Chapter 121: Escaping Successfully

Brita led Alaric through a labyrinth of corridors, the only sound was of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The air was thick with the smell of dust and damp earth, a stark contrast to the opulent grandeur of the auction hall they had just left.

Alaric, carrying the three unconscious women, followed close behind, his senses on high alert.

He kept his gaze fixed on Brita’s back, his mind racing with possibilities. He still didn’t trust her, not one bit. ’She hates me,’ he thought, ’she’d betray me in a heartbeat if she had the chance.’

Brita stopped before a nondescript stone wall, her hand reaching out to touch a seemingly invisible mark.

A faint shimmer appeared, revealing a hidden door that slid open with a soft grinding sound. Beyond the door lay a small, circular chamber, the floor etched with intricate runes.

“This is it,” Brita said, her voice flat. “This path will take you outside of Porthaven, to a cave near the sea. It’s one of our escape routes.”

Alaric stepped into the chamber, carefully placing Rowena, Helena, and Petra on the floor. He turned to Brita, his eyes narrowed.

“And what assurances do I have that this isn’t a trap?” he asked, his voice cold. “What if I find a welcoming party of Phantom Assembly members waiting for me on the other side?”

Brita shook her head, her expression weary. “Even within the Assembly,” she said, “very few people know about this route. It’s reserved for… special circumstances. You won’t find anyone there.”

Alaric remained unconvinced. He knew he couldn’t trust her word, not after everything that had happened. He studied her face, searching for any sign of deception, but her expression remained impassive.

His gaze then drifted downwards, drawn to her swaying hips as she stood before him. Her torn clothing revealed more of her shapely figure than she intended, and Alaric couldn’t help but appreciate the view. He licked his lips, a hint of anticipation visible in his eyes.

’She’s really something else,’ he thought, a small smile playing on his lips. ’Even when she hates me, she’s still incredibly sexy.’

Brita noticed his gaze, her eyes narrowing with anger. “Stop staring at me like that, you… you pervert!” she spat, her voice laced with venom.

Alaric’s smile faltered slightly, a hint of annoyance flickering across his face. He reached out and gave her buttocks a firm smack, the sound echoing in the small chamber. “Keep moving,” he said, his voice hard. “And I’ll keep looking. And touching. What are you going to do about it?”

The way he dominated her, the casual way he touched her, sent a shiver of rage down Brita’s spine. She wanted to scream, to lash out, to scratch his eyes out. But she knew she couldn’t. Not while he held such power over her.

She bit back her anger, her fists clenching at her sides. Alaric, sensing her frustration, reached out and fondled her buttocks again, this time more aggressively, his fingers kneading her flesh. A small moan escaped her lips before she could stop it, making her even more furious with herself.

Alaric chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. He then stared at her, his expression turning serious once more. “Don’t forget about me, Brita,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “Because I certainly won’t forget about you.”

Brita shivered, her eyes widening with fear. She knew he wasn’t making an empty threat. She could feel the weight of his gaze, the intensity of his power. She knew that he would remember her, and the thought sent a chill down her spine.

She turned back to the runed floor, her hand hovering over a specific sequence of runes. “This is the activation sequence,” she explained, her voice trembling slightly. “Once I touch these runes, the teleportation will begin. It’s a one-way trip for now. The cave on the other side is a Phantom Assembly hideout, but it’s currently abandoned. You won’t find anyone there.”

Alaric watched her intently, his senses on high alert. He still didn’t trust her, but he had no other choice. He had to get his companions out of here, and this was the only way.

Brita took a deep breath, her hand finally touching the runes. A faint blue light emanated from the floor, the runes glowing brighter and brighter. The air began to shimmer, the chamber filling with a soft humming sound.

Alaric gathered Rowena, Helena, and Petra into his arms once more, carefully adjusting their positions. He looked at Brita one last time, his eyes narrowed. “Don’t try anything,” he warned, his voice cold.

