13 Undercurrents

Tunok and Nixon had a difficult time processing or believing what they had just heard. What's more, the way Gaius just suddenly dropped a bomb on them and even said it like it was no big deal at all was mind-boggling. If these words got out of their group… they would no doubt land into huge trouble.

"B-Boss Gaius… Are you completely serious?"

"…Wait, Gaius. What do you mean you've turned traitor and betrayed this expedition…? Can you elaborate more on the details?" Nixon asked him in a hushed tone, afraid that someone might be eavesdropping. "And besides… I suppose you know the severe consequences of betraying Young Master Valedd, right?"

"Naturally." Gaius had a serious expression on his face as he said, "But the reward I'll receive definitely outweighs the risk I'm taking."

Hearing him say that, Nixon couldn't help but sigh at length. It looks like their group was already set on its next objective.

"Okay, then. Since you seem so confident with yourself, I guess I'll hear you out."

"Mm. For starters, it happened thirty minutes before we were heading out. I was drinking at the best bar in town when a Mischievous Imp talked to me out of the blue. It told me that the Ogre Clan's fifth young master, who is apparently a rival of Young Master Valedd, knew that we were planning an expedition in the Grim Rock Woods."

"The Ogre Clan's fifth young master…!" Nixon raised an eyebrow as he spoke, "I think I know who that guy is. Apparently, he is the prodigal son of the Ogre Clan. It's said that his mother is the Ogre Clan Patriarch's third wife, who is in charge of the clan's resources and wealth. As a result, the third wife pampers the fifth young master very much by spoiling him with lots of money."

"Yeah." Gaius scrunched up his forehead and replied, "The imp irritatingly told me in detail how freaking rich that guy is. Also, Young Master Valedd and that fifth young master are supposedly love rivals."

"Love rivals, you say?"

"You know the third clan that rules the town of Nebuchadnezzar, right?"

"You mean the Ahas Vastaya Clan?"

"Yes. You see, that clan has a very pretty young missus. The fifth young master has asked her hand in marriage countless times already, but in return, he was rejected just as much. The fifth young master was thoroughly humiliated and burned with fury. And what fueled his fire to burn even hotter was that he'd recently learned that the young missus whom he deeply desired is actually set to marry Young Master Valedd."

"I think I can see where this is going…"

Nixon had a headache just thinking about it, and Gaius confirmed his premonition by nodding his head.

"Mm. Because of a single lass, the fifth young master wants to assassinate Young Master Valedd. And I have a feeling that it's gonna happen soon… In truth, the wave of Mongrels that we dealt with probably has something to do with this."

"Now that you've pointed it out that seems likely to be the case."

"If it is, then the conflict has reached a threatening climax—one that involves the entire expedition team. That fifth young master of the Ogre Clan plans to end Young Master Valedd's life here in Grim Rock Woods where nobody can stop him."

Gaius narrowed his eyes while looking at his two companions. A moment of solemn silence descended between them as he let his words linger in their minds so that they could digest all of the information he shared. A while later, Tunok opened his mouth and asked with some uncertainty,

"I get what you're saying so far… But, where does this conversation lead you to becoming a traitorous scum who'd abandon this expedition?"

Despite how he always acted like a total bastard, Tunok was actually a pretty loyal guy. Hence, betrayal and back-stabbing were two things he absolutely detested.

"Look, Tunok. This is a golden opportunity for us. The imp told me that I would get two thousand gold if Young Master Valedd is successfully killed. We can split that money between the three of us. Isn't that a good thing?"

Nixon interjected before Tunok could give his reply, "Gaius. I put my complete faith in you, and I'll follow you wherever you go. But what happens after Young Master Valedd is dead? The Aswang Clan Patriarch will no doubt mobilize his entire force to hunt down those he killed his son. Do you plan on skipping towns after?"

"No, that won't be necessary. The fifth young master will take us under his wing when the job is done. Meaning, we will then be serving the Ogre Clan from henceforth. And you guys already know how hard it is to join the Nebuchadnezzar Ogre Clan, right? They don't just accept anybody into their ranks, because although Nebuchadnezzar has three ruling clans, the Ogre Clan is really the top dog of the bunch. They hold all the power and wealth in the town; I don't need to spell out the benefits of joining the Ogre Clan in exchange for the Aswang Clan, do I?"

After listening to the whole story, Tunok was at a loss of what to do. To stick to his principles, or stick with his two friends. It was a terrible dilemma for him that he had to break away from the other.

"Still…"

"Tunok, remember that we're only playing a video game. So I think it's logical that we choose the obvious better choice for us." Gaius persuaded him.

With a sad expression, Tunok sorrowfully sighed and dropped his head. What he said made a lot of sense, thus he couldn't really refuse as that would just be stupid of him.

"I-I get it… Boss Gaius. I'll help you guys out…"

"Thanks, Tunok. I'll make sure that you won't regret this." Gaius smiled at him.

Tunok could only look up and give a silent nod as a response. After their group's decision has been made, it was just in time when they heard Young Master Valedd shout,

"Five minutes is up! Everyone, gather together then let's move out!"