Tenebrous Wolf
Chapter 89: Identifying A Passage

Chapter 89: Identifying A Passage

Just before they set out on their so-called journey to scout for a new route or perhaps a new resting location, Klaus pulled Briar aside under the guise of wanting to tell her something.

Once they had put a considerable distance between themselves and the others, Klaus glanced back at Seraphim and Adrian to make sure their conversation would not be overheard. Then, he turned his attention to Briar, who was giving him a questioning look.

Finally, she grew impatient and asked:

"What is it? You suddenly pulled me aside. Do you want to say something? Don’t you think it would be suspicious if we talked to each other like this?"

Klaus shook his head.

"Not really. After all, we met each other before those two, so they won’t question the extent of our relationship."

Still looking skeptical, Briar said,

"I understand where you’re coming from, but we should still limit our interactions as much as possible. So, what did you want to talk about? Are you chickening out?"

Hearing her playful yet condescending tone, Klaus felt a brief moment of happiness and wore a faint smile. However, it was fleeting, and his expression soon turned somber.

"I don’t know how to say this, but since Adrian and I are heading out, you’ll be left alone with Seraphim. I want you to behave yourself around her."

Her brows instantly furrowed as though she had been offended.

"What? Do I look like a helpless lost child to you? What is it with you and looking down on a demoness?"

He sighed.

"That’s exactly why I am telling you this. Haven’t you noticed that she has been giving you strange looks?"

Briar’s eyes widened briefly before she held her chin thoughtfully.

"I see. No wonder I have been feeling like someone is watching me. Do you think she can see through my disguise?"

’That is an uncomfortable question.’

Klaus frowned. Then, after a bit of thinking, he replied:

"It’s a possibility considering she has an affinity for light and darkness, but I don’t think that’s the case. If she knew, I would have sensed hostility from her. In such a scenario, she would have also told Adrian, and the two would have planned to take us out. But that guy seems mostly clueless. There’s also a possibility that she knows but decided to keep it to herself, but why would she do that?"

From the beginning, Briar was a succubus, a member of the demon race. Standing before him was merely the false image — an outer illusion — caused by the effects of her [Disguise], a false human appearance which she called "Morgan". Instead of shapeshifting, her power fell under the Illusory category. Therefore, there was always the possibility that someone with just the right Aspect could see through it. For example, those with an Echo that granted them a "light affinity."

Demons were natural enemies of the light path. No matter their strength, they would always be at a disadvantage against it. If Seraphim — a Strider who happened to possess a light affinity — could see through Briar’s disguise, that would make things significantly more complicated.

In a situation where her true identity was exposed, Klaus would have no choice but to eliminate both Seraphim and Adrian to prevent the secret from spreading.

After all, a secret was not a secret if more than one person knew it. And the exposure of such a truth carried dangerous consequences for both Klaus and Briar.

However, that wasn’t the real issue. The true problem was that Klaus couldn’t say with absolute certainty whether Seraphim was aware of Briar’s true identity as a member of the demon race. This meant he couldn’t afford to jump to conclusions and doing so would risk making a mistake that could further complicate their predicament.

Not to mention, they were currently stranded in the middle of nowhere within a Shadow World, planning to reach a so-called Fortress they weren’t even sure existed. If he acted rashly and killed without solid proof, they would only end up weakening their own fighting force, which would definitely be a reckless and shortsighted decision in the long run.

Simply put, the range of choices available to them had significantly narrowed the moment they came into contact with the two Striders.

’What to do?’ Klaus grew increasingly anxious, pondering whether it would be alright to leave Briar with Seraphim.

Looking at his worried expression, the disguised succubus merely smiled. Surprisingly, it was a warm smile from a demoness.

Then, she spoke up:

"What are you so worried about? Nothing is going to happen. It’s not like I’m completely helpless. In addition, I have him with me, so even if a fight breaks out, I’m confident in my ability to win."

Expressing that, Briar gestured to the Blackmane Stalker. Truly, that humanoid monstrosity had been permanently tamed by the succubus and became her pitiful servant.

’Ah, that’s right. Even if Seraphim’s Echo grants her an affinity for both light and darkness, she wouldn’t be able to handle both the Awakened Ghoul and the demoness on her own.’

No matter how he looked at it, the succubus held the advantage, so long as she played her cards right. Just as she had said, there was nothing to fear. Furthermore, he doubted Seraphim would be reckless enough to pick a fight given their current predicament.

Reaching that conclusion in his thinking, Klaus managed to calm down his unease a little.

