Ch 24: Riley's Warning

The danger in the forest had exceeded Emrys's imagination. He understood very well that the deeper they went into the forest, the more dangerous it would become.

After a tiresome day, they decided to rest as night began to fall. While searching for a safe place to spend the night, they found a small space under the roots of a huge tree.

Not long after they carefully moved inside this small space, they heard some commotion outside. All of them were alerted immediately. Very soon, they found out the reason behind the commotion.

From the conversation between the people named Malachi and Riley, they got the gist of things happening inside this forest. They also understood that their appearance inside this forest right after crossing the entrance of the abandoned mansion was not a coincidence, it was a well-planned idea executed by Malachi. There is also a possibility of several other Soul Masters working with Malachi.

At that moment, Emrys decided to save Riley. Coincidently, the distance between the cave and Riley was within a hundred meters.

During the battle in the morning, Emrys had already used Node Shift one time, so when Emrys saved Riley by utilizing the Node Shift ability again, Rohan and Cairo were not that surprised.

"Who are you people?"

Riley asked Emrys and others curiously. He has no idea how he ended up in this small space, but he knew he was safe for the time being. It was enough for him to breathe silently and calm his turmoil heart.

"We are your savior!"

Rohan replied with a smile. At the same time, he asked, "Who was that person? It seems you know what happened to the mansion. Can you tell us?"

Riley heaved a sigh of relief. Since he was in this strange space and Rohan said they were his savior, it is most likely to be the truth. However, he did not let go of his guard just because of Rohan's words.

What if Rohan and the other two are pretending?

What if they are with Malachi and are planning to do something horrible than death to him?

If it is Malachi, he is definitely capable of giving him a fate worse than death.

Instead of answering Rohan's question, Riley said, "If you want to live, then stay here. This place seemed to be safe for the time being. Don't go out. After I recover, I'll find a way to leave the mansion and inform the Federation about this place. At that time, the Federation will come to save you all. You three don't seem powerful. Staying here and waiting for the rescue to come will be safer for you all."

He did not want to talk at all. However, since Emrys and others are his saviors, at least that is how they claim to be, Riley gave them a few kind suggestions and sat down cross-legged on the spot. He was preparing to recover his wounds first.

Seeing this, Emrys and others shook their heads. Although they were young, they were mature enough to understand what Riley meant. Anyway, they did not help Riley to disturb him. Since he doesn't want to talk, no one said anything.

At this time, a wave of bluish ripple appeared above Riley's head. Very soon, a creature that appeared to be a raccoon manifested above his head.

This creature was the one to which Riley's Soul Mark belonged. Just as the Void Phoenix was there to guide Emrys until he becomes the Walker of Blue Sky, this Racoon is meant to guide Riley to his final destination, which is described by his Soul Mark. However, to reach that point, Riley must first stay alive.

Riley can use his Soul Force to communicate with the Racoon, who in turn will attract the attributed energy suitable for Riley to his body. Riley can then utilize this energy not only to nourish and strengthen his body but also to speed up the recovery of his wounds.

This is how a Soul Master cultivates.

Riley was already an Advanced Bronze Soul Master, only one step away from becoming a Silver Soul Master.

However, Riley did not dare to break through here. Although he was trying to recover from the injuries on his body, he did not let down his guard. He was paying attention to Rohan, Cairo, and Emrys's movements as well. It is not that he was suspicious of them, it is just that one has to stay alert all the time when out in the wilderness. After all, in the wilderness, the most dangerous creatures are not Soul Beasts but humans.

Just like that, the night passed.

When the morning brought rays of sunlight to the world, everyone opened their eyes. Riley stopped cultivating, most of his injuries had recovered already.

Rays of sunlight passing through tiny holes under the roots told them that it was already morning.

By now, Riley had started believing that Emrys, Rohan, and Cairo had nothing to do with Malachi. Their act was a life-saving grace. They have done a huge favor.

In order to repay them, Riley hesitated a little but decided to warn them about something.

"I don't know the way outside, otherwise I would have definitely brought you all with me. But at least, I'll warn you guys before I leave this place. Don't venture deeper into the forest. Even if you do go deeper, never go near that mountain range."

Everyone had already climbed to the surface and was ready to move forward. At this time, Riley stopped in front of Emrys, pointed at the mountain range, and said. He did not stop there, he continued: "At a certain place inside that mountain range, there is a group of Silver Soul Masters who are planning to do something extreme. As long as you guys don't go near the mountain range, you'll be safe and sound. Of course, you need to pay attention to the surrounding dangers as well. Other than those Silver Soul Masters, there are also several Silver Soul Beasts inside this forest. Stay cautious, stay safe!"

Riley left in a hurry after warning Emrys and others.

Emrys, Rohan, and Cairo showed a confused expression on their faces. Then they looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

Emrys thought of something and said, "Staying here is not an option. We entered the abandoned mansion to investigate and know what happened to the Gracia Family members and whether Serefina had something to do with them or not. No matter the risk, we have to investigate everything that is under our strength."

"However, I want to break through before that. It'll not take long. Wait for me!"

Emrys did not wait for their reply. He once again went to the small space under the roots of the huge tree and took out a seed.

On the other hand, Rohan and Cairo smiled bitterly. Then they immediately become alert and start paying attention to their surroundings. Their goal was simple, they had to watch over this place until Emrys came out.