Chapter 220: Loose Lips Sink Ships

    With their enemies taken care of, Derek and his group made to leave the palace courtyard. The entire area was a mess with splotches of sand, unlevel earth, deep cut in the ground, and general destruction, but that had nothing to do with him. The King could figure all that stuff out when he got back home.

    Edward called on one of the servants left in the palace and handed the surviving guard, Brandt, off to him. The guard was only unconscious now. He would wake in time. Avery had revived him, and Edward pumped him full of potions afterward. He just needed some rest.

    We can go now. Edward said, and they all began their trek back to the Teleportation Building under the murmurs and gazes of onlookers. What happened here today would surely be gossiped about for a while, or at least until something else big happened.

    Avery left the group about a quarter of the way back. He had to get back to the restaurant and his recruits. He had left the two boys in the middle of training without giving them much of an explanation. Derek couldnt help but smile because the mans eyes lit up just like his voice did when he talked about them. It seemed the man really enjoyed having disciples.

    Well that was uneventful. Derek said as they walked through the giant city.

    I know. Edgar replied. I really expected more out of the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild. I didnt even get to go all out. It was all too easy.

    She seemed a bit worse for wear because of Avery. It would have been a better fight if she was fresh. Derek said.

    Are the two of you crazy? Edward cut in. Uneventful? Easy? Do you know what I just went through? Do you know what its like to have both of your arms cut off?

    Yes. Edgar said.

    Kinda. Derek replied.

    Y-you do? Edward was flabbergasted.

    Unlike some member of my family, I dont take it easy when Im training. Edgar said.

    Derek nodded. You get your best skill ups when youre in real fights. He looked at Edgar. You had both of your arms cut off?

    Edgar nodded. Yeah. I was in a dungeon a couple of years ago. Have you fought any of those Mantiss with the scythe-like arms?

    The wind ones? Derek asked.

    Yeah, those. Edgar confirmed. I was fighting a boss type, and lost an arm early on in the fight. Then at the end, I gave up my other arm to finish it off. My team was there to help put me back together, though. What about you?

    People. Derek said. People are the worst.

    What happened?

    Ambush. Derek began. I walked straight into it. One of those mistakes you dont make twice. Usually, you dont get to make it once. I got lucky. Its one of the reasons I love my Endurance and Vitality so much. Lost my arm in the ambush. When I finished the fight, my remaining arm had multiple fractures. It was a pain, and I didnt have a team to help put me back together.

    Yeah the two of you are insane. Edward said. How come I never heard about you losing your arms? he asked Edgar.

    Loose lips sink ships. Derek answered.

    I like that. Edgar said. Never heard it before.

    Its a saying where I come from. Derek said. Like snitches get stitches.

    I like that, too. Ill have to remember those. Edgar said. But to answer your question, brother. My team knows when to talk and when to keep their mouths shut.

    Alanah. Derek said. It would be best if you came in and stopped Gerald from contacting anyone. He still has all his storage rings and stuff. When I open the door, Im pretty sure he will be able to use his communication crystals.

    How interesting. Alanah stood and walked beside Derek.

    Derek reached out and opened the door. The light from the room shined into the Time Prison, illuminating the dark lobby. As soon as the door opened, two heads turned to look at the new arrivals.

    After you. Derek said.

    Alanah shrugged and walked inside. If that wasnt a display of trust, Derek didnt know what was. He could basically close the door and trap her, yet she walked in without any questions. Derek followed.

    The Shadow Witch and Gerald jumped to their feet.

    Stop. Alanah said, and Derek felt it.

    He had the urge to stop moving, but he could fight it. The Shadow Witch also fought it after some time, but Gerald was frozen.

    Alanahs gaze landed on the Shadow Witch. You go wait at the side.

    The pale woman frowned, but moved to the side. Derek smiled, then walked over beside the Shadow Witch. Not because some of Alanahs command landed on him, but because he wanted to make sure she didnt try something, like contacting her guild. Definitely not because of Alanah nope.

    Shes pretty scary, isnt she? Derek whispered to the woman.

    The woman clicked her tongue, but didnt answer.

    So, do you think you could have beaten Edgar if you werent injured or fatigued? He asked.

    The woman shot Derek a nasty look. If looks could kill, he would be dead. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh. No.

    Surprisingly honest. Derek said.

    I may have been able to escape. She continued. What was that skill you used when you arrived? How did you move like that?

    Trade secret. Derek smiled. From what he gathered, the woman, even though she was an assassin, hadnt actually killed anyone. Cliff and the plant user was responsible for the deaths of Edwards guard, even if the Shadow Witch had immobilized them in the first place. And when it came to killing Edward, she refused. He was interested in hearing her side of things.

    Done. Derek heard Alanah say.

    He looked over and almost burst into a fit of laughter. Gerald was standing in front of Alanah, naked except for a piece of cloth wrapped around his waist. Alanah was shuffling multiple storage rings in her hand.

    Good talk. Derek said to the pale woman as he walked toward Alanah.

    Follow. Alanah to Gerald, and he fell in line behind her as she led him out into the restaurant.

    Catch you later! Derek shouted at the Shadow Witch as he closed the door behind himself.

    Neat trick. Natale said. Her eyes glowed as she watched Derek close the tear in space. Void?

    Damn, that woman is scary. Derek thought as he looked back at her. He shrugged.

    More and more interesting. Natalie said before shifting her focus to the near naked Gerald. Now, what do we do with you?