Chapter 32: Troublesome Kids

Zane’s eyes fluttered open, a faint glint of nostalgia lingering in his gaze.

“Quite an old memory,” he murmured, sitting up.

The sunlight streaming through the wooden window danced on the polished floor, signaling a new day in Eldrin. He stretched lazily, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hmm… what to do now?”

His stomach growled.

“First… a nice hot shower.”

He walked into the inn’s attached bath chamber — and was mildly impressed. For a medieval-age town, the bathroom was downright luxurious. A pristine stone tub, glowing temperature-control runes, magically filtering faucets — even the towels had a faint mana signature for instant drying. It screamed of magic enhancements.

Zane sunk into the steaming water with a satisfied sigh.

“This feels good…”

As the warmth soaked into his muscles, his mind drifted again. What’s next?

“I should visit the Adventurer’s or maybe the Mercenary Guild. Gather information, maybe register. Having a guild badge will make things smoother. Also… the town library. I barely scratched the surface yesterday, I still need to know about the power system and mages too and That woman… Linnea. She’s also intriguing. Her presence didn’t feel ordinary. Might be worth digging into.”

He leaned his head back against the smooth stone edge of the tub, steam swirling around his purple eyes.

“But first… let’s relax.”

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Meanwhile in Ron and Lia room

The soft glow of dawn crept through the shabby wooden window, painting golden streaks across the room’s quiet interior. Lia was still snuggled under her blanket, one leg poking out as she mumbled in her sleep. Her breathing was steady, peaceful — completely opposite of the mess brewing in Ron’s mind.

He sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, trying — and failing — to meditate.

Tch… Calm down. Calm down… just breathe…

Didn’t work.

No matter how much he tried, that guy’s face kept popping up in his mind.

Zane.

That name alone sent shivers down Ron’s spine. The man had looked straight at them — not through them — at them. As if he knew exactly who they were.

“…That shouldn’t be possible.”

Ron muttered to himself.

The illusion magic wasn’t your average glamour. It was crafted by a Seventh Circle Sage. That kind of spell was supposed to be untouchable, undetectable. Not even Royal Court Mages could see through it without direct dispelling. Only handful of people can sense the illusion magic on them.

So how… how the hell did he directly see through?

The tension in his shoulders refused to loosen. His thoughts spun faster, dragging him deeper into unease until—

“…Ron?”

A sleepy voice broke the silence.

He turned to see Lia peeking out from the blanket burrito she’d created for herself. Her hair was a mess, eyes half-open, voice still fuzzy from sleep.

“You’re still meditating?” she yawned.

“Couldn’t sleep,” Ron said flatly, standing up. “Zane’s face keeps popping into my head.”

That woke her up instantly.

“You think he—”

“He saw through it.” Ron cut in, his voice grim. “He knew. I’m sure of it.”

Lia bit her lip, brows furrowing. ” But that’s… nearly impossible unless he used some kind of super high-level artifact.Don’t stress, okay?”

“I’ve been thinking the same,” Ron muttered.

But I am getting a feeling that It wasn’t just an artifact. He knew. The way he looked at me — it was like seeing someone who already knows your entire game.”

Lia remained quiet for a moment, then shrugged with a slight grin. “So what? We just capture him, tie him up, and make him explain himself.”

Ron stared at her like she’d grown a second head. “…Are you getting dumber the closer we get to the Academy?”

“Hey!!” she snapped, throwing a pillow at him.

He caught it easily and chuckled, but then the seriousness returned. “Lia, he took down a C-rank Dire Wolf by himself — casually. We’re still stuck at E-rank. If we try to fight him head-on, it won’t even be a fight.”

“Fine, fine…” she pouted. “We’ll do it your way. Watch, wait, and then confront.”

Ron gave a small nod of appreciation. “He may be powerful, but if we observe him carefully, we might understand what he wants. Maybe he’s not hostile… yet.”

Lia stretched, yawning. “Still… I think it’s an artifact. Something ancient, maybe. There’s no way a young guy like him could just see through a Sage’s spell with pure magic. That’d be insane.”

Ron’s eyes narrowed as he stood and walked to the window. “Maybe. Or maybe he’s something far beyond what we assume.”

There was a beat of silence before he added, “Let’s clean up. We wait until he leaves… then we follow.”

Lia stood up too, muttering, “Sure. But next time, I’m doing the talking.”