Brita didn’t respond, her eyes fixed on the glowing runes. The humming intensified, the air around them vibrating with energy. The blue light became blinding, and then, in a flash, Alaric and the three unconscious women vanished, leaving Brita alone in the silent chamber.

As the blue light faded, Brita let out a long, shuddering breath. She felt a wave of relief wash over her, followed by a surge of anger and humiliation. She had been completely humiliated, utterly defeated by that masked man. And the way he had touched her… it made her skin crawl.

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. ’I’ll get my revenge,’ she thought, her voice filled with venom. ’I swear, I’ll make him pay for this.’ But deep down, a small voice whispered a chilling truth: she was terrified of him. And she knew, with a sinking heart, that she would never forget him.

The teleportation spell had sent them to a hidden cave near the sea, a secret hideout of the Phantom Assembly. The cave was damp and dark, but it offered shelter and protection. Alaric carefully placed Rowena, Helena, and Petra on the ground, making sure they were comfortable. He then turned his attention to the cave, examining its layout and searching for any potential threats.

The cave was larger than he had expected, with several hidden chambers and tunnels leading deeper into the mountain. He found a small stream of fresh water flowing through the cave, and a hidden stash of supplies, including food and medicine. It seemed that the Phantom Assembly had prepared this hideout for emergencies.

Alaric checked on Rowena, Helena, and Petra, making sure they were still breathing. Their faces were pale, their bodies limp. He knew that they were still under the effects of the paralyzing gas, but he was confident that they would recover soon.

He then focused his attention on the cave itself, searching for any signs of Phantom Assembly members. He found nothing, just the usual assortment of tools and weapons that were left behind by the previous occupants.

He spent the next few hours tending to his companions, making sure they were comfortable and safe. He used his healing magic to ease their discomfort, and he monitored their vital signs closely.

As the day turned into night, Alaric sat by a small fire, his mind racing.

~~

A few hours passed, the silence of the cave broken only by the crackling fire and the soft breathing of the unconscious women.

Alaric, having fully recovered his magical and spiritual energy, rose to his feet.

The azure glow that had surrounded him earlier was gone, the raw power of the Azure Spirit Lion receding back into its dormant state within him.

He stretched his limbs, feeling the lingering warmth of the spiritual energy still coursing through his veins.

’That was… interesting,’ he mused, a small smile playing on his lips. ’I finally understand how to draw upon its power. It’s… exhilarating.’

He glanced at Rowena, Helena, and Petra, their unconscious forms still sprawled on the cave floor. He shook his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

’They’re really out cold,’ he thought. ’They’re probably having some weird dreams right now.’ He chuckled softly. ’I wonder what they’re dreaming about? Probably me, saving them from some monstrous beast or something.’

He then proceeded to cover their unconscious sexy bodies with a robe each, ensuring they were decently covered. He then carefully picked up each of them, adjusting their weight in his arms. He then made up his mind.

He couldn’t stay in this hideout any longer. He needed to get them to safety, to someone who could properly care for them. He knew just the place.

He quickly left the hideout, heading towards the main city of Porthaven. He moved swiftly, using ’Swiftwind Step’ to increase his speed, covering the distance in half an hour.

He arrived at a secluded alleyway, one of the designated meeting points used by Drustan and Kaelith’s subordinates.

The alleyway was deserted, save for a few shadowy figures lurking in the corners. Alaric approached them, pulling down his mask to reveal his face.

“I am Alaric Steele,” he announced, his voice clear and commanding. “Contact Drustan and Kaelith. Tell them I require their immediate presence. And tell them to bring a physician. And a poison expert. It’s urgent.”

The individuals, recognizing the name Alaric Steele as one of Drustan’s associates, immediately sprang into action. They had heard tales of this mysterious mage, this son of a fallen noble family who had joined Drustan’s team. Some whispered that he had only joined through connections, not through merit. But they didn’t dare question his orders. Not now.

