The Search Continues [Part-3]

''Yes, he is my younger brother'', Stefan replied.

''Then it is justified that you both look very similar to each other'', Ethan said, and William nodded.

Stefan felt very surprised, but did not show it on his face.

After all, it would be strange if he showed surprise at their similarities. He proudly showed off, ''My brother is very sensible, he isn't noisy at all. But the only thing is that he is a foodie and will not stop eating even if his stomach is full, let alone half-empty'', he continued helplessly.

''It's okay, all children are like that. You don't need to worry, it is only normal that children like to eat'', said Ethan.

''Hm'', William agreed with Ethan very much, and instructed, ''Be prepared, we will meet the day after tomorrow, when we are done with the preparations''

''Okay!''

...

After they had their breakfast, Stefan said goodbye and left with Aouli.

Stefan was surprised when both of them agreed so easily to take him with them. No matter how he thought about it, he would not agree if he were in their place.

Anyway, now we need to buy some outing clothes which are not prone to wear and tear easily.

.....

After they were done with the shopping, because, Stefan did not know if the clothes would fit him, he asked the shopkeeper to wait for him and exchange if there were some problems in it.

The shopkeeper, although easily agreed, gave a time limit to come within one and a half hours. The reason being he closes the shop at two p.m.

That was the reason he decided to hurry home and first try out the clothes.

...

Stefan sighed, seeing her doubtful look, and explained, ''You don't need to look at me like that. I don't have any ill intention towards you at all. In fact, I already gained something for saving you. So, you don't need to feel burdened at all''

Esha's shoulders relaxed after hearing his words, and she put the two herbs in her space pocket. After searching for a long time, she finally took out some branches with little flowers decorated on them and introduced their uses.

''This branch is called 'Pastria'. Every branch contains the power of the Elven Kingdom. As the Princess of Elves, I bless these branches to bring forward light in the hearts of people who have lost their path and guide them to righteousness'', Esha said, and a greenish light burst out of her palm and drifted towards the branches.

In just a few moments, the ordinary looking branches glowed with green light. Esha handed them to Stefan, who after touching them felt warmth flowing in his body and all his fatigues were washed away after some time.

She continued, ''These branches have become rare treasures after becoming blessed. They carry the power to purify the soul and bring it to liberation.''

Stefan was very moved when he saw these branches. He immediately thought of his first task and was pondering about what to make from them.

Seemingly knowing his intentions, Esha warned, ''Remember, give these branches only to them who are willing to change themselves and bring themselves upon the righteous path. These branches will guide them and liberate them from evil''.

....

''Boss, Should we go back?'', said a man with an unkempt beard, killing another low-level beast coming towards him.

The man leading the group replied, ''You don't want your life anymore?''

Sensing the intention to retreat from the group of people, he said, in a slightly warning tone, ''Don't forget what happens to those who provides wrong information to 'him'. Did you guys already forget what happened to the last batch of people who failed to prove their words?''

Seemingly thinking of something terrifying, everyone felt a cold chill on their backs and subconsciously speeded up their steps.

But when no one was in sight, even after walking for half an hour. Now the leader couldn't control his curse, ''Grass!! Just where the hell did he disappear?''

They have been following Stefan and that child since one hour now. Obviously one hour before, he was still walking in front of them, but they were delayed for some time, because they provoked the rabbit demons, he seemed to disappear into thin air!

''It's all your fault!!'', the leader pointed a finger at the thin man's nose and cursed, ''If it wasn't because you suddenly wanted to eat rabbit meat, we wouldn't have been besieged and lose our target!!''

The leader couldn't control the trembling in his heart, when he thought of the punishment he would receive, if he went back without the herb.

'It was because, I was greedy for the special skill. That was the reason, I was quick to pass on the new to his core subordinates. By this time, 'he' must have received the news about that herb', the leader thought with some trepidation.

The leader imagined the types of punishments and felt a deep wave of fear sweeping through him, he shuddered and thought, 'No! I must bring that herb back no matter what. Even if I have to sacrifice, some of them'.

There was a ruthless look in his eyes when he looked towards the people he had been working for a long time with.

Everyone felt being stared at by a dangerous beast.

The leader changed the look in his eyes and looked at his subordinates with a kind smile on his face. Everyone took a step back in coordination after seeing his smile.

They had a bad premonition when he looked at them like that. They know that whenever their leader smiles like that, it means someone is going to be unlucky.

And from the way he was looking towards them, meant someone was going to act as a bait. But, everyone here was not a vegetarian. They know what kind of fate those people had when they become baits.

Literally none of them, had a happy ending!!!

No one wanted to sacrifice their lives for others. No one wanted to become someone's stepping stone to success. Likewise, although they feared their leader, some of them won't mind joining hands together to kill him.

Anyway, it was him who informed 'his' core subordinates, not them.

.....