Ren didn’t have to search long, for he had already found Evie amongst the crowds. The girl was a magnet for attention. He even spotted many eyes peeking at her from time to time, which didn’t sit well with him for some reason.
Ren’s pace turned faster, but he stopped after sighting the Orc beside Evie.
Ragnar?
Why was Ragnar near Evie?
Don’t tell me . . . Ren thought . . . He is one of the Orc in her group?!
Ren closed his eyes tight and took a deep breath.
Let’s calm down. Ragnar probably wouldn’t recognize him with just his voice alone.
. . . I hope.
Ren went over to Evie, and upon sighting him, Evie’s stoic face broke and blossomed into a smile, and the whole place brightened.
Those who were taking constant peek at her were mesmerized, and of course, it also didn’t escape Michael’s notice. But instead of having a dreamlike face upon seeing Evie smile for the first time, he felt contempt for the newly arrived player named Ren.
Who was he that he managed to tickle an elusive smile from Evie’s lips with just his presence?
Amongst the battling of feelings in the air, Ren himself was the only one who wasn’t affected. His whole focus was on Ragnar, straining his eyes to see if there was any hint of recognition on his face upon seeing him.
Only then did Ren breathe the air he held when Ragnar’s no care expression didn’t change. Not even a brow lifted upon seeing the name on top of his head.
“Everyone, this is Ren,” Evie introduced to the others.
Everyone greeted except Ren, who remained tight lips and only gave a nod as a reply. He was afraid that Ragnar would recognize his voice. But he knew that he couldn’t keep his mouth shut forever.
“Are you a hunter like me?” Rox asked, eying Pii on Ren’s shoulder.
“Ren’s a Mage,” said Evie.
“How did you acquire a pet?”
“That’s confidential,” said Ren trying hard to make his voice sound deeper.
“Are you okay?” Evie asked, voice laced in worry. “Your voice sounds funny.”
Ren grumbled under his breath. Please don’t expose me. Ren lamented to himself.
“I’m just feeling under the weather.” Ren was looking at Ragnar the entire time to see his reaction. But he seemed worried for nothing when Ragnar blinked and looked to the other side. Not a care about the current conversation.
“Can you feel sick even in the game?” Rox whispered at his sister.
“I don’t know. Maybe. It’s a hundred percent real in here,” Roxy whispered back.
Ren changed the topic to get away from the limelight. “If everyone is ready, should we move along? I have something to do after this, and I like to finish this as soon as possible.”
Rox crossed his arms and frowned. Was this the man Evie said that would help them clear the forest? He was supposed to be strong, but Rox had second thoughts.
“You talk like going there is just a walk in the park. Don’t underestimate it. That’s how we got wiped out.”
“You got wiped out because you didn’t know the secret of the forest and lacked the information of the Boss,” Ren said in his monotone voice. “But now that you do, the forest shouldn’t pose a problem to you.”
“Except that our ATP is so lacking,” cut in Roxy. “What’s more, our numbers are lacking as well.”
“If you’re not confident with your skills and have doubts, then you’re welcome to stay here. Let’s go, Evie.”
Ren went into the forest entrance while Evie didn’t know what to do. She shifted her attention between Ren and the others before running towards Ren, who was only a meter from entering the forest.
Ragnar followed suit without a word.
“I don’t like the guy,” Rox grumbled.
“Same,” Roxy seconded.
“You don’t like ugly men.”
“Of course not,” Roxy defended herself. “And who to say that he isn’t handsome behind his hood? His pet looks adorable. So I bet he’s a looker too.”
Rox rolled his eyes before he went after Evie and the others.
For a split second, Roxy gaze at Michael’s group. They seemed well prepared.
As for them . . .
Roxy suddenly had an urge to back out, but it was too late now.
I guess it’s another death penalty for me. Roxy lamented and braced herself for another defeat.
Eventually, they were transported to another part of the jungle. And this time, there were no wisps or Windigos. What scenery unfolded before them were muddy soils and some spots of marches scattered everywhere while dead trees loitered on the surroundings. There was a thin fog in the air but not something to be concerned about since it didn’t hinder their visibility.
“This isn’t the part where we entered last time.” Roxy searched for the stream of water but found it hard with all the mud and scattered pool of water on the ground.
“Yes, we know.” Thank you for stating the obvious. Rox sneered.
“Should we split up to look for it?” suggested Roxy.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Ragnar said. “We might get lost and separated from each other without knowing.” The Forest was alive after all.
Evie agreed with what Ragnar said.
. Then everyone looked at Ren for his opinion.
Ren was quiet the whole time the moment they entered the wetlands. He was thinking of using [Inferno] against the Boss since he couldn’t cast [Multiattack] for the fear that Ragnar might notice something.
Or he could let Ragnar die so he wouldn’t be a hindrance, and he could do anything after he was gone from sight.
The last option was much more appealing.
Ren wanted to get this done and over with as soon as possible so he could return to mining.
“Ren?”
Evie’s soft voice pulled Ren from his thoughts.
“What is it?” Ren answered absentmindedly.
The others took a deep breath because apparently . . . Ren wasn’t paying attention.
Were they really going to be alright?
“We asked your opinion on our current predicament,” said Rox, “We’re transported to a new place, and we can’t seem to find the narrow stream of water.”
Ren opened his mouth to answer when at that moment, they heard something.