Conqueror Of The Dark Soul

Chapter 11 - Abduction

"I heard they got a lot of rare items!"

"Yes, Frinley's party will be one of the best parties after this."

...

Time passes as Alden listens attentively. There is some information that unintentionally leads him to consume two drinks.

Firstly, a party is coming out of the Dark Dimension. This is the most useful information for Alden right now. If he can meet that party, he might find clues to locate the Key. Because essentially, those who have entered the Dark Dimension next to the Nest are the ones who obtained the key.

But there's an obvious problem. Alden won't have a chance to meet them. The reason is simple; their party consists of members of the Church of Saturn.

In the past, Alden joined one of the churches and held a position as a guardian. However, it didn't last long before he was expelled, or more precisely, not recognized. Right after he got the mission to clear the Nest, Alden made a mistake by not inviting any companions, and as a result, no one recognized him afterward.

He became a wanted man in the southern continent for almost a month before the great disaster struck. The reason was that Alden used a disguise to take advantage of his guardian position to retrieve the Nest Core.

Back to the present.

Alden finishes his third drink as the guardians gradually start leaving the bar.

"You need to meet one of the guardians coming out of the Dark Dimension. They surely know where the key holder is hiding," Black Orb suggests.

...

The next day, Alden returns to the top of a clock tower. From there, the entire city of Heinburg is clearly visible. He observes what is happening around the Church of Saturn.

There's a hustle and bustle; not only Guardians from the Church of Saturn but also some from other churches like Mercury and Jupiter are gathering.

"They really seem to be welcoming a hero," Black Orb comments, feeling amused by how people are acting.

Alden has wrapped his fingers around his right eye, forming a monocle with strange waves.

At that moment, through the magically enhanced vision, he can see a few people standing in front of a podium. They have at least six members.

"Oh, are they the so-called Frinley's party?" Alden wonders; he's curious about this group that is gaining fame.

"They look ordinary," Black Orb is slightly disappointed.

"Where are the legendary items they mentioned? Their equipment looks ordinary..." Alden furrows his brows.

"They won't show them directly; they're guardians with a bit of greed."

"A bit?"

"At least the hero party Artheon that defeated me is greedier than them," there's a hint of pride in his tone for some reason.

At that point, Alden continues to watch what's happening. Although, in reality, he doesn't know what they're talking about, but at least he can guess. "That must be a victory speech."

At that moment, Black Orb chuckles softly before speaking, "I like the human nature like that. Inclined to exaggerate things... Floor one isn't a dangerous place... for some people."

"For some people?"

"Floor one is filled with Dark Souls who love chaos. They live like humans but without clear laws. At least, inside the Dwarf settlement, the Dwarves are not dangerous."

Time continues to pass as all the speeches continue.

"Okay, how are you going to meet them?" Black Orb asks about Alden's plan.

It's clear that they won't meet without complications.

"Mmm." Alden mutters aloud. Then he smiles slightly, "Do you think I can defeat them?" Then he asks with a sly smile.

"...Yes. Are you planning to start a fight?" Black Orb looks displeased.

"Not really." Alden answers.

...

In the area of the Church of Saturn.

Alphonse Frinley is an ambitious-looking young man. He has a somewhat intimidating figure, with short golden hair. He's at least more handsome than the average residents of the Devon Empire.

Currently, he stands in front of a group of Guardians. With enthusiasm, his mouth doesn't stop moving, continuously praising what he has achieved.

Behind him, there are five people lined up who also wear confident expressions.

His speech continues, accompanied by applause from the guardians. "That place is dangerous... we lost a comrade trying to get through thousands of Dark Souls," he changes his expression; there's sorrow in it.

"But we are still alive! That gives us hope! Since ancient times, Dark Souls have continued to disturb our peace, plundering and killing our brothers. That's why we decided to do the same to them!" It's clear that he means entering the Dark Dimension and killing Dark Souls there.

The fire of enthusiasm burns. Everything seems normal when suddenly, a ball of fire soars into the air like a flare. It hovers right above them.

Its size is smaller than the average fireball from a Mage. However, a fraction of a second after reaching its peak, a blinding light makes everyone reflexively close their eyes.

"Argh!? What's happening!?" Alphonse peeks through his fingers. However, he can't see anything other than the bright light.

"Is it an attack!? Did the Gate open?" Behind him, his companions start shooting wildly.

Alphonse clicks his tongue as he peeks again through his fingers; he catches a glimpse of a man walking toward him. He also hears the man talking to himself for some reason.

"This is not reckless; I just want to invite him to talk, that's all."

"Kidnapping!?"

"No... well, you could call it that... But at least he's an adult, so it's not a criminal act, right?"

"Can you be quiet for a moment? If I take too long and the Emperor comes to me, then goodbye world!"

Alphonse frowns, as the darkness awaits him; he loses consciousness.

...

When the blinding light disappears, all that remains is silence.

After adjusting their vision, people begin to realize that atop the podium, there are only five people. The leader of the party, Alphonse Frinley, cannot be seen anywhere.

...

In the tunnel where Alden found the red candle.

Currently, Alden is covering both his ears while maintaining a poker face.

"Can't you even hear me? Hey, open your ears!"

"I told you not to act conspicuously! What if the Emperor finds you?" A thunderous voice pierces Alden's ears even though he covers them. Black Orb continues to complain with annoyance.

"Okay, okay. Just be quiet for a moment; I need to create a Sound Barrier."

"Sonus Obstruentia." After finishing the spell, a curtain envelops the area. This spell allows sounds from inside the barrier not to be heard outside, but it doesn't work the other way around.

In front of Alden right now, a man is lying unconscious on the damp, blackened ground. Even if looked at closely, the man is biting moss due to his supine position.

"Huff... huff." Black Orb is heard inhaling and exhaling alternately.

After a while, it becomes apparent that Alden is getting bored as he continues to recite the Fireball spell several times. The formed fire gets smaller each time.

"Isn't this strange? For years, my fire magic hasn't improved!" His face shows frustration and disappointment.

"As compensation, you can use water magic at a very high level, and you're also capable of using Dark Dimension magic. Stop complaining..." Black Orb looks more composed.

"You'll run out of mana if you keep reciting that spell continuously," Black Orb continues.

Alden sighs deeply, and then he senses danger at his back.

A fist is flying towards him. Alden slightly ducks, losing balance as a result. He rolls to the side, making his clothes muddy.

Alphonse has awakened. He glares at Alden with a hostile gaze.

"A Dark Soul in human form... that means your level is at least higher than the Dark Souls on floor one." Alphonse speaks as he clenches his fists again.

Alden adjusts his position. "Okay. Maybe this will sound strange... I know you're disappointed, but we can talk about it."

Alden smiles awkwardly. Meanwhile, Black Orb chuckles softly. "Okay. Finish what you started."

...