The only sound punctuating the utter silence was Erwin's panicked breathing. Aenon looked on dispassionately as the anger and hate that the man exhibited literally evaporated into the void. Jenny of course hadn't witnessed their previous encounter, but the atmosphere spoke volumes. She looked on in confusion between the two—Aenon's calm vs Erwin's terror. Even Mike had not seen the full interaction, and Aenon doubted the proud fool had mentioned that to anyone.

Aenon, like last time, waited patiently for Erwin to collect himself. Erwin's soul was very interesting for sure. The barrier around his soul was unbreached, meaning he was not an Awakened. But there was some kind of deception at play here since there was a weak mask around his soul. Aenon traced the lingering veil and found its source: a locket. It looked simple, a very weak enchantment concealing its true nature. But Aenon's Sovereign's Eye along with Mana Sense saw right through it.

"I believe it's your turn to ask," Aenon stated coolly.

Erwin made some incomprehensible sounds as he stuttered nervously. After almost a minute he finally managed to blurt out, "Wh…What are you doing here?"

"I am the mayor of this town," Aenon responded, maintaining a poker face. "What does your locket do exactly?"

Aenon's counter question threw Erwin in for a loop as he looked around in desperation for a means of an escape. Aenon didn't miss the sudden uptick in fear from the broken man's soul.

"I…uh…," Erwin hesitated.

His arms had begun to heal to some extent, but it would be a while before he could use them again. So Aenon leaned back and waited with a sharp look in his eye.

"It…it conceals my level and Class," Erwin finally admitted in defeat.

Aenon nodded at Jenny, after which she went ahead and retrieved the trinket. Erwin visually flinched at Jenny's cold touch on his skin, which left faint trails of frostbite. Aenon could feel her Awakened state, perhaps to control her emotions better.

She placed it on Aenon's desk and stepped back.

Trickster's Locket | Trinket | Uncommon | Allows the user to fake their Classes and level, while also suppressing any System markers temporarily. Effects can be bypassed by advanced scrying techniques.

The rarity of the trinket wasn't anything to write home about but was an invaluable tool for espionage for low level grunts. It would obviously fail against the elites, but infiltrating a city against low level NPCs would be a breeze. Aenon didn't know how many of these things were out there, but it couldn't have been too many. Which meant Erwin had to be at least a cut above the rest. His Identify confirmed his deduction.

Erwin | Human | Warrior | Level 91

In terms of levels, he was just below Jenny. But Aenon could feel that she far surpassed his power owing to her Titles. If Aenon was to guess, Erwin was close to a D grade evolution. When compared to Jenny, who was around an A grade, the difference was staggering. Not to mention Jenny's unlocked outer soul.

"How… how did you…?" Erwin began to ask hesitantly.

"Oh, you don't get any more questions," Aenon interrupted him coldly. "The rules have changed Erwin. Last time you unknowingly raided my food stash, so I treated you as such—an oblivious group who had stolen from me. But this time…you dared to touch something more valuable, and with intent."

A far deeper coldness permeated the air as Aenon unleashed his Aura. The chill went beyond just a physical discomfort that Jenny inflicted. It seeped into his target's soul.

"Who is the mastermind behind the Alliance?"

Aenon's Aura induced command nearly made Erwin pass out. But the horror didn't let him, and neither did it allow him to dodge the question. Despite what he had become now, Aenon could see that deep down Erwin was still the cowardly guy. Unlike Jenny, who had reforged herself with conviction and zeal by putting her life on the line, Erwin merely gained levels using his gaming experience, always playing it safe at the cost of other people's lives.

"I will not ask again," Aenon said in a low voice, and yet it echoed across the room.

"She…she calls herself the Lightbringer," Erwin said, folding under the insurmountable pressure. "No one except the top elites have met her. But she has these…treasures that allow her to dominate every challenge. And if someone serves her faithfully, she…grants them a few."

Aenon pointed at the locket, "I am assuming this is one of them?"

Erwin nodded fervently, "That is more a sample. I was promised an Ancient rarity sword if I completed the mission."

"So, you sold your soul for mere equipment?" Jenny asked with distaste. "Knowing full well that people would die for it. Innocent people who want nothing but to survive."

"What do you know about survival?" Erwin spat back, his madness overpowering the fear. "I was an elite adventurer. But you ruined everything. No one wanted to party up with me. I couldn't even do simple quests because of this damned yellow marker."

"And whose fault is that?" Jenny said with venom in her voice.

"Enough," Aenon interrupted the argument. Jenny looked like she had more to say, but she held back with a scoff. "You. What were your orders after infiltrating the city?"

