Chimaera's Conquest: The Legend Of The Devourer
Chapter 47: Ambush (1)

Chapter 47: Ambush (1)

"You remember the Goblin subjugation quest we went on, right?" Vesper said, waiting for Adrian’s response before continuing.

Adrian nodded. How could he forget about the quest that claimed the lives of seven Hero candidates and a couple of teachers? According to the briefings, they were supposed to deal with an overgrown goblin colony— nothing unusual for them.

But boy, were they wrong. Upon reaching the location, they found out the intel was false, and instead of a goblin settlement, they found ogres waiting for them. Had it not been for the paladins accompanying them, a lot more people would’ve died back then.

"Yeah... well, one of the paladins accompanying us struck me while I was dealing with an ogre," Vesper sighed before revealing part of a massive scar on his back.

"The Church, huh?" Adrian scoffed, but on the inside, he felt anger rising. "Can’t say I’m surprised. Still, they must have had a reason for it, right?"

"I found proof that we were intentionally misinformed about the quest. The Church had summoned more heroes than they intended, and instead of using their talents elsewhere, they chose to make it look like an accident and get rid of them."

"Those sick fucks... the Pope was behind it, wasn’t he?"

Adrian expected Vesper to agree with him, but she shook her head. "I have no idea. But the orders must have come from high up the ladder, given only a handful of people could deploy the paladins on such short notice."

"...what happened next?"

"I was left to die. But fate had something else planned. The Banur Tribe folks found me and nursed me back to health. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you," Vesper explained, with gratitude for her saviours in her eyes.

Adrian raised an eyebrow at the mention of the tribe. Countless tribes lived on the foresty islands floating around Nexaria. However, only a few had good relations with the Nexarians, and the Banur tribe wasn’t one of them.

In fact, they were openly hostile to Nexaria. But it wasn’t always the case. The tribespeople even used to trade with Nexaria and had helped the previous batch of heroes by training some of them.

However, in the last few years, things had taken a turn for the worse, and the relationship between Nexaria and Banur tribes had significantly deteriorated.

’Well, I wouldn’t expect them to be happy seeing their friends being enslaved by the Church and the Nexarian nobility,’ Adrian thought.

Adrian didn’t know why or what prompted such a harsh change in stance. But long before he was summoned, the Nexarian army, along with the Church, invaded the land of Banur Tribes and forcefully took over their lands while enslaving some innocent folks.

However, the tribe wasn’t as weak as Nexarians had predicted, and they soon struck back, kidnapping women and children from Nexarians’ outpost cities. The two groups have been at odds ever since.

That’s why Adrian was surprised to hear the tribe had saved a Nexarian, Especially since she was in such a state.

"Looks like some tribes are still trustworthy."

Vesper smiled but refrained from commenting on their ’allegiance’.

"After recovering, I made my way back to Nexaria. But life had changed, and I needed a way to live."

"So you became a smuggler. Interesting choice of profession."

"You’re telling me," Vesper chuckled. "But hey, at least it pays well, and I can’t really complain about living the lavish life now."

Adrian nodded. He couldn’t comment on his teacher’s choice of living. After all, he wasn’t doing noble things following his resurrection, either. But then Vesper made a ridiculous suggestion.

"So... what are your thoughts about joining my crew?" she asked. "Your [Analysis] skill could prove very useful in the field."

"It’s tempting," he admitted, "but what I seek is strength, not comfort. I doubt I can find that if you’re coddling me to death."

"Well... you saw right through what I wanted," she chuckled, admitting the truth. "I have always viewed you as my little brother, especially after you told me about your life from Earth."

She continued, "I know you’re heading for a dangerous path because I was in your position once. That’s why I wanted to show you the riches to try and change your mind. But as always, you saw right through my bullshit."

Upon hearing her confess her intentions, Adrian couldn’t help but smile. He had always been discrete about his path, and apart from a handful of people, not a lot knew about his life on Earth.

Why? Because Adrian was afraid that information could somehow be used against him. To be honest, there wasn’t much to be used. However, knowing the twisted ways of the Church, he wasn’t willing to take any risks regardless.

Now, thinking back to it, Adrian wondered if he already knew the Church would betray him.

"Well, the door will always be open for you," Vesper said, caressing his shoulder.

"You’ll be the first person I’ll contact once I return."

As they spoke, the car descended to their destination, softly landing in a secluded spot where a man in Nexaria army uniform awaited them.

"Ah, Madame herself came to drop off a client?" The man raised an eyebrow, trying to scan Adrian’s hidden features under his hoodie. "You must be quite a big shot!"

"I don’t pay you to bother my clients, do I, Captain Lark?" Vesper reprimanded the guy, wearing a mask of her own. "But yes, he is someone special, so make sure he crosses the veil without any trouble."

"Ah, that sharp tongue never misses the mark, does it?" Lark replied, clutching his chest. "But sure, I’ll see to it that he crosses the beil safely... for the right price, that is."

Without any hesitation, Vesper took seven Radian shards and threw them towards Lark. Adrian was surprised to see that because he had given her much less during their exchange last night.

"Wow... This is quite a surprise," Lark gave her a sly smile before pocketing the money. "Don’t you worry, madame, for this kind of money, I’d even strip dance before Netherites-"

"Keep your fantasies to yourself and start the preparations..." Vesper sighed, shaking her head as Lark left and turned towards Adrian. "I’m sorry for... hell, I don’t even know how to apologise for this."

"Don’t mind it, Teach. I have seen a fair share of weirdoes lately. Though this guy certainly takes the cake-"

Unfortunately, Adrian’s exit from Nexaria wasn’t going to be as smooth as he had planned, as one of Vesper’s guards had his hand blown off following a thunderous gunshot wound.

Before they could know what was happening, Lark returned, but this time, he had some friends with him.

"Ravens!" Vesper yelled, retrieving her dual blades.