Chapter 405: Chapter 406 : From Saviours To Robbers

Clara noticed that Alex had gone unusually quiet.

She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Do you know something about this Evil Spawn?”

Alex blinked and came out of his thoughts. He shook his head.

“I just arrived here. How could I know? Even you guys, who’ve been here for quite some time, haven’t found it yet.”

Clara paused, then gave a small shrug. “Well… you got me there.”

James stepped forward. “Luc—”

He stopped midway, looking awkward. “I can call you Lucifer, right?”

Alex waved his hand casually. “Of course. Feel free to call me directly. I don’t like honorifics or titles anyway.”

James smiled faintly. “Alright then. Lucifer… if you don’t mind, why don’t you come with us? You seem strong. And we can help you adjust here. You said you just arrived today.”

Alex thought for a moment.

’It wouldn’t hurt to gather information from them.’

He nodded. “Okay. That works for me.”

James visibly relaxed. “Alright then. But first…”

His gaze shifted toward Solen’s body, and his expression dimmed.

He looked at Clara. “Clara… if you will.”

Clara swallowed and walked slowly toward Solen. Her steps were heavy.

When she knelt beside him, her composure cracked. Tears formed in her eyes. She placed a trembling hand over his chest and began chanting softly.

A gentle spell.

Warm light enveloped Solen’s body. His form slowly dissolved into tiny motes of light that rose into the sky, drifting upward like fireflies before fading into the clouds.

Clara lowered her head as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Elias turned away, biting his lip.

James clenched his jaw tightly.

They stood in silence, watching him disappear.

Alex observed quietly.

’Makes sense.’

’Better than burying him in the middle of nowhere.’

’In a world that wasn’t even his own.’

When the last mote vanished, James turned to Lucifer.

“Follow me.”

Alex nodded.

They began walking.

The town around them was half-destroyed—burned houses, collapsed shops, smoke still rising from certain areas.

But what stood out more were the eyes watching them.

People hid behind broken doors and shattered windows. Children clung to their mothers.

Fear.

Hatred.

A small child suddenly ran out from behind a broken cart, picked up a rock, and threw it toward them.

“Go away! Leave our town!”

The rock bounced harmlessly near Elias’s feet. The child’s mother quickly pulled him back inside.

Alex glanced at James. “Why do the people here hate us so much?”

James sighed deeply. “Their hatred is justified. It’s not their fault.”

Alex frowned. “What do you mean?”

Clara answered instead.

“A month ago, when the Tower assigned the trial and challengers began arriving, this town wasn’t in such bad condition. The Fallen Angels attacked occasionally—but not like this.

“But after we came, the attacks became more frequent. More aggressive.”

Elias added quietly, “It’s as if our presence attracted them.”

Clara nodded. “The town asked us for help. And we needed food, shelter, and supplies. So a contract was formed with the mayor. We would protect the town, and they would provide resources.

“But as the attacks continued, food started running out. Supplies ran thin. Fear grew.

“And then…”

She clenched her fists.

“Some challengers stopped asking. They started taking. Forcefully.”

James spoke grimly. “Not every challenger who comes here is a good person. Some only care about power. They harassed townspeople, took their resources, seized mansions, and occupied land to build their own bases.”

Clara gestured at the broken streets. “And this… is the result.”

Alex listened quietly. No interruptions. No jokes.

Then he spoke softly.

“In pursuit of power… people themselves become monsters, huh.”

Clara crossed her arms. “You’re right. Most challengers here only care about their own survival.”

She glanced at the frightened townspeople. “To a lot of them, these people are like NPCs in a game. As long as they serve their purpose, no one cares if they die.”

Alex nodded slowly. “Yeah. I figured as much.”

He looked back at James. “So, did you guys have any luck finding the Evil Spawn?”

James, Clara, and Elias all shook their heads.

“We’ve tried everything,” James said. “Tracking spells, information brokers, interrogating Fallen—but no luck.”

“And not just us,” Clara added. “None of the challengers have found anything either. It’s almost like it doesn’t even exist.”

Alex rubbed his chin. “Is that so? Seems like it’s going to be a lot of trouble finding it.”

James sighed. “Of course. And if we don’t find it, we’re going to die anyway. The Fallen will return, and they won’t stop until they find it.”