For a brief flicker, Erwin seemed to consider retorting with a scathing response. But just a look into Aenon's eyes was enough to break his bravado.

"Mistress Lightbringer wants to know what you are hiding at Jadefall," Erwin said in a subdued tone. But the jealousy was hard to miss in what he said next. "You don't get this powerful without some leg up. Whatever hidden artifact or weapon you have concealed in that fog covered zone, she will find it. It is hers by birthright."

Aenon absorbed the latest information as he considered his next move. Nocthrya's illusory defenses had not gone unnoticed. And based on location, it wasn't hard to deduce the World Tree's location. The only advantage they had right now was that the Alliance only knew there was a secret hidden there. But they didn't know what.

"The secrets hidden at Jadefall belong to me," Aenon said calmly. "I have earned it through my own efforts, and no one has a right over them but me."

Aenon purposefully leaned into the misconception that the former village had some power boosting reward.

"Hah," Erwin said with madness in his eyes. "Earned it? More like stumbled across some ancient artifact that has let you propel yourself so far. You really want me to believe that a kid, and a former naïve slave of mine can surpass me in power otherwise? I am the best strategist when it comes to games. No one has ever beaten me at it."

Aenon could clearly feel the fear getting suppressed by the unhinged state of Erwin's mind. The fool was still living in his old fantasy, something he could have dispelled using his Aura. But Aenon had a better plan to knock him back to ground. It would also help Jenny shed any vestiges of trauma she may have hidden even from herself.

"Hmm, I see," Aenon said thoughtfully. "You know what, I think you are right. All of us are from the same planet, so I don't see a problem in sharing our hidden methods to increase our power."

Jenny looked at Aenon with bewilderment, unsure where was going with this. But his next words brought a malicious grin on her face, which she carefully hid from Erwin.

"Jenny will take you to the secret dungeon we have been chain farming," Aenon said nonchalantly. "Might help you get the rare Titles too."

Erwin's eyes nearly jumped out of his skull, his soul dripping nothing but greed. But before the madman could say another word Aenon pressed him further to make his lie more believable.

"Its gonna come at a cost of course," Aenon said while leaning back and tapping his armrest. "I want to know everything you know about the Alliance. I believe the prize will be worth it."

Erwin practically drooled as he looked between Aenon and Jenny. "How do I know this dungeon will be worth all that?"

"You have been strung along for scraps. Look at her gear," Aenon replied while pointing at Jenny. "Every piece of her equipment is at Ancient rarity at the minimum. I'll even remove the marker using my authority."

And it was true. Jenny had earned all her gear by clearing the Umbral Spider and Fire Ant dungeons. Erwin was so blinded by his lust for power, he didn't even bother asking the conditions under which she got those. Something neither Aenon, nor Jenny, were going to explain. A simple wave dismissed the yellow marker above Erwin's head that had become visible with the removal of the concealing artifact.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Deal," Erwin said, his face sporting a manic grin.

"I don't think that is a good idea, Lord Fenrast," Jenny said in her robotic voice. She was using her Awakening to suppress her emotions like usual. But this time it was to hide her glee at the deception she was playing along with.

"I've made my decision," Aenon said firmly. "Send him over to Henry to debrief all the intel he knows. You are to escort him to the dungeon after that. Make sure he gets all the advantages you had when you went in."

Erwin had a wide smile on his face, completely oblivious of his situation. Aenon had to keep himself from breaking character at the lecherous looks he was giving Jenny.

"Very well, sire," Jenny played her meek part convincingly. She started to leave with Erwin, when Aenon gave one last command.

"And make sure someone heals his hands. Our newest elite adventurer will need his body whole for where he is heading."

Aenon sensed Jenny almost stumble in excitement, but she held herself together as she continued. Only after they left did Aenon relax his shoulders as he leaned back. Bane soon emerged from one of the shadows.

"Is this wise, Alpha?" Bane asked seriously.

"Are you worried about her safety?" Aenon asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Hah. Hardly," Bane scoffed. "That vermin couldn't lay a finger on her, even if he was equipped with a full set of Mythic rarity armor. I am more worried about these games of deception. It isn't like you to take such an indirect approach."

Aenon sighed as he stood up and walked to the window. Bane soon joined him in looking out the window to his city. The drums of war had been ringing, and the city was in an uproar. Everywhere they looked there was panic and fear, with several caravans gearing up to leave town.

"It doesn't sit well with me either Bane," Aenon said softly. "If it was up to you and I, we would be marching on these Alliance cities and wreaking havoc from the shadows. And looking at their general power levels, we could topple their ranks with ease."