One of the figures quickly disappeared into the maze of alleyways, heading towards Drustan’s location. The others remained with Alaric, their eyes fixed on him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

Half an hour later, Drustan and Kaelith arrived, their faces etched with worry. They had brought a small entourage with them: a stern-looking physician, a nervous alchemist, and a wizened old woman who introduced herself as a poison expert.

Drustan’s eyes immediately fell on the unconscious forms of Helena, Petra, and Rowena. He rushed to their side, checking their pulses, his face etched with concern. He let out a sigh of relief when he confirmed that they were still alive.

He then turned to Alaric, his expression a mixture of relief and suspicion. Kaelith stood beside him, his gaze equally complicated.

They had both been wary of Alaric from the start.

He was an enigma, a man of obvious talent but questionable motives. He seemed to have simply appeared one day, joining their team through his connections as a wealthy son of a fallen noble family.

They had both felt that he didn’t belong, that he hadn’t earned his place.

But now, as they looked at the unconscious women and then back at Alaric, they understood something.

If Rowena, Helena, and Petra were in this state, it meant that Alaric had faced a very dangerous situation.

Yet he had managed to navigate that danger, bringing the three women out without raising any alarms.

This spoke volumes about his capabilities.

And, perhaps more importantly, it showed his loyalty. He hadn’t abandoned them, even though they were clearly a liability, a burden that would have made his escape much more difficult.

“Alaric,” Drustan said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude, “thank you. Thank you for bringing them back.”

Kaelith mumbled a quiet “Thanks” as well, his usual gruff demeanor softening slightly.

Alaric waved off their thanks with a dismissive gesture. “It was nothing,” he said, his voice nonchalant. “They’re my companions. I wasn’t going to leave them behind.”

Drustan nodded, his gaze softening. He then looked at Alaric, his expression becoming serious. “What happened at the auction?” he asked. “What put them in this state?”

Alaric took a deep breath, preparing to recount the events of the evening.

He briefly explained the entire situation, starting from the treasures that were displayed at the auction, the sudden release of the paralyzing gas, and the subsequent actions of the Phantom Assembly members.

He explained how they had started injecting a dark liquid into the paralyzed attendees, a liquid that would bind them to Lord Vortan’s will, making them his unquestioning servants.

He explained that he had only managed to escape before they could reach Rowena, Helena, and Petra.

He omitted the details of his fight with Brita, the unleashing of the Azure Spirit Lion, and… the other, more… personal details of his encounter with the fiery mage. He didn’t think Drustan and Kaelith needed to know about that. Some things were best kept to himself.

As Alaric finished his explanation, Drustan’s face grew grim. He understood the gravity of the situation. The Phantom Assembly was clearly escalating their activities, becoming bolder and more dangerous.

He looked at Alaric with a newfound respect in his eyes. He had misjudged this man. Alaric wasn’t just a wealthy noble brat playing at being a mage. He was a capable warrior, a loyal companion, and a force to be reckoned with. And he had just saved the lives of three of their own.

~~

After Alaric finished recounting the events of the auction, a heavy silence settled over the group. Drustan paced back and forth, his brow furrowed in deep thought. Kaelith stood beside him, his arms crossed, his expression grim. The gravity of the situation was clear to everyone.

“Those artifacts…” Drustan finally said, his voice low and grave. “They’re too dangerous to fall into the wrong hands. And we can’t allow the Phantom Assembly to add more pawns to their game.” He stopped pacing and looked at Alaric, his eyes filled with determination. “We have to put a stop to this. Now.”

Kaelith nodded in agreement, his usual gruffness replaced by a steely resolve. “We’ll gather our forces,” he said, his voice firm. “We’ll mount an attack on that auction hall. We’ll take back those artifacts and put an end to their recruitment drive.”

Alaric nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. He then looked at Drustan, a hint of weariness in his eyes. “I… I won’t be able to participate in the attack,” he said, his voice slightly strained. “I overexerted myself escaping the auction. I need to rest.” He even winced slightly, clutching his side as if in pain. He was a good actor, he had to give himself that.

