New Member and Brother

Xavier nodded, his senior explaining the past so briefly yet easily understood. One of his curiosities had been answered and he was satisfied with that.

"That was horrible. It's lucky you came in time, or things wouldn't be the way they are now."

"You're right, My Brother. Our meeting is also due to Connor's loyalty in listening to me fantasise and always praising you."

Xavier instantly stepped back, giving a little distance. "If you don't mind, I appreciate your efforts not to publicise what happened at the base. After all, every individual has privacy and abilities that they don't want to be shown to the general public."

Enrique shook his head, disagreeing. "I understand that you may seem weak among the 'Ability is everything and incompetence means stupidity' believers. But ability is not just magic. There are talents and potentials that you have yet to maximise."

He felt that his friend knew him better. Even though he had spent a lot of time, his accumulated achievements were never recognised by anyone. It made him feel insecure, whereas Xavier recognised the kind of person who could slaughter anyone who insulted him, including Enrique himself.

"Never mind, this conversation is getting sidetracked. Then, what about the old man's ability..."

"Who do you mean 'old man'?"

Before even finishing his sentence, they were surprised by the figure that suddenly appeared in front of them. Even a blink could not match his reaction and speed. It was that kind of thing that made Xavier very amazed and wanted to get to know her better. He also thought about inviting her to become one of their members even though the possibility of approval was almost non-existent.

"You... my heart almost gave out. Is this the kind of reply you keep talking about?" Enrique patted the little old man's shoulder, laughing slightly but also panicking.

He shook his head, rejecting his master's speculation. "You speak carelessly. There's no way I could hurt the man who saved me. I just felt called out when this man called me an 'old man'. Didn't you just tell me about the village's past?" Connor confirmed.

"Most of our members are jerks, whether they speak or act. So, I hope you'll quickly understand My Brother. Don't think too much about it, I'll tell him not to call out like that."

Xavier bowed slightly. "I didn't know that you hated that nickname so much. I'm sorry."

"Hold your head up, Master Xavier. You are a figure that my master considers noble, so I am equalising the status of the two of you."

The former soldier was touched, his kindness and sincerity were just like the Cliffside Village residents, a figure worth recruiting as their partner in the eviction mission. Slightly lifting his back and stroking his chest to control his emotions, Xavier continued the conversation.

"I know I was wrong, but that's not why I called you. Senior Enrique did tell me about the village's past and nudged you a bit. Perhaps I can delve into who you are if you wish."

"My life so far has not been very important. Although I can use magic, I am still a flawed human in the end. The magic I acquired was never investigated, but it makes perfect sense that the magic energy entered the blood and body during the ritual. Our type of magic is also the same, magic of darkness and destruction. That's why I never use this ability carelessly."

That answer did not satisfy Xavier. "Then what about you being able to move places quickly? Is that a teleport?"

Connor raised his eyebrows. "Teleport? Hahaha, don't joke around. There's no way a handicapped man can master a High Level Ability. But you can name my ability like that, because it's basically like a teleport but the range is very small."

"I can't hear the real answer in the end. That sucks."

"Don't be gloomy, adventurer. You will find other abilities in the outside world, far more amazing than mine. They are only Low Level Abilities and cannot be used repeatedly."

Xavier nodded, understanding. Although the person in front of him was a figure freed by his seniors, he did not want to insist on knowing Connor more than this. At least giving him space to enjoy this moment was respecting him as a local. When they looked at each other and didn't speak, Connor started the discussion.

"If you don't mind and you do need help in the near future, I highly recommend Mr Enrique be part of your group. It's not like he's developed anything at all so far, and has earned nothing but tax money from the vendors in the market. Given his background of having a degree in an organisation, it would be a shame to have to take care of this place in the long run at his tender age."

Xavier frowned, responding. "Your last sentence seems to indicate that you are much older than us. But Senior Enrique, huh... I didn't think of recruiting him at all considering he's still related to the royal army. I don't even know what our superiors are doing when they see his condition now."

"I understand the circumstances but I don't see Mr Enrique returning to the royal army anytime soon, if ever. The enthusiasm with which he speaks of you... I can only imagine how powerful your group is in the eyes of the Demon King and his army."

Xavier was silent for a moment. His eyes glimpsed the other conditions with Cytherea and Enrique chatting openly. Their faces were occasionally smiling but occasionally looked doubtful and confused. He didn't know what they were talking about, but Xavier had a hunch that their conversation would bring good news.

Given Enrique's abilities in terms of physical combat and magic, Xavier already thought that the man was worthy of being a partner. They were close when they were in the royal army and earned many badges and honours.

The next second, a shrill scream could be heard, witnessing the Goddess in excitement.

"What's wrong with you?"

Cytherea instantly approached her partner, grabbing his arm and dragging him back to where he was. "Look, your friend says he can't wait to overthrow Azazil's rule in Heaven."

"Oh, I see... What? Repeat that." Xavier briefly nodded but the next second he felt misheard

"Your friend said he would help bring down Azazil's rule. Isn't all this very coincidental and helpful?"

'I can't be wrong. Connor's guess was accurate.' Xavier muttered. "But are you sure of your decision, Senior? What about your duties and position as one of the royal soldiers?"