BXBX NOVEL Chapter 86: The Artifact Hunt [1]
I quickly made my way back to the Thunderfly's territory after leaving Aurelius and his group.
As I walked through the forest, my mind was filled with thoughts of the previous events that had just taken place.
I know the two BOSSes will soon realize what happened, and they even might chase us together, which will definitely be troublesome.
That's why I need to make my team agree to Aurelius's offer. Not only will we have a share of the artifact, but we might even get to fight these two bosses and beat them.
"Adrian? Is that you?" Just then I heard a familiar voice, and when I looked up, I saw Ardel and the other three looking worried and tired.
"Yeah, are you guys fine?" I asked wanting to make sure. I still couldn't get those images out of my head.
"Yeah, we are fine. But why did you do that?" Ardel asked. "We were worried something happened to you!"
"Y-Yeah. But I wasn't that much worried." Lila added with her usual tsundere attitude.
"Well, thanks for worrying, but look I'm fine," I said. "Besides I got to keep the treasure and even got information about the location of the artifact."
Then I explained how I met Aurelius's group and managed to get out of the situation. I then told them about his offer and asked for their opinions.
"Well, since the only way to conquer a Ruin is to retrieve the artifact, we should agree to their proposal." Surprisingly, it was Aria who supported the idea. "Furthermore, the danger will decrease that way."
"I agree whatever you decide," Ardel said his eyes shining. Man, we are friends, not an idol and a fan.
Kairen naturally agreed as well since he was more of a safety type. And Lila had no choice but to agree as well.
"Good, let's go then." I nodded in satisfaction. It seems there was no need to persuade them.
Well, I already have an idea where the artifact is from the novel, but it's better to try with more people, since even in the novel, more than twenty students fought together to get the artifact.
After about ten minutes, we arrived at the promised meeting place. Seeing our arrival, they welcomed us with smiles.
'Hmm? Is she feeling ok?' I thought to myself as I noticed Aurelia looking slightly out.
Aurelius stepped forward, his expression hopeful as he addressed us. "Have you made a decision?"
I nodded. "Yes, we're willing to fight together," I replied, glancing at my team for confirmation. They all nodded in agreement.
Aurelius's smile widened. "That's great news. Let's discuss the terms of our alliance then. We have to craft a plan along the way as well."
"Ok, lead the way then."
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"So, we will decide whether to sell the treasure or exchange it after acquiring it, right? And we will also split the Guardian's loot equally."
"Yes," Aurelius nodded.
It sounded good. Their team had 6 people while mine 5. That's why, we would get 45 of the artifact's worth while they the rest.
We also formulated a basic plan along the way. We would send two people to get the artifact - one from each team. Then we would fight as one group.
We would change and adapt the plan according to the situation later.
Finally, after another ten minutes, we arrived at the center of the Ruin. A large building was standing before us. It looked like an abandoned and ruined temple with strange symbols carved into its walls.
"This is the place," Aurelius said, his voice turning solemn. "The artifact should be inside."
"So is the Guardian," I added which he silently nodded. "Do you know what the Guardian is? Or..."
"Unfortunately, we don't," Ren spoke up from the side. "All we know is there is a strange voice coming out of the building and this is the only place that hasn't been explored."
"Oh, alright." I nodded at his explanation. I already knew what was awaiting us inside, I just asked since my teammates seemed to want to know about it.
"Should we go in then?"
"Ok, let's go in."
We cautiously entered the crumbling temple, our footsteps echoing in the dimly lit interior. The air was heavy with the scent of dust and decay, and the sound of our breathing seemed unnaturally loud in the silence.
As we ventured deeper into the ruins, we encountered strange symbols etched into the walls, their meaning lost to time. The atmosphere grew increasingly eerie, and I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
Aria gripped her weapon tightly, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. Ardel and Kairen remained close behind, their expressions determined but wary.
Lila, on the other hand, seemed unusually quiet, her usual bravado replaced by a sense of unease. I made a mental note to keep an eye on her, knowing that she could be unpredictable in situations like this.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the darkness, causing us all to freeze in place.
"HRRR... HRRR..."
The voice was guttural and menacing, sending shivers down our spines. It seemed to emanate from all around us, filling the temple with its eerie presence.
"What was that?" Lila whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of our racing hearts.
"I don't know," I replied quietly, my hand tightening around the hilt of my sword. "But we need to stay alert. We will be fighting soon."
"Guys, get ready to engage." Aurelius also wanted his group as he must have sensed the numerous presences that already surrounded us.
"..."
Everyone waited for the enemies to appear.
As we stood in the dimly lit temple, the tension in the air was palpable. Suddenly, from all directions, dark shapes began to emerge, moving with eerie precision toward us.
The creatures resembled spiders, but they were much larger and more grotesque. Their bodies were covered in thick, black fur, and their multiple legs clicked and skittered against the stone floor as they approached.
Their eyes glowed with a malevolent red light, and long, razor-sharp fangs protruded from their mouths. Each of them emitted a low, menacing growl as they closed in on us, surrounding us on all sides.
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[Sorry for the inconvenience.]