelihood and peace. Additionally, it was very strange that he just remembered such a crucial piece of information. Was it deliberate and someone actually messed his mind up... or did his mind played tricks on him because he did not want to betray Biggs?

"Is... is that true, Uncle Wedge!? Are you certain that what you just said... is the truth?"

Peng Hu looked towards Kai. It was understandable that Kai would want to ascertain the facts again. Although Peng Hu was somehow a stranger to the village, he knew full well what it meant to have someone you trust, betray you. Wedge also looked at Kai and was as confused as Kai.

"This..."

"This... must be a lie! Uncle Biggs can't possible be part of the Red Ember Kingdom! He saved me that time from them!"

Peng Hu was shocked by the new piece of information. Apparently, Biggs saved Kai's life once from the Red Ember Kingdom. If Biggs were part of the Red Ember Kingdom, he would not have any reason to save Kai's life... unless there was some sort of benefits by keeping Kai away from the Red Ember Kingdom? Although it was starting to feel that there was something strange behind all of this, Peng Hu was clear that people would hide their true colors.

"Kai... keep up your composure..."

"No... No! This must be a lie! Uncle Biggs can not possibly have a diary with the Red Ember Kingdom symbol on it! It is... impossible!"

Not wanting to believe in this new fact, Kai ran off. Kai could probably accept that Biggs may have something hidden because everyone has their own secrets. If Biggs were to be linked to the Red Ember Kingdom, Kai did not want him to be linked in such way. If Kai were to accept what Wedge had just said, it meant that Biggs was already a spy to the Red Ember Kingdom way before he saved Kai's life. It was inconceivable and preposterous to Kai.

Peng Hu could only watch how Kai was running away. It was tough to accept an information that may shatter one's own perception of things. This phenomenon was also a regular thing in his old world, where people had difficulty accepting new things that may take them out of their comfort zones.

"Sigh... I can not believe what I just said. Biggs, a spy from the Red Ember Kingdom? Impossible. It is as if something is just messing with my mind..."

Looking towards Wedge, Peng Hu also felt bad about him. To realize that your lifelong partner is a spy working for the enemy is a shattering piece of news which could shake the foundation of one's own strength.

Finally having a lead to who could certainly be the spy the Great Chief was looking for, Peng Hu was preparing to leave the place... when Wedge suddenly stopped him.

"Please... Pen Who. Do not report this fact to the Great Chief. Give... me some time to confirm this fact. I still can not believe it."

Peng Hu looked into Wedge's eyes. He could feel that Wedge was being serious about it. Sighing, Peng Hu closed his eyes started to remember things from his old world.

[I wished you were like Wedge...]

Opening his eyes, Peng Hu looked firmly at Wedge and replied with his heart.

"I can not do that. Every second that goes by, someone else could be in trouble. Mr. Yuvan and Ms. Julia got into trouble and it may be linked to the spy. If we delay any further, more casualties may sprung all over the village."

Wedge was hesitating. What Peng Hu was right and stopping him was no different than helping the enemy. Letting Peng Hu do his quest for the Great Chief may also be a sign of evidence that Biggs could be innocent. Reluctantly, Wedge stepped out from Peng Hu's path.

Peng Hu nodded towards Wedge and was about to leave... when he saw a familiar figure walking towards him. Opening his eyes widely, he could clearly see that it was Biggs coming towards his direction.

[This... is he here to stop me!?]

Walking closer and closer to Peng Hu, Biggs greeted him.

"Hello Pen Who. Are you used to the village now?"