Death Valley Forest

"Hmmm, so you really know where this boy could be Annabel?"

Annabel nodded her head. "Yes, I was killing some apple crushing boar yesterday when a man waved by me and walked into the deepest part of Death Valley Forest. I would've warned him to stop, but he seemed super excited."

The two soldiers paused and turned towards that point. "Ugh, he seriously had to go find trouble where the largest, scariest, and most infamous monsters sleep and eat. Our master Orland Higgins will have to come just in case it's the cave lands of the valley…"

. "Sorry that he was lost… If you need anything, we'll be here waiting here…"

"Thank you for the support! We'll be back then with our master!"

….

Orland Higgins met with the two soldiers two hours later.

"You're kidding me! He's such a smart boy but acts like such an idiot!"

"Yes, he indeed entered into the lowest part of the valley… we have no idea what could've come over him…" One of the soldiers said.

"Ugh, well, let's make haste then to the three-eyed monkeys… We'll need the girl to point us to where she found him. Even with me running at my top speed, or flying on a sword, it could days and thousands of battles to find him in that neck of the woods…"

….

Two hours later, back in Death Valley.

The soldiers returned with Orland Higgins as they walked into a graveyard of three eyed monkeys.

Annabel and Mason were sipping from two glasses on top of a giant carcass and eating some apple crushing boar meat. After all, Mason still had to serve her the hypnotic salt for a few more days before she was fully his slave. Preparing such a meal was time consuming, but they had time after he reached Mortal rank 8. There were the signs of the battles below them, and lots of marks of resistance were on their torn clothes and disheveled hair.

They watched the two soldiers approach hoisted by the hands of an extremely quick man. Since his speed was this high, it must mean the foundation building stage. He was like a rocket in a forest causing the trees to get blown and torn as he passed. He looked at Mason and Annabel with a smile as he put the two guards down.

"So… beautiful miss… You said you know where my lovely nephew went… Could you guide me to that very location in exchange for some low-grade spiritual stones?"

Mason cleared his throat with a loud "UGH HUM!"

"I am actually in charge here… Even though she is stronger I pay her a fair wage… How about you give me those spiritual stones?" He needed them anyway to help increase the strength of his temporary slave. After all, he couldn't keep her as a slave forever, but why not train her and increase her strength tremendously before they attempt to raid the Hearts of Chaos Guild.

"Ah! Yes, you look to be an impressive man!" Now, shall we go?"

Mason nodded his head before Annabel looked questionably at the path…

….

"So, mister! This is where I last saw him… He was right here looking down at this giant footprint!"

Orland began stomping and crushing his feet against the floor. Clearly, he probably saw this foot print and thought he discovered big foot or something like that! It was such a shame that his father had yet to fully teach him about the true dangers of demonic beasts…

"This little BEAUTIFUL man… He chooses the most dangerous forest, chases after a giant, deep, and mysterious foot, running without a trail….

"Wow! You're right, this is a tremendous footprint!" Annabel said with a smile

"Yes… now, I will give you double the spirit stones for following me into the forest. As promised, also the corpse of the level 5 demonic beast…"

He looked with intense but restrained eyes at Mason waiting for his answer. Even going as far to address Masons' request of a high-level corpse.

"Yes, let's go find that demon beast!"

….

Outside of the lair of the demonic beast.

Orland and Mason were talking like they were the best of friends.

Apparently, even in this universe chess existed! They were talking about the rules of the game and were instantly developing camaraderie as if two fighters on a battle field.

"So… you really think a gambit is a good idea?"

"Sure, you must take risks in life and in games… if you are willing to give up a piece, you're very likely going to get rewarded by the universe…"

"Hmmm, I appreciate that insight. In a week, come over to my house in Helix Kingdom, and we can perhaps find you some essence potions to increase your spiritual roots actualization…"

"Seriously, you would do that for me?"

The man laughed before he then looked down and frowned. "Yes… after we find out where Higgins went me and you my young lad can have a grand battle! Two masters on a ship in a checkerboard ocean…"

[Ding!]

[Host has unlocked new attribute, Luck!]

[Luck has increased by 2 points!]

….

Annabel smiled and then pointed towards a cave where the giant footprints ended.

"Uhm, guys… I think those were the clothes he was wearing…" She pointed towards a shirt that was torn outside of the confines of the large and dark cave. The opening had claw marks as if cut by a fierce and mighty beast. While they approached it cautiously, the marks only got larger and larger. The claws seemed to show hands that were bigger than the foot they followed. Clearly, this monster could have killed his nephew repeatedly before serving him with a side of apple crushing boars…

"Alright, well thank you two for taking me here! It is best you two wait outside while I sneak in to go try and kill the beast… However, something doesn't feel quite right about this…"

Mason agreed with him. It was an insight spawned from years and years of life. To him, this was clearly a setup, but he had no idea from who. However, he wouldn't let his new comrade give up the chance of a life or death battle. These types of battles provided valuable materials to whomever found the bodies! He needed either the body of a level 5 demonic beast, or foundation building cultivator. To him, this was like winning no matter who lost!

"I… I don't see anything that suspicious, but you're right… there is a chance he was devoured by more than one monster!"

"What!" Orland said as a tear somehow fell down his eye. "My dear nephew a party snack?"

Above them, there was two pairs of claws if you looked close enough. Mason pointed to it causing the man to scream and tear at his hair. "This little BEAUTIFUL man better be okay… I'll be right back Mason…"

Above them, a scout was looking down in disbelief as he saw the foxy brunette with the leader of Helix Town.

The Hearts of Chaos Guild had planted this scene as a decoy for the soldiers of Helix Town. Hence, they had a soldier waiting by at the top of the roof. However, when he witnessed Annabel with the leader of Helix town, he knew he had to report this immediately.

After all, everyone in the Hearts of Chaos Guild either had a crush on her or confessed their undying love to the lass. To him, this was a matter of utmost haste. He had to let his leader know that she had been kidnapped!