21- Gather before it is too late - Part 2

[User has fifteen minutes before the dungeon collapse]

The system's notice indicated that it was time for them to get out of there. Liam had checked the map, and the exit was only ten minutes away, giving him and the others plenty of time to escape.

"Alright, this is enough. We should get out of here. I have a feeling that this dungeon does not have much time left."

Bianca and Asger looked at Liam with a mix of concern and annoyance. They still couldn't believe that Liam had chosen to gather materials instead of prioritizing his safety.

Emily Ross had left early to help get other people out, and Liam had quickly put the other two to work.

"Tsk, I don't understand how your mind works, boss. Are you truly that pressed for money? How have you not lost your life risking it for money until now?" Bianca asked in a teasing voice, but Liam didn't answer her. He could tell she was complaining for the sake of complaining.

Finally, the exit was within reach, and Liam crossed it last. A few more people followed after him before the dungeon collapsed.

Thankfully, everyone had made it out in time.

As everyone gathered outside, Emily Ross clapped her hands and amplified the sound using her magic. Everyone turned to look at her, wondering what she had to say.

"Alright, everyone, I know this was a traumatic experience for most of you, but worry not. This is a rare occurrence, and you will likely not experience it again in your lifetime. You all can head back home now."

With this reassurance, people began to disperse. Liam was also about to head back when he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder and turn him around.

His eyes met Emily Ross's, who had made her way to him. Her smile looked dangerous, making Liam feel a sense of dread. Still, he managed to signal Asger not to attack.

"Mister Sanders, would you mind accompanying us to our facility? We need to talk to you about your new… companion."

Emily Ross's words were clear—Liam wasn't going anywhere until he explained what had happened.

Bianca also seemed to be on her mother's side, avoiding eye contact with Liam as she stood behind her mother.

"Hey, should I—" Asger began to ask, but Liam raised his hands and surrendered before the dragon could cause trouble for anyone.

Sigh

"I understand. It looks like you haven't left me much of a choice. I'll come with you peacefully, so there's no need to threaten me."

Liam promised, and he, along with Asger, was taken into custody. They were given food, proving their captors weren't entirely heartless.

Once placed in his room, locked with magic, it was time for Liam to play the waiting game. He intended to wait, even though the locks looked flimsy enough to break easily.

"Hey, do you want me to—" Asger began, but Liam gave him a relaxed look.

"There's no need to act yet. First, we should figure out what these people want from us and then form a plan."

Liam told Asger before going to sleep. He knew he should feel tense and even scared, but he wasn't. He knew his opponents were no match for him and his familiar.

______

"Mother, what are you planning? Do you think you can keep those two in your custody forever? For Liam, it might be possible, but that half-dragon boss is… far too powerful for us to handle."

Bianca asked her mother as she followed her.

Her mother had called for a meeting with someone important to "take care" of the situation. As far as Bianca knew, it could only be one person—the third-ranked magician in her mother's guild and the only one who would listen to her.

"Don't worry, Bianca. I have no intention of letting such a powerful tool escape my grasp. While I cannot have Liam join my guild due to civilian and Warden laws, I can always have someone keep him in check so he isn't used by others.

And I have the perfect person for the job."

Emily opened the door as she spoke, revealing a man who appeared to be in his late fifties. Bianca didn't need an introduction; she knew the old man well.

"Mother, you called Elder Eryndorius Valtessar? Do you think he can handle a half-dragon?" Bianca asked, and her mother gave her a reassuring look.

"Of course he can, Bianca. You don't understand just how powerful the top magicians are. They are in a league of their own. Initially, I wanted to pitch this deal to Aria Duskwood, but you know how that goes… This was our best choice."

Emily spoke with confidence, and Bianca reluctantly agreed.

Aria Duskwood might have been ranked second, but her only redeeming quality was her magical power. It was a wonder she managed to live a semi-normal life given her… lack of common sense.

As for Victor Rhemington… the less someone got involved with him, the better.

Overall, Elder Eryndorius was the best choice for the situation, and the old man knew it.

He looked up as soon as the mother-daughter pair entered the room, and before they could say anything, he stood and walked past them.

"Show me the dragon. I'll examine it and decide what can be done. I, Elder Eryndorius, will ensure we are all safe from the dangers of unknown magic."

The old man assured and just having him there was enough for people's morals to be raised up.

"I am happy to have an elder like you take a look at our case. Please, follow me and I will show you where we need to go."

Bianca watched her mother be polite to someone for a chance, but she also knew that this was all an act. Her mother was cunning and liked to view people as opportunities she could use and Binaca was no exception.

This was one of the reasons she had a sour relationship with her mother.