With everything settled, he turned his back. But before leaving, he glanced at Briar and left behind a few parting words.

"If something really does happen, make sure to send a message through the contract."

Briar grudgingly nodded.

"I understand. But I doubt there will be any need for that."

He didn’t argue. Thanks to their special connection, they always knew each other’s locations and could track one another down if they were ever separated.

This was yet another benefit of the Master and Servant Contract used by the demon race.

Feeling a little more at ease, Klaus took one last glance at Briar before turning to join Adrian and Seraphim. When he finally reached them, the blonde Strider turned his head and looked at him.

He asked somberly:

"Are you ready?"

Klaus nodded.

"Yeah. Let’s be on our way."

† †

Upon descending down the tall hill and reaching the base, Klaus absentmindedly stared at the peak for a few seconds. Then with a sign, he swallowed his anxiety and joined Adrian.

At some point, the blonde paused and told him:

"Today is different from the previous days. Under normal circumstances, since it is just the two of us, we would have avoided a confrontation. However, considering the numbers of those Carapaces, we might not be able to create an ambush or avoid fighting several of them at once."

Klaus asked:

"So, it’s likely... No, it’s given that we’re going to fight?"

Adrian nodded grimly.

"Worst case scenario, perhaps when their numbers are too many or if we are attacked by a group of ghouls with overwhelming numbers, we would have to retreat. There are some narrow passages we can use that are too small for the Carapaces. If we get separated, proceed to the high point by yourselves. Okay?"

With a serious expression, he nodded with an "understood". Adrian returned his nod.

Just like that, they began their dangerous journey.

Entering the labyrinth, the duo moved forward with haste. However, their progress was painfully slow and disorderly. The primary reason behind this chaos was because none of them possessed a scouting ability. Due to this, they had to constantly change direction to avoid groups of carapaces, often ending up in dead ends or moving further away from their destination.

In particular, Klaus increasingly grew frustrated and annoyed. As someone who had enhanced senses, he could not use his sense of smell due to the overwhelming metallic scent of blood that lingered in all directions.

Adrian fared no better. As someone who solely relied on wind manipulation, the stagnant atmosphere hindered his abilities, making reconnaissance nearly impossible. The two could only imagine how much worse it would be if they attempted scouting tomorrow.

Eventually, however, the duo found themselves in a predicament.

A large group of Nightmare Carapaces pursued them from behind, while a pair blocked the path ahead. Neither group had noticed the Striders yet, but with no alternate routes to escape or places to hide, discovery was inevitable.

Noticing the situation, Klaus clicked his tongue.

"Tch. How great. It seems like we have no choice but to fight. But how are we going to do that? We can’t launch an ambush with just the two of us."

He received no response. Adrian quietly observed the situation with a serious look. ahead. His brows furrowed, and a deep bitterness settled on his face before he finally spoke:

"This is definitely a problem. But if it’s just the two in front, we can handle it."

Tilting his head, Klaus spoke with uncertainty evident in his voice:

"Wouldn’t attacking them just draw the others to us even faster?"

Adrian shrugged.

"Not if we finish them quickly. Since an ambush is out of the question, we’ll use a different approach. I’ll draw their attention while you stay in the shadows and take them out in one blow. With your strength, that shouldn’t be an issue, right?"

Klaus hesitated then said:

"That should be possible... but that’s not the real issue, is it?"

The real question was whether they could eliminate the first group before the ones behind caught up. That meant Adrian would have to hold off two Nightmare Carapaces, attacking him simultaneously, solely by himself while Klaus waited for the right opportunity to deliver the finishing blow from the shadows.

No matter how he looked at it, the plan relied too much on optimism. Even so, Adrian still looked confident.

’How could anyone be that optimistic with their life on the line? Could this have something to do with the freedom associated with the wind attribute?’ Klaus thought, feeling a bit puzzled.

According to superpower researchers, it was said that elemental attributes were tied to the user’s personality and personal traits. Fire users tended to be fierce and stubborn, while water users were often calm and composed. In this case, wind users typically possessed a "free-spirited" mentality. Klaus wasn’t usually interested in superstitious thinking, but it seemed there was some truth to it.

Even if he wanted to think with a rational mindset, what else could they do in this situation?

Klaus sighed, accepting the inevitability of the situation. Gathering his resolve, he exhaled and gave a firm nod.

"Alright. Let’s get this over with."

Adrian said nothing in response. Instead, he simply nodded and summoned his spear.

Following a brief pause, he stepped forward from the shadows.

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