Chapter 17: Hidden Truths
Igetis turned to the group and said, "Let's go. We have a lot to discuss."
The others followed closely behind, moving through the dimly lit path. Halfy leaned toward Anazitis and whispered, making sure Igetis couldn't hear. "What a mess. The last thing I want is to get caught in a fight between the Knights and the Sages. We'll gain nothing but exhaustion Mark my words we will not get what we need from the Sages did you forgot what we want to do."
Anazitis sighed, shaking his head. "I know, but let's just go with the flow for now. We'll talk later and I have thinking about it we will get what we want from them both ."
Igetis suddenly glanced back. "What are you two whispering about?"
Halfy and Anazitis exchanged uneasy glances, but before they could answer, Lion spoke up, his expression serious. "Why are we walking in circles you two didn't notice it ?"
Igetis smirked. "Good, you noticed. We're heading to our hiding spot. As you know, the Sages are always watching, using their power. If we meet in an obvious place, they'll notice and someone smart was building this blind spot they can't sense a thing on it and he even work on making them weaker without they notice it."
Halfy talk surprised how he can do it?
Anazitis reply in a game if your strong enemy desaper Lion continue if you keep fighting weaker enemy the you become more weeker and you will not notice it
Halfy said because you always win that smart plan and needs a lot of Time and work this person must be smart
At that moment, something remarkable happened. A house seemed to rise from nowhere, appearing right before their eyes. Halfy's jaw dropped. "A house made of mushrooms? Seriously? What kind of taste is that?"
Earlier, in the City...
Nikos, Adonis, and Dinos walked through the crowded streets. Nikos glanced around warily. "Why are we here?"
Dinos motioned toward an empty alleyway. "Follow me. I'll explain."
As they entered the narrow street, Adonis spoke. "Have you ever thought about this part of the city? It's strange, messy, and the Sages don't do a damn thing to fix it."
"Silence!" Nikos snapped. "Be careful with your words. Someone might be listening."
Dinos nodded grimly. "I received a message from someone who claims to know everything happening in the city. There was an address in the letter."
Nikos narrowed his eyes. "It could be a trap set by the Sages to test us."
Dinos hesitated, then sighed. "I didn't think of that... but we should face it together."
Adonis scoffed. "Don't talk about friendship when you always mess things up."
A voice suddenly whispered from the shadows. "Calm yourselves. I'm no enemy."
An old man stepped forward, his face radiating a gentle calmness. He smiled warmly. "When I was younger, I spoke of friendship just like you. Helping each other makes life simple. There's no need for complications. If I need something, I ask. Just like now—I need your help to save this city from greedy shadows."
Nikos tensed. "Who are you?"
Instead of answering, the old man tossed a mushroom onto the ground. It instantly transformed into a doorway.
"Come," the old man said. "The others are waiting."
Nikos crossed his arms. "In your dreams. I don't do things without thinking first."
The old man chuckled and pulled a piece of candy from his pocket, offering it to Nikos. "Relax, young man. Have some you're days must be hard."
Adonis sighed. "Let's just go."
They stepped through the doorway, finding themselves in an old street. Moments later, they were inside a dimly lit room with a large table at its center.
A familiar voice greeted them. "Welcome, Adonis, Nikos, and Dinos. I thought you wouldn't come, but here you are."
Nikos turned sharply, eyes widening. "Theo?!"
Theo smirked knowingly. "I imagine you're wondering how I know everything. But trust me, you'll understand soon."
The old man walked off. "Sit down. I'll prepare some tea."
Nikos hesitated before sitting. Across the room, Dinos noticed two familiar faces. "Evangeline, Theodora! You're here too?"
Theodora smirked. "You arrived before Igetis. Impressive."
Evangeline tossed a bag of gold onto the table. "Three minutes. It took you three minutes to step inside. You could've come in without overthinking, but no, you had to make a bet."
Nikos groaned. "I should've known better than to put that much gold on a bet."
Adonis chuckled. "Take it easy."
Theodora turned to Dinos. "You didn't tell Nikos about the letter, did you? That's why he's here so early."
Nikos frowned. "You too, Adonis?"
Dynatos, who had been silent, laughed. "I'm still lost, too. Looks like Eleni and Sophia are just as confused."
The door suddenly swung open. Igetis entered with Anazitis, Lion, and Halfy at his side.
Theo looked at them in surprise. "You're here? I invited them, but I didn't think you'd actually come."
Igetis sighed. "We shouldn't keep secrets anymore. You all figured things out faster than I expected."
Anazitis crossed his arms, thinking to himself. Idiots. If you had acted separately, you would've been discovered easily. You're lucky.
Halfy's eyes widened slightly as he stared at the old man. I know him… His thoughts raced. He's the one from the circus… the one who stopped me.
Anazitis clenched his fists. That old man... He helped me before. It was strange how he knew where I lived, but I didn't think about it at the time. Stupid me.
Halfy glanced at Theodora, Sophia, and Eleni. Theodora returned his gaze, as if reading his thoughts. Meanwhile, Lion turned to Dynatos with a smirk.
"So, we meet again, Mister Dynatos."
Igetis looked around. "If you all know each other, there's no need for introductions."
The room fell silent for a moment before everyone erupted in unison. "No way! Explain it! Explain everything! We just pretended we understood what was happening!"
Igetis sighed. "Alright. Let's start from the beginning."