Bane nodded in acknowledgment, having similar thoughts. But he sat down in his haunches for Aenon to go on.

"Yes, I could get behind enemy lines and assassinate their leaders," Aenon continued. "But that would leave our front lines defenseless. This is no longer a game of brute force. They have already weakened us significantly without us knowing. So, its time to play their game, with their own rules."

"So, we are no longer on the hunt?" Bane said, dissatisfied with Aenon's answer.

"Oh, we totally are," Aenon replied as his grey eyes glowed eerily. "But after they have tasted their own medicine first. They wanted to sow discord amongst my ranks. Well, two can play at that game."

Aenon withdrew a communication crystal that Henry had given him a while back.

"Yes, sire," a familiar male voice spoke respectfully from the other end.

"How far along are you two?" Aenon asked simply.

"It was…easier than expected," came the response. "The city commoners are so oppressed, it wasn't even a challenge to find help. The nobles were a bit more difficult, but not by a lot. We have followed Lady Sylvathorn's orders to the letter."

"Good," Aenon responded. "Wait for the caravans from here to reach the cities. The Alliance will let down their guard once the horde reaches Pinespire. Start the operation then."

There was a pregnant pause from the other end, before the voice spoke in a worried tone. "Will you all be able to hold back the assault. The updates I have received…"

"You focus on your mission," Aenon said reassuringly. "We'll deal with things on our end. I want absolute pandemonium in every Alliance city by the time the horde is dealt with."

"It will be done," the man replied before cutting the connection.

Bane turned to Aenon, curiosity clearly etched in the Abyssal Wolf's eyes. Aenon merely smiled in response.

"Humans have different ways of hunting," Aenon said with a wink. "Although, in all fairness, this part was Thalindra's idea. That woman is far shrewder than we give her credit for. And I am not above accepting advice from someone who is more proficient in something."

"Ah," was all Bane could say.

Aenon patted Bane's back affectionately. "You are my right hand, Bane. While Thalindra is my left. You can inflict chaos on the physical battlefield in my name; she does the same on the political one."

Aenon saw Bane puff out his chest proudly, while his tail started tapping the ground fiercely. Aenon smiled at the wolf's antics, before turning back to the window with narrow eyes.

"This Lightbringer probably fashions herself some great huntress," Aenon said with a malicious grin. "She must have learned quite a few tricks and snuck in some powerful tools for her purposes."

The air started to crackle with Aenon and Bane's Auras, as the two predators exchanged knowing looks. Bane completed Aenon's unspoken words.

"Hunters learn the craft. Predators are born with it."

* * *

Erwin

The wind brushed past his luscious hair, as Erwin ran full tilt across the forest. After he had divulged every speck of information he had on the Alliance, which wasn't a lot to be honest, he was sent on his merry way, with Jenny as his escort. He may have failed the infiltration Quest, but he got something better.

From the brief interaction he had, it was clear to him that Jenny wasn't the powerhouse he had mistakenly believed. She was once again riding the coattails of another guy, using her insidious charms no doubt. The only thing he couldn't figure out completely was that boy. His presence had initially unnerved Erwin, but the more he thought about it, the more he was convinced it was dumb luck the brat was relying on. Whatever fortuitous encounter the kid had must have helped him to rise. And soon, he would have it too. And then…

"Soon," he spoke to himself while staring at Jenny's back with a hungry look. "I will get you back for all you put me through, you dumb bimbo."

Erwin snickered while thinking of all the fun activities he would make her do. As if sensing his gaze, she turned to him with a cold disgusted look. He gave a casual wave with the most obnoxious grin he could muster. Erwin knew she could do nothing, her current master's words were absolute for the pitiful broad.

"I will reclaim that title soon," Erwin's inner musings continued. "You will return to your rightful place by the time I am done. Under me, where you belong."

The pair continued to run for a long time—the city had refused to let them use the portal—till they finally reached their destination. It took them a better part of the day to get to what looked like the entrance to a cave.

"So, this is it?" Erwin asked. "The secret dungeon you all use to gain rare Titles?"

"Yes," Jenny responded indifferently.

Erwin lost his cool as he marched up to her and grabbed her by the throat. "Yes, master. Don't forget your place."

Erwin smiled, fully expecting her to cower like usual. Which is why he physically recoiled at what she said next.

"Guess losing your hand to frostbite once was not enough?" Jenny said dismissively.

Erwin let her go in a rush, staring at his hand to make sure it was ok. It grated on his nerves that all his training seemed to have washed off. He would have to start from scratch.

