Chapter 1077: An Accepted Fate
Chapter 1077: An Accepted Fate
Plus, divine-ranked materials did not simply grow on trees. Most were probably already consumed or being guarded by a peak legendary existence, waiting for the material to fully blossom. Such as the Half-Bloomed Divine Flower of Renewal that the Overlord of the Ferae Jungle, Beast King Invigris was guarding.
"There's just one more thing," Izroth said in a carefree manner.
Orion's heart sank when he heard Izroth's words. He had already taken so many resources. What more could he possibly want from them?
"The Golden Imp-tell me everything you know about it," Izroth stated.
When Izroth mentioned the Golden Imp, the players from Shattered began to whisper among themselves.
"Golden Imp? Is he talking about that thing rumored to grant any wish?"
"Isn't that just a bunch of nonsense though? If such a thing existed, couldn't you just wish to be the strongest?"
"I've heard rumors about some sightings in the heart of Fragul's Valley of a mysterious golden shadow."
"Idiot, how can a shadow be golden?"
"Golden Imp?" Orion uttered as he had a visible look of confusion on his face.
He then continued, "If you're talking about the creature who is said to grant any wish, I suggest you give up on it. It's just a baseless rumor. No one from Shattered has ever run into such a creature."
'Oh? It looks like he's telling the truth.'
Izroth could tell that Orion's look of confusion was genuine. He also did not sense any hints of deception in Orion's voice. Unless he was a master of deception, Izroth concluded that Orion truly did know nothing about the Golden Imp.
"I see. Then, where was your destination?" Izroth asked as he turned his attention to Hazard and I Am Diligent.
"That's..." I Am Diligent seemed hesitant to answer.
"I can guide you there." Hazard volunteered without hesitation.
Everyone from Shattered looked surprised by Hazard's decision. He would definitely suffer worse than others if it were found out that he personally guided their assailant around Fragul's Valley after everything that happened. Needless to say, no one else wanted to take such an unnecessary risk.
"Fool. He should have just played stupid and said he didn't know..." One of the Shattered players muttered.
"Wouldn't wanna be him."
"Who cares? Maybe we'll get lucky, and they'll shift most of the blame onto him?"
"Hazard, what are you doing? If you guide him to that place, then- " I Am Diligent tried to warn; however, Hazard quickly cut her off.
"Then, what? Are you going to do it?" Hazard questioned as he was met with I Am Diligent's silence.
He then continued, "Yeah, I thought so."
Hazard walked up to Izroth and gave a simple greeting.
"I'm Hazard. I'll guide you to where it is that you want to go. But, I can't promise that you'll
find the thing you're looking for. Is that alright?" Hazard stated.
Izroth nodded and said, "Then, I'll be in your care. Lead the way."
Izroth wasted no time and immediately departed from the scene as he followed alongside Hazard further into the depths of Fragul's Valley.
As Hazard left with Izroth, Orion let out a sigh of relief.
"Finally, that's over..." Orion said quietly; however, the look of relief on his face soon turned into one of frustration and stress.
How was he going to explain all those missing materials to the main guild? No matter how he tried to justify his reasoning, they would not accept it.
"Maybe it would've just been better if we all died and let Fragul's Valley be looted by that guy. At least that way, even if they wanted to punish us for our failure, they wouldn't have been able to find too much fault with us. Did I really make the correct choice?" Orion sighed.
On paper, Orion knew that the decision he made was the correct one. When faced with an overwhelming difference in power, the only thing one could do was minimize their losses as much as possible. He did exactly as such, but would those in the main guild accept that?
"Are you sure it was okay to let Hazard guide that guy? We're already in enough trouble as is. Maybe we should have tried to stop him." I Am Diligent commented.
"Would that person have allowed us to do so?!" Orion snapped angrily, causing I Am Diligent to jump from being startled.
"You... Whatever. What's done is done. Let's just get back to farming materials. If we call in a few extra hands and work overtime, we might be able to replace most of what we've lost by tomorrow." Orion stated as he walked away.
...
Fifteen minutes later...
"He hasn't said anything since we left. Can it be that he's still angered that I attacked him?" Hazard thought to himself as he furrowed his brows.
At the moment, Hazard was acting as Izroth's guide and had led him into one of the forested locations inside Fragul's Valley. This area was well-known among the Shattered guild members for being difficult to navigate due to its rough terrain and steep areas. Only a select few members ever ventured this deep to gather materials. After all, those without experience would either get lost or perish due to an unfortunate accident.
"No, I can't let this chance pass me by. My time with Shattered and Broken Exile is finished. Even if it means having to pay the contract termination fee, I have to seize this opportunity," Hazard thought to himself.
Hazard was the first to break the silence as he said, "Hey, about earlier... Well, the whole attacking you thing—my bad. I just hope that we can let bygones be bygones. If you're still holding a grudge against me, then I'll hand my life over to you once I'm done being your guide. After that, however, I hope that you'll at least hear me out and give me a chance to prove my worth."
'I was wondering what he was so uneasy about. I figured it was related to the reaction of his guild members or his nerves getting the best of him. But, to think he'd say something a little interesting.'
Izroth had been silently and indirectly observing Hazard on their journey. For one, he wanted to make sure that Hazard was not leading him into some kind of trap. He also sensed that Hazard was somewhat disconnected from his fellow guild members-an outcast of sorts. Izroth did not know why that was the case; however, he was not the type to pry into another's personal matters.
"Rest assured, if I wanted your life, I would have already taken it," Izroth stated calmly.
In the end, he only spared Hazard, and I Am Diligent to have either one of them act as a guide. After all, there was no way someone like Feral Blade would have volunteered.
"As for your request-first, you should concentrate on performing your role as a guide well. We can talk once that matter is settled." Izroth said.
Izroth did not dislike those who were straightforward like Hazard and went out of their way to prove themselves. That being said, he was not someone who took in useless people out of
pity.