"It means this sect is now completely defenseless. We'll have to fight for our very survival."

What?! This doesn't make sense. How is a single silly barrier related to all this? I could understand if it was one that led to Abyss Devourers, but this one?

​​

[Wait, you said the barrier leading to the Gu ancestors, right? How is that a problem? Did they escape or something?]

When I was watching, they were hiding so well I didn't even see one. Did they coincidentally all run out as soon as I left?

"That's not it. They only defend our sect because of the contract forcing them to. It was established thanks to some really old legacy that we found."

[So we just need to repair the barrier?]

He shakes his head while sighing.

"No, that's the issue. The barrier itself was linked to the contract. It's all over."

[Wait, you mean?!]

"The Gu ancestors are free to devour us, leave, or do whatever they want!"

That's when I feel Leaf shiver as it's hidden in my sleeve. I understand, it all sounds pretty frightening.

[God, that's awful! So, what's the plan?]

On one hand, I'm the one to blame. On the other hand, it's one of their very own sect members that guided me there. Plus, I checked and there were no signs saying anything about all that. It just shows a lack of foresight on their part.

But I'm no asshole. I'll uphold the long heroic tradition of solving a problem I caused in the first place. Honestly, that's how you become famous as a hero quickly.

"Well, the plan is just for us to stay out of everyone's way while they investigate."

[Investigate?]

I have a bad feeling about this. Should I come clean? No, it's all good. They have no proof whatsoever. Ah, I guess there is the small insect I picked up, but I'm sure they won't recognize such a common creature.

"Yes, it's impossible to destroy a barrier that solid without leaving any trace."

Solid barrier?! That's bullshit! I was trying to barely poke a small hole in it for us to exit and it was destroyed before I knew it. Then again, it's probably made to resist mana and poison, not divine energy.

There is one good thing: a regular punch doesn't leave any trace. Not sure what they'll be searching for, but they won't find it. That's when the door literally explodes in a thousand pieces.

*CRASH! *

"There you are! Talk about coincidental timing! You just happen to come back and suddenly things start going down in the sect. Isn't that peculiar?"

There is a man in a blood-red robe grinning. Judging by his attitude, he is an enemy. Is he baselessly accusing us or?

"Tch. What do you want? Shouldn't you be looking for clues instead of coming here to bark pointlessly?"

My friend looks awesome right now. He's confident, calm, and not giving in to the potential bully. It would just be better without the villager clothes.

Still, this is weird. Wasn't he this place's Champion? Shouldn't that command respect? My guess is yes, but the reality seems to be no.

"Eh, that's exactly what I am doing. Now, either follow obediently or I'll have a reason to put you down like the dog you are."

As he says that just oozing evil, a sound comes from under his clothes. It seems to be a Gu that agrees with that statement.

What now? My friend really only has the fruit fly to rely on. Plus, he wants to keep it a secret. Should I step in and beat up the guy already? Ah, that may cause more problems than it will solve.

"Fine, we'll follow. The sect leader is the one that will be in charge anyway. Not like you will be able to pull any meaningful tricks."

He scoffs before gesturing me to follow the angry red dude. Guess it can't be helped. Before long, we reach the crime scene. There are many people there.

At the front row are two men and a middle-aged man. If this one is the sect leader…

"These are the other champions of this sect, including that asshole."

My friend murmurs into my ear. Wait, what?! How many champions do they need?! They have four?! That means the earlier verbal altercation was between two champions bickering.

That sounds so troublesome for nothing. As we approach, the old dude lazily turns toward us. That's when he fixes me with his black eagle eyes.

"Who is this?"

No, seriously. Why is he watching me so intently? Does he swing that way? Am I in danger? My friend answers.

"He is the one that has successfully managed to make the Sun's sect master flee. I sent you a message about it already."

The man just observes me from head to toe without saying anything. He seems to show caution relatively fast.

"Why is it that I cannot sense any mana from you?"

[Because I'm not a mage.]

"Yet, you managed to defeat a Rank 4? Why does this story sound extremely unbelievable?"

He looks at me doubtfully while scrutinizing me. I think he's trying to figure out if I'm being truthful. Honestly, I'm pretty sure there are better ways to go about it.

Perhaps a truth serum? Perhaps a lie detector. Maybe even a spell to do it. No, he's just fixing me. Of course, the more he does and the uncomfortable I become.

That's when the red-robbed guy chimes in.

"Sect Leader. I've asked some people and this man has been seen walking around the sect. Some saw him at the Temple, and some saw him walk with that trash that's afraid of Gus. I think he may be to blame for this sudden occurrence."

I'm clearly guilty but I'm really not sure if they'd give me a fair trial. After all, I wasn't trying to purposely damage anything. I still blame the lack of a warning sign.

So for now, I'll just proceed with a counterargument. Let's reverse this on him. But for it to work, I need to show extreme confidence. Here goes nothing:

[HAHAHA. How peculiar! I wasn't even aware of what was happening before you barged in, telling us. This timing is awfully convenient, don't you think? It just happens to go down when I'm here. Tell me, don't you think you could have tried finding a better scapegoat?]

On that note, I look at the red guy directly in the eyes. When in doubt, push the blame back to the accuser. That's what that one politician kept doing.

Let's see how this plays out…