Something Ominous

''Haha, this is crazy. Those bastards are really filthy rich.'' Ben couldn't hold it in anymore as he burst out in joy and arrogant laughter. After the successful escape, he still couldn't believe that they had managed to obtain such a treasure.

''I'm sure those bastards still don't realize that we've already exited the town. Mecaella's plan is surely perfect! Using those stupid thugs as a means of distraction is surely a perfect plan.'' Jajah blurted out in response. A wide smile of mockery surfaced on her thick and gorgeous lips. Only at that kind of time would the two of them agree with each other.

''Hah, with this gemstone, if we sell it on the black market, we can surely earn an astronomical sum. We can finally live our entire lives without worrying about food and shelter anymore! And we can finally return the favor to the God Tree who protected and helped us all this while!'' Ben spoke again. One could immediately notice the excitement in his tone of voice.

And the two of them continued talking with warm and excited laughter as if what they gained didn't come from dirty work.

Seeing the two of them, the last person in the group couldn't help but sigh and shake his head slowly. Well, seeing them on good terms wasn't too bad. However, it was not too good to be complacent either. They needed to make sure whether they really managed to escape without someone trying to chase them from the dark.

That said, that kid decided to interrupt the joyous conversation between the two as he spoke with a tone not too overbearing nor submissive, ''Sigh, stop it, you two. Don't lose your guard. We still need to go back and let the others know of our success.''

It was Jax who spoke, a young lad in his early teens. He seemed to be the leader of the group. So, as the leader, he naturally needed to be clear-headed and cautious all the time.

In any case, Jax only had an average stature, but he seemed tall from the way he stood. His eyes were deep black, but they were bright enough to shoulder trust and responsibilities that made him such a dependable person for his comrades.

At such a young age, he had already gained maturity enough for him to deal with any kind of situation he encountered. It was because of the many hardships in life that he developed a disposition befitting of a leader. He knew how to make orders and use everything at his disposal to the best of its outcome. With that, he earned the respect of his friends as they would most likely heed his every command.

But since they weren't some kind of thugs who valued hierarchy that much, they still treated each other on equal terms in other aspects like when they were talking with each other. No matter who the leader was, it didn't change the fact that they were still friends who met each other and formed a band after going through life-and-death situations.

''Haha, you're being too careful, Leader. Even if they really catch up, we can just deal with them. Right, Jajah?'' Ben sneered in response. His arrogant tone made it seem like he had some skills to back up his words.

''Right, right, this is not the town. This is the forest, our territory. There's nothing to be afraid of, keke.'' Jajah laughed in response. Confidence flashed through her magenta eyes so bright that it appeared like she was bragging.

''It seems like you two have already recovered. Alright, let's go and stop resting now. There will be a lot of time for chatter once we go back home.'' Jax replied helplessly. If those two were only spouting bullshit, then he would have hit their heads already. However, their words didn't come from empty talk. He acknowledged their skills and abilities that they honed through the many life and death experiences.

Adding the fact that they were in the forest, even if there were many soldiers to pursue them, dealing with such a situation wasn't too difficult for them.

Still, it wasn't bad to be careful.

The one they offended was still the richest Landlord of the town. Who knew what kind of things their money could buy just to catch them who stole their treasure?

''What?! We're going already? Can't we rest a little more?'' Jajah and Ben blurted out in complaints at almost the same time. Although it appeared like they felt okay on the surface, it didn't change the fact that they almost used up their strength when they tried to execute the plan perfectly. And their leader was actually ordering them to make a move already? Was he trying to mess with them?

But Jax didn't reply to their complaints. He started getting on the move and left the two of them standing there.

''...'' Jajah and Ben could only wear a dark expression silently. Their leader really left them behind. Helpless, they gritted their teeth and started running swiftly as well. ''Wait for us, Leader!''

It took them one more hour for them to finally reach their destination. It was a place where a giant tree having a cave on its trunk stood mightily on the place. The cave was good enough for people to enter. And from the looks of it, that place was the hideout of those youngsters.

Both Jajah and Ben were out of breath, panting heavily with soft whistles sounding from their mouths. They tried to catch up with Jax at their full throttle, but since he moved ahead of them and their speed was almost the same, they still failed in the end.

But it didn't mean that Jax wasn't in the same state as them. Although he remained standing, unlike Jajah and Ben who were now down on the ground, he too was also breathing heavily. But strangely enough, he had this pale expression overwhelming his face right now.

His gaze was also fixed on the mouth of the tree cave as beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. Jajah and Ben didn't notice it yet, but Jax could feel it the moment he arrived.

Something ominous must be happening inside the tree cave, their hideout!

If what he was thinking was correct, then their friends inside must be in danger!