Chapter 197 43.5 - There are things that one can't control

Chapter 197 43.5 - There are things that one can't control

"Did you get the same message as me?" Sylvie asked, looking at her watch.

"Yes."

"I feel like something ominous is happening." She mumbled, looking at the sky.

'If it is her intuition, then...'

Knowing Sylvie's role and the power she held, her intuition was something I wouldn't ignore. After all, the player would benefit quite a lot from her in the game, and that was something I also had done.

"Let's hurry."

"Okay."

We didn't talk much and hurried our steps to the city center. It was evening time, and the sky was about to go dark. The chilly wind of the winter covered our skin.

As Sylvie and I reached the city center, the rest of the club members were already gathered. Senior Amelia, the vice leader of the club, stood at the center, her expression a mix of determination and concern.

The others also wore similarly serious expressions, indicating the gravity of the situation.

"Senior Amelia, what happened?" I asked, joining the group with Sylvie at my side. After all, the atmosphere was different than usual.

Amelia turned her attention to us and then looked around.

"Please wait until everyone gathered."

As we waited for the remaining club members to gather, I couldn't help but notice the restlessness in Senior Amelia's demeanor. She was a girl who mostly accompanied Senior Maya, and their relationship was good.

'Huh, Senior Maya?'

Then I realized something. Senior Maya was nowhere to be seen. Adding Amelia's usual composed and confident posture seemed to waver, I realized the two were connected.

'Don't tell me?'

"Mason is also missing."

At that moment, I heard Amelia mumbling. At the mention of the name Mason, Sylvie flinched. She probably remembered what I did to Mason before coming here, but even then, there were things that were more important than that right now.

"Also?"

The word "also" got my attention instantly. Facing Amelia, I immediately voiced my thoughts.

"Did something happen to Senior Maya?"

Amelia met my gaze, and her eyes reflected a mix of concern and determination. "Yes." She answered.

"What happened?"

At the mention of my question, Amelia released a sigh. "I wish I knew," Amelia confessed, her tone heavy with worry.

"We were strolling through the city, discussing and observing the city. Then, suddenly, her demeanor changed, and without saying anything, she left in a hurry, heading towards a specific location. I tried to follow her, but Maya was surprisingly fast, and I lost sight of her. I've been trying to contact her ever since, but there's been no response."

The moment I heard this, I narrowed my eyes. Something about this..... It made me remember the scene from the game.

'Senior Maya is also sensitive towards the demonic energy.'

She was a named character in the game, so I knew about her quite a lot. There was a possibility of her feeling the demonic energy around the city. After all, the people who are sensitive to demonic energy are rare and sought after a lot.

'If it was about this, it makes sense.'The source of this content can be connected to n0v3lb!n★

"When did this happen?"

Of course, there are also dogs like Trevor Philips, but I will clean those dogs sooner and later anyway, so it doesn't matter.

However, now we had a more serious problem, and it was urgent.

'This is weird.'

It didn't make sense for Senior Maya to disappear randomly. After all, she herself was quite a powerhouse, and I don't think there are many people who can rival her in this city aside from some very high-ranking Hunters. She is quite overpowered.

Even if there were other demon followers or villains, I would know from the game. In the game, nothing happened on this trip since Sylvie wasn't awake. But even if she did, the consequence of that was already solved.

"Anyway, I had already informed Mister Jones, and he said he would contact the officials immediately," Amelia informed the group, her voice holding a tinge of frustration.

A somber mood settled over the club members as they absorbed the implications. The city of Western Uxbridge, which they were excitedly exploring, now became a place for a different memory.

"We won't be able to go anywhere like this," Amelia sighed, voicing the shared sentiment of concern.

She looked around at the group members and spoke, "I don't want to force anyone to stay. You are free to return to the academy if you feel uncomfortable staying here. We're not obligated to put ourselves in unnecessary danger, but I will stay and find my friend. If anyone wishes to join me, you're welcome, but your safety comes first."

The members exchanged glances, silently deliberating on their next course of action, and I could easily see what they were thinking.

'Most of them will return.'

Right now, they shouldn't have much connection with Senior Maya like I do. After all, they didn't spend the same amount of time as I did. Therefore, none of them would want to stay here and put themselves in danger.

But they are also hesitating since they know getting on the bad side of a Senior like Maya and Amelia will be detrimental to their future.

'They are so easy to read.'

"I won't hold any grudges against those who wish to return. Your safety is a priority, and you shouldn't feel obligated to involve yourselves in this matter," Amelia continued with a tone of compassion and understanding.

She glanced towards the group and noticed their gazes already. It was clear that none of them wanted to risk their lives.

As the hesitant members made their decisions, one by one, they awkwardly expressed their apologies and departed from the city center to the teleportation gate.

"Senior...."

"It is fine, I understand."

Amelia nodded in understanding, maintaining her composure despite the dwindling numbers. The decision to prioritize personal safety was a rational one, and she respected their choices.

Sylvie threw a look at me, and after that, she nodded to herself. It seemed she was going to follow my decision.

Soon, only Sylvie and I remained.

"As expected, junior. You didn't go."

Amelia looked at me with a smile, and I didn't back down.

"Of course."

'How can I go?'

Senior Maya is the one who taught me the most fundamental and important things for a Hunter. She may be annoying and overbearing a little, but even then, if not for her, I am sure I would be in a different state than I am right now.

Just like I remember grudges until I die, I also remember graces in the same way, and now that is the time.

Also, this overbearing feeling is in my heart. Something ominous was lurking in the streets of this city, something that was not supposed to be happening.

"Let's sit and talk. I also want to learn what happened with Sylvie and you."

Just like that, we went to a nearby coffee shop and sat down.