Ron smirked. “Only if you promise not to suggest kidnapping him again.”

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The morning sunlight filtered through the half-drawn curtains as Ron and Lia stirred from their light sleep. The room they were in wasn’t a typical shared space—it was a specially booked twin room reserved for ranked adventurers or noble guests, equipped with two separate beds and, surprisingly, two private bathrooms. A rare luxury even by Valdoria’s standards, but one that made sense in this bustling trade town where high-paying adventurers passed through frequently.

Lia stretched, yawning cutely before darting into her bathroom, while Ron silently moved into his. They knew time was of the essence. Within minutes, the two emerged—freshened up and alert. Ron’s eyes were sharper than ever. He glanced at Lia. “Stay close. I’m going to take position.”

He exited swiftly, locating a nearby building with a direct view of Zane’s window. From his concealed vantage point, he peered through the glass. Just as expected, Zane began to move. Dressed neatly and now fully awake, the mysterious man left his room with a calm, purposeful stride. Ron signaled Lia with a subtle flick of his fingers—fifteen paces behind, no closer.

Lia gave a slight nod and began tailing Zane with graceful ease, blending into the morning crowd. Zane’s first stop was the breakfast buffet in the inn’s dining hall. He calmly filled his plate, enjoying a hearty meal. Lia positioned herself two tables away, pretending to scroll through a pocketbook. Ron, meanwhile, rejoined her from a side entrance and took a seat a bit further back.

Once breakfast was done, Zane casually stepped out, hands tucked into his coat pockets. He seemed to be meandering, but both Ron and Lia knew he had a destination in mind. He stopped occasionally to try street snacks, sample spicy roasted nuts, or sip from a local fruit drink vendor. Then, eventually, he arrived at the public library.

Zane exchanged a few words with the librarian—a quiet, observant woman with sharp eyes—and handed her a few coins. Whatever he asked for, it seemed to please her enough to point him toward the upper floor. He climbed the stairs with deliberate steps.

Ron and Lia entered a few minutes later, masking their presence with casual expressions. They asked for a book—any book—and took a seat where they had a partial view of the first floor balcony. Occasionally, their eyes drifted upward, stealing glances at Zane, who was immersed in a thick tome.

They didn’t notice the librarian’s gaze lingering on them, her fingers pausing as she sorted a stack of returned scrolls. She observed their glances, their stiff posture, and how their attention kept veering toward the upper floor. She said nothing. But her eyes narrowed.

Four… five hours passed. Zane remained still, flipping through books, occasionally jotting something down. Then, finally, he rose, stretched slightly, and walked down the stairs. He exchanged another brief word with the librarian—too faint to hear—and left.

Ron and Lia ducked behind a shelf and waited a beat before exiting as well.

The moment the door closed behind them, the librarian let out a deep sigh. “Kids these days…” she muttered, shaking her head, and returned to her scrolls.

Outside, Zane walked swiftly now. His meandering pace was gone, replaced by a purposeful stride as he made his way through town and toward the gates. Ron and Lia shadowed him, tension tightening with each step. Something felt off.

Zane passed the gates and slipped into the edge of the forest trail.

Ron’s brows furrowed.

“This doesn’t feel right…” he whispered.

Then—Zane stopped.

Without turning, his voice rang out cool and clear through the trees.

“You know, I don’t like being followed,” he said, voice low but firm. “You can come out now.”

Ron froze. His worst fear had just come true.

From behind the brush, Lia stepped out first, her silver eyes sharp and guarded. Ron followed, stiff, his lips parted slightly but unable to form a single word.

Zane stood a few paces ahead, hands in his coat pockets, not even bothering to turn fully. His tone carried the weight of someone used to being obeyed.

“You really are troublesome kids,” he said, his voice calm—too calm.

Ron’s throat tightened. The words wouldn’t come. His mind raced for an explanation, but all he could do was stare at the man in front of him—the man who’d effortlessly seen through their disguise and led them here like lambs to the slaughter.

Then, he heard Lia’s voice break through the silence. Steady, but laced with something between awe and accusation.

“Who really are you?”

Zane’s smile didn’t falter. But in his mind, a single thought echoed:

’Oh no… not yet.’

He stepped forward. The forest fell silent, as if nature itself was holding its breath.

The air thickened. The pressure rose.

And then—

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