Ethan and Menir had many choices. They could join Konrad or Black Horn, Menir's connections would allow that to happen. They could even run away, but... none of those options would solve their problems, unlike the last option — death for both Konrad and Black Horn, along with everyone involved in the deal.
They needed allies to deal with two First Rank Carriers, and... they had one option.
"So..." Koros muttered, staring at a piece of roasted meat. "You want the four of us to kill two or even more First Rank Carriers?"
Menir nodded deeply.
"Most of Black Horn's people are Broken Carriers. It's not certain that he'll take other First Rank Carriers with him, because Konrad will tell him that we found the Essence of Rotten Forest. We're two weak Broken Carriers, he doesn't need to take serious measures against us. At least, that's what he thinks."
"And? What about Konrad? Who is he anyway?" Diatra asked with a frown. She didn't like this whole idea.
Ethan waved his hand.
"He introduced himself as a military man, but he's acting too suspicious, and I don't see anything official about him. My old man was in the military, I know what these people are like."
"Hmm..." Koros tapped his chin. "Konrad? You see, I know quite a few military men because of my work as a hunter, and I can't remember ever hearing of anyone like him. Most likely, he's some former officer trying to get into the criminal world because the army has closed its doors to him."
"Yes." Menir agreed. "We think so as well. That's why we don't want to help any of them, because it will be a never-ending problem."
Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.
Koros scratched the back of his head with a doubtful gaze.
"Look, I understand the situation. But you're asking us for a pretty serious favor. If we can't kill Konrad and Black Horn, it's like signing our own death warrant."
He peered at Ethan.
"I mean, what do we get in return, Ethan? We've seen you just twice, and you're asking us to risk our lives. I'm not saying it's impossible, but there has to be something worthwhile on the other side."
Ethan and Menir shared a look. She nodded slightly, leaving the decision to him.
"Hah, I thought you were a hunter, not a merchant. Well, the most important thing for us is to get rid of the problem, so... if you help us, you can take everything."
"Everything?" Koros's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"What I said. Everything Konrad and Black Horn have with them and their people. You can take it for yourselves. That's the most we can offer."
Diatra leaned forward.
"We agree. Also, the entire sum for the resources of the Crooked Growon remains ours and... I don't know if it will happen, but you owe us one favor, both of you."
"Fair enough."
"Hah..." Koros shook his head, tearing a piece of meat from the stick. "Well, in that case, let's discuss a plan of action. If everything is going to happen at the north pillar, we'll have to get going soon."
Ethan grinned.
"Of course."
...
The moon rose above the ground as Konrad and three people in loose-fitting clothes watched Ethan and Menir.
"Do you think Black Horn will come?" one of them asked.
Konrad nodded. "Yes. I don't know what this girl is all about, but she worked for Black Horn. For some reason, she's very valuable. So, he's sure that if it has anything to do with her, then they've definitely found the Essence."
The wait didn't last long.
A rustle sounded from the side, causing Ethan and Menir to turn around.
A man with a beard and an eye patch over his right eye emerged from the forest. Two figures in black clothes were walking beside him.
"Hahaha! It turned out to be true! Menir, it's you!" Black Horn laughed as he looked at Menir and Ethan standing next to a tall pillar-shaped rock. It was one of the landmarks in the Rotten Forest.
Menir frowned.
"What are you doing here?"
Black Horn stepped forward, holding one hand behind his back.
"Well, I heard about your little discovery. I would like you to show me where the Essence of Rotten Forest is. Or..." His eyes shifted to Ethan. "Should I kill this kid first? He seems important to you."
"WHAT?" Ethan clenched his teeth, standing in front of Menir. "You think you can threaten me?!"
"Hahaha! Of course I can!" Black Horn laughed fearlessly, approaching Ethan.
Konrad, who was watching from the sidelines, grinned widely.
'Good, it's amazing how well they're acting, they're doing everything exactly as it should be! Soon I'll get rid of Black Horn and take his place!'
It was impossible to hear Konrad's thoughts, but his hidden motives became clear to everyone who could see his crazy gaze.
Black Horn waved his hand.
"Come on, guy, I can break your bones with the power of my aura alone. Some pathetic Broken Carrier is no match for me."
Then, he scratched his short beard.
"So? Will you be good kids, or do I have to use force? Menir, you know I'm good at that."
Coldness filled Menir's eyes, hinting at impending cruelty.
"I'm afraid this time the power is not on your side."
"Agh?"
Before Black Horn could understand what was happening, Ethan pulled a grenade from his belt and threw it directly at Black Horn.
A bright flash erupted across the field, releasing smoke that hid Ethan and Menir but left tiny needles on their bodies, as well as on Black Horn.
"You bastards!" Black Horn shouted in anger.
Konrad was about to act, but Ethan was faster.
Before disappearing behind the smoke screen, Ethan pointed directly at the place where Konrad and his men were hiding.
Then, from the top of the cliff, flashes of lightning shone as three arrows flew at tremendous speed toward a single point to destroy all living beings.
"What the...?" Konrad's eyes widened as electric discharges raced through the forest.
Splinters mixed with pieces of flesh flew before his eyes, filling his vision with electric flashes.
Black Horn was next, for the earth was already shaking as the roots were ready to burst out of the ground to twist their necks once and for all.