Rufus heard their conversation outside the carriage. It seems that he was really ignorant about the servants of his master.

He had never imagined that those four were actually from the notorious Three-Eyed Imp Cult...

​​

Although he mostly stayed within the He wanted to ask his master about it but decided to keep quiet for now. As long as they leave the area, they would have plenty of time to discuss such matters.

'Voglamaz Branch... Nine Imp Gods... Northern Hermit... Geg'drath...'

He recalled the unfamiliar terms that they've used to ask about it later. Of course, if this information shouldn't be shared with him, he would just accept that.

After all, he also doesn't want to involve in something troublesome... If his master thinks that it's better for him to know nothing, then he'll understand.

"Don't move... We'll tie you with this cloth. Act like you're unconscious..."

One of the female slaves whispered to him. Rufus nodded a little and started sleeping. He was actually quite tired and also lacking sleep.

He might as well use this opportunity to have a rest...

Knock! Knock!

It seems that they already have to show their sacrifice. Luckily, they already finished tying Rufus...

As for Reiji, he used his Stealth and Traceless Ability in case he needed to act and rescue his followers.

Although their conversation with the other group is looking well, he can't really tell what's on their mind. Especially after sensing that the two of them were still emitting some bloodlust.

He wouldn't miss such obvious hostility...

Reiji's Slave One opened the door of the carriage to let the Cult Elites see the other two ladies with markings on their palm and the unconscious young man with short silver hair.

The young man is wearing shabby clothes but they can feel the Spiritual Energy leaking out from his body… With the gift of their god, they can feel that he's a genuine Arcanist.

"Hmm… He would pass… I'm sure that the Hermit would be happy with your gift… Do you want us to accompany you? There are many dangerous creatures here…"

One of them offered nonchalantly. He observed the sleeping Rufus briefly before glancing at the interior of the carriage.

Reiji, who was listening aside, wanted the ladies to decline their offer but his slave has a different thought process…

"Sure… It would be great if you could accompany us… You can follow us behind." Slave One smiled and accepted.

Reiji was surprised at this.

'Why would you let them follow us?' He's a bit confused. They wouldn't be able to complete their task if they are being followed.

'Are they planning to isolate the elites and are planning to kill them off?'

However, before he could ask that, the elites just shrugged and lost his interest…

"Tsk… Are you that weak? Just go away…"

"Don't worry, we don't like to be here as well. Let's go." Slave one said as she led her companion to the carriage before ordering Ruthren to continue on their way.

Reiji had finally realized that the offer was just a test to the cultists.

Perhaps, declining their offer would just make them even more suspicious or something. Nevertheless, his slaves did a really good job.

Their carriage was no longer being blocked by the thick fog as they can now finally head to the nearest village.

"The both of you did a great job… Including you Rufus… I think they've scanned you just now, correct? Did you feel it?"

"Yes, Master… However, I just relaxed and let them evaluate my Spiritual Energy…"

"That's the right decision. Anyway, ladies… I would like to hear about your story…" Reiji looked at the four previous members of the Cult…

"Of course, Master. Should we start when I was sold to become a part of the Cult?"

Slave One started… Each of them had different stories on how they ended up in the Cult. Reiji also thought that this is good opportunity to learn how the Cult operates so he decided to listen to their stories.

***

"Hey… Are we just leaving them like that? They're still suspicious if you ask me."

The elites of the cult started discussing about Reiji's company.

"Hmph… It doesn't matter… Do you want to create a conflict between our two branches? They can't fake those markings on their palms as it responded to my probe."

"So, you think that they've really killed all those beasts?"

"Mhmm… There is a chance, but I'm still doubful. Those four doesn't have that much power… The coachman was also not an Arcanist. I can't see them having enough strength to accomplish that…"

"Is that so? Then you must be right… Just make a report to the Elders, then…"

The elites have suspicions but since this is most likely done by a part of the cult in a different branch, they have to approach this differently. Perhaps contacting the leader of Voglamaz Branch is also not a bad idea.

"We should've challenged them in a duel so we can properly gauge their strength."

"That's right… However, it doesn't really matter right now."

In the end, they decided to survey the surroundings again and perhaps find another clue in case the ladies were truly not the culprit of the incident.

***

Reiji's group finally arrived to the nearest town…

Their horses were extremely exhausted in their journey… After all, the magical wheel that could assist them also has its limitation.

They payed the guards for the entry fee after confirming their identity.

Rufus' Emblem of the Arcanist Tower helps a lot in their current situation.

"Welcome to Magmire Town… Enjoy your stay here beautiful ladies…"

The guard greeted them with a warm smile after taking their payment.

They just nodded at the friendly guard and continued their way inside.

The sun is already about to rise when they arrived, so they decided to visit the nearest inn as they truly wanted to take a good long rest…

Unfortunately, the popular inns in front of the town's gate were all occupied. They have to go further inside the town to find an available rooms.

"Hey… How about our place? We can accommodate all of you… It's just right behind the town's square…" A man who seemed to be looking customers for their inn approached them.

Finally, they found an open inn and was willing to take all of them, there is even a space for their carriage and servants that would take care of their horses…

It is a perfect deal so they immediately accepted.

The four ladies together with Rufus and Ruthren alighted the carriage.

They entered the clean and simple inn and since it's early in the morning, there are no other customers yet.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Rufus wanted to rest already but were blocked by three tall men…

'Master…'

'There's no killing intent from them… You don't have to be afraid yet…"

'Yes, Master.'

The young man sighed in relief after learning that there is a high chance that they aren't as dangerous as they seem to be.

"Who are you?" Rufus asked and stepped back a little. He wasn't intimidated but he just lost his footing since he's really sleepy.

"Mhmm… Who are these four ladies with you?" A deep voice from the man jolted him awake.

It feels like his words contains some power… However, Rufus didn't like how they started asking him instead of answering his question.

Since he didn't like that, Rufus decided to be firmer.

"Answer my questions first…"

The young man stared at the eyes of the man in the middle.

The three men weren't wearing cloaks or hood to their faces so Rufus can see their black hair and dark complexion.

"Ho~ I like your attitude kid… But you don't have to know our names… You just need to know that the three of us are from the Night Brigade."

"What's that?" Rufus asked curiously… He had never heard such a thing.

The three men smiled awkwardly at Rufus before explaining their status.

It appears that the three of them are in charge of this area…

"So you're ordered by General Julian for this… Impressive… Are you guys truly hunting the Cult?"

Rufus asked in a polite tone. It seems that he already has an idea why their group was called to this place.

For some reason, these three have probably detected that the four ladies was part of the organization. The person who offered this inn was perhaps an accomplice…

'Master, I think they've realized the four's identity…' While Rufus is in front of the three, he decided to secretly communicate with his master.

'Mhmmm… I thought so too… Just try to act natural and answer their questions. They don't seem to be hostile yet… You should also make them aware that you are from the Arcanist Tower.'

'Yes, Master…'

The Night Brigade that the General made seemed to be quite reliable…

They have actually sensed something wrong with the four slaves that they've brought here.