64 Chapter 64: Unveiling the Enemy's Intentions

"I think I'm safe for now," I thought to myself as I found refuge inside a cave in the forest. Sarah, who was unconscious, and I had spotted this cave earlier but had passed by it in our race against time. Little did I know that we would return to this place under these circumstances. Nevertheless, it had become a sanctuary for us at this moment.

"Huh...huh..." Gasping for breath, I carefully set down Sarah, who remained peacefully asleep, and leaned against the cave wall. Exhaustion had overtaken me, and I had only managed to reach this cave through sheer determination. I was grateful that the years of training under my Master had strengthened my willpower, allowing me to persevere until we reached this sanctuary within the forest.

Observing Sarah's serene face as she slept, a sense of relief washed over me. All my efforts would be in vain if Sarah were to lose her inheritance. For now, Sarah was safe, but I had to remain vigilant and ensure that no one discovered our whereabouts.

In my current state, I wasn't prepared to confront the men in black. Furthermore, there was also Jonathan to consider. Reflecting on our encounter, I couldn't deny that he was the most formidable mage I had ever faced. Even in my sparring sessions with Anna and Thomas, I hadn't experienced the same intensity. And that was when Jonathan wasn't even using his full power. If he were to unleash his true strength, I doubted I would have survived.

At least, the men he had brought along with him didn't possess his magical abilities. When I fought against my pursuers, I noticed their inability to wield magic. All their techniques were supported by magic items, perhaps limited to basic spells like enhancement magic. Still, they managed to keep up with my heightened speed, thanks to the magic-infused items. If they had been capable of using magic, the battle would have been far more challenging, and I might not have escaped.

To be honest, it was the first time I had taken a human life. Previously, I had only slain monsters. But now, I had ended the lives of fellow humans with my own hands. Yet, as I reflected on those encounters, I realized I felt nothing at the time. I had been unexpectedly calm and resolute, carrying out what needed to be done. I wasn't sure if this lack of emotional response was a positive or negative thing. What I did know was that I now faced an even greater enemy, and I had to do everything in my power to protect Sarah.

I hoped Sarah would awaken soon, as she would be a significant asset. However, I couldn't solely rely on her. I had to devise my own strategies and plans.

"The night is approaching," I noted, gazing out of the cave entrance as the sun began its descent. Several hours had passed, and my strength was gradually returning. Though I hadn't fully recovered to my peak condition, I had regained enough energy to move freely.

Despite the option to rest here until either Sarah woke up or our time ran out, I couldn't shake a sense of foreboding. It gnawed at my mind, urging me to venture outside. I needed to uncover the reasons behind Jonathan's presence. Additionally, if he managed to enter this restricted area, it raised concerns about Anna and the others. All these thoughts compelled me to make a decision.

"Sigh. I guess I can't ignore this feeling," I muttered, finally resolving to venture forth. However, I had to consider what to do with Sarah. My plan involved getting closer to our adversaries, as proximity would allow me to gather information. Yet, this also exposed us to greater danger, and I couldn't subject Sarah to unnecessary risks. Right now, she needed time to recuperate. As long as she had ample time, her transformation would progress.

"Now, what should I do?" I pondered aloud.

Taking her along would expose her to danger alongside me, but leaving her alone in the cave wasn't a viable option. If I left her here unattended, she might be vulnerable to attacks from monsters, with no one to protect her. Although I could employ barrier spells or protective magic items, regrettably, I lacked such resources at the moment.

I found myself with no other choice but to carry Sarah with me. Having made up my mind, I swiftly set my plan in motion. Lifting her gently, I searched for a suitable vine to securely fasten her to my back. Carrying her with one hand would hinder my combat capabilities, so I opted to have her on my back, utilizing both hands in case of emergencies. It wasn't an ideal solution, but given the circumstances, it was the best I could manage.

After a brief search, I located a sturdy vine and skillfully tied Sarah to my back as securely as possible. I hoped she would understand that while it might be uncomfortable, we had no other options available to us at the moment. She needed to accept our current circumstances.

With everything in place, it was time to uncover the enemy's intentions.