Chapter 477 475-Wrong Adversary
Chapter 477 475-Wrong Adversary
"While it is true that the cloaked figure stayed at the inn, he left before the blizzard arrived," the innkeeper explained.
"But what if he didn't truly depart and has been hiding within the inn all along? Is it possible that he's lurking in the shadows, plotting an attack against us? Should we bolster our defenses? We have no means of escaping from here, and as the blizzard intensifies, seeking help from the outside world becomes an increasingly distant possibility."
Upon hearing the innkeeper's words, Ethan turned his gaze towards the window.
He could see that the blizzard outside was growing increasingly fierce, and within the raging storm, the creatures' strength seemed to be intensifying.
"I can assure you that the cloaked figure indeed never left the inn. He has been here all along, and he could strike at any one of us at any moment," Ethan declared with certainty.
"However, I must remind you all that I can ensure your safety. He has chosen the wrong adversary, for my powers are formidable. I am Prophet Magus, and I can discern whom he will target next."
Prophet Magus's words brought some relief to the other guests in attendance, but Ethan remained dismissive of his claims.
Ethan possessed a comprehensive understanding of Prophet Magus.
While the latter was indeed capable of making insightful prophecies, those predictions held little practical use in combat situations.
Prophet Magus's strength, aside from a few unique spells, couldn't provide any direct assistance in battle.
However, in their current circumstances, Ethan had no intention of antagonizing him.
For now, Prophet Magus and Ethan were, at the very least, allies.
"I will make new prophecies immediately. I'll inform you of the cloaked figure's next moves as soon as possible. However, I need some time to prepare. You can also assist me by sharing any information you have. If anyone has seen or knows anything about this cloaked figure, please inform me. The more information I have about him, the more accurate my prophecies will be."
Prophet Magus hoped that the others could offer some assistance, but none of them had ever seen the cloaked figure before.
Even the guests who had arrived at the inn earliest had not encountered this mysterious figure.
"We indeed have not encountered the individual you describe. Could it be possible that upon entering the inn, he immediately cloaked himself in invisibility? Is he truly capable of such feats? If so, can we truly ensure our safety? I'm not entirely convinced of your abilities, and I wonder if you can guarantee our safety," one of the guests expressed with evident nervousness.
Though this guest was an adventurer as well, their strength was far from formidable, categorizing them as a mere mortal adventurer.
"Don't worry too much at the moment; there are others here who are willing to offer you help even if you face a threat," Ethan interjected before Prophet Magus had a chance to respond.
Ethan aimed to calm the concerned guest.
If others couldn't stay composed and descended into chaos, it would spell even greater trouble for him.
He suspected that the cloaked figure's current actions were intended to plunge the inn's guests into turmoil.
"I think Ethan has a point," Prophet Magus chimed in. "For now, let's stay in the hall. Innkeeper, there's no need to be too anxious. Please prepare breakfast for everyone."
Prophet Magus took charge of directing the group's actions.
Although some people still had doubts about Prophet Magus's supposed formidable abilities, they had no choice but to follow his commands.
Prophet Magus cleared the room, leaving only Ethan and Shadow Elf behind.
"So, what have you discovered? Are there any individuals among them who might have significant connections to the cloaked figure?" Ethan inquired directly, his questions catching Prophet Magus off guard.
Prophet Magus, while initially taken aback, understood Ethan's reasoning.
He had, after all, cleared the room to share additional information.
"The reason I asked everyone else to leave was to provide us with a chance to talk privately and share relevant information," Prophet Magus replied.
"And you are correct, Ethan. During our conversation, I did assess whether any of the guests in this inn might be acquainted with the cloaked figure."
Prophet Magus now held an even greater admiration for Ethan.
However, his expression of admiration was fleeting, for he knew that the current situation hadn't improved significantly from before.
"I haven't found any other individuals with significant connections to the cloaked figure. It appears that the others, as they claim, do not know this cloaked person. We find ourselves in an awkward predicament once again. Perhaps we should wait until tonight when others enter their dreams and then investigate their dream realms. The cloaked figure might choose to hide within the dreams of others," Prophet Magus proposed, sharing his perspective on the matter.
However, as soon as Prophet Magus voiced his idea, Shadow Elf immediately expressed his disagreement.
Shadow Elf believed that this time, the cloaked figure would not choose to hide in the dreams of others.
"I think the cloaked figure has likely learned from their past mistakes. This time, they probably won't hide in the dreams of others. Instead, they might choose to conceal themselves within the inn. Hiding in the inn, they have not been discovered by us, indicating that their ability to conceal themselves is exceptionally strong."
"Have you noticed that the number of guests in the inn seems to have changed slightly? It appears that some guests were not present when we first arrived," Shadow Elf pointed out. Ethan and Prophet Magus had not noticed this before.
Now they observed more closely and indeed, there had been some changes in the number of guests.
This suggested that the cloaked figure might be hiding among these guests.
Ethan, realizing this, immediately drew his weapon, and at the same time, he concentrated his most potent abilities to be ready for immediate use.
"You mustn't launch an attack right away; we still don't know who our enemy is!"
Prophet Magus, sensing that Ethan might initiate an attack, felt the need to intervene.
At this moment, Ethan finally became aware that his actions might have been too hasty.
He promptly sheathed his weapon and with a hint of embarrassment, addressed the two of them, "You're right; I haven't fully regained my composure. The reason I acted that way is because the power the cloaked figure wields is the power of the God of Curses, who had targeted me before."
"I have this lingering feeling that the cloaked figure is staying in the inn to eliminate me. Otherwise, why would he go to such great lengths? He could have chosen to escape."
Prophet Magus and Shadow Elf did not object to what Ethan said because they didn't know that the cloaked figure was unable to withstand the power of the blizzard either.
"Regardless, we must take it one step at a time now! If you believe the cloaked figure won't hide in others' dreams anymore, then let's search the inn for the places he might be hiding. This inn isn't that large! With patience, we'll surely find where he's concealed."
"Even if he's hiding among the guests, we'll eventually discover the flaws in his disguise. Once we find those flaws, we can quickly make everyone believe that he is indeed the one who has been threatening us all along."
Prophet Magus wasn't as pessimistic as Ethan.
He believed that although the situation was equally dire as before, they now had a certain plan in mind.
By continuing their actions based on this plan, perhaps they could find the enemy who had been lurking in the shadows all along.
So, Prophet Magus, Ethan, and Shadow Elf started searching the inn for hidden corners where someone could conceal themselves.
Unbeknownst to them, the cloaked figure was observing their every move from not too far away.