Sinister

After closing the door Niko slowly walked away from it unfazed as if the interaction between him and the protectors never happened. Niko was slightly annoyed with how cocky the protectors were though, their confidence was way too high. But it was understandable, as they were part of a powerful group in the surrounding area. Tera at the moment was like a behemoth, that monopolized everything from humans.

A hint of a smile appeared on Nikos' face as he slowly continued walking towards the stars. He looked slightly sinister and evil as the quiet castle looked eerie, like a supervillain who had just succeeded in his plans to ruling the world.

After going upstairs Niko knocked on a door and slowly opened it. Not long ago the Ratman Shaman sent him a message saying that Zheng had woken up, and Niko had come to see him. After opening the door Zheng was exposed sitting on the edge on his bed looking extremely tired. Looking towards the door with surprise Zheng was relieved to see Niko.

Getting up slightly Zheng said," Niko!"

"Hey hey, stay down don't stress your body." Niko said with a friendly smile as he continued, " How are you feeling?"

"I'm a little tired, but much better than before… How long was I out for?" Zheng said scratching his head.

"A few days…" Niko replied,

"Where are the others?" Zheng asked once more.

Niko looks down and shakes his head slowly.

"Everyone?" a hint of sadness was heard on his voice.

"Well, Fumito is still alive…" Niko spoke with a lower voice.

Knowing what Niko was insinuating Zheng lowers his head in sadness. Yes, they haven't known each other for too long but they had been through a lot, which has made them closer. Life and death creates a bond between people, especially when they are forced to rely on one another

The mood was low at the moment but it was soon abolished as someone entered the room.

Ivanic slowly entered and smiled towards Zheng, genuinely happy for his safety. He then turned his gaze towards Niko as both men showed a sinister smile.

Zheng looked at both and tilted his head in confusion.

"So…?" Niko asked ivanic grinning.

"Mission… Accomplished." Ivanic spoke, and as he spoke he slowly raised his arm.

"Shoosh!"

"Bang"

Bluish armor as well as a great sword and a short sword began to appear from mid-air and fell to the ground with a large sound, clearly coming from Ivanic's inventory space. Zheng moved back slightly in surprise.

The armors and weapons were the same ones that the two protectors were wearing and wielding.

Niko chuckled slightly. He wasn't stupid, letting those two return would've been the dumbest decision he had ever made in his life. He knew those two never had intentions of actual combat, they were sent to scout, and test the waters. As soon as they returned they would say everything and come back with a greater number.

Niko chose the same strategy as the old freak from the other mountain. Not a single person was willing to cross his territory, due to the history of even the protectors losing their lives. Therefore, Niko wanted to make sure the same feeling was felt towards him and his territory. This would kill many birds with one stone. As Niko conversed with the two protectors, he lowkey, spoke with Ivanic through his mind, planning a way to solve the issue. They came to a conclusion of stalling the men so that Ivanic could get a better place down the mountain and sneak attack them. And as they went down the mountain Ivanic and the spirits who Niko ordered to support in the sneak attack.

"Great, separate these so we can share amongst ourselves." Niko said and continued, "... In a more important matter, let's see Fumito. It has been too long."