Alex gave a faint smile. “Looks like I haven’t found it either.”

James chuckled dryly. “Seems so.”

Suddenly, Clara’s stomach growled loudly.

The sound echoed embarrassingly through the quiet street.

Her face turned beet red. “It wasn’t me!”

Everyone stared at her for a second.

Then Elias laughed.

James laughed.

Even Alex chuckled.

James wiped a tear from his eye. “We’re close to our base. Just wait a little longer.”

They continued walking, talking lightly to ease the tension.

Soon, they reached the place James had mentioned.

Alex stopped.

Blinking.

His expression froze.

In front of him was not a fortress. Not a high-tech headquarters. Not some hidden underground command center.

Just a few tents set up in what used to be a children’s playground.

Rusty swings creaked in the wind. A broken slide leaned sideways. The ground was cracked and dusty.

Alex stared.

The others suddenly looked awkward.

James scratched the back of his head. “Right now… this is all we can manage. It’s better than taking someone else’s home.”

Alex slowly looked around. “I can’t believe the Power Rangers’ base is just a bunch of tents. Where’s the high-tech headquarters? The secret underground bunker? The gadgets?”

He shook his head. “You guys are dragging your reputation through the mud.”

James blinked. “What do you mean, Power Rangers? What are those?”

Alex waved dismissively. “Don’t worry about it.”

Suddenly, one of the tent flaps opened.

A girl with bright green hair stepped out. Her long, slightly wavy hair shimmered under the sunlight. Her eyes were lively and expressive, and her delicate features made her look like a storybook character.

She was undeniably cute.

The moment she saw them, her face lit up and she ran toward them.

“Did you guys get any clues?”

Her eyes scanned their faces eagerly.

Then she froze.

“Where’s Solen?”

Silence.

James stepped forward gently and explained in a quiet voice.

As he finished, her eyes widened. Tears filled them instantly. She covered her mouth.

“No…”

Her voice broke, and she began crying openly.

Clara hugged her. Elias looked away again.

After nearly half an hour, she wiped her tears and took a deep breath.

“He chose this path on his own… so we have to move forward.”

Her voice trembled, but she stood firm.

Clara gave her a small smile. “That’s our Maera.”

James nodded proudly, then turned to Alex. “This is Maera.”

Alex gave a slight nod. “Lucifer.”

She sniffed and nodded back. “Thank you… for helping them.”

Alex shrugged. “It was nothing.”

He tilted his head. “So what’s your clan name?”

James’ face brightened. He puffed out his chest slightly.

“I’m glad you asked. It’s the Rainbow Guardians.”

Silence.

Alex’s lips twitched before he burst out laughing.

Clara couldn’t hold back either. “No matter how many times I told him to change it, he just doesn’t listen.”

Elias laughed loudly, nodding his head.

Only James protested. “Come on, guys! It’s not that bad!”

Clara wiped her eyes. “Maera, I’m starving. Is the food ready?”

Maera’s expression fell. She looked down as tears formed again.

“I’m sorry… our supplies got stolen again.”

Clara’s eyes widened. “It must be those Scorpion Clan bastards. I’m sure of it.”

Maera nodded slowly.

Everyone began cursing under their breath.

Alex asked calmly, “Where do they live?”

James looked at him. “Why do you ask?”

Alex’s voice turned firm. “Just tell me.”

James hesitated, then pointed toward the distance.

A large mansion stood on a small hill—well-maintained, guarded, luxurious. In sharp contrast to the ruined town.

Alex’s eyes lit up.

He smiled. “Come with me. I’ll bring back the supplies.”

The others stared at him in disbelief.

James’ eyes almost watered. “Lucifer… you want to help us that much? You really are a good person.”

Alex looked at him seriously. “Of course I am.”

Inside his mind, the system spoke.

[Cut the good person act. You just don’t want to sleep in a tent, do you?]

Alex replied internally.

’How could you say that?’

’I’m just helping my friends who are just like you—Completely useless.’

The system shot back sharply.

[Tell that excuse to someone who doesn’t know you, you luxury-loving bastard.]

Alex almost smirked.

’As always… you don’t understand me at all.’

’I am a very pure-hearted guy.’

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