New Life Online 209 The Search

"That sounds bad. Who would do such a thing?" Rafrov's a bit rattled.

"That was bound to happen. Every guild wants to be the strongest and obtaining it would make their guild have more power. Though I don't think anyone could literally use it." Scy is right. With so much power, no one can control it... yet.

"You're right. I'm pretty sure Aurora can't even use it so why stole it?" Jay has a point.

"Well, how can even someone steal the Soulstone with all the guards and trackers there to stop him or her. Their trackers can easily detect even Shiv, the best a.s.sa.s.sin out there. The report also says that no one was injured and the Soulstone just disappeared." Rafrov said. With all his research, I'm pretty sure he's stating all the facts.

"The probability of someone stealing that soul stone would be nearly impossible without harming the guards. Jeez, we may be talking about someone who hasn't shown his or her face yet or there's someone we know who doesn't show his real talent." Scy explained.

"I'm tired of this investigation and riddle things. How about we take a break for a while and check some horses." Jay suggested. I don't think that it's a good idea... still fascinated with the horses, huh.

"Sure, I always forgot to buy my guildmates horses. I'm pretty sure they'd love to have some." What? Scy? Seriously?

And so... they both went ahead and Jay is showing off his favorite horses he never ever tried to ride.

-Other Side Stable-

"I'm sorry about Jay. Sometimes, he just can't focus on what's important. He's a good leader, though." I am trying to start small talk with Miss Akko...

"Don't worry. Believe me, I understand. Scy sometimes plans or do things without even telling us the outcome but he's the reason why we became strong in just a couple of months, not bragging or anything." She's so calm. Not like I'm shy or anything but she's really beautiful!

"Oh, I know you're strong and you just showed us that earlier. Arvin... is quirky but he's a good guy somehow, I'm sorry and I hope you can forgive him." I apologized for what my idiot guild member did.

"It's alright. It happens a lot and he's not even the worst. If you meet Siren or Maisie... always put your guard up. They always like to surprise people." Yeah... don't forget about Miss Celeste...

Our discussion was fun and going well. We talked about a lot of things related to our guilds and then something happened again...

"Sir I've got another news! This is really important!" The unimportant guard appeared again. Why can't we have another news-guy?

"Why do you always say that you have important news? Can't you just say something not important?" Jay... that ruins his purpose.

"A group of Order of Light Soldiers just pa.s.sed through the Beginners Area Sir! Based on their pace, they are planning on going here! Should we stop them or not Sir?!" The guard reported.

"Why are you shouting all of a sudden? Anyway, let them through. I will meet them halfway. A good time to ride my horse. Want to come along Scy?" Jay... do you even know how to ride a horse?

"Sure. But maybe I'll just run with the others. I'm not really comfortable with the horses. Akko, let's join them for now. Maybe we can get some information." Scy tagged Miss Akko along.

So... we decided to meet them midway and there's no telling what will happen.

-North Path to Other Side Guild-

"h.e.l.lo there gentlemen. Are you lost or something? This is the territory of Other Side Guild. Please state your business." Wow! Jay sounded like he's a boss or something.

"No need to be formal Jay. You were once one of the finest warriors of Order of Light and somehow you didn't invite me to join your Other Size guild thingy. Anyway, I know you've heard by now about the disappearance of our World Boss Soulstone and we're here to ask you some few questions." It's Deandre... I've hated him because of his att.i.tude towards us adventurers back in the day. Also, are they saying that we're somehow related to the disappearance of the soul stone? Are they really serious? Also... Why did he say "our"? It's something that item can't own by anyone, not to mention they're not the ones who killed the World Boss.

"I know that you didn't really like me and always with Zeth most of the time. I know why you're here but go on ahead, ask your questions." Jay is ready.

"Oh... Scythus and his girlfriend are also here. What a coincidence. We have to talk to you later too. Anyway..."

"I'm not his girlfriend! Yet..." Oh... That startled me. Akko suddenly burst out. She might not really like Scy as a man, I guess.

"Oh... OK, OK... Anyway, I just want to ask where were you guys last night?" Deandre asked.

"We were heading back to the guild all night from Scy's guild. As you can see, we were not even welcome in your guild and most of the guards know me so they can easily notice us. Thanks to you guys, I'm not even allowed to enter for some cute reasons." Jay answered.

