Chapter 87
Chapter 87: Joining the Dark Mantle organization
After parting ways with Phoebe, Han Shuo went returned directly to the Academy. However, he once again avoided entering through the front gate and decided to enter through a secluded corner from the mountain in the back.
Han Shuo suddenly became wary in the woods that he had spent time with Phoebe last time, an unexplainable feeling of unease rising in his heart. This shock made Han Shuo immediately release his three original demons. They flew out from the back of his neck and patrolled the entire woods, but didn’t find anything.
The feeling of unease didn’t vanish after the original demons failed to find anything. That exceedingly uncomfortable feeling grew stronger and stronger, making Han Shuo incredibly wary.
The Demonslayer Edge appearing in his hand, Han Shuo took a deep breath and readjusted his facial expression to be at his best. He tried using his own senses to detect the abnormalities around him and called out, “Who is it? Come on out!”
Han Shuo had only randomly called with this line and hadn’t actually thought that anything would happen, because if it was an enemy, an enemy at this level definitely wouldn’t appear just because Han Shuo had called out.
But unexpectedly, a low, eerie laugh rang out from the thick woods as soon as he’d finished speaking. A human shape slowly took form in front of Han Shuo within the shadows of the large trees.
“Kid, you have a good level of awareness. How did you discover my existence?” When the figure within the shadows of the tree had materialized, a ruthless-looking old man, who was exceedingly tall, skinny, and wearing grey clothing, walked out. The old man’s beard was grey and his eyes were the color of ash. They looked completely lifeless.
“Due to my instincts, who are you?” Han Shuo gripped the Demonslayer Edge firmly and watched the approaching old man with a hostile gaze, ready to make a move at any moment.
“I can give you the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m acquaintances with Phoebe’s master and mean you no harm, you don’t need to be so nervous!” Han Shuo could feel a strong sense of danger exuding from this person. This was probably the strongest person he’d met since coming to this world. Han Shuo even felt that if the old man were to make a move, he’d be hard pressed to escape.
“These are our three strongholds within the Empire. Destroy this after you look at it. This badge represents your identity and you can use it to exchange information with others in the strongholds. However, your level is too low thus far and you won’t have the right to ask about many things. If you can advance to a higher status, you’ll be able to use the resources of ‘Dark Mantle’ and can even deploy the Empire’s army. Heh heh, you must work hard.” Candide said to Han Shuo.
A thin piece of paper landed in Han Shuo’s palm. He looked it over once and ripped it to pieces in front of Candide after he’d memorized the contents. He then said, “Alright, my mind’s a mess right now and I need some time to think. I’ll report to you if Duke does anything out of the ordinary.”
“Mm. I’m going to leave now as well. The members of ‘Dark Mantle’ have a lot of freedom. We won’t intervene in your private affairs, and will only come for you when there’s a mission that needs to be conducted. We won’t affect your life under normal circumstances.” Candide was surrounded by a cloud of black mist and his figure became fainter and fainter. A thin pulse of magic traveled out of the mist, and he then vanished from Han Shuo’s sight as the breeze blew past, like he’d never appeared.
Han Shuo had clearly identified what he needed under Phoebe’s persuasion not too long ago. Who would’ve thought that an olive branch would be extended as soon as he’d left Phoebe. He’d joined this “Dark Mantle” organization after a round of discussion with Candide. This made Han Shuo subtly feel that something was wrong, and he started to suspect whether or not Phoebe knew of Candide’s existence. This would simply be too much of a coincidence otherwise.
However, even if Phoebe and Candide were acquainted with each other, then Grover wouldn’t have been anything in the face of Candide’s enormous power. Phoebe wouldn’t have so many troubles either. This made Han Shuo quite confused as well.
Han Shuo carefully sorted out his thoughts within the woods and went over everything that had happened recently in his mind. He then set off towards the Academy grounds again with a look of resolution.