CH(20): A HIDDEN INCIDENT

"So this is the place it happened", The chairman asked as he stepped out of his limo. The area was enclosed by yellow tapes indicating the area was out of bounds. "Yes sir the dungeon spawned right around that area". Ruud Van Hasten scanned the area and he did not see anything showing a battle took place except the dismantled car Denzel fell into. "Are you sure the dungeon was a C-rank dungeon?". "Yes, I'm positive that it's a C-rank dungeon", Ella said as she looked through her tablet again. "What did Ralf say about the battle that occured", "Oh, Sir. Ralf is coming this way". A tall red-haired man approached them with a certain item in his hand. He had blue eyes and was quite built for a man of his age.

"Chairman Hasten, Long time no see. I'm honoured to be graced by your presence". "You never change Ralf. What's with the 'Chairman' just Hasten is enough". "Okay Hasten, I guess you're here because of the dungeon too. Hmmm... The two who fought were no ordinary players. They didn't just clear the dungeon, they overwhelmed it. When I used my ability on the area , I discoverd that the fight didn't even last an hour. The monsters were also still within their spawn zone". "That's crazy, so did you find out the identity of the other player?". "That's the interesting part, He doesn't show on my ability's radar. My ability, Kariphasor allows me to view certain events that happened at a specific area at a particular time. When I tried for him. It was nothingness. As if he was in the didn't exist". Ruud was lost in thought for a while,[Hmm, that player who could it be could he be like them...]. "Thank you Ralf you've been a big help, Ella let's head back".

As Van Hasten headed back to his car he had an angry look on his face,"Trust me I'll find you one day. I'll get my answers", Hasten's eyes glowed silver.

MEANWHILE....

Leon was standing face to face with Emma, he had just exited the association building just at the same time. "Look at who finally decided to show up. If it isn't the Hero Leon, it's nice to finally meet you". Leon didn't know how to react because the stalkers in his life had become just too much. But if this woman was a stalker, he didn't want to get on her bad side [Leon stares at her immense aura]. "Nice to meet you too uhmmm....". "It's Emma, Emma Greene, Guildmistress of the Lumiere Guild". Leon quickly recignized that name and guild realising that she was also an S-ranked player. "Oh! So you're the Milo and Olivia's guildmistress" "So you've already met them so I'm sure they've asked you to join my guild". "You know that was the first thing they both did. It's like you're in theor head or something" "I get thay alot, but was your answer no?" "You'rw right again".

Emma bowed a her head and said in a very seductive tone,"But that won't do. I want more, I want you". "What the... that's just too fast and wait how did the conversation even get here?". "You really know how to make a woman beg, I never knew you were such a joker. Don't act all innocent, I know you understand me perfectly. Join my guild", Emma got soo up close to Leon that their lips were almost touching. Leon was at a lost for words, no one ever manipulated him the way she just did. She really knew her stuff. "I'll admit you're quite beautiful but I'm not like other men you need to try harder if you want to get me to fall for you. Besides I have a lot of things to do on my own so joining a guild now will just ruin my plans. So you can put a hold on the guild offer". Emma bit her lips in dissapointment,[Tch! What a waste] she thought to herself. "Your quite the smooth talker, I can't see through you like the others. But where's your partner in crime, did he flee? Just tell him I said Hi", Emma said as she walked off. Leon turned around amd realised Denzel was no where in sight," But he was here a moment ago".

Leon was still mesmerised by Emma not only was she beautiful and strong, she was also smart. Maybe even smarter than him. It was as if she was in Leon's head the whole time. This was a wakeup call to Leon.(That's why the old guys keep saying no matter how fat you live remember someone lives behind you or something like that... I don't even even get it myself). Denzel later arrived and so did Ryan both looking dazed. Ryan just has a reality check at the meeting but Denzel...

About half an hour ago...

Denzel and Leon were heading to the Association when Denzel felt something or someone had been following him for a long time. Denzel wanted to comfirm his suspicions so he made a left turm and branched into an alley way and a he suspected the presence followed. Denzel kept moving until he reached a secluded area before pulling out his dagger, "How long do you want to keep following me, years?". A menacing laughter erupted from a mist of shadows that appeared from the ground,"So you knew I was following, interesting". The darkness subsided as little by little the appearance of the entity became visible. A blonde-haired jacked man with his whole left arm tattooed. A gaint longsword was strapped to his back and a half skull mask was on the lower part of his face. He wore a black shirt and camo pants."For how long have you noticed me?". "Since the time I exited the tower", Denzel answered with a stern voice ready to engage at any time. "Why have you been folkowing me who sent you?"

"Who sent me? Sorry I can't disclose thay but I was tasked only to watch your movement and I'll say you're quite skilled", the man said as he rubbed his chin. "I didn't detect a hint of suspicion from you as I followed, Oh, I almost forgot. Where are my manners, I'm Karus".

"Why are you acting soo friendly?", Denzel wasn't buying into the act at all. Karus immediately noticed and grinned,[This boy..].

" I'll be taking my leave then, thanks for your co-operation I think I'm done with my mission here. You're cleared kid", Karus said as he pointed at Denzel before disappearing back into his shadows. Denzel fell to the ground immediately and started panting,"If he wasn't friendly I'd be dead in an instant, no I'm not even sure me and Leon could escape him at full strength. He's an anomaly". Denzel was abke to keep his composure on the outside when Karus was around but on the inside he was panicking. He couldn't stop shaking, the fear he felt near Karus was unreal like nothing he had ever experienced. From the aura Karus exuded alone, Denzel felt like he was going to choke. "Karus.. I'm sure we'll meet again. Whether friend or foe, I'll be ready foe you that day. You're a very tricky variable. Even appraisal didn't work on you. How disturbing". For the first time in all Denzel's life, Appraisal had failed.

[Error! Appraisal of the set target failed]

[Karus LVL: ??][Race: ??]

[Gifts: ???]

Back to the present.....

Denzel and Ryan stood there in silence staring at the skies,"Denzel we gotta get stronger. Way stronger.."

END OF CHAPTER