"Just you wait," he said with narrow eyes. But the girl didn't even look at him as she marched into the dark cave.

Erwin clenched his fist, barely containing his fury. He started to plot on ways to retrigger her phobia to bring her in check. Perhaps he needed to track down those Umbral Spiders again. After he got her a resurrection token of course. He wouldn't want to lose his entertainment after all.

He smiled wickedly as he followed her. The cave wasn't that impressive, a bit musty perhaps. But a regular cave from the looks of it. What wasn't ordinary however was the stone pillar at the very end of the winding tunnels. But the details confused him.

Dungeon Interface

Dungeon monster type: Umbral Spider

Dungeon state: Normal

Recommended level: 95

Recommended party size: 4

Erwin blinked several times as he looked at the readout. He turned to Jenny, who still had the bored indifferent look on her face.

"This is an Umbral Spider dungeon," Erwin stated, to which Jenny merely shrugged. Looking at her casual dismissal, Erwin clarified his question. "But you are scared of spiders."

"Meh," Jenny said casually. "Doesn't make sense to be scared of my food."

"Huh?" Erwin said in bafflement as Jenny marched forward and activated the dungeon node.

"You coming for your rewards?" Jenny asked over her shoulder before strolling into the portal.

Erwin stood there, stunned. None of this made sense. This…this wasn't possible. She couldn't be the same submissive girl he once knew. He started analyzing everything he had observed over the last two days. That's when it clicked.

"She's pretending," Erwin concluded. "Putting up a brave front to throw me off my game. Yes. That must be it. Either that or she has some Hunter type class that allows battle pets. Those wolves of hers are certainly powerful."

He hurried after her, not wanting to miss any XP or gear drop from the dungeon. But he was again surprised by the woman. She was casually sitting in a corner of the tunnel system on the other side.

"What's going on here?" Erwin demanded.

"Was waiting to see if you would chicken out," Jenny said with a shrug.

Erwin's blood boiled at the insinuation. Her ice queen act was getting on his nerves. But he took a deep breath to calm himself.

"Summon your wolves," Erwin commanded as he drew his sword and shield. But the obnoxious woman looked at him in confusion. "Oh, don't flatter yourself. You think I didn't figure out that you have a summoner Class. Probably used to hanging in the backlines, while your precious wolves tanked the damage. Well, let me show you what a true paladin tank looks like."

Erwin grinned at her lost expression. Noobs couldn't compare against the tactical knowledge of a true gamer. But her next words didn't register in his mind, as the implications were truly dire.

"Those aren't my summons," Jenny said with a frown. "They follow me on Aenon's command. And they were given different orders this time. Its just the two of us here."

Erwin blinked, as the horror slowly crept up to his brain. He almost lost the grip on his weapon as his hand fell limp from the shock.

"Are you insane?" Erwin shrieked. "This is a four-man dungeon with a level requirement of 95. What are we doing here with two people. Where is our healer? At least tell me you didn't give up your healer Class."

"Nope. Not a healer," Jenny said while clearing her ear with her little finger. Erwin was horrified at her calm demeanor. "Also, this dungeon used to be very low leveled. But Aenon gave me a token to boost its level. Wouldn't be much of a challenge otherwise."

"You…you increased the dungeon level using a token on purpose?" Erwin asked weakly.

"Uh huh," Jenny said with a smile, her first genuine one of the day. "Wanted to see what a paladin tank can do."

Erwin's blood ran cold, finally realizing that he had walked right into a trap. He had been played like a fiddle and been none the wiser about it. The only thing that didn't make sense to him was Jenny's behavior. Why was she still so calm? But he didn't have time to think about that, since he heard chittering sounds coming down the tunnel behind him.

He immediately trained his weapon towards the invisible assailant that was stalking him. He started sweating, recalling all the information he had learned about the beasts. Umbral Spiders were brutal in the way they killed their prey. And since he was in a dungeon, he couldn't just escape by killing himself.

Erwin jumped back as he heard a crunch from behind him. But the source angered him. It was the sound of Jenny eating an apple. The maniac was sitting at leisure while enjoying her snack.

"I wouldn't turn my back towards that," Jenny remarked calmly.

To Erwin's absolute bafflement, there wasn't a trace of worry or fear on her face. Wasn't she in this trap together with him?

Erwin lurched forward as he heard a swoosh from behind, narrowly dodging a vicious leg of an enormous Umbral Spider. The sight made him swallow hard. There were three of the creatures. And they were all the same level as him.

"Let's see then," Jenny's cold voice cut through the room. "How exactly a true gamer hunts."

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