Chapter 719 - A Reason To Target
Chapter 719 - A Reason To Target
[Voice Chat] Halls, "Evidence of our humiliation... Could it be Blue Oasis?"
[Voice Chat] Guan Yu, "That's right! I bet they weren't happy with the fact that our brother helped Sleeping Gardenia clear the raid after leaving their group! Since they went against their word, I wouldn't be surprised if they stooped this low just to get back at us!"
[Voice Chat] Midnight, "I have heard some rumors recently regarding Blue Oasis using more stronghanded methods as of late. But, would they go so far as to risk making a complete enemy with our guild leader? Personally, I think it's a little unlikely."
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "I will admit, Blue Oasis may hold some animosity towards us after what happened back at the Great Sea Palace raid. However, they only have themselves to blame for the outcome. That aside, Blue Oasis may have lost Niflheim, but they are still one of the top ten guilds. Midnight is correct—they would not risk cutting ties with Izroth. In fact, if I'm right, they will do anything in an attempt to restore the lost ties. This action would go against their ultimate dėsɨrės."
[Voice Chat] Halls, "If it's not them, then who is it? The only other guild I can think of that would want to see us humiliated is Sage Falls."
Sage Falls was one of the original top ten guilds in RML. However, after being led into a scheme by the Headhunter Syndicate during the Protector of Amaharpe event, they ended up making an enemy out of virtually all the guilds present that day.
But, the worst of it came after the event when they tried to force Izroth into partnering with them. In the end, not only were they wiped out and barred from stepping foot into the Mystical Realm Palace again, but Sleeping Gardenia went on the move to guilds eradicate the weakened Sage Falls.
Seeing an opportunity to get rid of future competition and gain some benefits in the process, a few other top guilds also made their move. By the time everything was over, Sage Falls was left in a state of rambles with little to no hope of ever recovering their place among the top guilds.
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "I doubt Sage Falls has the luxury to worry about us. What I am referring to is the video that was uploaded to the official RML forums and is currently number one on trending."
[Voice Chat] Mirage, "Video... Ah! Do you mean the one with the Headhunter Syndicate getting wiped out? I've seen it. Serves those guys right for all their wrongdoings. Also, that guy with his face blurred out was incredible! Their movements, clothing, and even with sword reminded me of-!"
As she spoke, it suddenly dawned on Mirage.
[Voice Chat] Mirage, "Wait, that was him?! I see... If it's like that, it definitely adds up."
[Voice Chat] Azalea Wraith, "Video...?"
After watching the first few moments of the video alone, Azalea instantly recognized the figure with their face blurred out. Without a doubt, that person was her teacher!
"The Headhunter Syndicate... It makes sense. They certainly have enough money to act as a client for Siren. And, based on the personality of their guild leader, how could he stand to be humiliated in this manner for the world to see? But, some parts still bother me." Azalea internalized as she inwardly furrowed her brows.
As Azalea watched the video, those in the group who had not seen it for themselves, also opened the forums to view it.
[Voice Chat] Guan Yu, "That movement skill matched with the clothing and sword—that's our brother alright. Hahahaha!"
[Voice Chat] Mirage, "That guy—he went and got stronger again."
It did not take long for everyone to connect the dots and realize the mysterious player in the video was, in fact, Izroth.
[Voice Chat] Halls, "It's a little strange though. I've never seen our brother go this far before. Whatever that guy did must have been really unforgivable."
Although no one said it at that time, they were all thinking the same exact thing.
Izroth had his fair share of enemies who wanted nothing more than to see him fail. However, he always faced them with an indifferent approach. Never had he gone out of his way to intentionally humiliate someone like he seemed to do in the trending video.
That's why even people like Halls and Guan Yu could understand at a glance what occurred.
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "Whatever the reasons, our situation remains unchanged. Six of our people are being hunted and I am still unable to get in contact with two of them who are on the target list."
[Voice Chat] Azalea Wraith, "What I can not comprehend is the reason why these specific targets were chosen."
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "I know what you mean. It is strange that none of the names of the other group who is working with Izroth is on the list. Not to mention, both my name and Luna's are missing."
If the person who made the request even knew of Midnight and Mirage's identities, Zi Yi did not believe that they were oblivious to her and Luna's existence. After all, along with Halls, Guan Yu, and Valentine, they had been with Izroth the longest.
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "If we are talking about me alone, then I would ȧssume it has to do with my elder sister. If she were to learn that I was being targeted, she would not sit still. As for Luna... With the company she keeps around her, having her as a target would be an impracticality."
[Voice Chat] Mirage, "Company?"
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "The last time I spoke to Luna, she mentioned something about becoming an Advisor for someone named Aeacus Jestal."
[Voice Chat] Azalea Wraith, "Jestal? As in the noble family from Proximus that specializes in spatial magic?"
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "Yes. From what Luna told me, his strength is well hidden. But, based on her judgment and previous experiences, she believes he is a legendary being. If her ȧssessment is correct, it would make sense that they chose not to target her. Though it somewhat worries me that they seem to know so much about us."
Ideally, they would regroup with one another; however, their current circumstances did not allow for that. Those who were members of the War Brigade like Halls and Guan Yu may be able to request a temporary leave, but they would have to return eventually or risk having their rank stripped away.
As for those in the War Intelligence Group like Azalea, they had a lot more freedom when it came to moving around during the event. However, even they could not completely ignore their ȧssignments.
Ultimately, this was the worse possible time for something like this to occur!
[Voice Chat] Azalea Wraith, "Zi Yi, my teacher entrusted you with the guild in his absence. Therefore, whatever command you choose to give me, I will follow it as though it came from my teacher himself. Use me as you see fit."
Zi Yi was surprised by Azalea's words. Truthfully, she thought was someone who went off and did things on their own without regard to what others had to say. The exception being, of course, Izroth. But, if Azalea was willing to fully cooperate, then it would make things go a lot smoother.
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "First, we need to get in contact with the others. Wraith, you said Izroth's last known location was at the Mystical Realm Palace, right?"
[Voice Chat] Azalea Wraith, "Yes."
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "Then, I will handle getting into contact with him. In the meantime, I want you to track down any leads that can connect the Headhunter Syndicate to Siren. But, remember to keep an open mind while investigating. Right now, all roads lead to the Headhunter Syndicate; however, until we confirm our findings, it is best not to narrow our vision."
[Voice Chat] Azalea Wraith, "Understood."
[Voice Chat] Zi Yi, "Since the rest of you are targets, I want you to focus on protecting yourselves. Try not to wander too far away from your squadron and stay in well-populated areas whenever possible. This way, they will be less inclined to attack you. I will keep trying to get in contact with the others to inform them of our current circumstances. Until then, this is the best we can do. Everyone, make it your priority to stay safe."
...
Twenty minutes later...
〈System Alert: Welcome Player Aurora, to Realm of Myths and Legends!〉
"I rushed here because it was a request from the fourth young miss, but... Was it really necessary?" Aurora said to herself as she stood on the fourth floor of the Mystical Realm Palace.
Not too long ago, Fang Qiu received an unexpected call from Zi Yi asking her if it was possible to visit the Mystical Realm Palace and get in contact with Izroth.
Although Fang Qiu was still in the middle of overseeing the construction of the orphanage, how could she ignore a personal request from the fourth young miss of the Zi family?
In the end, Fang Qiu agreed and rushed to log into RML as soon as possible.