"If you are really telling the truth, how about we search your guild? Even if you hid it the best way you can, our treasure hunters here can sniff it up easily." Deandre suggested. There's no way Jay would accept his idea.

"Do you think our guild is some kind of joke? Why on earth would we let you do that? You even trespa.s.sed to our land without even notifying us." Jay's tone is starting to get serious. When it comes to our guild, he is a different person.

"No need to be hostile, Jay. It's just a part of the investigation and a way to clear your guild's name. If you won't let us do that then I guess it could really turn bad you know." Threatening us? Really?

"No. My only answer is no. If you still insist on doing what you want then I can escort you to your guild, only with your heads." Jay's killing aura started to show.

"Sir Deandre, can we please go back now. I can tell this guy is not joking..." One of his subordinates suggested. He's really terrified. With Jay's high charisma, he can easily intimidate opponents if he wants to.

"c.r.a.p... d.a.m.n it! Let's go back. There's no way we can get past here alive. They even have that murderer. Let's go back and report." Deandre and the others rode back with their horses. Scy's presence is also a big impact. I'm pretty sure this won't end well for us.

"Did I look cool just now? Hahaha!" Jay laughed it out... Yes, you did though that's not the point. He just technically severed Order of Light's connection to us which is already bad. And I thought someday we would have a happy ending.

"We're going back now, Jay. I don't want to get dragged into your mess." Scy said and then started walking away.

"Oh, sure. Just don't forget that you made an alliance with us remember?" Jay, you tricky b.a.s.t.a.r.d.

"Jeez, just increase your patrols at night. Those fragile toys of yours won't be a secret forever." Scy replied. What? How did he know that?

"You can't really keep a secret from that guy. Anyway, let's head back and make a plan. They'll be back. I'm getting the idea that this disappearance of soul stone will be just a reason to spy on us. I don't get why they want to check us up now, of all time." Wow, Jay's got a point. Maybe it's really the reason but let's see about that.

Scy and Miss Akko left and it looks like we're back to our daily routines.

-Other Side Guild-

A couple of days have pa.s.sed and thankfully, nothing really bad happened. We have secured our guild and not a single person can ever enter our place unnoticed. Scy's exploration party hasn't started yet. We heard the news that Order of Light guards also tried to start investigation there but Scy has a good alibi, they besieged the Ravens that night and I can tell that it was enough to make them stop the guards from poking their stuff.

Order of Light's guild leader, Maximus also started a meeting with the other guild leaders and some leaders didn't attend the meeting including Scy, Jay, and even Aurora. They might have talked about the soul stone again. There's no need to make a big deal about it. Like everyone is saying, no one can possibly use it unless they are going for suicide.

Then, after the meeting... there's another bad news that even Jay would be mad about.

Jay also called all of his leaders and it looks like... something big is going to happen and we wouldn't really like it.

"Guys, I know that this is a bit surprising but there's a big chance that Order of Light would start a war against us if we don't let them search our guild. They are really getting desperate looking for the stolen or maybe lost Soulstone. Most of all the guilds are already done with the investigation but not with us. Do you have any suggestions or questions?" It sounds serious, Jay.

"That's really absurd. There might be a chance to win against the Order of Light, but with the other guilds supporting them? I don't think we can even defend with our Dragon Cannons. We can also afford to upgrade the equipment of our guild members with soul stone but it's still not enough to win against 12 guilds." Rafrov commented.

"I know that. It's really clear that we don't stand a chance but some of the guild leaders decided not to join them because they think that it's not worth their effort to send thousands of people against our small guild. I heard Storm Seekers and Drowned Trident have a small dispute and don't want to partic.i.p.ate together. Dark Brotherhood also wants to stay low as they like. Both Vanguards and Dragoons haven't really recovered yet after the invasion but Siegriel and his officers would be joining. Serpentes and Hearth Fire, on the other hand, were paid to join. The other guilds didn't want to partic.i.p.ate but there's still a chance that they will change their mind if somehow we win the first siege. Oh, also... they sent a word to Aurora about it and they've got a message from her saying "He's dead..." I'm guessing she can't wait to see me." Jay... what have you done this time. He doesn't even look like he's worried.

"Any news about the Scy's tiny guild? I bet they've started running away." Arvin asked. He really needs to start doing something about his anger issues.

"About them... I heard that they're falling apart..." That's... not good.