Chapter 35: Julien

Through the narrow and intricate streets, the woman led Raven to a secluded alley before coming to a halt. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder, ensuring they weren't being followed.

"That guy loves causing trouble for me," she muttered, removing her hood and revealing her beautiful face. "What a headache."

The woman appeared young, in her late twenties, and of Asian descent. Her eyes were cold and distant, as if she considered Raven to be a burden.

"Who loves causing problems for you?" a voice teased from above. A man leaped down from a nearby roof, gracefully landing next to the woman.

Raven noticed the man carrying the same small bag around his waist, but he appeared much younger. His eyes were a striking shade of green.

Raven could discern that the man's physique bore a resemblance to the old man who had assisted him earlier. It seemed the two were one and the same, with the young man adopting a clever disguise.

However, something didn't quite add up. Unlike before, the name above the man's head was no longer green but red. He had also taken the lives of players in the past, as evidenced by his different name. This unexpected revelation surprised Raven.

If he truly was the same old man, it puzzled Raven how he could change not only his appearance but also his name. Initially, he believed he was the only person capable of such transformations, thanks to his multiple avatars. Yet, it was clear that this man possessed his own methods.

"Who else but you?" the woman retorted, rolling her eyes.

The man scratched the back of his head, chuckling awkwardly. "Anyway, thanks for the help back there."

He turned his attention to Raven. "I know you must have many questions right now, but introductions will have to wait. They're probably searching for us frantically. We should get moving."

The man raised his right foot and tapped the ground in a peculiar but rhythmic pattern. As he finished, a small opening materialized on the ground, previously nonexistent.

"Follow me," he beckoned, jumping into the ground. The woman followed suit, disappearing into the opening.

Raven rubbed his forehead, unsure of the situation he found himself in. However, he sensed it might be for the better. What he lacked most was information, and these people seemed capable of providing it. Moreover, they had helped him. It was better than being alone.

Despite this, he couldn't fully trust them. The fate of his brother served as a stark reminder that in this world, there were no eternal friends. Anyone could betray another if presented with enough benefits.

He remained cautious and kept his guard up before motioning for Elia to follow him.

Together, they leaped into the hole and vanished from sight. 

"Don't let them escape! Find them, even if we have to search the entire island!" A group of pursuers continued their search for Raven, even scouring the very alley where he had been. Unfortunately, they arrived seconds too late.

The opening in the ground had sealed shut as if it had never existed.

Unbeknownst to the enemy above, Raven found himself in an underground passage. Dimly lit and chilled, the passage was spacious enough to accommodate a large group if necessary. The walls appeared weathered, bearing claw marks, likely made by some unknown beast.

"This is our underground dungeon, our secret base that nobody else knows about," the young man informed Raven.

Observing Raven's confusion, he lightly slapped his forehead. "Oh, right, I haven't introduced myself yet."

"I am Julien," he introduced himself. "On Earth, I lived in Germany, toiling away in a mundane office. Here, I am a Thief Class responsible for reconnaissance. As for my Bloodline, I'm afraid I can't tell that."

"That is Yui," Julien introduced, gesturing to the woman beside him. 

"She is an Assassin. Although she may come across as harsh at times, deep down, she's truly a kind-hearted person." As he spoke, he playfully ruffled Yui's hair, but she shot him a glare and swiftly slapped his hand away.

Raven responded, "I am Arash... And she is Elia. Thank you for rescuing us outside. May I ask why you decided to help us? Also, I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with some information."

"Of course," Julien replied. "In this unfamiliar world, knowledge is the most powerful weapon one can possess. As a newcomer, it's natural for you to be curious. But before that, follow me, and I'll take you to the others."

As if thinking of something, he smiled wryly and muttered, "They will probably scold me quite a bit for bringing an outsider here without consulting them..."

"Anyway, the reason I helped you is simple... because you needed assistance and because you're a fellow human."

Raven questioned, "I saw so many humans in the city, suffering. Why did you help me and not them?"

"Their lives weren't in immediate danger. Although their lives may be miserable, they can at least stay alive. However, you... You would have died if they had taken you. Moreover, I believe you can be of help to us."

"I can help you? With what?" Raven inquired.

"You emerged from the Trials around the same time as him, the person everyone on Beginner Island is talking about... The New King of the Bloodline Trial. We should be able to glean some valuable information from you," Julien explained.

However, as they proceeded, Julien glanced at Yui. "Do you think the others will buy that excuse and spare me from being scolded?"

Yui let out a deep sigh. "You fool. You always act first and then scramble for excuses to justify your actions. Don't you have the whole process reversed?"

Guiding Raven and Elia through the lengthy and intricate maze, Julien proved invaluable. Without his guidance, Raven felt certain they would never have found the correct path. 

It was evident why these people chose this hiding place. Even if someone stumbled upon it, deciphering the right path would be nearly impossible, given the numerous traps lining the incorrect routes.