Chapter 128: Ch:128 Underground

Daniel unleashed a violent surge of thunder straight into Zero’s hand.

“Aaah!” he cried out, then violently yanked his hand free from Daniel’s grip.

Daniel rose to his feet and rubbed his cheek gently, keeping his eyes fixed on Zero. Zero, on the other hand, clenched and unclenched his right hand, feeling the lingering vibration caused by the lightning.

’How long has it been since I was struck by lightning? It brings back a lot of memories,’ Zero thought, his eyes fixed on his palm.

“Status,” Daniel whispered under his breath.

——————

Name: Zero Dane

Age: 42

HP: 8850/9000

Mana: 7500/7500

Description: A hardworking, calm man who wanted a simple life, yet was blinded by revenge. One day, he returned home to find his wife and children reduced to ashes. From that moment onward, the pursuit of answers consumed him, driving him into a path from which there was no turning back.

——————

’What the fuck, that only dealt a few damage?’ Daniel thought, clenching his jaw.

“Is there any more cheap tricks you got, or that was it,” Zero said, his tone steady. “Let me tell you something.”

*Whoosh-Whoosh-Whoosh*

A wall of fire blazed before Daniel, covering him in all directions like a burning barrier. The fire produced intense heat that made sweat form on his forehead almost instantly.

’Not good, Ive to escape this quic—,’

A fireball shot from the wall before Daniel could finish analyzing the situation. He twisted midair and hit the ground with a thud.

*Thud*

“Shit, that was close,” he muttered, rising to his feet.

Without thinking much, he shot another bolt of lightning at the wall. The flames in that spot extinguished for a second, revealing the open area before covering his view again.

*BOOM*

Suddenly, a fireball shot from behind him and exploded on the ground at his back, sending him flying forward with a hard thud.

’Argh… he must be somewhere near me,’ Daniel thought as he pushed himself to his feet. ’Let’s see if he falls for this.’

“Stepback,” he murmured, channeling another bolt of lightning.

Just then, another fireball shot toward him from behind. But before it could land, Daniel vanished — only to materialize behind Zero, who stood outside the wall of flames, thinking his attack had already hit the ground.

“Take this!” Daniel shouted as he appeared behind Zero.

Zero jerked in panic, but the moment Daniel emerged behind him, he was met with a fire spirit that exploded on him.

*KA-BOOM!*

The explosion caught both of them, sending them flying in opposite directions. Daniel, meanwhile, was thrown into darkness by the blast.

…

Daniel slowly woke up and found himself tied to a chair with rope. His eyes drifted around as he scanned the room.

The place felt like an underground cave — cold, silent, and heavy with the scent of damp earth. Torches flickered along the walls, and a lone figure stood beside one of them, watching him.

Noticing Daniel move his head, the figure slowly approached.

“Status,” Daniel whispered, his voice low.

——————

Name: Naze Nigamura

Age: 34

HP: 5000/5000

Mana: 2500/2500

Description: A calm and composed man who has worked as both a recruitment officer and crime investigator for the EXIL guild for over a decade, gaining the respect of the commanders for his exceptional investigative skills.

——————

“Ah, finally you’re awake. Do you know how bored I was?” Naze said, stepping in front of him.

“What is this place? Where am I?” Daniel asked, his voice low.

Naze leaned closer, his shadow stretching across Daniel’s face. “Good question. By the way, I’m Naze. And you?”

Daniel paused for a moment, but didn’t reply to him.

“Daniel right? Zero told me. Well not really, but I asked him. Hehe,” Naze said with a chuckle as he moved back to his corner.

’Damn it, my hands are tied behind my back… and my legs too. And where is my dress?’ Daniel muttered, struggling to free himself.

For half an hour, Daniel sat in silence in the empty room as Naze had left thirty minutes earlier without saying a word.

*Click*

The door opened, and two figures stepped inside — one with a tunic draped over his shoulder, the other carrying a tray of fruits.

“Daniel, I’m so sorry to leave you alone. But look, I brought you some fruit,” Naze said, his tone light and casual.

“Naze, you should not feed a person who is not a member of Exil,” a figure said standing beside Naze.

Daniel’s eyes swiftly drifted to the voice. “Status.”

——————

Name: Bando Domie

Age: 35

HP: 5200/5200

Mana: 2600/2600

Description: A man who has worked as a crime investigator for over a decade in the EXIL guild and has a decent reputation for his investigative skills.

——————

“Don’t you know this kid is Master Zero’s guest? Where are your manners?” Naze said, his tone stern.

“Whatever, Take this, I’m leaving,” Bando said, handing over the tunic before exiting the room.

*Thud*

At the same moment, Zero stepped inside through the door right behind Daniel.

“Is he awake, Naze?” Zero asked, his tone calm.

Naze nodded softly. “Yes, Master.”

Zero untied the ropes binding Daniel to the chair and handed him a glass of water. Daniel grabbed it and gulped it down in one motion.

*Glug-Glug-Glug*

“Mwaah… What are you planning to do with me?” Daniel asked, narrowing his eyes.

Zero turned his face toward Naze. “You can leave now, thank you.”

Naze nodded, handed Daniel the tray of fruits, and left without saying a word. The moment the door closed behind him, Zero stepped in front of Daniel and locked eyes with him, his expression unreadable.

Zero’s eyes were cold as he spoke. “Listen to me very carefully. If you want to leave this place alive, you’ll do exactly as I say. Understood?”

…

“Okay… if this is the only way, I’ll do it,” Daniel said, tugging at the oversized orange tunic.

“Great,” Zero replied.

Both of them left the room and walked down the tunnel. Zero led the way, with Daniel following closely behind.

’A test of nightmare he says,’ Daniel thought.

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