Second World

Arlcard's eyes darted around the place. His eyes stopped on Horatio and Jack sensed an intense but brief hostility from his companion. Yet, his face was flat and cold without any emotion.

Arlcard's level was 76.

"A maxius…?" Horatio said after using Inspect on Arlcard. "I do not know another Maxius outside of my siblings."

"He is turned by Aubelard," Jack explained. He then said to Arlcard, "Are you already in Vacharest before the lockdown?"

"Yes, Arlcard said. I am here checking things out. You take too long a time to handle my quest," Arlcard replied. "I'm beginning to think that you have no interest and start doing it without you."

'Ugh… Is this him complaining?' Jack thought.

"I'm sorry. I'm caught up in a lot of things," Jack apologized. "Even now, I'm in a crisis."

"I figure you have something to do with the lockdown?" Arlcard asked.

"Yes," Jack confirmed.

"Good. I thought it was me at first," Arlcard said.

"What is your quest about anyway?" Jack asked.

"Oh, now you are interested?" Arlcard asked sarcastically.

'Ugh… I've never pegged him to be such a complainer,' Jack thought again.

"What did you do?" Arlcard asked Jack instead.

Jack explained to him about his situation.

"You people are targeting Marcus…?" Arlcard muttered. Jack slightly saw Arlcard's eyes glint when Marcus' name was brought up.

"All right, I will help you but you will have to help me with my quest first," Arlcard said.

'Dude, you are my companion. Doesn't the world system make it so you have to help me even if you are not willing?' Jack thought. He didn't voice this out, though. He said, "Will it take a long time? I need to settle this incident with Marcus. I have an army that is being barred from passing. I need to get them a pass as soon as possible to get to Palgrost."

"I will need some time to organize the rebels to take action. We won't be able to do anything before that," Horatio informed.

"How long before the siege can be carried out?" Jack asked.

"We have already made preparations some time ago. The rebel army has been assembled under the pretense of training. I think if we are to go with our plan, it will take around four to five days before they can begin the siege on this capital."

"Let's go with it," Jack said. "It's as good a plan as any. We don't have time to waste. Palgrost might fall if we waste too much time."

"I see… I guess so. The longer we delay, my father might just decide to take me and my remaining two siblings out without caring about the consequences. All right, let's make this happen."

Jack turned to Arlcard. "We have three to four days. Tell me about your quest."

Instead of saying anything, Arlcard looked at Horatio.

Horatio caught the cue. He said, "I will leave and make the preparations. Please stay out of sight in the meantime. Every soldier in this capital is looking for you. We are in the basement of a property I secretly owned. You should be safe as long as you stay under here."

"Don't worry," Jack said and changed to Master Slayer, his ethereal disguise.

"Very good," Horatio praised. "Still, don't do anything that attracts attention, and don't wander into restricted places. Some of these places might have an enchantment that detects disguise. You will be targeted when that happens."

"Take this," Horatio handed him a small metal with a jewel in the middle of it.

"That is a communication device that is linked to mine. I will be able to contact you with it provided you are not too far away."

Jack accepted the device. Horatio excused himself and left afterward.

"What do you need my help with?" Jack asked Arlcard.

"I need you to help me break into the royal mausoleum," Arlcard answered.

"Mausoleum? What do you want from there?"

"That's my business, but I can assure you this will benefit you if you are going up against Marcus. He is not someone who can be defeated using normal means."

"Why do you sound like you know him very well?"

"… Let's just say he is also a target of my quest," Arlcard replied.

"Well, I guess breaking into one mausoleum won't take more than four days," Jack said. "Do you already know the mausoleum's location?"

"Yes, but there is a sealing rune diagram that denies me entry," Arlcard said. "There are also some guards guarding the place."

"Okay. Let's wait until nighttime. It will be easier to sneak in during the dark," Jack suggested.

"Sangrod is always dark whether it's day or night," Peniel reminded.

"Oh, right. Okay, we move out soon. Give me a few minutes first," Jack said. He sent messages to John and Jeanny to let them know about the situation.

*

On a large natural path between a series of mountains, two large armies were facing one another. The two just stood there waiting for the others to act.

"Are we going to just wait like this?" Arther asked.

"His Majesty didn't want us wasting our soldiers on those fang-loving asses," John answered.

"So, we are just going to stand here like this and do nothing?" Meryl uttered. "This is not their territory! I don't give a rat's ass if they say it is. Let's just teach these f*ckers what is the cost for standing in our way!"

"I've heard of your fierceness, my fine and fair lady Meryl," John said. "To see it directly truly opens my eyes."

Meryl was annoyed. This new royal advisor still liked to use those words she hated to describe her. Did he do this intentionally?

"Our king told us to not antagonize and clash with the Sangrod army, but he never said that we have to stay here," John said.

"I don't understand, are you saying we should turn back?" Salem asked.

"Hehe," John grinned. "Salem, gather all the illusionists we brought with this army to the center of our formation. Make sure they are out of sight from any possible enemy scouts. Once they gather, call me over."

"Yes, Royal Advisor!" Salem went and carried out the order.

"What is your plan?" Arther asked.

John again grinned without answering.