Chapter 12: Red-handed!

When a Filipino got Isekai'd with a twist!

Volume 2

"Only I can summon those! (Pinoy Isekai)

Chapter 12: Red-handed!

The heroes had been on the run for six long months, their names tarnished and their spirits tested. Despite their relentless efforts to help those in need, the villagers' hatred towards them had only intensified. They had become ghosts in their own land, moving from one shadow to another, always looking over their shoulders.

In a secluded forest clearing, the four heroes gathered around a flickering campfire, their faces illuminated by the warm glow. The air was thick with tension, and the weight of their situation hung heavily over them.

"Tsk, we need to come up with a plan for how to fix this and to find out who's behind this," Caine angrily said, biting a large piece of meat in his hand.

"Yeah, it was like there is something or someone manipulating all of what's happening to us, but when I look into it, there's nothing I find. Like no clue. Whoever's doing this is a pro at his work of framing people," Josh said.

"Yeah, come to think of it, it's somewhat like someone in our world is manipulating things here…." When Chris said that, all of their eyes widened in shock because they realized something.

"If the empire can?" Vismond said, but Cain continued it.

"The demons can too…to summon people like us from our world!"

The fire crackled and spat, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding trees as the four heroes sat in stunned silence. The realization hung in the air like a challenge, and the weight of their situation suddenly took on a new dimension.

"You're saying that someone, or something, from our world is manipulating events here?" Josh asked, his voice low and urgent.

Caine nodded, his jaw clenched. "It's the only explanation that makes sense. We've been so focused on clearing our names and finding the real culprit that we never considered the possibility that the problem might not be in this world at all."

Vismond's eyes narrowed. "But how would they do it? And why?"

Chris shook his head. "That's the million-dollar question. If it's true, then we're dealing with a whole new level of complexity. We need to figure out who's behind it and how to stop them."

The group's conversation was interrupted by the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs. They exchanged wary glances, their hands instinctively going to their weapons.

"What's that?" Josh whispered, his eyes scanning the surrounding trees.

Caine's gaze locked onto something in the distance. "I don't know, but I think we're about to find out."

As they watched, a figure emerged from the darkness, its features illuminated by the flickering campfire. The heroes' eyes widened in surprise, and their minds raced with possibilities.

Lycana's presence was warm and familiar as she approached the heroes. "I see you're in a bit of a bind," she said, her voice laced with concern. "The demon lord's summoning of anti-heroes from your world is a clever tactic, but I won't let it stand."

The heroes exchanged surprised glances, their faces set with determination. "What do you mean?" Caine asked, his voice firm.

Lycana's expression turned serious. "The demon lord has summoned individuals like Frank Abignale, Ted Butcher, Josef Mengele, and Jack the Ripper. They're being used to tarnish your reputation and deal with you. If this continues, you'll lose your reputation and your allies."

The heroes' faces paled as they listened to Lycana's words. They knew they had to act fast to stop this.

"Can you help us?" Josh asked, his voice filled with hope.

Lycana nodded. "That's why I'm here. I'll do what I can to even the battlefield, but we need to work together to take down these anti-heroes and clear your names. Fret not, my dear heroes; I already put someone to gather the lead for you, and soon the news will spread."

The heroes nodded in unison, grateful for Lycana's offer of help. With her assistance, they might just have a chance to turn the tables and reclaim their rightful place as heroes.

"Thank you, Goddess!" They all said in unison.

The heroes' faces lit up with gratitude as they thanked Lycana. With her help, they felt a glimmer of hope in their desperate situation.

"Let's get to work," Caine said, determination etched on his face. "We'll take down these anti-heroes and clear our names. With your guidance, Goddess, we'll make sure the demon lord's plan is foiled."

Lycana smiled, her eyes shining with approval. "I'll be with you every step of the way. Together, we'll restore your reputation and bring justice to those responsible."

The heroes nodded, their spirits lifted by Lycana's words. They knew they had a long and difficult road ahead, but with her help, they were ready to face the challenge.

As they prepared to set out, Lycana added, "Remember, these anti-heroes are not to be underestimated. They'll stop at nothing to achieve their goals. We'll need to be strategic and work together if we're to succeed."

The heroes nodded, their faces set with determination. They were ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing they had Lycana's guidance and support.

Meanwhile, in the dwarven kingdom

Serena is patrolling the streets of the dwarven kingdom when all of a sudden she sees a shadowy figure dash forward into the nearby alley, so she follows it. As she turned the corner, she saw the man standing.

Serena's eyes narrowed as she watched the man hand over the paper and bag of coins to a hooded figure. She couldn't make out the figure's features, but the transaction seemed suspicious.

She carefully observed the man's movements, noticing the way he glanced around nervously before hurrying off. The hooded figure watched him leave, then turned to disappear into the shadows.

Serena's instincts told her that something was off. She decided to follow the hooded figure, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. As she moved stealthily through the alley, she wondered what kind of information the paper might contain.

The hooded figure led her on a wild goose chase, dodging through narrow streets and alleys. Serena's training as a knight allowed her to keep up, her senses on high alert.

Finally, the figure ducked into a seedy-looking tavern. Serena followed, her eyes scanning the dimly lit interior. She spotted the hooded figure sitting in the corner, speaking to someone.

Serena's curiosity was piqued. Who were these people, and what was their connection to the mysterious transactions she'd witnessed? She decided to gather more information before making her move. So she sat near him.

Serena positioned herself near the hooded figure, trying not to draw attention to herself. She listened intently to their conversation, attempting to pick up on any crucial details.