Drustan and Kaelith exchanged understanding glances. They had seen the state of the women Alaric had carried out of the auction; they could only imagine what he had gone through to protect them.

“Of course, Alaric,” Drustan said, his voice filled with concern. “You’ve done more than enough. Go and get some rest. You deserve it.” He then gave Alaric the location of a reputable inn. “Go to the Golden Barrel Inn,” he instructed. “Tell the innkeeper that Drustan sent you. He’ll take good care of you. It’s a fancy place, mind you. You’ll get a good rest there.”

Alaric nodded, offering a weak smile. “Thank you, Drustan,” he said, his voice still sounding slightly strained. “I appreciate it.” He then turned and slowly walked away, his steps deliberately sluggish, his posture slightly hunched, as if he was indeed injured. He even let out a small groan as he walked, just for added effect.

Once he was out of sight, a mischievous grin spread across his face beneath his mask. ’That was quite a performance,’ he thought, chuckling silently. ’They bought it hook, line, and sinker. Now for the real fun to begin.’

He quickened his pace, his earlier weariness vanishing as if it had never existed. He found a secluded alleyway, pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill from his pouch. He quickly penned a short message, informing his superior within the Phantom Assembly, a woman named Zylle, about the kingdom’s impending attack on the auction hall. He detailed the timing, the forces involved, and the likely targets. He made sure to emphasize the potential loss of valuable assets, framing it as a major setback for the Phantom Assembly.

’Zylle will know what to do,’ he thought, a predatory gleam in his eyes. ’She’ll mobilize the necessary forces to defend the auction hall. And when the kingdom’s forces clash with the Phantom Assembly… chaos will ensue.’ He then tied the letter to the leg of a dark owl, one of the many messenger owls that the Phantom Assembly used for covert communication. With a gentle toss, he sent the owl soaring into the night sky, its dark silhouette disappearing into the darkness.

’This is perfect,’ he thought, a wide grin spreading across his face beneath his mask. ’The kingdom will think they’re striking a major blow against the Phantom Assembly. The Phantom Assembly will think they’re defending their assets. And I… I will be the one pulling the strings, orchestrating the chaos from the shadows.’

He wanted the chaos. He needed it. Only through chaos could he rise through the ranks of the Phantom Assembly, gaining more power, more influence, more resources for his Steele family. He didn’t care about loyalty to the kingdom or to the Phantom Assembly itself. His only loyalty was to his family, to his own ambition.

He reached the Golden Barrel Inn, a grand establishment with a gleaming brass sign depicting a golden barrel overflowing with ale. The inn was bustling with activity, filled with wealthy merchants, nobles, and adventurers. Alaric approached the innkeeper, a portly man with a jovial face and a neatly trimmed beard.

“Drustan sent me,” Alaric said, his voice clear and confident. “He said you would provide me with a room.”

The innkeeper’s eyes widened slightly in recognition. “Drustan, you say?” he asked, his voice booming. “Well, then, you’re in good hands. Sir Drustan is a valued patron of our establishment. We’ll take good care of you.”

He led Alaric to a luxurious room on the upper floor, furnished with a large four-poster bed, a comfortable sitting area, and a private balcony overlooking the city. “This is one of our finest rooms,” the innkeeper said, beaming. “I hope it meets your expectations.”

Alaric nodded, offering a polite smile. “It’s perfect,” he said. “Thank you.”

The innkeeper bowed slightly and then left, leaving Alaric alone in the room. Alaric closed the door behind him, leaning against it with a sigh. ’Finally,’ he thought, a sense of relief washing over him. ’Some peace and quiet.’

He quickly locked the door and then proceeded to remove his mask, finally allowing his face to breathe. He then went to the balcony, looking at the city of Porthaven.

He looked at the starry night sky, his gaze far away.