The hooded figure spoke in hushed tones, but Serena's trained ears caught snippets of their discussion. "...package delivered... payment received... next phase... Kill…..new emperor….. blame...invite the four heroes." The words were cryptic, but they seemed to imply a larger operation.

The person the hooded figure was speaking to leaned forward, their face partially illuminated by the dim light. Serena's eyes widened as she recognized the individual—a known informant with ties to the underworld.

Serena's grip on her sword hilt tightened. She had stumbled upon something significant, and she needed to report back to Kieth and the others. This could be the break they needed to uncover the truth behind the heroes' tarnished reputation.

As she turned to leave, Serena's eyes met those of the hooded figure. For a brief moment, their gazes locked, and Serena sensed a flicker of recognition. She quickly looked away, pretending to be interested in the tavern's decor.

The hooded figure seemed to relax, but Serena knew she had to be cautious. She made her way out of the tavern, her mind racing with possibilities. What was the nature of this mysterious package, and how did it tie into the heroes' situation? She couldn't wait to share her findings with Kieth and the others.

As she's about to go out, she meets with the others: Keriel, Lariel, Grath, Elara, and Kalisto (the Change Bandit leader, now he and his men are one of the mercenaries that help the Heroes party).

"Hey, good to see you, Serena!" Keriel said and hugged her, but when Serena looked back at the figure, it was already running.

Serena shouted, "Stop him! He's about to kill the emperor!" Keriel, Lariel, Grath, Elara, and Kalisto immediately sprang into action, drawing their swords and chasing after the hooded figure.

The group dashed through the streets, weaving in and out of pedestrians and market stalls. The hooded figure ran swiftly, dodging and weaving through the crowds. Serena and the others pursued him, their determination to catch him growing with every step.

As they chased the hooded figure, they noticed that he seemed to be heading towards the castle. Suddenly, explosions echoed through the air, and the group saw the castle guards rushing to respond.

"What's happening?" Keriel shouted, his voice carrying above the din.

"It's the emperor!" Serena replied, her eyes fixed on the hooded figure. "He must be trying to carry out the assassination!"

The group pushed themselves to run faster, their swords at the ready. They burst through the castle gates, determined to catch the hooded figure and protect the emperor.

The chase continued through the castle corridors, with the group hot on the hooded figure's heels. Would they be able to catch him before he carried out his deadly plan?

The group finally caught up to the hooded figure, pinning him to the ground. Serena ripped off his hood, revealing the face of Yingston, a noble from the Elven Kingdom.

Yingston's eyes blazed with anger as he glared up at the group. "Just kill me, you hero worshippers!" he spat. "Those fuckers don't deserve to be here. They're the reason why all of this is happening to us! If the emperor didn't summon them, our world would be peaceful by now!"

The group exchanged shocked glances, unsure of what to make of Yingston's outburst. "What do you mean?" Keriel asked, his sword pressed against Yingston's throat.

Yingston's face twisted in a snarl, but he refused to answer. Instead, he repeated his demand to be killed, his voice dripping with venom.

Serena leaned in, her eyes locked on Yingston's. "You're not going anywhere until you tell us what's going on," she said, her voice firm.

But Yingston just laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You'll never understand," he sneered. "You'll never know what it's like to live in a world that's been ruined by the heroes' interference."

The group's grip on Yingston tightened, their faces set with determination. They would get answers out of him, no matter what it took.

As Yingston's eyes darted towards his captors, his tongue flicked out, and he seemed about to bite down on something inside his mouth. But before he could, Keriel swiftly transformed her finger into a dragon's claw and inserted it into Yingston's mouth, preventing him from biting down on the poison pill.

"Uh-uh, not so fast!" Keriel said, her grip firm.

Yingston's eyes widened in surprise and anger, but he couldn't move his jaw due to Keriel's grip.

Just as they thought they had Yingston under control, a sudden, immense pleasure of aura washed over them. The air seemed to shimmer and vibrate with energy.

A figure landed softly on the ground in front of them, radiating an aura of power and authority. The group's eyes were drawn to the newcomer, their faces filled with a mix of curiosity and caution.

The figure's presence was mesmerizing, and the group couldn't help but feel drawn to them. Who was this powerful individual, and what did they want?

The figure stood before them, its body slowly shifting and rippling like the surface of water. As it spoke, its voice was like a low hum, sending vibrations through the air.

"Man, this is... quite problematic," the figure said, its words dripping with annoyance. "I thought my plans were flawless, but whatever shit happens, who could have thought that someone like you would figure this out?"

The figure's gaze fell upon Yingston, its eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and irritation. "I'm quite impressed, not by you—you're a disappointment, dude (pointing at Yingston), but by your loyalty and dedication to those heroes you worship," it said, its tone laced with sarcasm. "I was about to let you guys off the hook, but you... compromise my plans. So I'll have your end here, no witnesses!" He said as he drew his rapier.

As the figure spoke, its body continued to shift and change, making it difficult for the group to pinpoint its features. It was like trying to look at a reflection in rippling water.

The group's eyes were fixed on the figure, their faces set with determination. They knew they had stumbled upon something big, and they were determined to see it through to the end.

"Who are you?" Serena asked, her voice firm.

The figure's gaze turned to her, its eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, you want to know my name?" it said, its voice dripping with sarcasm. "Let's just say I'm the Chameleon, and I'm the one who's been pulling the strings around here," he said, then smiled maniacally.

To be continued

Guys plse support my other novels

And I have new one called

Reincarnation of the magicless!